People have struggled with Procrastination since they first started having things to do.Hesiod, a Greek poet writing in the 7th century B.C., told his readers not to put their work off until tomorrow and the day after.Modern psychology has discovered many reasons why we don't do something.If you practice and work hard, you can beat this bad habit and be productive in college.
Step 1: A to-do list helps focus on completing tasks.
If it's not related to your college work, write down everything you need to do.The goal is to make a list so that you don't have to worry about things on the bottom of the list while working on things at the top.Sort and rank your items according to priority.These are things that are important.As you complete the most important tasks, you will feel better.It will give you motivation for the next task.Don't forget to focus your list on the things that you like to avoid.If you don't put it on the list, what you do on a regular basis will get done.Don't deviate from your list too much.This is putting off something.If your priorities have changed, you should rewrite the list to reflect your current priorities.You don't actually spend time working on your tasks if you spend so much time shuffling your to-do list.
Step 2: Overcome your fears about the task.
Think about why you don't finish the task.Is it because you know it will be difficult?Maybe it is more than one task.Understand what scares you from starting the task and face your fear head on.There are ways to counteract that anxiety.If you're having trouble with anxiety, talk to a friend.They probably went through the same thing.Maybe they have some good ideas about how to deal with anxiety.You could see a counselor.There are mental health support services for students at your college.A counselor can help you deal with your fears.
Step 3: Don't distract anyone.
If possible, remove all distraction.It is possible that this will mean changing venues altogether.You can study in the library or a coffee shop if you want to hang out in your dorm.If the new video game or television show is calling your name, you should study in a place where you can't play or watch.You can hide your phone by turning it off.If you like to check your messages, emails, or news.If something interesting pops up, it could take a long time to pull yourself away from your phone.It's a good idea to get a program that limits your internet use while you work.RescueTime can only be taken off if you turn your entire computer off.You can download the program for free online.
Step 4: It's a good idea to find something nice about the task.
You may not want to put that lab project together.Research shows that if you can find something positive about the task, you will be less likely to put it off.If you're not excited about writing a history paper, you could remind yourself that you enjoy doing research.That will increase your productivity.
Step 5: Micro-goals can be made realistic.
A lot of the time, your tasks are composed of multiple tasks.Break down the big task into smaller tasks and complete them separately.The micro-tasks give you a boost in your "can-do" attitude.Procrastination can be overcome by setting personal deadlines.If you have a big paper due in three weeks, you should set yourself personal deadlines.
Step 6: It's important to start the task regularly.
You will need to start your goals when you make a list.The start to work on the task is powerful.Even if you don't complete the task, at least start and see how far you can go.You might find it easier than you thought.The work period is over.If you want to work on a task for an hour, then stick to it.You should keep coming back to that task even if you get distracted.You can put the task behind you when the hour is over.You will be able to say that you worked on it for an hour when you look back, even if you can't say you finished it.
Step 7: When you accomplish your goals, you should be rewarded.
Even your small goals.Reward yourself when you finish an item on your to-do list.This self-reinforcement will give you something to look forward to, even if you don't want to do everything.Don't reward yourself too early.It is not finished.The rewards motivational value comes from this discipline.It's possible that getting the reward early distracts you from actually finishing the task.Reward your effort with the task.Don't buy yourself a big reward for a small task just because you want it.Make your rewards match your effort by being honest with yourself.
Step 8: If you join a study group, you will encourage each other to study regularly.
It's not all about you when you work with others.You will look bad if you put something off.If they need help, you will know that your work will be appreciated by them.
Step 9: Work at least 15 minutes per day on each big task.
15 minutes may not be enough to complete the task, but it is still fifteen minutes of work.It is a small amount of time.You can spare 15 minutes, right?You will get something done, so see how much you can do.It's possible to set a timer.The "Pomodoro Method" suggests setting a timer for 15 minutes, then taking a break, and then trying another block of work time.It can help you focus for a short period of time.
Step 10: You can work during your work period.
You may not be inspired to work.Your class schedule will tell you that inspiration doesn't matter.The task needs to be completed.During your 15 minute work period, focus on one thing at a time.Next time, you should accomplish more because you may not get a lot done this time.Distractions may keep you from working.Use your 15 minutes of work time to concentrate.The next time you start working, those things should be taken care of.It's now possible to work without distraction.
Step 11: Write in a journal when you are stuck.
We can't stop thinking about other things when Procrastination occurs.Maybe you don't need to figure out a solution.Everything you are thinking should be written down.When you think about the issue, you'll know you already wrote it down and solved it.Writing in your journal can help organize your thoughts.You may discover why you are not writing.When you write down something you don't want to remember, you stop thinking about it.You already wrote that down.The thought is no longer a distraction from the task at hand.The journalling should be focused on issues related to the task."Why can't I do this?" is a question you may start with.What is keeping me from working?"
Step 12: You should review your journal every week.
Patterns can be found by looking over what you have written.A singular stress may be affecting all of your work.Take some time to find a solution to that problem.If you deal with stressors that slowed you down throughout the week, you will be able to adjust your next week's work.
Step 13: You can stretch your work periods.
If you successfully complete a task for 15 minutes, you may feel like it's too long.It might be too short in the long run.15 minutes is a good start.Try working longer periods once you know you can do 15 minutes straight.Try 30 minutes or more.
Step 14: It's a good idea to reward yourself regularly for small accomplishments.
Make sure to reward yourself when you complete your goals."But I didn't accomplish anything" is a good way to trivialize the time spent.You spent time trying to work.When you spend more time trying, you will eventually be able to finish the task.You should be rewarded for sticking to your schedule and completing tasks.You should reward yourself based on the amount of effort you put into the task or the schedule.
Step 15: There is a fear of failure.
People who delay working on things are afraid of failure and think that if they don't start the paper at least they will turn in a bad one.This fear is related to your self-esteem.If you turn in a less-than- perfect project, it will reflect badly on you and damage your self-esteem.Try to think of failure as an opportunity for growth.Many mistakes have been made by brilliant minds.It's part of life.You can learn from mistakes.People who see their mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow are more likely to do so.Disentangle yourself from your grades.Think about how you would speak to a friend who just got a poor grade on a project.She should feel ashamed if you told her she is worthless.Would you assure her that the grade doesn't reflect on her as a person?Try to be kind to yourself.
Step 16: Don't be a fan of perfectionism.
There is a strong link between Perfectionism and Procrastination.Real perfectionism can cause serious distress and self-worth issues, but many people wrongly believe that it is beneficial.Rather than being overly idealistic or rigid, try to hold yourself to reasonable standards.Look for examples of "all-or-nothing thinking," a common cognitive distortion.If you don't get an A on a paper, you might think that you are a failure.Remember, you can only control your own actions, not the outcome.You could say, "I did the best I could on that paper, and I am proud of the hard work I put in.""I should be able to do well in everything" is a "should" statement.These are usually signs that the standards are too high.Try to think about why you think this is true, and try to replace "should" statements with realistic ones.
Step 17: You need to build your self-discipline.
Many people have low self-discipline.You can build your self-discipline by making yourself do unpleasant tasks."If-then" statements can be used.This can help you plan for the consequences of your actions.This technique is called an "implementation intention" by psychologists."If I am tempted to procrastinate on this project by playing video games, I will make myself work on the project for one hour first."You will be able to stay on track if you have a plan.Use your self-control muscles.The stronger your willpower muscles get, the more you practice self-control.Try to get regular exercise, eat healthy, and have a good sleep schedule.These habits will carry over into other areas of your life.
Step 18: Give yourself a break.
Procrastination can cause feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety.You end up wasting a lot of time feeling guilty over your Procrastination that you could have used on the actual task.You could end up feeling like starting later than you planned is pointless, leading to further delay.Don't beat yourself up if you notice that you have put something off.Say something like, "I slipped up there, but it's not the end of the world."I can start that project now.And then get to work.