Break the Chains of Procrastination

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Procrastination is a common challenge we all face at times. It often leads to stress, anxiety, and a last-minute scramble to meet deadlines. While it might seem like a daunting task to break free from procrastination habits, adopting a proactive approach can make a significant difference in academic success and overall well-being. Here are some effective strategies to help you get things done…

Set clear goals and prioritise tasks
Begin each semester by setting clear, realistic goals for your academic achievements. Break these goals down into smaller, manageable tasks, and prioritise them based on deadlines and importance. This organised approach provides a roadmap for your academic journey and helps relieve the overwhelming feeling of having too much to do.

Create a structured schedule
Establishing a routine is crucial for overcoming procrastination. Develop a daily or weekly schedule that includes dedicated study time, breaks, and leisure activities. Stick to this schedule as much as possible, as routine fosters discipline and reduces the likelihood of procrastinating. Breaks and leisure activities are also important to help give your mind and body a rest from being “always on”, which can lead to feelings of demotivation and exhaustion.

Use time management techniques
Techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for a set period and then take a short break, can enhance focus and productivity. Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable time increments makes them less daunting and more achievable. When we try to work for long periods of time, or try to do everything at once, it might feel impossible to get anything done at all.

Minimise distractions
Identify and eliminate potential distractions during study sessions. Turn off notifications on your phone, log out of social media accounts, and create a quiet, conducive study environment. By minimising distractions, you can maintain better focus and accomplish tasks more efficiently.

See the bigger picture
When something feels challenging, we can lose sight of why we’re doing it in the first place. Remind yourself of the reasons behind what you’re doing, and it will help you to reconnect with the purpose behind the activity. For example, you really don’t feel like studying for that research methods assignment. Think about how studying for the assignment plays into your bigger picture. Passing the assignment takes you closer to obtaining the degree, which will then help you to get the career you want to pursue. Keep the bigger picture in mind and use it to motivate you.

Alternatively, if it's something you don't want to do (but have to for whatever reason), you could see the purpose along the lines of, "If I finish this well and on time, it frees me up to get on with other things I enjoy / find meaningful."

Seek accountability
Share your goals and deadlines with a friend, study partner, or family member. Knowing that someone else is aware of your commitments can provide a sense of accountability, making it more difficult to procrastinate without feeling a sense of responsibility to others. This isn’t about punishing yourself but rather having people help keep you on track as you pursue your goals. 

Overcoming procrastination is a gradual process that involves adopting effective strategies and cultivating discipline. By setting clear goals, creating a structured schedule, managing time effectively, minimising distractions, and seeking accountability, you can break free from procrastination and pave the way for academic success. Small, positive changes in habits can lead to significant improvements in your performance and overall well-being.

"Procrastination is the thief of time, collar him."
― Charles Dickens