The Student vs. Procrastination

Procrastination is generally the ultimate nemesis of even the most diligent student. Sometimes that extra episode is calling you on Netflix, or the idea of staying in your bed is far more appealing than going up to the library. It’s completely normal, however it’s up to you to conquer it when it arises. A couple of blog posts ago I said I would talk about procrastination, and since we’re official in full swing with semester two I thought I’d share a few tips to deal with procrastination.

1.Create A Schedule 

It wouldn’t be Charlotte giving you advice without suggesting you make a schedule. However, my routine is such a big part of how I stay on track with my work, and in fact my play. Having personal deadlines/goals each day can really help you push through your temptation to scroll your social media. A change of scenery once in while can also really help; how about going to the library for some mutual motivation? (Seeing others working can really encourage you to get down to your own stuff!)

2.Take Breaks 

Procrastinating and taking a break are two very different things, providing you take a break the right way. Plan out when you will start and stop doing work, and stick to it. Leave your phone on silent until 1pm, and then text everyone back whilst you eat your lunch. Find a way to work that suits you, whether that’s taking a small break every hour or a longer break every few hours; do what keeps you productive.

3.Remove Distractions

If it’s more appealing than the 30 pages of reading you need to do today, it has to go away. Although I’m quite disciplined, I will usually at the very least put my phone on silent, turn it face down, and put it about an arms length away from me; however, if even the sight of technology, or in fact anything that causes a distraction, even if it’s just a piece of very tempting scrap paper, bothers you, then put it away, in a drawer or in another room. I know some people will even block certain websites on their laptop during working hours, so they can’t procrastinate, even if they want to.

4.If It’s Not Urgent…Do It

Okay, so this doesn’t mean clean your room instead of working. What I mean is that if you’ve done all your absolutely urgent tasks for the week, perhaps you gave in an assignment a few days, then get started on what’s next! Not allowing yourself to slip into a week or so of doing no work can really help with motivation and keeping procrastination at bay. Of course, as I’ve mentioned, you need to take breaks, but trust me, starting that assignment a little earlier than you normally would can be so rewarding.

5.Factor in Procrastination

Let’s face it, no matter what I say, you’re still going to have some days in which you spend hours procrastinating…probably reading this post. This can be combated by setting suitable daily/weekly goals, in which you actually admit not every day will be super productive. I do this by getting up early almost every day, and although most of the time I don’t, by having a full morning, afternoon and evening, having that unproductive hour or so in the middle doesn’t stop me completing my goals.

I hope these simple tips are useful to you, even if it has just encouraged you that this is the last thing you read before you get back to work. If anyone has any tips of their own I’d love to hear them, so leave those in the comments.

Take Care Everyone, I’ll Speak to You All Soon!