Procrastination is when we constantly allow low priority tasks to interfere with high priority tasks. Procrastination can be particularly troublesome in university when we are confronted with many tasks at one time. Procrastination can become a problem when the costs outweigh the benefits. It can also lead to feelings of irritation and stress. Procrastination is a habit and as you can learn to be motivated, you can also learn to avoid procrastination. Here are some suggestions to help you avoid procrastination:
1. Make it meaningful:
It is important to have clear goals and realize how this particular task fits into your goals. Remind yourself that this assignment is part of your course, which you need to get your university degree.
2. Pace yourself:
Some students' delay doing work because they don't know what to do or where to start. It is also easy to put things off when due dates are weeks away. If you delay studying or doing research, all of a sudden everything is due at once. It is best to pace yourself on long-term tasks by breaking big jobs into a series of smaller jobs. Make a list and cross off each section as you complete it so you can see your progress.
3. Avoid perfectionism:
Students who feel like their work has to be excellent may avoid doing work because they fear they won't be able to achieve their goal. Keep in mind that as a student you are here to learn. If you already knew everything there would be no reason to go to university. Professors are only looking for serious effort and steady improvement. Criticism from professors also gives you the ability to learn from your mistakes.
4. Reward yourself
A reward may give you another reason to do your work. Do not reward yourself if you do not complete the task. For example, do not use going out with your friends as a reward if you plan to go out with them anyway.
5. Make a schedule
Making a schedule helps you keep organized and it solidifies your intentions. For more information on scheduling see Time Management.
6. Do it now:
There is no better time than the present. If you notice yourself procrastinating jump into the task. Think about how good it will feel later if you get it done now.
7. Don't do it
If you keep putting the same task off re-evaluate your reason for doing it at all. If you realize that you never really intend to do it, stop telling yourself that you will. There is nothing wrong with being realistic and realizing that you have limits.
8. Do not be a catastrophist
Assuming that you will fail will only increase your chances of procrastinating. Focus on the present and what you can do now to reach your goal.
In some situations procrastination can be positive. Some people have control over their procrastination and can decide whether to procrastinate or not. You should ask yourself whether or not procrastination is a problem for you. Some people do their best work under pressure, and this may work for you. Click here to find out if procrastination is a problem for you.
Sometimes not being motivated carries with it a message. For example, if you are majoring in biology, but your real passion is being around children, your lack of motivation to study biology may reveal your desire to be a teacher, not a biologist. You should pay close attention to what your study habits may reveal about yourself.