Procrastination is one of the biggest challenges impeding the success of most students. Students sometimes consciously or unconsciously postponed activities needed to be soon to a later time. So when do you procrastinate?
Answering the following question would make come to terms with your procrastination patterns:
- What specific activities/tasks do you normally procrastinate or try to avoid no matter the time you have at hand? Look out for the tasks you mostly want to dodge and find workable strategies to overcome them?
- How exciting or frustrating do you become when starting a new task? Does this enthusiasm or otherwise affects the completion of the task? At what point of the task do you feel less interested to complete. Identifying the stage you always lag will help you find solutions.
- Do you try to multi-task when you are doing a particular thing? In the process, do you give more time to the less important task making it look crucial to complete? When you get yourself busy for nothing trying to find other things to do while there is an urgent and a pressing task to complete then it is a problem. Identify the reason behind your lack of interest in the main work and find solutions to it.
Why people procrastinate
Knowing why you procrastinate on some particular task is the first step to finding a solution.
- Boring tasks
Some people feel reluctant to attempt certain projects because they feel it is boring. The negative effect of this approach is that once a task is perceived to be boring, it becomes difficult to execute it. You can deal with this by working with others on that particular aspect of the project. You should play an active role in it to improve your interest.
- Harbouring fear of failure
Being afraid of failing or thinking that you can’t do a work breeds procrastination. It makes you give excuses as to why you don’t have time to start or complete that particular project. However, you may again claim that you would have been successful with the program if you have completed it.
- Seeking for perfection
To you, perfection is a big deal and nothing replaces a well-executed job. This can be an excuse as to why you can’t complete a project on time or why you wouldn’t do it at all.
- Tasks Beyond your capability
Some tasks are just not for you or over you. You may have some knowledge of it but that may not be enough to complete it. At times, if you were to get the help you could have completed the work very soon, but asking for help may be difficult for you. As such, you try to avoid it.
- It has become part of you
Some people are fond of procrastinating, and no matter how easy a task is, they may get reasons to postpone starting and completing. Sometimes, you may wait until the very last minute before trying to start the work. The result of this is the delivery of a poor and low-quality product. You can try to solve this by planning and managing your time very well. Set out daily goals and work towards achieving them.
How to deal with procrastination
- Create a plan for each task
Some tasks may be too huge that you become overwhelmed anytime you try to do them. So, why don’t you break it down into workable sizes, and schedule a completion time for each mini-task.
- Work for shorter hours
If working for longer hours stresses you, it is best to do shorter times. Committing yourself fully to a task for an hour and completing it is better than working for three hours without results. When working short hours, do away with all distractions and focus.
- A calendar will help
When tasks are broken into smaller parts, set a deadline for each one using a calendar. After completing each task, reward yourself.
- Seek for help
Where your knowledge ends and where someone’s own begins. There is no shame in getting help at 123Homework at difficult times. If someone is more talented or knowledgeable than you are, seek their help and save time.
- Don’t overburden yourself
A stressed and tired brain impedes decision-making. A tired and weak body slows work. If you feel tired take a break until you are rejuvenated.
- Cut the excuses
Procrastination is a by-product of excuses. If you have to learn, don’t postpone it to a later time. If there is an action to take, do it now before it’s too late.
- Stop blaming others
Some people blame everybody for their inaction but themselves. Take responsibility for your actions and inactions instead of apportioning blame to others.