We’ve all been there: a big project due tomorrow, a mountain of homework piling up, and yet, instead of diving in, you find yourself scrolling through social media or binge-watching your favourite series.

“Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.”

Don Marquis

This quote highlights the irony of procrastination: while we think we’re delaying work for the future, we’re actually piling up yesterday’s tasks, making it harder to catch up.

Procrastination is a common challenge for many students, but the good news is that you can overcome it. Here are some tips to help you stop procrastinating and get back on track:

6 Tips to Overcome Procrastination

Understand Why You Procrastinate

The first step to stopping procrastination is understanding why you do it. Do you find the task boring or too difficult?  Are you afraid of failing at the task at hand? Once you identify the root cause, it’s easier to address it. Remember, recognising the problem is the first step towards solving it.

Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

Big projects can feel overwhelming, making it tempting to put them off. So what should you do instead? Break your tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

For instance, if you have a big essay to write, start with research to gather the necessary information. Then create an outline, write a draft, and finally, edit it. Tackling one small part at a time makes the whole task less daunting.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting unrealistic goals can make you frustrated and procrastinate. Be realistic about what you can achieve in a given time.

For example, instead of aiming to study for five hours straight, break it down into 30-minute or 1-hour sessions with short breaks in between. This way, you’re more likely to stick to your plan and accomplish your goals.

Remove Distractions

Distractions are a major cause of procrastination. Ask yourself: what usually distracts me? Is it your phone, social media, or TV? When you know what it is, take steps to minimise these distractions. You could try studying in a quiet place, turning off notifications, or using apps that block distracting websites.

Stay Positive and Reward Yourself

A positive mindset can make a big difference. Instead of thinking about how much you dread a task, try to focus on the benefits of completing it. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and reward yourself for making progress. Whether it’s a treat, a break, or some time spent doing what you love, rewards can motivate you to keep going.

Seek Support

Sometimes, sharing your goals with a friend or family member can help keep you accountable. They can encourage you, check on your progress, and provide support when you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling to stay on track.

Procrastination is Surmountable

Procrastination can be a tough habit to break, but with the right strategies, you can overcome it. Remember to take small steps, set realistic goals, stay accountable, and stay positive.

And if you procrastinate studying because you’re afraid of your subjects, get help from your study buddy, the uLesson app! Join thousands of other learners who are simplifying their subjects. Download and subscribe to transform your learning experience for the better.

Remember, with persistence and effort, you’ll find it easier to stop procrastinating and start achieving your academic goals.

Congratulations in advance!🥳