I think one word we all become very used to and know a bit too well at times is procrastination. Either in high school or college, even the best students will end up pushing something off for as long as possible. The second semester of college is when my procrastination sign is blinking rapidly and I follow it like a moth. I am currently pushing off things that I absolutely need to do and the pressure is starting to weigh in. The thing is, we all know what we have to do and when we need to do it, we just either don’t want to or don’t care. I’ve found some tips on how to survive to procrastination block that actually seem to help.
1. Set a Goal
Whether it be to watch TV for a half hour between hour-long study blocks or going to get a snack after reaching a certain point. It may take some time to find what will help you but it will be worth it in the long run. Just keep something to motivate you.
2. Get in the groove
Either find the right background noise or seclude yourself. If you work well with a bit of commotion then play music or have a tv on but not within your sight. If you work better when in silence and alone find a quiet spot. Lock yourself in your room, go to the library, find a couch with little traffic, and get your work done.
3. At least start your things.
If I, at least, start an assignment it will be in my mind constantly whereas if I haven’t even looked at something I will completely forget about it and most likely be doing it last minute or late. If iI don't get a start on things I usually end up realizing too late and look like Styles, below.
4. Make lists.
I know it sounds silly and for a while, even I didn’t look at the lists I made. Put them somewhere you will see them and acknowledge them. I put my lists on sticky notes and put them at the bottom of my laptop around my mouse pad. I see them every time I have to get on my computer plus my hands and wrists brush them.
5. Make your work fun.
Find a way to make what you have to do interesting. Whether it’s a gummy bear trick you saw on Pinterest or finding a group to work with, do it. Also, make sure that the group you are in is one that will actually get you to do work and not distract you even more.
6. Hide your phone.
PUT YOUR PHONE ON SILENT AND PUT IT WHERE YOU’RE NOT. Today our phones take up so much of our time. I find myself having to hold it just to be comfortable. I check it over and over again even though there is nothing new. I see other people do the same. A huge help when trying to get my work done is telling people I have to focus on my work for a while and I’ll talk later. Put your phone on silent and put it in your bed or under your pillow. It will make a substantial difference in the pace and the quality of your work when finally finished.
11. Pat Yourself on the back
You'll also feel so much better getting everything done on time instead of being a frantic mess. So don't go crazy.
At the end of the day, that assignment or that project has got to be done. So get like the Nike sign and just do it!
