At sometime or another in our lives, we've all procrastinated on a task, from small things, like homework, to important ones, like writing college essays. While many know it's a problem, it's just too darn hard to fix...or maybe you're just pushing it off. It's an endless cycle. Here are five tips that can help you get prevent procrastination.
1) Admit you're procrastinating.
The most important step is to acknowledge that you're procrastinating. If you're pushing things off and waiting until the last minute to study for tests (OR EVEN EXAMS,) you're procrastinating. If you say to yourself "I can do this later," you're procrastinating. Once you know and have admitted to yourself or others that you are most definitely procrastinating, you can strive to fix it.
2) Break it down.
Break it down! Many times people find that a big project is overwhelming, and they just don't feel like doing it. Break the project down into sizable chunks that you can spend a small amount of time on. That way you won't feel annoyed and frustrated by the amount of work needed. Before you know it, you'll be done with the project!!
3) Keep an orderly list.
This tip is something I've done for myself, and it's truly helped me a lot. I like to list down my homework or what I need to do, placing a little check box by each one. When I'm done, I can cross or check the box, and I feel a deep sense of accomplishment. By making a list, you not only are reminding yourself of the work you need to finish, but you are also keeping everything nice and organized.
4) Get rid of distractions.
Most of the time, people procrastinate or find a reason to procrastinate with plenty of distractions around them. Put yourself in a place where you have no TV, no phone and no computer unless it's required; nothing that will pull you away from what you're doing. This way, you can actually get into the work and focus. Once you start concentrating, time will fly and you'll be done in no time!
5) Reward yourself.
Sometimes, you just need a little bit of motivation to push on through. Trying setting milestones and rewarding yourself. For example, say you have finish an essay. Tell yourself that you'll grant yourself a delicious dessert once you're done. With a goal in mind, you'll willingly go work and finish, with a nice reward at the end to top it off. Doesn't that sound nice?
All in all, your own will is most important. If you want to do something, no one can stop you. On the contrary, if you don't want to do something, no one can force you to do it, either. You have to want to improve and get rid of procrastination for these tips to be successful. Stride forward, be determined, and always do your best! I'm sure that if you really try, procrastination will be a thing of the past.
