Welcome to the battle against one of the most notorious foes of academic life: procrastination. It is succumbing to the temptation of leaving tasks until the last minute, the voice saying “my essay can wait, let’s scroll through some cat videos first…”
You’re not alone. Procrastination is a common struggle that many students face, but while it may be common, but it’s not invincible. It’s time to equip yourself with the tools to overcome it.
What is Procrastination?
Procrastination, often dubbed the thief of time, is the act of delaying or postponing tasks, especially those that require immediate attention. Whether it’s putting off essay writing, studying for exams, or even simple chores, procrastination can have a detrimental impact on your studies as well as your overall wellbeing. We can all fall victim to it – there is a reason why this Wellbeing Wednesday blog is being posted on a Thursday!
So what can be the impact of procrastination?
Procrastination can lead to a last-minute rush to complete assignments, causing stress and anxiety to skyrocket. The pressure of impending deadlines can take a toll on your mental health and hinder your ability to produce quality work.
Delaying tasks often results in reduced overall productivity. Procrastination creates a false sense of security, making it easy to underestimate the time required to complete assignments effectively. You may find you’ve spent five hours on an essay you thought would be done in two – and you haven’t done your references yet! This can quickly become over whelming and lead to burnout.
Persistent procrastination when tackling your course can eventually lead to lower grades and missed opportunities. Procrastinating on studying for exams, for instance, may result in poor performance, affecting your academic record and leaving you with the frustration of knowing you could have done better.
In short, procrastination’s tentacles reach beyond deadlines, squeezing out productivity, fuelling stress, and even impacting your health and well-being.
But enough of the doom and gloom. Let’s look at techniques for tackling procrastination head-on!
- Set Realistic Goals:
Break down your tasks into smaller, more manageable goals. Setting achievable milestones creates a sense of accomplishment and can make the overall task seem less overwhelming. - Create a Schedule:
Plan your study sessions and allocate specific time slots for each task. A well-structured schedule can help you stay on track and avoid the urge to procrastinate. - Identify and Eliminate Distractions:
Identify the common distractions that lead you astray and work towards eliminating or minimizing them. Turn off social media notifications, find a quiet study space, and use website blockers if necessary. - Seek Support:
Share your goals with friends, family, or study partners. Having someone to hold you accountable can provide the encouragement needed to stay on track and overcome procrastination. There are also lots of source of study support from the University. Visit the Study Skills page on the firstpoint website, for links to Library Services, Writers in Residence and the Centre for Academic English and Skills. - Reward Yourself:
Motivate yourself by incorporating rewards into your study routine. After completing a task or reaching a milestone, treat yourself to a break, a snack, or any activity you enjoy. This positive reinforcement can help break the procrastination cycle.
Procrastination is a formidable adversary, but it’s not a life sentence. With the right strategies and a healthy dose of determination, you can conquer it. Remember, success is a journey, not a destination. By cultivating discipline and adopting proactive habits, you’ll not only enhance your academic performance but also pave the way for a more fulfilling and less stressful university experience. Embrace the challenge, stay focused, and watch as your productivity soars to new heights.
Semester Two won’t know what hit it!
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