College students know procrastination is a terrible habit and can harm their grades. Procrastination not only cause students to get a bad grade, but it also makes them feel bad about themselves. Some even call it the biggest enemy of productivity.
The main reason behind procrastination is a lack of motivation. So, the points we will discuss will help you stay focused and provide you with some inspiration.
It is essential to identify your problem areas and assume control of the situation before it gets out of hand.
Why do I procrastinate? Set aside a specific time each day for study so that you will not put it off until the last moment. Make sure to set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself. If you are someone who keeps delaying studying for exams, here are five ways to stop procrastinating as a college student:
In this Article
Set a Timer for One Hour and Start Studying
When you have a lot of work to do, it can be overwhelming, and as a result, you are tempted to keep delaying your tasks. One way to avoid procrastination is to set a timer for one hour and start studying. Then, when the timer goes off, you can take a break. Breaks allow you to freshen up and regather your thoughts.
You can also take a more extended break after, let’s say, two hours of studying. This way, you will have more productive study sessions with enough breaks for your mind to rest.
Studies observe that maximum concentration lasts for about 45-50 minutes, so by setting a timer, you are helping yourself to focus better. In addition, you can break down your work into smaller tasks and set a timer for each task. This will make it easier for you to focus on one task at a time and avoid procrastination.
Work on One Task at a Time
When you try to do too many things simultaneously, you can easily get overwhelmed and start procrastinating. It becomes challenging to focus on anything when you have too many things going on in your head. Do not switch to reading another article or start surfing on your phone when writing an essay. Stay focused and work on one task at a time.
Likewise, focus on one subject at a time when you are studying. For example, do not try to study math and history simultaneously. It will be difficult for your brain to focus on both, and you will most likely end up procrastinating. An extra tip for you, remove all the distractions before getting started. Whether your phone or laptop, get them out of your sight before starting.
Create a To-Do List and Start Your Session with an Outline
When you have a goal for the day, you are more likely to achieve it. This is because you will be working towards something and not just wasting time. It is essential to set goals and work towards them in college. A goal could be completing a certain number of pages, finishing a home reading assignment, or preparing for an exam.
Once you have your goals set, create a to-do list, and start your session with an outline. A to-do list can be beneficial in stopping procrastination. For example, when you have a list of tasks that need to be completed, you will feel less overwhelmed than having a long list of things. In addition, write down tasks in order of priority and ensure that the essential item is at the top of your list.
Another way to stop procrastinating is by creating an outline for your study session. This will help you to stay focused and avoid getting stuck. An outline does not need to be very detailed; it just has to be enough to help you get started.
Set Goals and Rewards for Yourself
It is the dopamine rush we get when we achieve something. It is an “enjoyment” of chemicals that makes us feel suitable for no apparent reason. The same happens with rewarding yourself after finishing a studying task.
We all know how hard studying is, especially when you have no interest in the subject. But if we associate studying with lots of obligation and anxiety, it will become harder to stay focused.
It is a good idea to set a reward for yourself when you complete a task on time. For example, if you plan to start working on an assignment by 7 pm, after finishing the work, set aside some time for Netflix or something else that you enjoy doing as a reward. This will help you stay focused and avoid procrastination.
Learn from Your Mistakes and Talk to Yourself
Finally, learn from your mistakes. When you procrastinate and end up in a bad situation, it is essential to analyze what happened and why you fell into that trap. For example, if certain factors distracted you or made it difficult to complete work on time, do not let them happen again. Instead, try to find a solution to the problem so you can avoid procrastination in the future.
In addition to this, talk to yourself positively. When you feel down or discouraged, tell yourself that you can do it. Give yourself some pep talks and stay positive. This will help you stay focused and avoid procrastination.
Conclusion
Procrastination is a terrible habit that can hinder your college career if not appropriately managed. If you want to avoid procrastination, work on one task at a time and create a list of things that need to be done. Additionally, focus on achieving one goal at a time and set rewards for yourself when you complete tasks in time. Finally, do not let distractions get to you and learn from your mistakes. You can stop procrastinating as a college student and enjoy productive college life by following these simple steps.