SOLVING PROCRASTINATION

‘I’ll do it tomorrow.’ I think me and many others have been saying this to ourselves for a long time but we struggle to find methods to combat it.

Personally, as a university student, procrastinating is one of my biggest issues and not getting caught out in terms of reaching deadlines only fuels the endless, exhausting cycle of leaving work until the last minute. I’m certainly sure I’m not alone in this ha (inserting here the meme of the man with a happy mask on to hide his tears). So, here I’m going to attempt to put a few of the ways I attempt to ‘solve’ my procrastination.

START

Obviously, it sounds so on the nose but just start, sometimes the hardest thing to do is to start. You have to remember that there is always a chance to edit and improve on what you’ve started on.

What you first write on the page doesn’t have to be what you give in or put out. You can always change it further down the line. There’s actually no issue with making mistakes as long as you rectify them before it’s due. The more times you look at work gives your brain a chance to come up with more ideas also.

PLANNING

Planning for me is so important. Breaking down into pieces what seems like a daunting task can make everything a bit more manageable.

When I’m writing an essay, I specifically like my plan to be so in depth that the writing only takes a few hours including editing. Making the process more enjoyable because you’re only thinking about how to say what you want to say.

Giving yourself a detailed plan will give you a sense of direction and make the task feel more manageable. It’s hard to do but I feel as though it is the best place to start with, it gets the bulk of the work out the way too.

GIVING YOURSELF BREAKS

All work and no play is just not feasible and although some good work can be produced under pressure, you’re almost certain to miss things when you leave your work to the wire.

Taking breaks outside to get some fresh air is especially helpful and can give you a renewed sense of energy to go back and tackle what is left to be done. Especially during this pandemic and uncertain times, the outdoors especially is a good place to take a break in.

DISTRACTIONS

While some of your technological devices are crucial in getting work done, try and limit what you surround yourself with, if your work can be done through writing and reading a physical book, try that.

Try working away from other people if you struggle to work in groups. You’ll save an incredible amount of time without distractions to set you back.

ENJOY WHAT YOU’RE WORKING ON

Sometimes we pick topics to research because they seem ‘easy’ but not enjoying it. Not enjoying what you’re studying can sometimes make it more of a hassle. However, if you enjoy what you’re doing there is almost a guarantee that you will prdouce better work.

IN THE END…

Ultimately, find your method that is right for you, that gives you as little stress as possible. Work becomes so much more enjoyable when they are done without the clock staring at you.

Also, don’t stress about it, sometimes you’ll be at the top of productivity and other days you just won’t be able to. The main thing is that you persevere with it, eventually you will teach yourself to work in a way that you don’t have to procrastinate, and you’ll have a better piece of mind for it.

"You may delay, but time will not, and lost time is never found again." Benjamin Franklin