Even the most organised and punctual people are prone to procrastination. Just think back to a time when you were supposed to be doing homework and instead found yourself watching television.
Procrastination is common, but it can harm your life, including your grades.
As a result, how can students and the general public combat procrastination to avoid the associated stress, anxiety, and poor performance?
Procrastination can be overcome by creating a schedule, carefully planning academic assignments, and learning better time management skills, according to researchers.
Be truthful to yourself
Set yourself up for success by creating a schedule that works for you. It’s not uncommon for projects to take much longer than anticipated, so plan ahead of time.
Also, look for ways to make life easier for yourself: If you’re not a morning person, for example, don’t expect yourself to get up an hour early to begin the exercise programme you’ve put off for months.
That activity could be better scheduled before or after lunch.
It’s easier if you break it down into smaller pieces
Procrastination is common when a task seems overwhelming.
So, how can you deconstruct that project into smaller, more manageable chunks? As an example, if you want to write a book, you can choose to outline, identify each chapter, and then write one segment at a time.
By swallowing it in this manner, you will feel less overwhelmed and more empowered.
Release the need for perfectionism
If you’re a perfectionist, everything you do is either perfect or a failure.
Perfectionists wait until everything is just right before moving forward, so if something isn’t perfect, they won’t consider it finished.
You may think you can’t begin because the time isn’t right. This all-or-nothing mindset can prevent you from getting started on or finishing projects.
Instead, strive to be better than average rather than perfect. For the sake of clarity, this means that you still aim for or create excellence, but you also focus on getting the job done. It’s better to get something done than to wait for perfection.
Reward good performance
If you accomplish what you set out to, offer yourself a reward.
Do not allow yourself to watch that new Netflix series, check your social media, or have lunch until you have finished what you have planned.
Instead of using these tasks and distractions to procrastinate, make them dependent on your completing what you have scheduled for yourself.
Create a To-Do List
Make a list of all the things you want to get done and then attack the list one item at a time. If there is a deadline that you must meet, note it next to each item.
Do not fall into the cognitive trap of underestimating the duration of each project by estimating the time it will take to complete each task.
Distractions Must Be Removed
Being distracted by the news on television or Facebook status updates makes it difficult to get any real work done.
Take some time to clear your mind of all distractions, such as the radio or television, and then use that time to concentrate solely on the task at hand.
Face Your Fears and Take Action
Procrastination can be exacerbated by anxiety. This can include a fear of failure, a fear of making mistakes, or even a fear of success.
If you’re afraid of success because you think you don’t deserve it, you should realise that your self-handicapping may be preventing you from reaching your goals.
You can begin to break your procrastination habit by confronting the fear that prevents you from starting.
Just get to work and get things done!
Forcing yourself to begin and take the first step is one option you have.
The first step is always the most difficult. If you’ve ever had to tow a stuck vehicle, you understand how difficult it can be. Getting the car moving makes things much simpler.
So, your best bet is to mobilise every ounce of willpower you have and force yourself to take the first step. It can work surprisingly well on occasion.
As soon as you’ve completed the first step, procrastination will fade away as you focus on the task at hand. The timeboxing method will unquestionably be beneficial to you in this regard.
Takeaway
While procrastination cannot be avoided entirely, understanding why you procrastinate and how to overcome your procrastination tendencies can be beneficial.
You may find it easier to put your nose to the grindstone and start those important tasks after implementing these strategies.
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