Procrastination 1101

We’ve all been there, it’s 11:30pm and your essay has to be uploaded onto the class portal by 11:59pm. Your day has been reminiscent of an episode of Spongebob and much like him, the only word you have typed is “The”. That is because you, my friend, are a procrastinator. 

So let’s talk about some of the reasons you find yourself here:

  • A Fear of Failure.

    • This is when you are literally paralyzed by fear. The idea of failing can cause you to literally believe “what is the point?” 

  • Excessive Perfectionism.

    • This goes hand in hand with the fear of failure. You can either shut down or you can begin to overthink so much that they never actually begin the task.

  • Low Energy Levels.

    • Being tired is real and can cause a foggy brain or general empathy towards what needs to be done. 

  • A Lack of Focus.

    • If you have a lot of your plate, you may be trying to focus on too much. 

  • Poor Time Management

    • Sometimes you just run out of time for tasks because you didn’t make enough time for the task.

  • Lack of Motivation

    • Sometimes you just don’t care. And if you don’t care, you won’t put in the time to get things done.

  • Distractions.

    • This is the “I’ve cleaned my entire house, folded my laundry, and changed the oil in my car” 

 
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Tips for overcoming procrastination:

  • Avoid distractions.

    • Put away your phone and hide your remote. It’s time to focus

  • Stop thinking. Start doing.

    • The less you overthink it, the more likely you’ll get started and get it done

  • Don’t blow a task out of proportion.

    • Divide each task into manageable pieces and it will be less intimidating.

  • Start with the hardest task of your day.

    • This will make the next few task a breeze.

  • Face your fear.

    • The easiest way to do this is by educating yourself. If its an essay you don’t know how to write take five minutes to look at similar essays online for ideas.

  • Get organized

    • Make sure you have everything you need to get the task done. This will eliminate

  • Create a timeline/schedule

    • Hold yourself to a deadline, this will prevent things like two-hour lunches impeding into study time

  • Take a break

    • If you are burnt out, taking a break will give your brain a chance to do a soft reset and you’ll be more focused and ready to take on your task

  • Ask yourself, What’s the worst thing that could happen if I did this today?

    • Your brain will immediately go to worst-case scenario and that will motivate you to finish your task

  • Change Your Environment

    • If your tv or bed is calling your name, maybe go to the library for homework and such

  • Hang out with People Who Inspire You to Take Action

    • Get an accountability buddy who will hold you to task literally.

Sources:

Briana Fountain