By Edward Backer
Procrastination is a common struggle among college students that can stagger our academic performance and personal growth. Overcoming procrastination requires a blend of self-awareness, strategic planning and practical techniques. Here, I’ll share some effective methods to help you solve this persistent problem and boost your productivity.
Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand what procrastination is and why it happens. According to Merriam-Webster, procrastination is “to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done” It often stems from a lack of motivation and interest, fear of failure or simply feeling overwhelmed. By acknowledging these underlying causes, we can better address them.
One of the primary ways to combat procrastination is through effective time management. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks can make them seem less daunting. For instance, instead of writing a 10-page paper in one sitting, break it down into sections and tackle one at a time.
The Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break to do a healthy activity, can help maintain focus and prevent burnout. An additional strategy is using a reward system. For example, after completing a task, treat yourself to a social media scroll break or eat your favorite snack.
One of the hardest parts of dealing with procrastination is setting realistic goals. Unrealistic expectations can lead to procrastination due to the fear of failure. To avoid this pitfall, start by setting goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART).
The goals you set should focus on a specific area of improvement (S), allow you to evaluate progress (M), be reasonable and realistic for your skill level (A), be related to a greater objective (R) and have realistic deadlines (T).
For example, instead of saying, “I will study all weekend,” try “I will review chapters 1-3 for two hours on Sunday morning.” Making sure you set reasonable standards and expectations for yourself is crucial to creating a pattern of progress.
Many factors can affect your attention level, including lighting, noise, comfort and temperature. Choose a study spot that is free from distractions. Whether it’s the library, a quiet café or a designated corner in your dorm room, make sure it’s a place where you can concentrate. One suggestion is to study in an empty classroom, ideally one used for your classes.
This is because of “context-dependent memory,” according to Cynthia Vinney, PhD, a psychology columnist for VeryWellMind.com. Vinney explains in a 2023 article that an individual will have improved recall “when the context during encoding is the same as the context during retrieval.” This can be especially helpful when preparing for an exam, since studying in the same (or similar) room may later assist you in recalling that information.
Overcoming procrastination involves self-discovery and consistent effort. By understanding the roots of this problem, managing your time effectively, setting realistic goals and creating a conducive environment, you can significantly reduce procrastination and enhance your academic performance. All success starts somewhere, but you must take the first step.
