Academic Life

Dealing with Procrastination

Are you putting things off or making excuses? Procrastination can make it harder to meet deadlines, especially at college, where the workload is higher and expectations for independent study are greater. A little pressure can help some people get started, but too much or too little stress can lead to avoidance. The key is finding the right balance to stay productive.

Why Do We Procrastinate?

1. Feeling unprepared: You might avoid starting because you don’t feel ready or fear doing it wrong. Make a list of questions about the task and research the answers. If you’re stuck, ask your tutor or lecturer for guidance. Remember, making mistakes is part of learning.

2. It feels too big or time-consuming: The task seems like too much to tackle all at once. Break it into small steps with realistic time goals. Use a planner to map out what you’ll do each day, even if it’s just reaching a daily word count.

3. You’re not interested in the topic: Lack of motivation can slow you down. Find a personal connection to the topic or link it to something you care about. Starting with the most interesting angle can build momentum.

4. You’re easily distracted: Comfortable environments like your bedroom can make focusing harder. Set up a study space with fewer distractions. Put away your phone, limit social media, and consider listening to music or white noise to help you focus.

5. The task feels too hard: Not knowing where to start can lead to avoidance. Break it into bite-sized steps. Smaller goals make big tasks feel manageable.

6. Too many projects at once: Overwhelm can lead to inaction. Prioritise tasks. Focus on the most important assignment first and remind yourself that making progress—even small steps—is better than doing nothing.

7. Feeling guilty or unbalanced: You might delay work because you feel you’ve neglected social life or hobbies. Schedule both work and rest. Reward yourself after study sessions with something you enjoy, like a coffee break or time with a special interest.

8. Thriving on pressure: Some people delay because they work best under pressure. Even if that works for you, aim to give each task a fair amount of time. Use timers or alarms to stay focused and make sure you’re not leaving too much until the last minute.