Beating Procrastination

Study Skill 4.4 Beating Procrastination

Introduction

No matter which multiple intelligences you have or what learning modality fits you best, you, like all of us, can get off track if you succumb to the dreaded     P word: Procrastination. If you keep putting off studying and cannot seem to get started on assignments, you may be a victim of procrastination. The following suggestions can help you control the tendency to procrastinate:

1. If you have a hard time getting started, commit to working for only five minutes.
2. Sometimes we need information or skills before we can start. Choose an approach for getting help that fits your learning style or comfort level.
3. A long reading can be divided into sections. Read the first section. Next, work on your math for five minutes, then read the next segment. Repeat until finished.
4. Send yourself positive notes while you do your work, such as, "I can do this," or "It will feel wonderful to have this job finished."
5. For five minutes, keep your pencil point on paper and write everything you know about your assignment. The act of writing will get you started with a few thoughts.
6. Recognize that your excuses are escape routes. Set your priorities, keep them, and then reward yourself with those things you enjoy.

Watch

• WatchWell: “How to Stop Procrastinating” (YT 05:12)

Visit

• MindTools “Overcoming Procrastination” https://bit.ly/3eQrWBm Links to an external site. 
• Forbes, Vanessa Loder “10 Scientific Tips for Beating Procrastination” https://bit.ly/3eMzcOy Links to an external site. 

Key Ideas

• Use tools to fight the common enemy of all good learners: procrastination.
• Recognize and combat poor concentration, procrastination, and distractions.

Apply

• Reflect about what makes you procrastinate. What pattern did you notice? Is there something you could change to avoid these distractions?
• Think about suggestions you can use to control your procrastination. What’s your preference? Do different suggestions work for specific tasks?
• Think about how you can reward yourself for successfully completing an activity or assignment. What works for you? What motivates you to keep going?