College Life Academy

1. Stay Off All Social Media 

 

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It is no question that social media can be a distraction for us, especially when we are trying to be productive and get stuff accomplished. This is one of the easiest ways to procrastinate in this day and age.

 

Because we have social media at our fingertips, it is so easy to reach for it and become distracted. 

 

So, how then can you actually stay off social media? 

 

One way is by putting your phone on silent or do not disturb. You want to silence all notifications. 

 

Secondly, you can even delete the apps from your phone, and reinstall them once you have finished all your tasks. 

 

I recommend that you use a productivity timer that doesn’t allow you to come off the app. The most commonly used app is the Forest app or the Freedom App. 

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The Forest App Link: https://www.forestapp.cc/ 

 

The  Freedom App Link: https://freedom.to/

 

(These links are unaffiliated) 

 

2. Break Your Entire Workload Into Smaller Tasks

 

 

It is quite overwhelming when we know we have this huge task to accomplish, we feel like we just can’t do it or we feel unmotivated to attack it. So what I suggest is that you break this huge task into smaller segments that are much more manageable.

 

After you have completed a segment, take a short break.

 

Then, start completing the second one, and take a short break after you completed that one.

 

Just continue to do this until you are finished. 

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This is known as the Pomodoro Technique and is one of the most time-efficient and productive systems. 

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You will find that these smaller tasks are much more manageable and you will complete your entire workload so much more efficiently and in less time. 

 

For example, You have a lengthy chapter to read. I am talking about a chapter with 20 different subtopics (oh man, trust me, I know the struggle) or even 200 pages worth of PowerPoint notes. 

 

What you will do is break those subtopics or lecture notes into smaller tasks. 

 

Set your distraction blocker timer for, let’s say, about 30 minutes. In that time you will complete one or two subtopics or 5 pages of those lecture notes. Once time is up, you will take a 5minute break to stretch, use the restroom or go outside, (try not to use your phone at this time).

 

After the break, get right back to completing two more subtopics or 5 more pages. After each break you take, you can choose to focus for 35, 40, 45 minutes. Once you get into the groove, you will beat that procrastination feeling and you will feel 100% accomplished.

 

 

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3. Practice Positive Self-Talk 

 

Encourage yourself. Say positive things to yourself. Keep on telling yourself that you will get stuff done.

 

The truth is, no one can make you study or make you complete coursework. You are the only one that can make yourself do this.

 

Always tell yourself that you are doing an excellent job.

 

Never beat yourself up for anything.

 

We all have days where we feel unmotivated. Once we remember our “Why”, which is the reason why we started, the reason why we are in school, or to even envision what we want our future to look like, use this as a means of motivation to get work done. 

 

Say it with me: 

 

• I will get my assignment done 

• I will take action and get things accomplished 

• I am truly attentive to my tasks

• I am calm and focused on what I do 

• I will release all negativity and focus on positivity and productivity 

 

Now, let’s get to work.

 

You got this! 

 

4. Figure Out Why You Are Procrastinating 

 

 

We procrastinate for a number of reasons.

 

One reason is that we find what we have to do boring or uninteresting. Once we recognize that we have begun procrastinating, it’s good to figure out why so that we can understand where it’s coming from and figure out how to beat it.

 

If we find a task uninteresting, then what we should do is to find an exciting way to get it done.

 

Back to our earlier example of the long lecture notes, what you could do to make that task a more interesting one is maybe to listen to some music (if you are a music lover) or have a friend with you, maybe even go to the park to read (it’s always soothing to surround yourself by nature). However you can "spice" up a boring task, do that so you feel more energized and motivated to get it done and over with. 

 

 

5. Build A Great Productivity Routine 

 

Routines help me out so much. They keep me sane and not feeling like the whole is turning upside down. Routines help me to have an organized lifestyle and create self-discipline.

 

Routines make us more efficient and they create structure in our lives, and as a student, whether high school or college, we need be more efficient and save time (we don’t have a lot of time in school so that’s why we need to save as much as we can, right?).

 

Following a good daily routine reduces the need to make a decision each day because we already know what tasks we need to have done. We will eventually become so comfortable with it as it will just add some flow to our daily lives. 

 

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6. Set Your Goals Or Tasks With Deadlines 

 

 

No one likes deadlines, but the truth is, they are actually quite helpful. Deadlines keep us accountable for our actions and create a sense of urgency, which are the two main ingredients to beating procrastination. 

 

So, what I would recommend you do is to get a planner or a journal and write down all of what you have been putting off, whether it’s studying, doing homework, folding your laundry, or doing a workout, whatever it is, write it down and create a deadline for yourself (make it realistic and achievable) 

 

Review them regularly and commit to getting them done. 

 

 

 

7. Create Healthy Sleeping Habits 

 

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I think in most of the articles I have written on this blog, I have always encouraged you to have a healthy sleep routine while in school. It’s because sleep is so important in every single thing.

 

Our bodies cannot function as they should without getting a good night’s rest.

 

When we have a healthy sleep routine, we can overcome procrastination. Another reason why we procrastinate is that we feel tired or exhausted and we find it hard to come out of bed every morning.

 

Well, my friend, having a good sleep habit helps you to fall asleep and wake up more easily. This way you will wake up feeling energized and refreshed and ready to conquer whatever life throws at you. 

 

From now on, start making small changes in your sleep schedule and you will find that your sleep will improve, and will beat procrastination. 

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Bye Bye Procrastination! 

 

Final Thoughts:  

 

Procrastination is something not to be ashamed of. It is simply a habit that, like all habits, can change. Before implementing any of the tips mentioned above, 

 

Firstly, recognize that you are procrastinating. 

 

How? Well, when you are “waiting to be in the right mood” or “waiting on the right time”, or leaving a task on your to-do list for a long time, then you know you are procrastinating. 

 

Once you recognize it, now you need to figure out why, what’s causing me to put these things off or to do something else. 

 

Could it be that the task is uninteresting? Fear of failure? Poor organization? Ask yourself: why I am putting off this task? 

 

Once you acknowledge that you are procrastinating and you know why, forgive yourself!

 

Self-forgiveness helps us to feel better and more positive about ourselves. It’s okay, we all have those slumps of procrastination, no matter how deadline-driven we are. 

 

Also, promise yourself a reward. After you have completed a task that you have been putting off, reward yourself with your favorite drink or a nice sweet. 

 

Lastly, have someone check in on you. In this case, positive peer pressure will help. Having someone, like a family member or a friend monitor you will help you to stay accountable and accomplished. 

 

 

 

 

I hope these tips will or have helped you to give procrastination the cold shoulder.

 

Once you have implemented one or all of these tips, you are on the right path.

 

 

How have you overcome procrastination? Have any other helpful tips? I would love to see them.