Dealing with Procrastination

Procrastination is something we all struggle with at times. Personally, it used to have a huge hold on me; I’d find myself staying up until 4 a.m. before every midterm or final, cramming and wondering why I’d let it get to that point. It felt like a never-ending cycle of pushing tasks off until it was now or never — and I’d often end up choosing the latter. Over time I’ve made progress. Beating procrastination and actually feeling accomplished hasn’t been easy, and I’m still learning, but I’ve picked up some valuable strategies along the way that have really helped me along the way.

Having a busy schedule leaves little room for procrastination, so I’ve found that keeping my days packed — while still setting aside enough time for studying — really helps me stay focused. I have stacked my schedule with classes, appointments, and club meetings all in one day to avoid going home and wasting time scrolling on my phone. Sometimes, it’s a bit daunting to limit study time to specific blocks, but I’ve learned to build in a little flexibility (though not too much!) to make it manageable. Sticking to a set schedule has been a game-changer for me; it keeps me grounded in what I need to accomplish next and helps me to stay focused on the task at hand. In the end, developing discipline and being strict with myself have been essential steps in overcoming procrastination.

Adjusting your environment to better fit your needs is another great way to tackle procrastination. I know myself well enough to realize that if I stay home, I won’t get much done — so I make an effort to study outdoors. Whether it’s at a café or the library, I know I’ll be more productive than if I were at home. This goes hand-in-hand with creating a busy schedule; I build time into my day to settle down at a café, focus, and get things done. Plus, studying outside can double as a treat — since I’m already out, I might as well grab a cookie and a drink to make it more enjoyable!

Creating lists of tasks and goals is a classic way to combat procrastination. Personally, I find that physical lists work far better for me than random notes on my phone or computer. My lists usually include things like chapters to read, notes to write, and lectures to watch. It is always so satisfying being able to cross off tasks at the end of the day, but it’s important to keep the tasks realistic — overloading yourself with too many will lead to an incomplete list and frustration. Even if I only complete two out of ten tasks, it’s progress, and it sets a clear vision for the next day. Lists give a solid foundation of what needs to be done and make each step toward my goals feel achievable.

Remember, it’s always beneficial to start sooner rather than later — your future self will thank you, even if it feels tough right now. But if starting early doesn’t happen, be kind to yourself and take things one day at a time. Some days are harder than others, and it’s okay to take a break when you need it. Procrastination can be a challenging habit to overcome, but showing yourself grace along the way makes the journey that much more manageable and allows for growth.