We all know the feeling: we pull out our laptops and get comfortable, totally ready to start writing that big paper. Minutes later, we’re off watching YouTube videos, taking pointless Buzzfeed quizzes, or mindlessly scrolling through Instagram. As college students, procrastination is something that we’re all unfortunately familiar with. No matter how much we want to start writing that paper (or studying for that exam, or working on that presentation…) we just can’t bring ourselves to do it.
To help with this never-ending struggle, I did some research and compiled my best tips for combating procrastination. After all, that paper isn’t going to write itself.
Why do we Procrastinate?
There’s no single reason why everyone procrastinates; different studies cite different causes, such as laziness, fear of failure, and lack of incentive. To me, the biggest thing that stands out is using procrastination as a coping mechanism. If we’re feeling anxious about an upcoming paper or assignment, avoiding it temporarily lessens our anxiety. Although it’s ultimately counter-productive, “out of sight, out of mind” seems to be a major rationale for procrastinating.
As we all know though, this technique only works for so long. Eventually, the due date creeps up and we’re forced to bang something out at the last minute. Sadly, we can’t make the paper disappear, or turn our anxiety off, but there are some things we can do to help us stop procrastinating. Here are the 5 things that work best for me!
1) Find a Conducive Environment
As far as writing goes, everyone has a preferred place to do it. While some people like the quiet floors of the library, others swear by sitting in bed and listening to music. Find whatever that place may be for you, and go to it. One of my favorite places to write essays is Argo Tea in Southwest. The atmosphere and relaxing music help me get into the zone, plus I can sip on tea while I work.
2) Set Goals and Rewards
A goal can be anything from writing a page to coming up with a thesis statement and main points. If you have a set guideline in mind, the assignment will feel less daunting and easier to achieve. Just make sure your goal is attainable and purposeful. Rewards are also good incentive to push you towards these goals. You could reward yourself by eating a snack, watching a short video, or even seeing a friend. To get the most benefit, make sure the size of your goals and rewards match up!
3) Take Effective Breaks
Taking a break from writing is okay here and there, as long as you don’t overdo it. Save your breaks for when you’re feeling completely stuck or when you’ve reached a goal you’ve worked hard to achieve. You’ll feel way more satisfied taking a break you’ve actually worked for, rather than feeling guilty that you’re just wasting time.
4) Change of Scenery
It’s easy to feel stuck when you’re sitting in one spot for hours on end. Changing your environment once in a while helps to get your creative juices flowing. This can be as simple as taking a walk or moving to a new floor in the library. If your friends live close by, go visit them for a few minutes! They’ll help you recharge and put you in a positive mindset for when you have to go back to writing.
5) Make an Outline
If you’re really having a hard time starting, making an outline can help you sort your thoughts and get organized. Lay out your main ideas and other evidence in bullet points, or whichever way works best for you. Although you’re technically still avoiding writing the actual essay, outlines can actually be really helpful in the long run. They arrange your thoughts in a cohesive way, and make it easier to stick to your thesis when you’re writing the paper. Overall, having some ideas written down makes the whole essay-writing process less intimidating.