Happy National Procrastination Day! Now a-days, we have a holiday for everything, but I feel this day was created just for me. Now that we are back in school my procrastination meter has increased dramatically. Procrastination puts more stress on people than the actual task to be done. As a procrastination expert, I’m just going to say I know several ways to procrastinate well such as: surfing social media sites, watching a movie or calling a friend to help waste more time. I have even resorted to doing chores (which I hate doing) in order to not do what needs to be done. Well, I know that you know how to procrastinate. Now, I want to give you some tips to help you not procrastinate. I promise if you use these 5 tips you’ll be glad your mind will learn to relax when an assignment is due instead spin out of control.
1. Work ahead
Before you get all uptight because of this title. I want you to think about the last time you finished something way before the due date. Remember how calm you were about the assignment? Working a little bit ahead couldn’t hurt and it keeps you from having to cram everything in all at once. I can’t tell you how many times I have worked ahead on an assignment and felt so much more at ease because I did.
2. Change your environment
Being in my room, at my desk or in my bed is a no no. I personally cannot do my assignments in my room because there is too many distractions. “That tv is right in front of my face.” “These pillows feel extra soft right now.” “This desk needs to be organized.” Get my drift? Try going to an area where no one can bother you and there is no easy access to a television. The library is a great place to start. I doubt your friends will find you there!
3. Have an organized buddy
Hanging around someone that procrastinates just as much, or more than, you do will not help you in the long run. Try making a friend that is organized and will put pressure on you to finish you assignments ahead of time.
4. Get a planner
Creating timeline of what you should be doing through the day can help out with procrastination. You should also set goals and reward yourself if they are accomplished! Feel free to get creative. If I reach a goal by having something done early or most of my work done sooner than i thought, I will watch an episode of my current tv show addiction or a snack break.
5. Stick to it
Sticking to a routine and forcing yourself to not waste time is the biggest challenge of all, but if you get in a habit of it. You will be less stressed and learn that procrastination is not a good thing. Patience will be the major key in completing this final step