I think that we can all agree that procrastinating is just a standard part of university. Whether it’s studying or writing a paper, we all lack motivation at some point. We watch Netflix, scroll through Facebook, and play around with Snapchat filters before actually getting down what needs to be done. Here are some tips to help you not procrastinate.
1. Close all the distracting programs on your computer
It’s so easy to get distracted by Facebook, Twitter, and other social media on your computer. A helpful way of avoiding this is by keeping only the windows that you need open on your computer. If you do not need the Internet or your computer for what you’re working on, then an even better option would be to turn the WiFi off or close your computer. This removes the temptation. It’s also helpful to turn the WiFi and data off on your phone.
2.Study with friends
If you’re studying with people, you are more likely to be kept on track. If you form a study group, you are less likely to go off and procrastinate than if you are by yourself. Even if you’re just studying around friends, if you see them working on school work it helps to motivate you as well.
3. Take breaks
It’s almost impossible for someone to study or work on a paper for hours straight. You need to take a break every once in awhile. You can use this time to check your social media and talk to the friends that you’re studying with. This will help you to be able to keep going and be more motivated.
4. Make your studying interesting
This is harder than it sounds, but when what you’re studying is more interesting, you are less likely to procrastinate. If the material isn’t very interesting, try making the way you study interesting. Buy some cue cards, find videos on topic, or make a trivia game out of the material. If you’re writing a paper, try to make your topic and article relevant and interesting to you.
5. Motivation
Procrastinating happens when there is a lack of motivation. Find out what works to motivate you. Is it rewarding yourself by watching an episode of your favourite TV show once you’ve completed a few hours of studying? Maybe looking at your grades and scaring yourself into studying more? Whatever it is, try to use that to your advantage and keep yourself on track.
Procrastination will get to all of throughout midterms, finals and assignment, but try to keep yourself on track with these tips to help you not procrastinate.