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Being a procrastinator isn’t something that students need to be ashamed of, but it needs to be altered to be a little more proactive. (I know it’s the opposite of being a procrastinator.) Instead of reacting to what has already happened, we, as procrastinators, need to control or create a situation that isn’t the result of something rather the start of something.

The  definition of procrastination is “the action of delaying or postponing something.” Here is a more straightforward explanation that can be easier to relate to. A student knows that a paper that was due last week, but keep telling themselves  ‘I’ll do it tonight,’ but then never follow through with their plan, which, by definition, is procrastination.

Some parents monitor missing assignments that take a toll on students’ overall grades as if the student is completely oblivious to it. Annoying right? Obviously a way to get off parents’ radar would be simply turn in your homework on time or make it up if you missed it before that day. However, it is not always that easy.

You know that little voice in your head? The one that is flawlessly reading this article, yeah, that one; just tune it out, ignore it. Your internal dialogue can deflect any progress that is made; it’s just a detour that prolongs any improvements. One way to avoid procrastinating is to make a checklist for yourself and throughout the day, add to it. If you do make a checklist, don’t make an excuse saying you’ll fill it out later. If you make a list, whether you cross, scribble etc. can feel rewarding. It is like going to the grocery  store with a list your parents gave you, when you manage to cross everything off the list without having to improvise. That is precisely the feeling of accomplishment a to-do list gives students!

Nevertheless, here’s a list of popular tactics to assist you with a non-procrastinating  day.

• Create a reward system for yourself

• Refrain from self-sabotage

• Reduce distractions

• Find a study buddy (preferably not another procrastinator)

• Tackle the difficult tasks when you are at the highest; not literally, no hate, though.

• Find a comfortable environment.

It’s easy to self-sabotage. Sabotage is not “my dog ate my homework” which was given to Fido on purpose, it is the  ‘I didn’t do it,’ and  putting off the work. The result will leave you burdened to the point you are working back to back without a break; mental and physical health is essential.

Pause from your work to eat, don’t work eight hours a day without any breaks, have some sort of outlet. It’s hard to separate school from your personal life, especially when your whole work environment is your bedroom, kitchen, dining room table, etc. Last year was a stressful time, every day felt like a broken record, but a change in environment or outlet would have done some good for those who were struggling mentally.

For those who were stuck seeing the same four walls daily, it put a dark cloud over peoples heads that could’ve been lightened by a walk around the block or maybe a trip to the grocery store to buy a favorite bag of chips, doing something artistic, or crafts outside! Back in 2020  repetition of school didn’t stop, making it easy to feel overwhelmed to the point of avoiding tasks  by sleeping for an unhealthy amount of time, resulting in falling further behind than the student was initially.

Cramming everything into one day is not important, and that is another reason why it’s good to prioritize a to-do list. Do the assignments that do the most damage to your grade, then as you make progress, turn in the assignments that aren’t as crippling.

-If you guys liked this, I would be doing more subjects like this; if you have suggestions, just email me! If you have questions, feel free to email me about that, but I suggest checking out the websites below.

Check these out for some more information!

How to Stop Procrastinating: 11 Practical Ways for Procrastinators (lifehack.org)

Procrastination – How Can I Stop Procrastinating? with MindTools.com

How to stop procrastinating | Psyche Guidesulcrum Labs