Procrastination is a word familiar to many, a trap people often fall into when they feel unmotivated, bored or stressed. In the moment, it may seem like a good choice. For example, I think it’s an excellent choice for me to write this article on procrastination rather than getting to work on the essay I have due in two days. Will I regret it later? Maybe. But, just as many skilled procrastinators often do, I have a knack for finding ways to motivate myself and pull myself out of a procrastination rut to get my most important assignments finished.
One of the biggest reasons people may procrastinate a task or assignment is because they simply aren’t feeling motivated. For that, an expert procrastinator may recommend a few remedies. First, they may suggest starting a different task first, a chore or homework assignment that may be less stressful and is easier to complete. This can help a procrastinator focus their mind on their work, which helps them at least complete one task and prepares them for another.
A different tip is to start small. Beginning a new assignment, chore or essay is always the hardest part, so try to break it up! Do some casual research on a topic (no notetaking needed), read the assignment requirements or format the essay’s title page. Oftentimes, starting a task can pique the procrastinator’s interest or make them feel motivated enough to keep going for longer than they may have originally intended.
While not every assignment may have this flexibility, another solution to a lack of motivation is to search for it! Finding a topic or creative way to present the information can both challenge and engage a bored student. If this isn’t possible, there are other ways to jump-start a procrastinator: listening to upbeat music, ASMR videos or study playlists can all be great tools to boost energy or enhance focus.
When none of these tricks work or sound appealing, maybe what someone really needs is a reset. Sometimes, people can’t find the motivation to get something done no matter how hard they try. They may find themselves scrolling through social media sites, taking naps or doing crafts to avoid schoolwork. During these times, the best thing to do may actually be procrastinating. Taking time for self-care is an important way to recharge: showering, having a snack and getting a glass of water may be just what someone needs to focus on schoolwork. Having time to take a deep breath and getting some space away from devices and obligations may improve mental health, which in turn can be a motivator to work on a school assignment. The feeling of productivity when the assignment is completed can improve mental health even more, creating a more positive cycle.
Of course, these are just a few of the many tips and tricks to battle procrastination. Each person is different, and with time can find their own favorite ways to motivate themselves to do schoolwork. For me, this could be writing a compelling and perfectly worded advice article. Others may have different tactics, like reading the Etownian before tackling a major research paper, but having a handful of different tricks can help spark even a chronic procrastinator’s motivation.
