procrastinating finish homework

Daniel Wong

30 Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Find Motivation to Do Homework

Updated on June 6, 2023 By Daniel Wong 44 Comments

To stop procrastinating on homework, you need to find motivation to do the homework in the first place.

But first, you have to overcome feeling too overwhelmed to even start.

You know what it feels like when everything hits you at once, right?

You have three tests to study for and a math assignment due tomorrow.

And you’ve got a history report due the day after.

You tell yourself to get down to work. But with so much to do, you feel overwhelmed.

So you procrastinate.

You check your social media feed, watch a few videos, and get yourself a drink. But you know that none of this is bringing you closer to getting the work done.

Does this sound familiar?

Don’t worry – you are not alone. Procrastination is a problem that everyone faces, but there are ways around it.

By following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to overcome procrastination and consistently find the motivation to do the homework .

So read on to discover 30 powerful tips to help you stop procrastinating on your homework.

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus  3 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

How to stop procrastinating and motivate yourself to do your homework.

Procrastination when it comes to homework isn’t just an issue of laziness or a lack of motivation .

The following tips will help you to first address the root cause of your procrastination and then implement strategies to keep your motivation levels high.

1. Take a quiz to see how much you procrastinate.

The first step to changing your behavior is to become more self-aware.

How often do you procrastinate? What kinds of tasks do you tend to put off? Is procrastination a small or big problem for you?

To answer these questions, I suggest that you take this online quiz designed by Psychology Today .

2. Figure out why you’re procrastinating.

Procrastination is a complex issue that involves multiple factors.

Stop thinking of excuses for not doing your homework , and figure out what’s keeping you from getting started.

Are you procrastinating because:

• You’re not sure you’ll be able to solve all the homework problems?
• You’re subconsciously rebelling against your teachers or parents?
• You’re not interested in the subject or topic?
• You’re physically or mentally tired?
• You’re waiting for the perfect time to start?
• You don’t know where to start?

Once you’ve identified exactly why you’re procrastinating, you can pick out the tips in this article that will get to the root of the problem.

3. Write down what you’re procrastinating on.

Students tend to procrastinate when they’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

But you might be surprised to discover that simply by writing down the specific tasks you’re putting off, the situation will feel more manageable.

It’s a quick solution, and it makes a real difference.

Give it a try and you’ll be less likely to procrastinate.

4. Put your homework on your desk.

Here’s an even simpler idea.

Many times, the hardest part of getting your homework done is getting started.

It doesn’t require a lot of willpower to take out your homework and put it on your desk.

But once it’s sitting there in front of you, you’ll be much closer to actually getting down to work.

5. Break down the task into smaller steps.

This one trick will make any task seem more manageable.

For example, if you have a history report to write, you could break it down into the following steps:

• Read the history textbook
• Do online research
• Organize the information
• Create an outline
• Write the introduction
• Write the body paragraphs
• Write the conclusion
• Edit and proofread the report

Focus on just one step at a time. This way, you won’t need to motivate yourself to write the whole report at one go.

This is an important technique to use if you want to study smart and get more done .

6. Create a detailed timeline with specific deadlines.

As a follow-up to Point #5, you can further combat procrastination by creating a timeline with specific deadlines.

Using the same example above, I’ve added deadlines to each of the steps:

• Jan 30 th : Read the history textbook
• Feb 2 nd : Do online research
• Feb 3 rd : Organize the information
• Feb 5 th : Create an outline
• Feb 8 th : Write the introduction
• Feb 12 th : Write the body paragraphs
• Feb 14 th : Write the conclusion
• Feb 16 th : Edit and proofread the report

Assigning specific dates creates a sense of urgency, which makes it more likely that you’ll keep to the deadlines.

7. Spend time with people who are focused and hardworking.

Jim Rohn famously said that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

If you hang out with people who are motivated and hardworking, you’ll become more like them.

Likewise, if you hang out with people who continually procrastinate, you’ll become more like them too.

Motivation to do homework naturally increases when you surround yourself with the right people.

So choose your friends wisely. Find homework buddies who will influence you positively to become a straight-A student who leads a balanced life.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun! It just means that you and your friends know when it’s time to get down to work and when it’s time to enjoy yourselves.

8. Tell at least two or three people about the tasks you plan to complete.

When you tell others about the tasks you intend to finish, you’ll be more likely to follow through with your plans.

This is called “accountability,” and it kicks in because you want to be seen as someone who keeps your word.

So if you know about this principle, why not use it to your advantage?

You could even ask a friend to be your accountability buddy. At the beginning of each day, you could text each other what you plan to work on that day.

Then at the end of the day, you could check in with each other to see if things went according to plan.

9. Change your environment .

Maybe it’s your environment that’s making you feel sluggish.

When you’re doing your homework, is your super-comfortable bed just two steps away? Or is your distracting computer within easy reach?

If your environment is part of your procrastination problem, then change it.

Sometimes all you need is a simple change of scenery. Bring your work to the dining room table and get it done there. Or head to a nearby café to complete your report.

10. Talk to people who have overcome their procrastination problem.

If you have friends who consistently win the battle with procrastination, learn from their experience.

What was the turning point for them? What tips and strategies do they use? What keeps them motivated?

Find all this out, and then apply the information to your own situation.

11. Decide on a reward to give yourself after you complete your task.

“Planned” rewards are a great way to motivate yourself to do your homework.

The reward doesn’t have to be something huge.

For instance, you might decide that after you finish 10 questions of your math homework, you get to watch your favorite TV show.

Or you might decide that after reading one chapter of your history textbook, you get to spend 10 minutes on Facebook.

By giving yourself a reward, you’ll feel more motivated to get through the task at hand.

12. Decide on a consequence you’ll impose on yourself if you don’t meet the deadline.

It’s important that you decide on what the consequence will be before you start working toward your goal.

As an example, you could tell your younger brother that you’ll give him $1 for every deadline you don’t meet (see Point #6).

Or you could decide that you’ll delete one game from your phone for every late homework submission.

Those consequences would probably be painful enough to help you get down to work, right?

13. Visualize success.

Take 30 seconds and imagine how you’ll feel when you finish your work.

What positive emotions will you experience?

Will you feel a sense of satisfaction from getting all your work done?

Will you relish the extra time on your hands when you get your homework done fast and ahead of time?

This simple exercise of visualizing success may be enough to inspire you to start doing your assignment.

14. Visualize the process it will take to achieve that success.

Even more important than visualizing the outcome is visualizing the process it will take to achieve that outcome.

Research shows that focusing on the process is critical to success. If you’re procrastinating on a task, take a few moments to think about what you’ll need to do to complete it.

Visualize the following:

• What resources you’ll need
• Who you can turn to for help
• How long the task will take
• Where you’ll work on the task
• The joy you’ll experience as you make progress

This kind of visualization is like practice for your mind.

Once you understand what’s necessary to achieve your goal, you’ll find that it’s much easier to get down to work with real focus. This is key to doing well in school .

15. Write down why you want to complete the task.

You’ll be more motivated when you’re clear about why you want to accomplish something.

To motivate yourself to do your homework, think about all the ways in which it’s a meaningful task.

So take a couple of minutes to write down the reasons. Here are some possible ones:

• Learn useful information
• Master the topic
• Enjoy a sense of accomplishment when you’ve completed the task
• Become a more focused student
• Learn to embrace challenges
• Fulfill your responsibility as a student
• Get a good grade on the assignment

16. Write down the negative feelings you’ll have if you don’t complete the task.

If you don’t complete the assignment, you might feel disappointed or discouraged. You might even feel as if you’ve let your parents or your teacher – or even yourself – down.

It isn’t wise to dwell on these negative emotions for too long. But by imagining how you’ll feel if you don’t finish the task, you’ll realize how important it is that you get to work.

17. Do the hardest task first.

Most students will choose to do the easiest task first, rather than the hardest one. But this approach isn’t effective because it leaves the worst for last.

It’s more difficult to find motivation to do homework in less enjoyable subjects.

As Brian Tracy says , “Eat that frog!” By this, he means that you should always get your most difficult task out of the way at the beginning of the day.

If math is your least favorite subject, force yourself to complete your math homework first.

After doing so, you’ll feel a surge of motivation from knowing it’s finished. And you won’t procrastinate on your other homework because it will seem easier in comparison.

(On a separate note, check out these tips on how to get better at math if you’re struggling.)

18. Set a timer when doing your homework.

I recommend that you use a stopwatch for every homework session. (If you prefer, you could also use this online stopwatch or the Tomato Timer .)

Start the timer at the beginning of the session, and work in 30- to 45-minute blocks.

Using a timer creates a sense of urgency, which will help you fight off your urge to procrastinate.

When you know you only have to work for a short session, it will be easier to find motivation to complete your homework.

Tell yourself that you need to work hard until the timer goes off, and then you can take a break. (And then be sure to take that break!)

19. Eliminate distractions.

Here are some suggestions on how you can do this:

• Delete all the games and social media apps on your phone
• Turn off all notifications on your phone
• Mute your group chats
• Archive your inactive chats
• Turn off your phone, or put it on airplane mode
• Put your phone at least 10 feet away from you
• Turn off the Internet access on your computer
• Use an app like Freedom to restrict your Internet usage
• Put any other distractions (like food, magazines and books unrelated to your homework) at the other end of the room
• Unplug the TV
• Use earplugs if your surroundings are noisy

20. At the start of each day, write down the two to three Most Important Tasks (MITs) you want to accomplish.

This will enable you to prioritize your tasks. As Josh Kaufman explains , a Most Important Task (MIT) is a critical task that will help you to get significant results down the road.

Not all tasks are equally important. That’s why it’s vital that you identify your MITs, so that you can complete those as early in the day as possible.

What do you most need to get done today? That’s an MIT.

Get to work on it, then feel the satisfaction that comes from knowing it’s out of the way.

21. Focus on progress instead of perfection.

Perfectionism can destroy your motivation to do homework and keep you from starting important assignments.

Some students procrastinate because they’re waiting for the perfect time to start.

Others do so because they want to get their homework done perfectly. But they know this isn’t really possible – so they put off even getting started.

What’s the solution?

To focus on progress instead of perfection.

There’s never a perfect time for anything. Nor will you ever be able to complete your homework perfectly. But you can do your best, and that’s enough.

So concentrate on learning and improving, and turn this into a habit that you implement whenever you study .

22. Get organized.

Procrastination is common among students who are disorganized.

When you can’t remember which assignment is due when or which tests you have coming up, you’ll naturally feel confused. You’ll experience school- and test-related stress .

This, in turn, will lead to procrastination.

That’s why it’s crucial that you get organized. Here are some tips for doing this:

• Don’t rely on your memory ; write everything down
• Keep a to-do list
• Use a student planner
• Use a calendar and take note of important dates like exams, project due dates, school holidays , birthdays, and family events
• At the end of each day, plan for the following day
• Use one binder or folder for each subject or course
• Do weekly filing of your loose papers, notes, and old homework
• Throw away all the papers and notes you no longer need

23. Stop saying “I have to” and start saying “I choose to.”

When you say things like “I have to write my essay” or “I have to finish my science assignment,” you’ll probably feel annoyed. You might be tempted to complain about your teachers or your school .

What’s the alternative?

To use the phrase “I choose to.”

The truth is, you don’t “have” to do anything.

You can choose not to write your essay; you’ll just run the risk of failing the class.

You can choose not to do your science assignment; you’ll just need to deal with your angry teacher.

When you say “I choose to do my homework,” you’ll feel empowered. This means you’ll be more motivated to study and to do what you ought to.

24. Clear your desk once a week.

Clutter can be demotivating. It also causes stress , which is often at the root of procrastination.

Hard to believe? Give it a try and see for yourself.

By clearing your desk, you’ll reduce stress and make your workspace more organized.

So set a recurring appointment to organize your workspace once a week for just 10 minutes. You’ll receive huge benefits in the long run!

25. If a task takes two minutes or less to complete, do it now.

This is a principle from David Allen’s bestselling book, Getting Things Done .

You may notice that you tend to procrastinate when many tasks pile up. The way to prevent this from happening is to take care of the small but important tasks as soon as you have time.

Here are some examples of small two-minute tasks that you should do once you have a chance:

• Replying to your project group member’s email
• Picking up anything on the floor that doesn’t belong there
• Asking your parents to sign a consent form
• Filing a graded assignment
• Making a quick phone call
• Writing a checklist
• Sending a text to schedule a meeting
• Making an online purchase that doesn’t require further research

26. Finish one task before starting on the next.

You aren’t being productive when you switch between working on your literature essay, social studies report, and physics problem set – while also intermittently checking your phone.

Research shows that multitasking is less effective than doing one thing at a time. Multitasking may even damage your brain !

When it comes to overcoming procrastination, it’s better to stick with one task all the way through before starting on the next one.

You’ll get a sense of accomplishment when you finish the first assignment, which will give you a boost of inspiration as you move on to the next one.

27. Build your focus gradually.

You can’t win the battle against procrastination overnight; it takes time. This means that you need to build your focus progressively.

If you can only focus for 10 minutes at once, that’s fine. Start with three sessions of 10 minutes a day. After a week, increase it to three sessions of 15 minutes a day, and so on.

As the weeks go by, you’ll become far more focused than when you first started. And you’ll soon see how great that makes you feel.

28. Before you start work, write down three things you’re thankful for.

Gratitude improves your psychological health and increases your mental strength .

These factors are linked to motivation. The more you practice gratitude, the easier it will be to find motivation to do your homework. As such, it’s less likely that you’ll be a serial procrastinator.

Before you get down to work for the day, write down three things you’re thankful for. These could be simple things like good health, fine weather, or a loving family.

You could even do this in a “gratitude journal,” which you can then look back on whenever you need a shot of fresh appreciation for the good things in your life.

Either way, this short exercise will get you in the right mindset to be productive.

29. Get enough sleep.

For most people, this means getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. And teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night to function optimally.

What does sleep have to do with procrastination?

More than you might realize.

It’s almost impossible to feel motivated when you’re tired. And when you’re low on energy, your willpower is depleted too.

That’s why you give in to the temptation of Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube videos more easily when you’re sleep-deprived.

Here are ways to get more sleep , and sleep better too:

• Create a bedtime routine
• Go to sleep at around the same time every night
• Set a daily alarm as a reminder to go to bed
• Exercise regularly (but not within a few hours of bedtime)
• Make your bedroom as dark as possible
• Remove or switch off all electronic devices before bedtime
• Avoid caffeine at least six hours before bedtime
• Use an eye mask and earplugs

30. Schedule appointments with yourself to complete your homework.

These appointments are specific blocks of time reserved for working on a report, assignment, or project. Scheduling appointments is effective because it makes the task more “official,” so you’re more likely to keep the appointment.

For example, you could schedule appointments such as:

• Jan 25 th , 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Math assignment
• Jan 27 th , 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Online research for social studies project
• Jan 28 th , 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Write introduction for English essay

Transform homework procrastination into homework motivation

Procrastination is a problem we all face.

But given that you’ve read all the way to here, I know you’re committed to overcoming this problem.

And now that you’re armed with these tips, you have all the tools you need to become more disciplined and focused .

By the way, please don’t feel as if you need to implement all the tips at once, because that would be too overwhelming.

Instead, I recommend that you focus on just a couple of tips a week, and make gradual progress. No rush!

Over time, you’ll realize that your habit of procrastination has been replaced by the habit of getting things done.

Now’s the time to get started on that process of transformation. 🙂

Like this article? Please share it with your friends.

Images: Student and books , Homework , Group of students , Consequences , Why , Writing a list , Organized desk , Gratitude

January 19, 2016 at 11:53 am

Ur tips are rlly helpful. Thnkyou ! 🙂

January 19, 2016 at 1:43 pm

You’re welcome 🙂

August 29, 2018 at 11:21 am

Thanks very much

February 19, 2019 at 1:38 pm

The funny thing is while I was reading the first few steps of this article I was procrastinating on my homework….

November 12, 2019 at 12:44 pm

same here! but now I actually want to get my stuff done… huh

December 4, 2022 at 11:35 pm

May 30, 2023 at 6:26 am

October 25, 2023 at 11:35 am

fr tho i totally was but now I’m actually going to get started haha

June 6, 2020 at 6:04 am

I love your articles

January 21, 2016 at 7:07 pm

Thanks soo much. It’s almost like you could read my mind- when I felt so overwhelmed with the workload heap I had created for myself by procrastination, I know feel very motivated to tackle it out completely and replace that bad habit with the wonderful tips mentioned here! 🙂

January 21, 2016 at 8:04 pm

I’m glad to help 🙂

January 25, 2016 at 3:09 pm

You have shared great tips here. I especially like the point “Write down why you want to complete the task” because it is helpful to make us more motivated when we are clear about our goals

January 25, 2016 at 4:51 pm

Glad that you found the tips useful, John!

January 29, 2016 at 1:22 am

Thank you very much for your wonderful tips!!! ☺☺☺

January 29, 2016 at 10:41 am

It’s my joy to help, Kabir 🙂

February 3, 2016 at 12:57 pm

Always love your articles. Keep them up 🙂

February 3, 2016 at 1:21 pm

Thanks, Matthew 🙂

February 4, 2016 at 1:40 pm

There are quite a lot of things that you need to do in order to come out with flying colors while studying in a university away from your homeland. Procrastinating on homework is one of the major mistakes committed by students and these tips will help you to avoid them all and make yourself more efficient during your student life.

February 4, 2016 at 1:58 pm

Completely agreed, Leong Siew.

October 5, 2018 at 12:52 am

Wow! thank you very much, I love it .

November 2, 2018 at 10:45 am

You are helping me a lot.. thank you very much….😊

November 6, 2018 at 5:19 pm

I’m procrastinating by reading this

November 29, 2018 at 10:21 am

January 8, 2021 at 3:38 am

March 3, 2019 at 9:12 am

Daniel, your amazing information and advice, has been very useful! Please keep up your excellent work!

April 12, 2019 at 11:12 am

We should stop procrastinating.

September 28, 2019 at 5:19 pm

Thank you so much for the tips:) i’ve been procrastinating since i started high schools and my grades were really bad “F” but the tips have made me a straight A student again.

January 23, 2020 at 7:43 pm

Thanks for the tips, Daniel! They’re really useful! 😁

April 10, 2020 at 2:15 pm

I have always stood first in my class. But procrastination has always been a very bad habit of mine which is why I lost marks for late submission .As an excuse for finding motivation for studying I would spend hours on the phone and I would eventually procrastinate. So I tried your tips and tricks today and they really worked.i am so glad and thankful for your help. 🇮🇳Love from India🇮🇳

April 15, 2020 at 11:16 am

Well I’m gonna give this a shot it looks and sounds very helpful thank you guys I really needed this

April 16, 2020 at 9:48 pm

Daniel, your amazing information and advice, has been very useful! keep up your excellent work! May you give more useful content to us.

May 6, 2020 at 5:03 pm

nice article thanks for your sharing.

May 20, 2020 at 4:49 am

Thank you so much this helped me so much but I was wondering about like what if you just like being lazy and stuff and don’t feel like doing anything and you don’t want to tell anyone because you might annoy them and you just don’t want to add your problems and put another burden on theirs

July 12, 2020 at 1:55 am

I’ve read many short procrastination tip articles and always thought they were stupid or overlooking the actual problem. ‘do this and this’ or that and that, and I sit there thinking I CAN’T. This article had some nice original tips that I actually followed and really did make me feel a bit better. Cheers, diving into what will probably be a 3 hour case study.

August 22, 2020 at 10:14 pm

Nicely explain each tips and those are practical thanks for sharing. Dr.Achyut More

November 11, 2020 at 12:34 pm

Thanks a lot! It was very helpful!

November 15, 2020 at 9:11 am

I keep catching myself procrastinating today. I started reading this yesterday, but then I realized I was procrastinating, so I stopped to finish it today. Thank you for all the great tips.

November 30, 2020 at 5:15 pm

Woow this is so great. Thanks so much Daniel

December 3, 2020 at 3:13 am

These tips were very helpful!

December 18, 2020 at 11:54 am

Procrastination is a major problem of mine, and this, this is very helpful. It is very motivational, now I think I can complete my work.

December 28, 2020 at 2:44 pm

Daniel Wong: When you’re doing your homework, is your super-comfortable bed just two steps away? Me: Nope, my super-comfortable bed is one step away. (But I seriously can’t study anywhere else. If I go to the dining table, my mum would be right in front of me talking loudly on the phone with colleagues and other rooms is an absolute no. My mum doesn’t allow me to go outside. Please give me some suggestions. )

September 19, 2022 at 12:14 pm

I would try and find some noise cancelling headphones to play some classical music or get some earbuds to ignore you mum lol

March 1, 2021 at 5:46 pm

Thank you very much. I highly appreciate it.

May 12, 2023 at 3:38 am

This is great advice. My little niece is now six years old and I like to use those nice cheap child friendly workbooks with her. This is done in order to help her to learn things completely on her own. I however prefer to test her on her own knowledge however. After a rather quick demonstration in the lesson I then tend to give her two simple questions to start off with. And it works a treat. Seriously. I love it. She loves it. The exam questions are for her to answer on her own on a notepad. If she can, she will receive a gold medal and a box of sweets. If not she only gets a plastic toy. We do this all the time to help her understand. Once a week we spend up to thirty minutes in a math lesson on this technique for recalling the basic facts. I have had a lot of great success with this new age technique. So I’m going to carry on with it for now.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Sweepstakes
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2024 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

What Is Procrastination?

Why we keep putting things off, despite the consequences

• Common Justifications

Types of Procrastination

• The Negative Impact
• Strategies to Stop

It's tempting to keep putting off the tasks we don't enjoy. Even though we know it will lead to more stress later, it's common to avoid starting or finishing things we don't really want to do.

Procrastination is the act of delaying or putting off tasks until the last minute or past their deadline. It's not just a time management problem. Researchers suggest that it's a failure in self-regulation that leads us to act irrationally. We put things off, even though we know this delay will lead to negative consequences.

How Common Is Procrastination?

While some people are better at motivating themselves to tackle unpleasant tasks, procrastination is a highly prevalent problem. Among college students, nearly all admitted to procrastinating sometimes, while 75% described themselves as habitual procrastinators.

No matter how well-organized and committed you are, chances are you have found yourself frittering away hours on trivial pursuits (watching TV, scrolling through your Facebook feed, shopping online, etc.) when you should have been spending that time on work or school-related projects.

At a Glance

Whether you're putting off finishing a project for work, avoiding homework assignments, or ignoring household chores, procrastination can have a major impact on your job, grades, and life. In most cases, procrastination is not a sign of a serious problem. It's a common tendency that most people resort to at some point. Let's take a closer look at why it happens, its impact, and what you can do to stop procrastinating.

What Causes Procrastination?

Remember that time that you thought you had a week left to finish a project that was really due the next day? How about the time you decided not to clean up your apartment because you "didn't feel like doing it right now?"

We often assume that projects won't take as long to finish as they really will, which can lead to a false sense of security when we believe that we still have plenty of time to complete these tasks.

One of the biggest factors contributing to procrastination is the notion that we have to feel inspired or motivated to work on a task at a particular moment.

The reality is that if you wait until you're in the right frame of mind to do certain tasks (especially undesirable ones), you will probably find that the right time simply never comes along and the task never gets completed.

Waiting for motivation isn't the only problem that contributes to procrastination, however. The following are a few other factors that can play a role.

Researchers suggest that procrastination can be particularly pronounced among students. An estimated 75% of students procrastinate regularly, and around half of these students feel that this behavior is a persistent problem.

According to researchers, some major cognitive distortions lead to academic procrastination. Students tend to:

• Overestimate how much time they have left to perform tasks
• Overestimate how motivated they will be in the future
• Underestimate how long certain activities will take to complete
• Mistakenly assume that they need to be in the right frame of mind to work on a project

Present Bias

The present bias is a phenomenon observed in human behavior that may result in procrastination. The present bias means that we tend to be motivated more by immediate gratification or rewards than we are by long-term rewards. This is why it feels good in the moment to procrastinate.

For example, the immediate reward of staying in bed and watching TV is more appealing than the long-term reward of publishing a blog post, which would take much longer to accomplish.

Procrastination can also be a result of depression . Feelings of hopelessness , helplessness, and a lack of energy can make it difficult to start (and finish) the simplest task. Depression can also lead to self-doubt . When you can't figure out how to tackle a project or feel insecure about your abilities, you might find it easier to put it off.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Procrastination is also pretty common in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder . One reason is that OCD is often linked with maladaptive perfectionism, which causes fears about making new mistakes, doubts about whether you are doing something correctly, and worry over others' expectations of you.

People with OCD also often have a propensity toward indecision, causing them to procrastinate rather than make a decision.

Many adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle with procrastination. When you're so distracted by outside stimuli, as well as internal thoughts, it can be hard to get started on a task, especially if that task is difficult or not interesting to you.

Is Procrastination a Mental Illness?

Procrastination itself is not a mental illness. But in some cases, it may be characteristic of an underlying mental health condition such as depression, OCD, or ADHD.

Why Do You Procrastinate?

We often come up with several excuses or rationalizations to justify our behavior. The following are just a few of the common reasons why people tend to procrastinate:

• Not knowing what needs to be done
• Not knowing how to do something
• Not wanting to do something
• Not caring if it gets done or not
• Not caring when something gets done
• Not feeling in the mood to do it
• Being in the habit of waiting until the last minute
• Believing that you work better under pressure
• Thinking that you can finish it at the last minute
• Lacking the initiative to get started
• Blaming sickness or poor health
• Waiting for the right moment
• Needing time to think about the task
• Delaying one task in favor of working on another

Press Play for Advice On Completing Tasks

Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares how to get tasks done with a science-backed trick known as 'temptation bundling.' Click below to listen now.

Follow Now : Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts

Some researchers classify two types of procrastinators: passive and active procrastinators.

• Passive procrastinators : Delay the task because they have trouble making decisions and acting on them
• Active procrastinators : Delay the task purposefully because working under pressure allows them to "feel challenged and motivated"

Others define the types of procrastinators based on different behavioral styles of procrastination, including:

• Perfectionist : Puts off tasks out of the fear of not being able to complete a task perfectly
• Dreamer : Puts off tasks because they are not good at paying attention to detail
• Defier : Doesn't believe someone should dictate their time schedule
• Worrier : Puts off tasks out of fear of change or leaving the comfort of "the known"
• Crisis-maker : Puts off tasks because they like working under pressure
• Overdoer : Takes on too much and struggles with finding time to start and complete task

Procrastinators vs. Non-Procrastinators

If you tend to put things off, you might wonder exactly what makes non-procrastinators different. According to the American Psychological Association, people who don't procrastinate tend to focus more on the task itself. Rather than worrying about how other people see them, they are more concerned with how they see themselves.

People who don't procrastinate also tend to be high in the personality trait known as conscientiousness , one of the broad dispositions identified by the Big Five personality theory. People with high conscientiousness also tend to be high in other areas, including self-discipline, persistence, and personal responsibility.

The Negative Impact of Procrastination

It becomes a more serious issue when procrastination is chronic and begins to impact a person's daily life seriously. In such instances, it's not just a matter of poor time management skills; it's a major part of their lifestyle.

Perhaps they pay their bills late, don't start work on big projects until the night before the deadline, delay gift shopping until the day before a birthday, and even file their income tax returns late.

Unfortunately, this procrastination can have a serious impact on many life areas, including a person's mental health and social, professional, and financial well-being:

• Higher levels of stress and illness
• Increased burden placed on social relationships
• Resentment from friends, family, co-workers, and fellow students
• Consequences of delinquent bills and income tax returns

How to Overcome Procrastination

You might find yourself wondering, How can I stop procrastinating?

Fortunately, there are a number of different things you can do to fight procrastination and start getting things done on time. Consider these your procrastination exercises:

• Make a to-do list : To help keep you on track, consider placing a due date next to each item.
• Take baby steps : Break down the items on your list into small, manageable steps so that your tasks don’t seem so overwhelming.
• Recognize the warning signs : Pay attention to any thoughts of procrastination and do your best to resist the urge. If you begin to think about procrastinating, force yourself to spend a few minutes working on your task.
• Eliminate distraction : Ask yourself what pulls your attention away the most—whether it's Instagram, Facebook updates, or the local news—and turn off those sources of distraction.
• Pat yourself on the back : When you finish an item on your to-do list on time, congratulate yourself and reward yourself by indulging in something you find fun.    

If you put things off sometimes, don't worry; it happens to all of us. It's often the tasks we dislike the most that get pushed off until the last minute. While common, it is important to remember that this behavior can have serious consequences, including hurting your relationships, your personal achievements, and your ability to succeed at work and school.

Fortunately, you can do things to reduce that urge to stall. Understanding why you're struggling to get started can help. Remember to create a to-do list of things that need to be done and start small. When you feel the urge to procrastinate, force yourself to do just one small thing. Sometimes, just getting started is half the battle.

Prem R, Scheel TE, Weigelt O, Hoffmann K, Korunka C. Procrastination in daily working life: A diary study on within-person processes that link work characteristics to workplace procrastination . Front Psychol . 2018;9:1087. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01087

Rozental A, Forsström D, Hussoon A, Klingsieck KB. Procrastination among university students: differentiating severe cases in need of support from less severe cases . Front Psychol . 2022;13:783570. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.783570

Bisin A, Hyndman K. Present-bias, procrastination and deadlines in a field experiment . Games and Economic Behavior. 2020;119:339-357. doi:10.1016/j.geb.2019.11.010

Rogowska AM, Cincio A. Procrastination mediates the relationship between problematic TikTok use and depression among young adults .  J Clin Med . 2024;13(5):1247. doi:10.3390/jcm13051247

Beutel ME, Klein EM, Aufenanger S, et al. Procrastination, distress and life satisfaction across the age range - A German representative community study .  PLoS One . 2016;11(2):e0148054. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0148054

Limburg K, Watson HJ, Hagger MS, Egan SJ.  The relationship between perfectionism and psychopathology: A meta-analysis .  J Clin Psychol.  2017;73(10):1301-1326. doi:10.1002/jclp.22435

Altgassen M, Scheres A, Edel MA.  Prospective memory (partially) mediates the link between ADHD symptoms and procrastination .  Atten Defic Hyperact Disord . 2019;11(1):59-71. doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0273-x

Yan B, Zhang X. What research has been conducted on procrastination? Evidence from a systematical bibliometric analysis .  Front Psychol . 2022;13:809044. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.809044

Zohar AH, Shimone LP, Hen M. Active and passive procrastination in terms of temperament and character .  PeerJ . 2019;7:e6988. doi:10.7717/peerj.6988

American Psychological Association. The first step to overcoming procrastination: Know thyself .

American Psychological Association. The psychology of procrastination: Why people put off important tasks until the last minute .

Gao K, Zhang R, Xu T, Zhou F, Feng T. The effect of conscientiousness on procrastination: The interaction between the self-control and motivation neural pathways .  Hum Brain Mapp . 2021;42(6):1829-1844. doi:10.1002/hbm.25333

Svartdal F, Nemtcan E. Past negative consequences of unnecessary delay as a marker of procrastination . Front Psychol. 2022;13. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.787337

Schrager S, Sadowski E. Getting more done: Strategies to increase scholarly productivity .  J Grad Med Educ . 2016;8(1):10-13. doi:10.4300/JGME-D-15-00165.1

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

How to Stop Procrastinating With 25 Tools

Understanding the science behind procrastination is essential for developing effective strategies to overcome it.

This article looks into the science behind the psychological, cognitive, and behavioral factors that contribute to procrastination and how to stop procrastinating.

It explores evidence-based strategies and tools, such as mindfulness, self-compassion, goal setting, time management, and accountability partnerships, to help individuals stop procrastinating and achieve their goals.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Productivity Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients become more productive and efficient.

This Article Contains

The science behind procrastination, the link between fear and procrastination, 10 procrastination prevention strategies, 6 ways to motivate a procrastinator, 9 procrastination tools to overcome this habit, resources from positivepsychology.com, a take-home message, frequently asked questions.

There are several theories that explain the science of procrastination . Temporal motivation theory suggests that motivation is influenced by task value and proximity to completion (Steel et al., 2018). That means that procrastination occurs when the perceived value of a task is low or when the perceived distance to its completion is far.

Similarly, expectancy-value theory emphasizes our belief in task completion and its perceived importance as motivating factors that may mitigate or exacerbate procrastination (Wigfield, 1994).

Self-determination theory , on the other hand, highlights autonomy, competence, and relatedness as motivators (Ryan & Deci, 2002). This aligns with both goal management theory, which underscores difficulties in prioritizing and managing goals (Gustavson et al., 2014), and trait self-control theory, which links procrastination to weak impulse regulation (de Ridder et al., 2012).

These theories offer insights into motivation, goal setting, and self-regulation to stop procrastination. So, what does the science behind these theories tell us?

Procrastination is a complex phenomenon influenced by various psychological, cognitive, and behavioral factors (Le Bouc & Pessiglione, 2022). Understanding the science behind procrastination involves examining these factors and how they may affect people’s tendency to procrastinate. Some of the factors associated with procrastination include:

Temporal discounting

Temporal discounting refers to our tendency to prioritize immediate rewards over future ones (Zhang et al., 2019). This tendency leads to procrastination, as tasks with distant rewards are often postponed in favor of more immediately gratifying activities (Le Bouc & Pessiglione, 2022).

Task aversion

Procrastination can stem from negative emotions associated with a task, such as anxiety, fear of failure, or boredom (Ferrari et al., 1995). When faced with unpleasant tasks, we may procrastinate to avoid these negative emotions (Blunt & Pychyl, 2000).

Impaired self-regulation

Procrastination often involves a failure of self-regulation or self-control (Ramzi & Saed, 2019). This means that impaired self-regulation may cause your client to struggle to resist immediate temptations, such as checking social media, and prioritize long-term goals, such as completing a project.

Perfectionism

Perfectionists are particularly prone to procrastination because they set excessively high standards for themselves (Ferrari et al., 1995). Fear of failure or making mistakes can lead them to delay starting or completing tasks.

Dopamine regulation

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation, plays a role in procrastination (Jaffe, 2013). This research suggests that procrastinators may have differences in dopamine regulation, leading to difficulty experiencing motivation until the task becomes urgent.

Andrew Huberman discusses dopamine and its effects on procrastination in his Huberman Lab podcast.

Environmental factors

Distractions, such as social media, smartphones, or noisy environments, can contribute to procrastination by diverting attention away from tasks (Wiwatowska et al., 2023).

Lastly, another factor that plays an integral role in procrastination is fear (Duru et al., 2023). The role of fear is so important in understanding procrastination that it warrants its own section.

You may notice that you or some of your clients often delay tasks to avoid negative emotions associated with fear. This perpetuates a cycle of avoidance. Fear can also fuel perfectionism, leading to procrastination symptoms such as paralysis or excessive revision.

And if these links weren’t enough, we now know that the brain’s self-preservation instinct triggers procrastination when tasks threaten self-esteem or competence (Zhang et al., 2016). This causes fear and anxiety, which can make tasks seem overwhelming, prompting procrastination as a coping mechanism (Kowalski et al., 2024). Additionally, the fear of loss, cognitive biases, and learned behaviors can further contribute to procrastination tendencies.

Effective coping strategies for managing fear and anxiety are essential to helping you or your client navigate procrastination tendencies successfully. By addressing these underlying fears, you can cultivate resilience, embrace progress over perfection, and stop procrastination.

Check out Nic Voge’s TEDx presentation to learn more about how fear of failure and diminished self-worth play a role in procrastination.

Preventing procrastination requires addressing the underlying psychological, cognitive, and behavioral factors we discussed in the previous sections. The first step in this process is to create a deeper level of awareness of what might be causing procrastination and then to start implementing strategies that will help to prevent procrastination (Sanaghan, 2021).

This is an outline of how I help clients develop prevention strategies:

1. Mindfulness practice

I find that by starting with mindfulness , I can help clients create awareness of their own cognitive, psychological, and behavioral processes that may be causing and sustaining their procrastination. Then we can use mindfulness practices to help address procrastination factors and tendencies as they arise (Schutte & del Pozo de Bolger, 2020).

2. Develop self-compassion

Learning to cultivate self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness and understanding, especially when facing setbacks or challenges, can help reduce the fear and anxiety that exacerbate procrastination (Sirois, 2014).

Avoid harsh self-criticism, which can fuel procrastination and negatively impact self-esteem.

3. Address perfectionism

Use mindfulness and compassion to challenge perfectionistic tendencies and embrace a growth mindset focused on learning and improvement rather than perfect execution (Ng, 2018).

Accept that imperfection is a natural part of the creative process and prioritize your progress over perfection.

4. Develop accountability and support

Share your goals and progress with a trusted friend, colleague, or mentor who can provide encouragement, feedback, and accountability. Peer support and accountability partnerships can help maintain motivation and commitment to goals (Handayani et al., 2021).

5. Set clear and mindful goals

Establish clear goals for each task or project. Clear goals provide clarity and direction, making it easier to initiate and stay focused on tasks. These goals need to be realistic and compassionate, and they should take your abilities and time constraints into account.

6. Practice time management & prioritize tasks

Use time-blocking or scheduling techniques to allocate specific time slots for tasks on your calendar. Set aside dedicated blocks of time for focused work, breaks, and leisure activities.

Use time management techniques like the Eisenhower matrix to prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency (Dmytryshyn & Goran, 2022). Focus on high-priority tasks first to ensure that essential work gets done efficiently.

However, if an essential task is proving to be a block or a reason for your procrastination, it can be helpful to focus on another easier task to get your momentum going, build your confidence, and then move onto the more difficult task.

This is an example of where mindful awareness is helpful, as it can help you recognize these types of blocks more quickly and adapt your strategies accordingly.

7. Break tasks into smaller steps

Divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps or sub-tasks. This approach reduces overwhelm and makes tasks feel less daunting, increasing the likelihood of getting started.

8. Set deadlines

Establish your own deadlines for tasks to create a sense of urgency and accountability. Break down deadlines into smaller milestones to track progress and maintain momentum.

9. Minimize distractions

Identify and minimize potential distractions in your environment, such as turning off notifications, setting boundaries with colleagues, or using website blockers. Create a dedicated workspace conducive to focus and productivity.

10. Reward progress

Implement a system of rewards or incentives to reinforce productive behavior and celebrate progress. Break larger goals into smaller milestones, and reward yourself for achieving each milestone.

Consistency and persistence are key to implementing these strategies effectively. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you, and be kind and patient with yourself as you develop new habits and override old tendencies.

Download 3 Free Productivity Exercises (PDF)

These detailed, science-based exercises will equip you or your clients with tools to do their deepest, most productive work.

Download 3 Free Productivity Tools Pack (PDF)

By filling out your name and email address below.

• Email Address *
• Your Expertise * Your expertise Therapy Coaching Education Counseling Business Healthcare Other
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Motivating a procrastinator involves working with them to identify their underlying reasons for procrastination and helping them address those factors. This often involves overcoming fear-based procrastination factors, which requires challenging irrational beliefs, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and fostering a growth mindset (Spagnola & Yagos, 2021).

As a therapist or coach, it is important to create a safe and encouraging space and to work using a client-centered approach so that the client identifies strategies that will work for them (Sanaghan, 2021). Here are several effective ways to motivate a procrastinator:

1. Identify and address barriers

Help the procrastinator identify and address any underlying barriers or obstacles contributing to their procrastination. This may involve addressing fears, perfectionism, self-doubt, or other psychological factors that inhibit motivation and productivity (Walker, 2004).

2. Create a supportive environment

Foster a supportive and encouraging environment so your client feels safe and open to identifying their reasons for procrastinating. Offer positive reinforcement for progress and provide constructive feedback to help them stay on track. Encourage self-compassion and self-care as part of the process.

3. Identify strengths

Identifying and harnessing strengths , such as organization, focus, or creativity, can empower individuals to combat procrastination (Walker, 2004). By leveraging their innate abilities to plan effectively, maintain concentration, and find innovative solutions to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, clients can find a sense of agency and empowerment.

4. Provide support and resources

Offer support and resources to help the procrastinator surmount challenges and obstacles. This may include providing access to relevant information, tools, or training, as well as offering assistance or guidance as needed. See our recommendations below.

5. Develop accountability

Assist the procrastinator to set deadlines and establish mechanisms for accountability, such as sharing goals with a friend, colleague, or mentor who can provide support and hold them accountable (Trivedi, 2013).

The point here is that these measures should be identified by and implemented by the client. It is about developing a skill rather than external control measures.

6. Use visualization and positive affirmations

Encourage the procrastinator to visualize their goals and success and use positive affirmations to boost motivation and confidence (Ossebaard et al., 2012). Visualization techniques can help them envision the benefits of completing tasks and stop procrastinating (Sohnen-Moe, 2016).

By implementing these strategies and providing consistent support and encouragement, you can help motivate a procrastinator to overcome barriers, take action, and achieve their goals.

World’s Largest Positive Psychology Resource

The Positive Psychology Toolkit© is a groundbreaking practitioner resource containing over 500 science-based exercises , activities, interventions, questionnaires, and assessments created by experts using the latest positive psychology research.

Updated monthly. 100% Science-based.

“The best positive psychology resource out there!” — Emiliya Zhivotovskaya , Flourishing Center CEO

1. Task management apps

Use task management apps like Todoist , Trello , or Asana to organize tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. These apps often feature reminders, priority settings, and collaboration options to help users stay on top of their to-do lists.

2. Time-tracking software

Use time-tracking software such as Toggl or RescueTime to monitor how you spend your time and identify patterns of procrastination. These tools provide insights into productivity levels and help users make more informed decisions about time management.

3. Pomodoro Technique

Employ the Pomodoro Technique, which involves breaking work into intervals separated by short breaks (Amit et al., 2021). Apps like Focus Booster or TomatoTimer can help time intervals and breaks, promoting focus and productivity while reducing procrastination.

4. Website blockers

Install website blockers like StayFocusd , Freedom , or Cold Turkey to restrict access to distracting websites and social media platforms during scheduled work periods. These tools help minimize temptation and maintain focus on tasks.

5. Mindfulness apps

Practice mindfulness and meditation using apps like Headspace , Calm , or Insight Timer to reduce stress, improve focus, and cultivate a greater awareness of thoughts and emotions.

Mindfulness techniques will help you become more aware of procrastination triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms (Pychyl & Flett, 2012).

6. Distraction-free writing tools

Use distraction-free writing tools such as Writemonkey or Werdsmith to create a conducive writing environment free from distractions. These minimalist writing apps can help you stay focused on writing tasks without the distractions of formatting or internet browsing.

7. Accountability partners or groups

Partner with a friend, colleague, or accountability group to support each other to stop procrastinating. Regular check-ins, goal-setting sessions, and mutual encouragement can help keep procrastination tendencies in check and maintain motivation (Koppenborg & Klingsieck, 2022).

8. Self-reflection journals

Keep a self-reflection journal to track procrastination triggers, identify patterns, and explore underlying reasons for procrastination. Reflective writing can help increase self-awareness and facilitate personal growth and behavior change (Hensley & Munn, 2020).

9. Skill-building platforms

Invest in skill-building platforms like Coursera , Udemy , or Skillshare to develop time management, organization, and productivity skills. Online courses and resources offer practical strategies and techniques to stop procrastinating and enhance productivity.

By incorporating these procrastination tools into your routine and experimenting with different approaches, you can develop effective strategies to stop procrastinating and achieve greater productivity and success.

The PositivePsychology.com repository has a number of resources that you may find helpful in your journey to understand procrastination and how to help your clients stop procrastinating.

The following articles make for good additional reading:

• What Is Motivation? A Psychologist Explains discusses motivation from a psychologist’s perspective, and this will give you further insights about how to help motivate your procrastinator clients.
• What Is Perfectionism According to Psychology? 7 Examples looks at the complexities of perfectionism. Understanding this phenomenon is helpful, as it has been identified as an underlying psychological factor involved in procrastination.
• Ever wondered what is on the other side of procrastination? Deep work . Read all about this heightened state of concentration, flow ,and productivity in our article discussing the book of the same name, its meaning, and the author.

These free worksheets can be great tools for helping your clients stop procrastinating:

• When stress and worry seep the energy out of you, and your whole day seems filled with dread, be gentle with yourself and allow yourself “ worry time .” By allowing yourself allocated time for negative thoughts, you can spend the rest of your day more focused and productive.
• Building a vision board can help you visualize the intended outcome of your goals.
• Feeling overwhelmed and frozen with indecision? Grab your phone, set your timer for an hour, and work through this one-hour stress plan worksheet. This focused tool will help you chip through tasks with ease.

If you’d like to go deeper, this masterclass is a great place to start:

The Motivation & Goal Achievement Masterclass© is a comprehensive six-module coaching package that will provide you with the skills to help your clients stop procrastinating and achieve meaningful success through the science of motivation and goal setting.

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others become more productive and efficient, check out this collection of 17 validated productivity and work efficiency exercises . Use them to help others prioritize better, eliminate time wasters, maximize their personal energy, and more.

Although procrastination is a persistent and common challenge that many of us face, the science behind it has a lot to offer in terms of understanding, prevention, and addressing the problem.

If you don’t know how to stop procrastinating, finding the often hidden causes behind a problem can be invaluable in resolving it. Being mindful and applying self-compassion can help you delve into the reasons why task-avoidance is ruling (and ruining) your day.

Once those barriers have been identified, create a supportive environment to help you overcome your challenges. Use visualization, accountability partnerships, and a variety of the tools listed above to leverage your strengths and form new habits.

Your strengths and new habits will help you become more productive and overcome procrastination once and for all.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Productivity Exercises for free .

There is no single main cause of procrastination. It stems from a combination of psychological, cognitive, and behavioral factors, such as task aversion, fear of failure, impaired self-regulation, perfectionism, and environmental distractions. Temporal discounting, where immediate rewards are prioritized over future ones, also significantly contributes to procrastination.

Procrastination itself is not classified as a mental disorder, but it can be a symptom of underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. It is primarily seen as a behavioral issue influenced by various psychological factors.

Procrastination is not a form of ADHD, but it is a common symptom associated with ADHD. Individuals with ADHD often struggle with executive functioning, which can lead to difficulties in task initiation and completion, resulting in procrastination.

To stop procrastinating, you can use strategies such as practicing mindfulness to increase awareness, developing self-compassion to reduce fear and anxiety, setting clear and manageable goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and creating accountability through partnerships or support groups. Using tools like task management apps, time-blocking techniques, and minimizing distractions can also help.

• Amit, A. J., Shankararam, S. G., Pradeep, P., Perumalraja, R., & Kamalesh, S. (2021). Framework for preventing procrastination and increasing productivity. In 2021 3rd International Conference on Signal Processing and Communication (pp. 228–232). IEEE.
• Blunt, A. K., & Pychyl, T. A. (2000). Task aversiveness and procrastination: A multi-dimensional approach to task aversiveness across stages of personal projects. Personality and Individual Differences , 28 (1), 153–167.
• Le Bouc, R., & Pessiglione, M. (2022). A neuro-computational account of procrastination behavior. N ature Communications , 13 (1), Article 5639.
• de Ridder, D. T., Lensvelt-Mulders, G., Finkenauer, C., Stok, F. M., & Baumeister, R. F. (2012). Taking stock of self-control: A meta-analysis of how trait self-control relates to a wide range of behaviors. Personality and Social Psychology Review , 16 (1), 76–99.
• Dmytryshyn, M., & Goran, T. (2022). Proposal of an effective time management system. Management: Journal of Contemporary Management Issues , 27 (2), 283–298.
• Duru, E., Balkis, M., & Duru, S. (2023). Procrastination among adults: The role of self-doubt, fear of the negative evaluation, and irrational/rational beliefs. Journal of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies , 23 (2), 79–97.
• Ferrari, J. R., Johnson, J. L., & McCown, W. G. (1995). Procrastination and task avoidance: Theory, research, and treatment . Springer Science & Business Media.
• Gustavson, D. E., Miyake, A., Hewitt, J. K., & Friedman, N. P. (2014). Genetic relations among procrastination, impulsivity, and goal-management ability: Implications for the evolutionary origin of procrastination. Psychological Science , 25 (6), 1178–1188.
• Handayani, E. T., Sugiharto, D. Y. P., & Sugiyo, S. (2021). The relationship between self-efficacy and peer support in academic procrastination behavior. Jurnal Bimbingan Konseling , 10 (3), 148–155.
• Hensley, L. C., & Munn, K. J. (2020). The power of writing about procrastination: Journaling as a tool for change. Journal of Further and Higher Education , 44 (10), 1450–1465.
• Jaffe, E. (2013, March 29). Why wait? The science behind procrastination . Association for Psychological Science. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/why-wait-the-science-behind-procrastination
• Koppenborg, M., & Klingsieck, K. B. (2022). Group work and student procrastination. Learning and Individual Differences , 94 , Article 102117.
• Kowalski, R. M., Gagne, M., Drolet, G., Burzin, K., Carroll, H., Korson, H., Aurilio, E., Bunche, R., Mochizuki, G., Cote, N., & Ridder, A. (2024). Psychological dread and extreme persistent fear. The Journal of Social Psychology , 1–19.
• Ng, B. (2018). The neuroscience of growth mindset and intrinsic motivation. Brain Sciences , 8 (2), Article 20.
• Ossebaard, M. E., Korthagen, F. A., Oost, H., Stavenga-De Jong, J., & Vasalos, A. (2012). A core reflection approach to reducing study procrastination. In F. A. J. Korthagen, Y. M. Kim, & W. L. Greene (Eds.), Teaching and learning from within (pp. 148–161). Routledge.
• Pychyl, T. A., & Flett, G. L. (2012). Procrastination and self-regulatory failure: An introduction to the special issue. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy , 30 , 203–212.
• Ramzi, F., & Saed, O. (2019). The roles of self-regulation and self-control in procrastination. Psychology and Behavioral Science International Journal , 13 (3).
• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2002). Overview of self-determination theory: An organismic dialectical perspective. In E. L. Deci & R. M. Ryan (Eds.), Handbook of self-determination research (pp. 3–33). University of Rochester Press.
• Sanaghan, P. (2021). How to be a “better” procrastinator: Over 100 strategies to help you manage your procrastination habit . AuthorHouse.
• Schutte, N. S., & del Pozo de Bolger, A. (2020). Greater mindfulness is linked to less procrastination. International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology , 5 (1), 1–12.
• Sirois, F. M. (2014). Procrastination and stress: Exploring the role of self-compassion. Self and Identity , 13 (2), 128–145.
• Sohnen-Moe, C. (2016). Business mastery . Sohnen-Moe Associates.
• Spagnola, R., & Yagos, T. (2021). Driving out fear in the nontraditional classroom: Five practical strategies from neuroscience to build adult student success. Adult Learning , 32 (2), 89–95.
• Steel, P., Svartdal, F., Thundiyil, T., & Brothen, T. (2018). Examining procrastination across multiple goal stages: a longitudinal study of temporal motivation theory. Frontiers in Psychology , 9 , Article 327.
• Trivedi, A. (2013). A study of literature review on individual accountability . SSRN. https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2314551
• Walker, L. J. S. (2004). Overcoming the patterns of powerlessness that lead to procrastination. In H. C. Schouwenburg, C. H. Lay, T. A. Pychyl, & J. R. Ferrari (Eds.),  Counseling the procrastinator in academic settings  (pp. 75–89). American Psychological Association.
• Wigfield, A. (1994). Expectancy-value theory of achievement motivation: A developmental perspective. Educational Psychology Review , 6 , 49–78.
• Wiwatowska, E., Pietruch, M., Katafoni, P., & Michałowski, J. M. (2023). “I can’t focus now, I will study tomorrow” The link between academic procrastination and resistance to distraction.  Learning and Individual Differences ,  107 , Article 102364.
• Zhang, S., Liu, P., & Feng, T. (2019). To do it now or later: The cognitive mechanisms and neural substrates underlying procrastination. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Cognitive Science , 10 (4), Article e1492.
• Zhang, W., Wang, X., & Feng, T. (2016). Identifying the neural substrates of procrastination: A resting-state fMRI study. Scientific Reports , 6 (1), Article 33203.

Share this article:

Article feedback

What our readers think.

Let us know your thoughts Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related articles

How to Focus Easily in a World of Distractions: 6 Techniques

Attention is a limited resource. As humans, we must be selective about what to focus on. As a basic component of biology, determining what aspects [...]

Deep Work: The Book, the Meaning & the Author

Have you ever experienced a working state characterized by heightened concentration, a flow-like state, and increased productivity? If so, then you engaged in ‘deep work’. [...]

Time Management: 7 Techniques & 3 Tools to Help Clients

Effective time management does not come naturally. For that reason, time management books, techniques, and software are a dime a dozen. When guiding your busy [...]

Read other articles by their category

• Body & Brain (52)
• Coaching & Application (39)
• Compassion (23)
• Counseling (40)
• Emotional Intelligence (21)
• Gratitude (18)
• Grief & Bereavement (18)
• Happiness & SWB (40)
• Meaning & Values (26)
• Meditation (16)
• Mindfulness (40)
• Motivation & Goals (41)
• Optimism & Mindset (29)
• Positive CBT (28)
• Positive Communication (23)
• Positive Education (36)
• Positive Emotions (32)
• Positive Leadership (16)
• Positive Parenting (14)
• Positive Psychology (21)
• Positive Workplace (35)
• Productivity (16)
• Relationships (46)
• Resilience & Coping (38)
• Self Awareness (20)
• Self Esteem (37)
• Strengths & Virtues (29)
• Stress & Burnout Prevention (33)
• Theory & Books (42)
• Therapy Exercises (37)
• Types of Therapy (54)
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

3 Free Productivity Tools Pack (PDF)

CALL: 347.758.2985

• Sep 28, 2022

6 Tried-and-True Ways to Beat Procrastination and Get Back into Homework

When summer ends and school starts up again , there are probably lots of things that will change in your life. You’ll have a more strict routine to follow. You’ll be spending more time with your peers. You’ll get back into school activities and classes. And you’ll have to deal with homework again.

Getting back into homework is tough when you’ve spent a couple of months not having to do any. It’s easy for students to get caught up in a vicious cycle of procrastination and stress around completing homework on time. Just getting started can be the hardest part.

At Liz Morrison Therapy , our counselors help middle schoolers and high schoolers ease into tough transitions and set healthy habits. Getting back into homework and school mode can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to ruin your school year. Here are some of our best tips for getting back into the habit quickly – so you can spend more time with your friends instead of worrying about assignments.

How to Overcome Procrastination and Do Your Homework: 6 Tips

Procrastinating on homework is one of the hardest habits to break, and it’s no secret that it poses a huge challenge to students. And it’s not actually about laziness – it’s about a desire to avoid the negative emotions that accompany whatever thing you have to do.

There are a lot of ways to overcome procrastination, and what works for some people won’t work for everyone. The key is to try different emotional management techniques and procrastination-busting methods until you figure out what works for you, and then continue to build on those. As you get better at new time management skills and emotional health habits, completing homework and other tasks will be easier. Ultimately, you’ll be less anxious and distressed about your workload.

Here are 6 ways you can build healthy skillsets around work, break the habit of procrastination, and set yourself up for success at school.

1. Acknowledge the difficulty of transitions

Your schedule is changing as you get back into school. This means your daily activities will change too. This might sound obvious, but many of our clients ignore this important aspect of returning to school. If you’re like most students, you have a lot of feelings about going back to school – you might be nervous, excited, apprehensive, sad, or some mixture of all of the above. And pushing away your difficult feelings can make it much more difficult to transition back to doing homework and attending classes. Maybe you’re someone who has a tough time with classes and schoolwork, or maybe you’re someone who looks forward to new assignments. Either way, you’re not alone. Acknowledging the big changes in your schedule – and how you feel about it all – can make a big difference in making you feel more relaxed and settled. Give yourself grace as you transition. It can help normalize any struggles you’re having and give you some much-needed emotional “wiggle room.”

2. Be realistic about your schedule

One of the biggest reasons students find it hard to get back into homework after the summer break – aside from procrastination – is they’re much busier with extracurriculars, sports, clubs, hanging out with friends, and possibly even working day jobs. There’s simply not a ton of extra time for doing homework, and this can put a lot of stress and pressure on getting everything done. Take a look at your schedule and ask yourself:

Can I realistically get everything done in the time that I have?

Can I feel good while getting everything done? Do I feel balanced and healthy?

Do I have any unnecessary or extra-stressful things in my schedule that I can eliminate?

How can I make sure to spend time on self-care along with all my other obligations?

Working through questions like these in a journal or with a therapist can really help you figure out what’s working and what might benefit from a change.

3. Eliminate distractions

If you’re someone who can focus all your attention on one task at a time without getting distracted, count yourself lucky. But for the rest of you out there, be sure to eliminate distractions when you work. Put your phone on silent and put it somewhere out of sight. Put headphones on with white noise or soothing ocean sounds if that helps you concentrate. Some students like a noisy atmosphere (like a coffee shop or a study group) for getting things done, and others prefer a completely quiet space where they can be alone. Know what you need, and give yourself that.

4. Plan out your homework – and break it up

To properly plan out your homework, it helps to know what’s going to be due and when. Write out a list (or buy a planner) with all your upcoming assignments, and score them on a scale of importance and difficulty. Many students tend to underestimate the time needed to complete their homework, so be realistic about the time different tasks take you. Don’t plan on finishing 4 different projects in one go, because that will just leave you exhausted and braindead. Next, give yourself a time limit for each project or assignment. Finally, work on the hardest thing first so some of the stress about completing difficult tasks is eased. And keep in mind that you don’t have to finish the hardest one first – you just have to get started.

Break up each of your assignments into chunks of time, and make sure to give yourself plenty of time to finish each. For example, say you have a paper due at the end of the week. Instead of trying to write it all the day before it’s due, set aside 30-60 minutes per day all week to work on that paper. Breaking up assignments will give your brain breaks and keep you from feeling super-stressed during and after homework sessions.

5. Set a timer

Setting a timer is a surprisingly useful tool for getting things accomplished. Simply getting started on homework is one of the biggest challenges for many students. Seeing a timer counting down can boost your motivation and help you begin. Setting a timer also is great if you’re easily distracted or have trouble focusing – it gives you an external cue to rely on. It also helps you avoid getting completely sucked in to one task at the expense of everything else you need to do.

Of course, it will likely take some trial and error for you to figure out how much time is actually right for you to work on each of your homework assignments. And this is totally okay. You can always tweak the timer when you need to. But in general, once the timer is up, wrap up what you’re working on. Give yourself a short break, and then move on to the next thing on your list.

6. Ask for help

There’s no shame in asking for extra help. Completing your homework shouldn’t feel like a monumental task. If you feel swamped with assignments and school work and need some support, consider asking your teacher or a tutor to help you. If your school doesn’t have a tutoring service, you can hire one or ask an adult for guidance. And if you are struggling with motivation or with the transition back into school and homework, a therapist can help.

Therapy Can Help You Figure Out How to Get Back Into Homework

If you’re having a hard time getting back into the rhythm of schoolwork and assignments after summer, you’re not alone. And you don’t need to let back-to-school stress get you down. If you’d like support in getting through your anxiety about how to do homework, we’re here for you. We’ll help you learn tools to beat the procrastination cycle, take the stress out of homework, and feel good about completing all your assignments and tasks. You’ll feel more prepared and confident about getting back into the demands of school.

Feel free to contact us for a free 15-minute phone consultation. We can answer any questions you have and see whether we’re a good fit.

Recent Posts

How Therapy For Teens Can Help With Limiting Self-Beliefs, Part 2: Overcoming Your Negative Beliefs

How Therapy for Teens Can Help With Limiting Self-Beliefs, Part 1: These Beliefs Are Holding You Back

How to Have a Happy Summer – 7 Healthy, Fun Summer Activities for Teens From a Teen Therapist in Manhattan, NY

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Stay Informed Group

Stay informed with opportunities online

25 Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Find Motivation to do Homework

April 28, 2023 by Chukwuemeka Gabriel Leave a Comment

Are you having trouble doing your homework, here is an article that lists tips to help you stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do homework.

Keeping up with schoolwork can be tiring and stressful even for intelligent students. From an early age, dealing with homework and school is never easy. But, there must be a solution to overcome the fear and anxiety to face what must be done.

If you are a student having trouble creating a balance between school, homework, and other activities, you need to find the right motivation to get things right.

Are you a student who finds it difficult to get things done at the right time? Allow me to tell you that procrastination is a very bad habit and you need to let it go.

Yes, everyone deals with the problem of procrastination but is more of a problem if you are a student. You have to submit your homework and test at the appropriate time, so you see why it’s bad to procrastinate as a student.

To help you overcome this problem, we have listed more than 20 tips to stop procrastinating and find the motivation to do your homework.

How Do I Stop Procrastinating as a Student?

If you don’t try, you may never find a solution to a problem, that’s a fact. We all have our issues and how we handle their matters.

When it comes to students procrastinating and feeling tired to do their home, there are simple steps to take to attend to these problems. 

If you are a parent and your child is having trouble building a balance with school work, here are simple steps to take to make things better.

Firstly, as a parent, you need to understand why students procrastinate. You may think that your child is naturally lazy or care less about schoolwork.

That may not be the case, as procrastination is common even in adults.

Secondly, a student struggling with procrastination needs the right motivation to overcome their fears. Everyone struggles at a point in life and only the right words of encouragement can help in such situations.

If a student feels reluctant to do the work involved in getting the right results, he or she should not expect an excellent outcome.

Lastly, a word of encouragement from a parent can go a long way to help the student overcome the problem of procrastination.

Also Read: 21 Time Management Apps For Students

Why You Procrastinate on Homework

Exhaustion and anxiety are some of the factors affecting your self-control and motivation. You procrastinate on your homework, why? Because these factors are the problem you are dealing with.

Fear is natural, but when it gets the best of you over motivation, it becomes a huge problem. Distraction and unclear instruction also contribute to why you procrastinate doing your homework.

Self-control matters and it’s the motivation you need to even start. You have to be in charge to get things done as a student.

Yes, there will be exhaustion and anxiety, but once you are in control and have the right motivation, you should have no problem doing your homework and stop procrastinating.

You need to rejuvenate your confidence and find the right motivation to do your homework, so here are tips to help you stop procrastinating. 

#1. Find Out Why You Are Procrastinating

Every puzzle needs to be solved and the best way to do that is to figure things out. Procrastination is a huge problem not just for students, but for everyone out there who needs to get things done.

It’s more of an issue when it comes to academics. Delaying and giving excuses to do schoolwork is very bad. Procrastinating is packed with fears, exhaustion, anxiety, etc.

So, what is one way out of many ways to solve this problem?

Firstly, you need to stop coming up with excuses for not doing your homework. Search within yourself and find out what is stopping you from getting started.

Are you having this trouble because you are not interested in the topic or subject?

Whatever the case may be, you need to figure out why you are procrastinating.

#2. Challenge Yourself to a Quiz to See How You Procrastinate 

One of the tips to stop procrastinating and find the motivation to do your homework is to put yourself to the test.

If you want to change your behaviour to overcome procrastination, you need to be more self-aware.

Ask yourself these questions:

How often do I procrastinate and how badly is it affecting my state of mind?

Is it a problem to procrastinate and if yes, how bad is it? 

What tasks do I tend to avoid in school?

Once you find the answers to these questions, you are in for a big change.

#3. List What You Are Procrastinating on

Generally, most students are likely to procrastinate whenever they feel overwhelmed or stressed.

What if I told you that you can make things easier by listing the specific tasks you are putting off? It’s a simple trick and perhaps you should try it out.

#4. Keep Your Homework on Your Desk

What we are looking for are simple tips to help you stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do your homework .

Keeping your homework far from where you can easily start looking into it is a no-no. The hardest part for most students is to start doing their homework.

Putting your homework on your desk will remind you that you need to get started. When you leave it in your bag or any place that is not your desk, it will be hard for you to start.

#5. Break Down the Task into Smaller Steps

Here is one of the useful tips to help you find the motivation to stop procrastinating and do your homework.

Let’s say you have a history report to write and you have just a few days to submit it. Here is something you should do to make things easier for yourself.

Apply these simple steps to get your history report done in no time.

• Read the history textbook thoroughly and ensure you are satisfied
• Conduct online research to get more information
• Gather your information 
• Create an outline for your work
• Write the introduction and the body paragraphs
• Write your conclusion
• Edit and proofread your report

#6. Create a Timeline with Specific Deadlines

As a student, you need to be time cautious and creating a timeline and deadline will stop procrastinating.

Making out time to do your school work and giving yourself a deadline is one big step to stopping procrastination.

#7. Spend More Time with People Who Are Hardworking and Focused

The company you keep say a lot about you and how much you intend to succeed in school.

When you leave the best brains in your class and decide to hang out with unserious students, do not expect the best results.

Associating with people who are motivated and hardworking comes with a better result. The more you hang with such people, the more you become like them.

The friends you keep in school should motivate you and add value to life and academics. Ensure you are in a circle of friends with positive mindsets .

#8. Tell Two or Three Persons about the Task You Intend to Complete

Telling others about the task you intend to complete gives you the advantage to follow through with your plans.

It’s called accountability, as you will be seen as an individual known for his or her words.

Also Read: 30 Motivational and Inspirational Quotes for Students

#9. Change Your Environment

One of the simple tips to stop procrastinating and find the motivation to do your homework is changing of environment.

Perhaps your current environment is affecting you and you need to move. Believe me, I have been in that situation where I needed to leave my comfort zone just to make sure am not distracted doing my school work.

It’s bad to lay in bed and do your homework, never do that. If your environment is a contributing factor to your procrastination problem, then it’s time you do something about it.

#10. Speak to People Who Have Overcome their Procrastination Problem

If by any chance you have a friend who has gone through this problem in the past, try reaching out to them. 

There are questions you should ask them and whatever answer they give you, take them seriously.

#11. Use the 3, 2, 1 Method

Create a countdown for yourself to stop procrastinating and motivate yourself to do homework.

Once it’s go-time, stop whatever you are doing and start working on that task. Creating this pattern in your mind will help you combat procrastination.

#12. Give Yourself False Deadlines

Let’s say you have a maths assignment that has to be submitted in two weeks’ time. Even if the assignment has no deadline, try creating one for yourself.

By doing so, you will likely finish your assignment before the deadline for submission. When you think you have all the time in the world to do your homework, that’s procrastination taking over.

#13. Give Yourself a Gold Star

A teacher may decide to award students with gold stickers if they score 100 on a math test. This is something most students would want. 

Never feel left out if you never received a gold sticker from a teacher. Once you try to give yourself that small affirmation , you will be motivated.

#14. Reward Yourself in Bigger Ways

Rewarding yourself is one of the tips to stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do your homework.

Everyone deserves a reward after accomplishing a difficult task. Give yourself a bigger reward whenever you achieve something great/

#15. Consider the Consequences of Procrastination

Try asking yourself what will happen if you procrastinate. Maybe you will miss important deadlines at school or you will be unable to complete your school work.

Perhaps the history report you want to submit won’t get enough attention as it’s supposed to.

#16. Write a Letter to Your Future Self

We all want to be better as we advance in life and you should not expect less. Will you be going through the issue of procrastinating? Perhaps everyone you know will be facing this challenge, not just you.

What’s important is to be a better version of yourself in the future. So, here is something important you need to do.

Write a letter to yourself reminding yourself how you felt in the difficult moments and why you need to stop.

Whenever you are moving in the wrong direction, bring out that letter and read it.

Also Read: How to Create a Google Classroom: Guide to Create Classes and Contents

#17. Be Kind to Yourself

Generally, no one is impeccable and this should remind you that you are human.

When you procrastinate, remind yourself that you are only human and things like this happen. Don’t make it a habit because this is where it becomes a problem.

Speak to yourself that you will do better next time and ensure you do it.

#18. Visualize Success

Take a few seconds to visualize how you feel after finishing your homework. It feels right and satisfying knowing you have completed all your schoolwork.

There is a huge relief when you complete your task. Visualizing success perhaps is an inspiration to start doing your homework.

#19. Create a Study or Work Space

Creating a workspace is one of the tips to stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do your homework.

If your classmate feels comfortable reading in the library, it doesn’t mean the same thing will work for you.

Where is the perfect place for you to study? Is it your room, the library, or a specific corner of the quad?

Wherever you think is best for you, study there and concentrate on your work.

#20. Set Aside Time for Recreation

Whether you are in high school or college, try to make out time for other activities.

Creating a timetable for recreation and study will help balance things.

#21. Use the Pomodoro Technique

This technique involves taking short breaks when doing your homework.

Do your homework for 25-minute long stretches, with 5 minutes breaks in between.

#22. Begin with the Best or Worst Part

Whether it’s the best or worst part, you have to find a perfect method to start your homework.

Choose your pattern and make the best out of it.

#23. Concentrate on Your Goals Instead of Your Assignment

It’s better you focus on your end goals of completing the homework and earning good grades rather than concentrate on the fact that has an aversion to your homework.

Also Read: How to Record a Meeting on Microsoft Teams

#24. Write Down Why You Want to Complete the Task

You will be motivated once you understand why you want to accomplish something so badly. 

One simple tip to motivate yourself to do your homework is to think positively. Here are a few important things to write down:

• Master the topic and learn useful information
• Learn to accept challenges
• Become a more focused student that knows what he or she wants
• Fulfil your responsibility as a decent student 

#25. List the Negative Feelings You Will Have If You Don’t Complete the Task

What are the feelings you experience when you don’t finish your homework?

Are they positive feelings that you want to experience over and over again? If the feeling is not positive, you must challenge yourself to finish your schoolwork.

We have shown you tips to stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do your homework. It’s important you practice these tips if you are having trouble doing your homework.

Recommendations

• Motivation Letter for Scholarship Application: PDFs Samples/Guidelines
• List of Global Competitions for Students
• 20 Highest Paying 4 Week Online Certificate Programs
• How to Write an Erasmus Motivation Letter
• 15 Free Courses Online With Certificates
• https://www.daniel-wong.com/2016/01/18/stop-procrastinating-on-homework/
• https://solvingprocrastination.com/homework-procrastination/
• https://fairygodboss.com/career-topics/how-to-stop-procrastinating

About Chukwuemeka Gabriel

Gabriel Chukwuemeka is a graduate of Physics; he loves Geography and has in-depth knowledge of Astrophysics. Gabriel is an ardent writer who writes for Stay Informed Group and enjoys looking at the world map when he is not writing.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

10 Morning Meetings Greeting Ideas for Students

What are the 12 ivy league schools in 2024, examples of praying scripture for students, 21 top dental schools for international students 2024, negative effects of technology you should know, do scholarships count as income, 39 best law schools in uk and ranking, woods vs. forest: what is the difference, top 10 marketable careers in the world in 2024, what are the best architecture schools in the us, 15 best psychology schools in the world 2024, what are the best exercise science schools, 10 best medical schools in mexico in 2024, student loan forgiveness: how to obtain a student loan forgiveness, what are the 14 punctuation marks for effective english writing, top rated universities in canada with the highest acceptance rate, reasons why is education important all you need to know, most important languages to learn for more opportunities, top tips for first-year students, 10 tips to choosing an online college, what is the difference between going green and sustainability, how many nickels make a dollar all you need to know, highest paid military in the world in 2024 (top 10 countries), how to record a meeting on microsoft teams, 100 positive affirmations for students, 5 universities in cambridge massachusetts ma, 25 cheapest universities in usa for international students, why you should get your master’s in counselling, 32 best work from home companies that are legit, 15 google meet ideas for teachers, 25 short term courses with high salary, career opportunities for bcom students, how to become a pilot with or without a degree, how to become a home inspector, is a master’s in information technology worth it, how to build a career in digital marketing, is an online associate degree in health science for you, how to become a video game designer, what is a business lawyer, how to capitalize job titles, project management methodologies: definition, types and examples, career development plan: how to create a career plan, what does a film producer do, how to become a medical writer, how to become a music producer without school, 20 high paying part time jobs.

More From Forbes

You're not lazy; you're scared: how to finally stop procrastinating.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Be honest: Do you struggle in getting things started (or completed)? Do you tell yourself, “I’ll get to it,” yet find yourself binge-watching an entire season of  Bridgeton  instead?

You're not alone.

According to  Psychology Today , procrastination is a common human tendency. For the occasional offender, finding the willpower to buckle down and power through is usually enough to boost productivity and focus on accomplishing the task at hand.

But while everyone may procrastinate, not everyone is a procrastinator, says  Joseph Ferrari , a psychology professor at DePaul University, leading researcher on the subject, and author of  Still Procrastinating: The No Regrets Guide to Getting It Done.  Ferrari says we all put tasks off, but his research has found that 20 percent of U.S. men and women are chronic procrastinators.

“It really has nothing to do with  time management ,” he says. “As I tell people, to tell the chronic procrastinator to 'just do it' would be like saying to a clinically depressed person, ‘cheer up.’”

Psychologists have discovered that procrastination isn’t a time management thing but instead a coping mechanism. When we procrastinate, we’re avoiding an unpleasant task and doing something else that gives us a temporary mood boost.  Timothy Pychyl , a professor who studies procrastination at Carleton University in Ottawa, calls this avoidance behavior “giving in to feel good.”

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

But the shame and guilt of not doing what we should be doing can make us procrastinate even further, creating a vicious, self-defeating cycle. And what makes procrastination so harmful is that the tasks don't go away. Eventually, you’re left with the tasks to complete, the negative emotions again, plus the added stress of a time constraint.

Like Ferrari, Pychyl agrees that procrastination isn’t a time management problem. “It’s about really dealing with our feelings. Emotional regulation, to me, is the real story around procrastination because to the extent that I can deal with my emotions, I can stay on task,” says Pychyl.

So what’s a chronic procrastinator to do? The next time you don’t feel like doing something, try these three tips:

Acknowledge why you’ve been avoiding it

You’re not lazy; you're scared. When we procrastinate, we’re avoiding the unpleasant feelings that accompany the task at hand. Procrastination is rooted in fear—of failure, of success, or of not being perfect—and fear is a powerful emotion. We feel anxiety when we’re pushed to do things that make us uncomfortable, so naturally, we avoid them at all costs. But when we try to get rid of the negative feelings by, say, scrolling our social media feeds, it’s only a temporary fix. By facing your emotions, you can begin to manage them.

Forgive yourself for procrastinating

Pychyl and others found that people prone to procrastination are, overall, less compassionate toward themselves. One of the most effective things that procrastinators can do is to forgive themselves for procrastinating. In a  study , students who reported forgiving themselves for procrastinating on studying for a first exam ended up procrastinating less for a second exam.

Researchers say employing self-compassion works because procrastination is linked to negative feelings. When you forgive yourself, you’ll reduce the guilt you feel about procrastinating, eliminating one of the primary triggers for procrastinating.

Just get started

Pychyl says that most of us mistakenly believe that “our emotional state has to match the task at hand.” But the truth is that you’ll rarely feel like it, nor does it matter.

He recommends ignoring how you feel and focusing instead on what the next action should be. “Rather than telling yourself, ‘just do it,’ which can be overwhelming,” says Pychyl, “say, ‘just get started.’”

Pychyl suggests breaking down tasks into easily accomplished steps. Even completing a relatively small action will help you make progress and feel better about the task. This increases your self-esteem, which in turn reduces the desire to procrastinate to make yourself feel better, he says. Plus, this simple swap shifts your attention from your emotions to action so you can finally finish what you started.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework? Winning the Homework Game in 2024

• Post author By admin
• October 30, 2023

Explore powerful strategies for how to stop procrastinating on homework. Your path to academic success starts here.

Yet, there you are, wrestling with the age-old temptation of procrastination. We’ve all been there, right? It’s that eternal battle between what we should do and what we’d rather be doing.

But fear not! In this article, we’re about to embark on a quest to conquer that mighty dragon called procrastination.

We’ll be your trusty guides, offering practical tips, easy tricks, and a fresh perspective that will help you take the reins of your homework. No more last-minute panics or anxiety-ridden nights – just straightforward, effective solutions.

So, if you’re itching to bid procrastination farewell and say hello to a more productive, relaxed you, keep reading. We’re about to unveil the secrets of how to stop procrastinating on your homework and make your academic life a whole lot simpler.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Procrastination Puzzle

Let’s talk procrastination – that common struggle we’ve all faced. You’re sitting there, homework in front of you, but suddenly, cleaning your room or endlessly scrolling social media becomes way more appealing. Sound familiar? Well, we’re going to demystify this whole procrastination thing and make it as clear as day.

Procrastination often happens because of two things: “perplexity” and “burstiness.”

This is just a fancy way of saying that when a task seems as confusing as solving a Rubik’s Cube in the dark, we’d rather put it off. Our brains like to avoid stuff that feels too hard.

Our focus isn’t exactly a steady stream; it’s more like waves in the ocean. One moment, you’re all in, and the next, you’re daydreaming about what’s for dinner.

Understanding these two factors is like having the secret map to procrastination. It’s not about being lazy; it’s about dealing with tough tasks and a mind that loves to wander.

But here’s the good news: we’ve got some straightforward strategies and techniques to outsmart procrastination. So, let’s get to it and conquer this homework hurdle, once and for all!

How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework ?

Learn the best ways to stop procrastination on homework:-

Create a Dedicated Workspace

Okay, let’s talk about creating your dedicated homework space. It’s like building your fortress against procrastination. Here’s how to do it:

• Chase the Quiet: Hunt for a quiet nook where the world won’t barge in every two minutes. It could be your bedroom, a library, or a peaceful corner in your house.
• Comfort is Queen: Make sure your workspace is comfy. A cozy chair and good lighting can make a huge difference. You don’t want to feel like you’re serving time in a study prison.
• Distraction Ditching: Kick distractions to the curb. That means your phone, the TV remote, and noisy siblings (if possible). Put your phone on silent or use one of those nifty apps to keep away from Instagram’s tempting grasp.
• Materials at Arm’s Reach: Keep all your study stuff nearby. No more scavenger hunts for that elusive pen or your textbook.
• Make It Yours: Personalize your study space. Add a dash of your personality with a motivational quote on the wall, a little plant buddy, or some chill music to set the vibe.

So, there you have it – your perfect little study sanctuary. Once you’ve got this spot nailed down, you’re all set to kick procrastination out the door and supercharge your homework game.

Set Clear Goals

Let’s dive into the art of setting clear goals for your homework – it’s like having your personal GPS for academic success. Here’s how to make it happen:

• Task Breakdown: Break your homework into bite-sized pieces. Think of it like cutting a big sandwich into manageable, delicious bites. If you have a major project, break it into research, outlining, writing, and editing – each is like a mini-mission.
• Deadlines that Talk: Now, give each of these tasks a deadline. Make it specific, like ‘Finish research by Wednesday’ or ‘Outline done by Friday.’ These deadlines aren’t just dates; they’re your milestones.
• Picture the Finish Line: With your tasks and deadlines laid out, it’s like having a treasure map. You can see the ‘X’ marks where you need to be. It’s your visual guide to the finish line.
• The Satisfaction of Checkmarks: As you conquer each task, put a glorious checkmark next to it. It’s like giving yourself a virtual high-five and a little victory dance.
• Ready to Adapt: Life can throw curveballs, but that’s okay. Be flexible and adjust your plan if needed. Just keep your eyes on the prize – completing your homework successfully.

Armed with these clear goals, you’ll navigate your homework journey with confidence. It’s like embarking on a grand adventure with a trusty map in hand.

So, set those goals, and let’s make homework time not just productive but also a tad exciting!

Plan and Prioritize

Let’s dive into the intriguing world of planning and prioritizing your homework. Think of it as creating your personal strategy to outsmart procrastination. Here’s how to make it engaging:

• The To-Do List Magic: Start by conjuring up a to-do list for your homework tasks. Write down all the missions you need to conquer. It’s like crafting your own adventure map for the day.
• The Importance Puzzle: Now, it’s time to play detective. Analyze each task and decide how important it is. Some are like urgent quests, while others can wait for your heroic attention.
• The Deadline Drama: Check for those homework deadlines. Some are sprint races, and others are marathons. Prioritize your tasks based on when they need to be vanquished.
• Your Homework Battle Plan: Armed with your list and prioritization skills, you’re now the commander of your homework army. You know exactly which dragons to slay first.
• The Procrastination Shield: With a clear plan in hand, procrastination’s evil powers are no match for your Jedi-like focus. You’ve got your homework forces in order!

So, get ready to turn your homework time into an epic quest, complete with battles and victories. Your map is ready, your strategy is set, and it’s time to conquer those homework challenges with style.

Onward, brave student!

Try the Pomodoro Technique

Alright, let’s dive into a nifty trick to zap procrastination – the Pomodoro Technique. Think of it as your superpower to stay laser-focused. Here’s how it rolls:

• Time Blocks: Picture your homework as a series of quick missions, each lasting around 25 minutes – we call this a Pomodoro. It’s like a challenge you set for yourself.
• Focus Mode On: During a Pomodoro, you’re in the zone. No distractions allowed. It’s like you’re a study ninja with your concentration shurikens.
• Mini Victory Break: After each Pomodoro, you earn a tiny, 5-minute break. It’s like a quick victory dance, a chance to recharge for the next round.
• The Fab Four: Once you’ve conquered four Pomodoros, you treat yourself to a more extended break, say 15-30 minutes. It’s like your homework marathon checkpoint.
• Procrastination Kryptonite: The Pomodoro Technique is your trusty shield against procrastination. When you have a timer ticking, distractions can’t sneak in, and your productivity soars.

Ready to level up your homework game? Give the Pomodoro Technique a whirl, and watch your focus and productivity shoot through the roof. You’re not just a student; you’re a study superhero!

Time Blocking

Now, let’s dive into the genius strategy of time blocking – it’s like your superhero cape against procrastination. Here’s the lowdown:

• Chunk Your Time: Imagine your day as a puzzle, and each puzzle piece is a time block dedicated to a specific subject or task. It’s like creating your own schedule with chapters.
• The Zone of Zen: When you’re in a time block, it’s all about that one task – no distractions allowed. It’s like setting your focus laser on high power.
• The Roadmap to Success: By assigning specific time blocks to different subjects, you’re essentially crafting a roadmap for your day. It’s like having a GPS for your productivity.
• Procrastination’s Nemesis: Time blocking is your shield against procrastination’s sneaky tricks. When you’ve set aside a dedicated block for a task, distractions find it tough to creep in.

So, if you’re ready to level up your homework game and bid farewell to procrastination, time blocking is your go-to strategy.

It’s like having your personal organizer, ensuring you stay on the path to academic victory. Get ready to conquer your homework with style!

Visualize Success

Alright, let’s explore a nifty little trick to tackle procrastination head-on – the power of visualization. It’s like creating a mental blockbuster that inspires you. Here’s how it rolls:

• Shut Those Peepers: Find a quiet spot before diving into your homework. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let’s get ready to roll. It’s like stepping into your very own imagination theater.
• Paint the Picture: Picture yourself acing your homework, big smile on your face, a sense of accomplishment filling your chest. See the finish line clearly – it’s like you’re watching a movie about your success.
• Feel the Feels: As you imagine your success, let the emotions flow. Feel the pride, the relief, the joy – like you’re already celebrating the victory.
• Fuel Your Motivation: Use this mental movie as your secret weapon. When procrastination tries to knock, play this movie in your head, and let the inspiration flow. It’s like having a motivational coach inside your mind.

So, gear up to supercharge your homework motivation with your very own mental cinema. It’s not just about getting the work done; it’s about enjoying the journey and visualizing your triumphant destination. Let’s get started!

Change Your Perspective

Okay, let’s chat about a cool way to tackle procrastination – changing your perspective. It’s like putting on a pair of positivity glasses to see homework in a whole new light. Here’s how it goes:

• Shift the Lens: Instead of seeing homework as a chore, look at it as a chance to grab some serious rewards. It’s like turning homework into a treasure hunt.
• The Treasure Trove: Think about the good stuff that comes with completing your homework – better grades, more knowledge, and the sweet satisfaction of a job well done. It’s like picturing a chest full of academic gold.
• Picture the Win: Imagine yourself reaping those rewards and enjoying the benefits. Feel the pride and personal growth that come with conquering your homework. It’s like watching your success story unfold.
• Stay Fired Up: Whenever procrastination tries to creep in, remind yourself of these rewards and benefits. It’s like having your personal motivation guru in your corner.

Changing your perspective can turn homework from a dreaded task into an exciting journey. It’s all about focusing on the pot of gold at the end of your academic rainbow.

So, get ready to dive into your homework with a fresh outlook and a pocket full of motivation. Let’s roll!

Reward Yourself

Let’s talk about a fun and effective way to combat procrastination – rewarding yourself. It’s like sprinkling a little celebration into your study routine. Here’s how it works:

• Task Triumph: After you’ve conquered a homework task, it’s time to treat yourself. Think of it as your personal victory lap.
• The Reward Menu: Decide on some enjoyable treats or activities. It could be a snack, a short game, a walk, or even a quick dance to your favorite song. It’s like choosing from your own reward menu.
• Keep it Proportional: Make sure the reward matches the task’s difficulty. Smaller tasks might call for a quick treat, while larger ones could earn you a more substantial celebration.
• The Motivation Booster: Rewards act as motivation magnets. They keep you excited about completing your homework and make you eager to start the next task.
• Stay Consistent: By regularly rewarding yourself, you’re building a positive association with homework. It’s like turning a chore into a fun game.

So, embrace the power of rewards and make your homework sessions a bit sweeter. It’s not just about completing the task; it’s about enjoying the journey with a dash of celebration.

Ready to dive into your homework with the promise of delightful rewards? Let’s do this!

Join or Create Study Groups

Alright, let’s dive into the wonderful world of study groups – your secret weapon against procrastination. It’s like forming a homework dream team. Here’s how it goes down:

• Gather Your Crew: Round up some classmates who are in the same homework boat as you. It’s like building your Avengers of academics.
• The Homework Campfire: Within your study group, share your homework struggles and victories. It’s like swapping adventure stories around a campfire.
• Accountability Partners: Your study buddies keep you on your toes. You’re accountable to each other, and that’s a fantastic motivator. It’s like having your personal cheering section.
• Brainpower Bonanza: When you work together, you tap into a treasure chest of ideas and knowledge. It’s like having your very own brain trust.
• Homework Hangouts: Study groups make homework a lot more fun. It’s like turning a solo mission into a group quest.

By joining or creating study groups, you transform homework into a social event. It’s not just about getting the work done; it’s about enjoying the ride with your study pals.

Ready to tackle your homework like a dynamic duo or a fantastic four? Let’s get to it!

Accountability Partners

Alright, let’s dive into a savvy strategy to kick procrastination to the curb – meet your accountability partner. Think of it as enlisting your very own homework cheerleader. Here’s how the story unfolds:

• Recruiting Your Partner in Crime: Find a friend or family member who’s game to join forces. They become your homework ally, your go-to teammate.
• Sharing the Secrets: Open up about your homework goals and progress with your partner. It’s like making a pact to support each other’s success.
• Daily Check-Ins: Keep the communication lines open, regularly updating your partner on your homework journey. The feeling of someone rooting for you is like a turbo boost for motivation.
• Victory Celebrations: When you conquer your homework goals, it’s time for a celebratory high-five with your partner. It’s like having your very own personal victory party.
• Boosted Commitment: With an accountability partner in tow, your commitment soars to new heights. It’s like having an extra dose of motivation on your side.

Teaming up with an accountability partner transforms homework into a shared adventure. It’s not just about the task; it’s about the bond and the joint commitment to success.

Ready to tackle your homework with your trusty sidekick? Let’s do this!

Eliminate Distractions

Let’s talk about a crucial strategy to tackle procrastination – eliminating distractions. It’s like creating a fortress of focus for your homework time. Here’s how to do it:

• Detect Your Distractions: First, identify what’s been pulling your attention away during homework. Is it your smartphone, noisy neighbors, or the TV? It’s like finding the enemy’s weak spots.
• Homework Sanctuary: Now, create a dedicated homework space where distractions are minimal. It could be a quiet corner, a library, or a cozy coffee shop – your fortress of focus.
• Gadget Control: If your smartphone is your kryptonite, set it to ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode or place it out of reach. It’s like locking away the distraction in a hidden vault.
• Noisy Neighbors? Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: If outside noise is the culprit, invest in noise-canceling headphones. It’s like putting on a silencing superhero cape.
• Stay on Guard: While in your homework zone, keep an eye on potential distractions and steer clear of them. It’s like having your own watchtower to protect your focus.

By eliminating distractions, you’re creating an environment where procrastination finds it tough to survive. Your homework time becomes a sacred space for productivity. Ready to transform your space into a distraction-free fortress of focus? Let’s get started!

Use Technology Wisely

Alright, let’s dive into the world of tech to outsmart procrastination – using technology wisely. It’s like having your very own digital homework genius. Here’s how the story unfolds:

• Explore the App Universe: There’s a galaxy of productivity apps out there. Your mission? Find the ones that click with your needs. It’s like building your arsenal of homework helpers.
• Time-Taming Wizards: Picture calendars and task managers as your trusty time-travel companions. They keep your homework schedule in check. It’s like having a digital time guardian.
• Distraction Defenders: Some apps are like your digital bodyguards, shielding you from distracting websites and notifications. It’s like a digital fortress of focus.
• Study Superpowers: There are apps for research, note-taking, and study techniques . They’re like having your personal digital tutor on speed dial.
• Accountability Allies: You can even recruit apps to track your progress and keep you on your homework toes. It’s like having a virtual coach in your corner.

With tech as your ally, you’re turning your digital devices into powerful tools for conquering procrastination. They become your homework superheroes, not villains.

Ready to gear up and turn your digital world into a homework powerhouse? Let’s roll!

Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

Alright, let’s unveil a classic procrastination-busting move – the art of breaking down your tasks into bite-sized bits. It’s like turning a daunting mountain into a collection of manageable molehills. Here’s the deal:

• Task Checkup: When you face a homework task that seems as colossal as a mountain, take a breath and assess it. What are the smaller, more doable steps hidden within this giant? It’s like uncovering the secret map to success.
• Mini-Missions: Divide that mammoth task into tiny, conquerable chunks. If you’re dealing with a research paper, think of steps like “Gather Sources,” “Craft an Outline,” “Write Introduction,” and so on. It’s like creating your own homework adventure roadmap.
• One Bite at a Time: Focus on one mini-task at a time. As you finish each one, savor the sweet taste of progress. It’s like ticking off items on your homework checklist.
• Overwhelm Be Gone: Slicing your homework into smaller pieces transforms the impossible into a series of manageable victories. It’s like turning an epic quest into a collection of thrilling chapters.

By conquering your homework one mini-challenge at a time, you’re taking the driver’s seat to victory. Procrastination doesn’t stand a chance when you’re the master of these bite-sized tasks.

Ready to dive into your homework with the confidence of a conqueror, one step at a time? Let’s roll!

Start with the Most Challenging Task

Alright, let’s reveal a ninja move against procrastination – tackling the most daunting task head-on. It’s like facing your homework Goliath right from the start. Here’s the game plan:

• Task Scouting: Look over your homework lineup and find the one that gives you the biggest case of the homework jitters. It’s usually the toughest or the least exciting.
• The Brave Kick-Off: Instead of procrastinating, dive straight into that challenging task. It’s like stepping onto the battlefield with your mightiest sword.
• Early Triumph: When you conquer the most challenging task first, it’s like scoring a winning goal in the big game. You feel an instant rush of accomplishment.
• Smooth Sailing Ahead: With the toughest challenge in your rearview mirror, the rest of your homework feels like a walk in the park. It’s like downhill coasting on a bike after a steep uphill climb.

By taking on the biggest challenge right from the start, you not only slay the dragon but also set the stage for a super productive homework session.

Procrastination doesn’t stand a chance when you lead with your strongest move. Ready to jump into your homework like a true hero taking on a formidable foe? Let’s roll!

Stay Organized 

Alright, let’s unveil a nifty trick for outsmarting procrastination – the power of staying organized. It’s like having a magic wand to create order in your homework realm. Here’s how it plays out:

• Declutter Detective: First, size up your homework space. Is it a chaotic jungle, or a serene sanctuary?
• Your Homework Haven: Carve out a special space just for your homework materials, notes, and assignments. It’s like creating a secret haven amidst the homework hustle.
• A Place for Everything: Give each item a designated home. Your textbooks, notes, pens – they all get their own cozy corners. It’s like having a treasure map for your academic gear.
• Supercharge Efficiency: When everything’s in its place, you’ll spend less time hunting for stuff and more time conquering your homework. It’s like turning your workspace into a well-oiled homework machine.
• Procrastination-Proof: An organized space is like a fortress against procrastination. It’s like having a homework superhero shield that repels distractions.

By embracing the way of the tidy and organized, you’re setting the stage for homework success. Procrastination struggles to survive in a well-ordered kingdom.

Ready to dive into your homework with the cool, collected vibe of a Zen master? Let’s get this organized party started!

How can I stop procrastinating immediately?

Got a procrastination emergency? No worries; we’re diving into action right now. Here’s your swift and snappy plan:

The first step is often the hardest. So, pick a task, any task, and just start. Set a timer for a quick 5 minutes and tell yourself you’ll give it your all during that time. Starting is the name of the game.

Distraction Defenders

Silence your phone, shut irrelevant tabs, and create a laser-focused workspace. It’s like rolling out the red carpet for your homework superhero.

Divide your task into itsy-bitsy mini-goals. Completing these tiny triumphs will give you a boost of victory and keep you charging forward.

Pomodoro Power

Work for 25 minutes like a champ, then treat yourself to a 5-minute breather. Rinse and repeat. It’s a dynamite method for maintaining your focus.

Imagine Victory

Close your eyes and picture the glorious moment when you finish your task. Feel the satisfaction deep in your bones.

Accountability Ace

Share your task with someone else. Knowing someone’s got an eye on your progress amps up your commitment.

Deadline Dash

Set a lightning-quick deadline for yourself. Creating a touch of urgency can fire up your motivation.

Reward Time

Promise yourself a sweet reward as soon as you conquer that task. It could be a treat, a fun video, or whatever floats your boat.

Stay Positive

Focus on the awesome feeling of accomplishment you’ll have when the task is done, rather than the effort it takes.

Push Past Resistance

Remember, procrastination is a mind game. Push through that initial resistance; it’s just a mental mirage. Keep pushing, even if it feels tough.

With these strategies, you’re equipped to kick procrastination to the curb right this instant. Ready to grab that task by the horns and show it who’s boss? Let’s do it!

You’ve just embarked on a journey to conquer the procrastination dragon that’s been haunting your homework world. With these powerful strategies in your arsenal, victory is within reach.

We began by understanding why procrastination sneaks in and learned that it’s a battle anyone can win. We explored the secrets of creating a dedicated workspace, setting clear goals, planning, and using clever techniques like the Pomodoro method and time blocking.

We harnessed the power of visualization, shifted our perspective, and discovered the sweet rewards of staying organized.

We learned to embrace the bravery of starting with the most challenging task and the wisdom of technology, accountability, and the support of friends and family.

We crafted a homework sanctuary where distractions dare not tread, and we honed the art of breaking tasks into manageable steps.

And if the procrastination beast dared to raise its head, we had a lightning-fast action plan ready to slay it immediately.

Remember, every step you take toward conquering procrastination is a step toward your academic success. With focus, determination, and these strategies, you can turn your homework time into a productive, fulfilling adventure.

So, gear up, and let’s banish procrastination to the shadows. Your homework journey is just beginning, and you’re the hero of this tale. Go forth and conquer!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i find the right workspace for homework.

Your workspace should be quiet and free from distractions. It could be a corner in your room, a library, or a cozy café, wherever you can focus best.

What’s the Pomodoro Technique, and how does it work?

The Pomodoro Technique involves working in short, focused intervals (typically 25 minutes) followed by a short break. This helps maintain concentration and reduce procrastination.

Is it essential to set clear goals for homework?

Yes, setting clear goals is crucial. It breaks down your tasks into manageable chunks with specific deadlines, making it easier to stay on track.

How can I change my perspective on homework?

Shift your focus from the effort required to the rewards of completing your homework. Think about the sense of achievement and knowledge gained.

Why are study groups and accountability partners helpful?

Study groups provide a support system and the opportunity to discuss assignments. Accountability partners help keep you on track by sharing your goals and progress.

• australia (2)
• duolingo (13)
• Education (284)
• General (78)
• How To (18)
• IELTS (127)
• Latest Updates (162)
• Malta Visa (6)
• Permanent residency (1)
• Programming (31)
• Scholarship (1)
• Sponsored (4)
• Study Abroad (187)
• Technology (12)
• work permit (8)

Recent Posts

How to Stop Procrastinating Homework

Procrastination creates stress for students and can impact the production of quality work.  Putting things off, for all of us, creates an overall feeling of things hanging over our heads and never being free from responsibility.  

When students procrastinate, they can create a situation that makes it difficult to self-regulate .  When a student is not well-regulated – in other words, they’re experiencing a moderate to high level of anxiety related to homework –  it’s more difficult for their frontal lobe to be engaged in thinking and problem-solving.  

Want to help your student stop procrastinating homework and reach their full academic potential?  This article takes an objective view of homework procrastination to examine the root cause and provides some expert advice on how parents and educators can best help students.

Common Reasons for Procrastinating Homework

So, why is procrastination so common?  Contrary to what many might believe, the root cause has nothing to do with students being ‘lazy’ or dismissive about their schoolwork.  Rather, some of the most common reasons for homework procrastination include,  

• Students may underestimate the length or complexity of a project because they have not fully developed the concept.
• When students feel overwhelmed or become aware of the significance of the project/paper/essay etc, they can ‘freeze up’, rendering them incapable of completing any work at all.  
• Trying to accomplish homework with ADHD presents unique challenges for students; students with ADHD often need help further developing essential executive functioning skills .
• Some students may not be getting enough sleep and feel exhausted – both physically and mentally; an exhaustive state robs them of their natural ability to motivate. 
• The home environment where students typically complete homework may have too many distractions. 

The rule of thumb for parents: perspective is key for parents .  Motivating students from a place of shame is a non-starter.  Alternatively, parents will have more success when they objectively consider the root causes for procrastinating homework – anxiety, exhaustion, constant distractions, or living with ADHD – and look for ways to help alleviate these common factors. 

Homework Tips for Parents : A Word On Motivation

First, motivating students is a misnomer.  Students may want to do well, but really do not know how to do well.  Others may procrastinate because they’re afraid to fail or not be perfect.  

Try following these steps to help your student,  

• Begin by asking your student if they are open to help.  While students may say no, parents have the ability to respond by saying they respect their position but would kindly ask them to reconsider.  In other words, forcing students to comply simply compounds the stress and frustration the student is experiencing. 
• Recognize that your student may be more emotional with you than with a tutor.  It’s not personal – by keeping your emotions in check, you provide a great example of self-regulation for your student to model.  If you need to step away to get a break, do so.  
• Model, model, model!  Get involved by reading the assignment out loud with your student, and create a schedule of how to do a little each day so the student learns how to complete a little at a time 
• Perhaps the most important thing to do: empathize!  Kids, just like us, want to be understood and supported.  Even as adults, having to do what you don’t like to do stinks – we call it ‘adulting’. Want to shorten the proverbial gap between you and your student? Provide some real-life examples of how you have to do things you don’t like as an adult and acknowledge their feelings.  You will become instantly relatable. 

Additional Homework Tips for Students

• Start with something easy to help you get going – we call this behavioral momentum.  Format your paper, write your name at the top of the assignment, and answer the question you feel most comfortable with – just get the ball rolling. 
• After you establish behavioral momentum, tackle something more challenging – but set a timer (around 30 minutes) so you don’t feel like it will take all night. 
• Some research shows that individuals are more likely to perform better on an assessment when part of a group.  If you have the time and opportunity, join a study group of people who are all working like you.  
• Create a work/break schedule and definitely put distractions in another room (phone! Or games/Youtube or other streaming videos).  

Creating an Efficient Homework Schedule 

Okay, parents – you likely already know how important structure and routine can be for your kids. In helping your student learn how to stop procrastinating homework, creating a schedule can give them a greater sense of autonomy while helping them manage expectations.   

In a de-escalated environment, (when things are chill) ask your student to create a homework schedule that he/she would like to implement.  After they present it to you, you’ll have an opportunity to give feedback and set up a trial period.  

The proposal itself is a plan;  the student is evaluating their resources (time) and responsibilities (tasks) and formulating a plan.  Ask your student how they want to be held accountable and let them know you want to discuss it with them at the end of the week to evaluate their progress.  

With this approach, parents demonstrate trust in their students and give them an opportunity to practice being self-direct.  The key word here is practice – so, don’t expect it to be perfect!  Over time and with further practice, they will develop these skills.  

Academic Coaching with Effective Students

Fortunately, for parents and students who feel overwhelmed by homework or are frustrated trying to help their kids, there is help in the form of academic coaching from Effective Students. Our academic coaching services empower students who may be struggling to manage materials or assignments, apply what they’re learning, transition into a new academic environment (high school to college, for example), and procrastinate homework due to heightened feelings of anxiety, fear, and exhaustion. 

Learn how to help your child meet and exceed their academic goals – contact us today!

You might also like

• Student Readiness Survey
• How it helps?

Atlanta 3225 Cumberland Blvd SE, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30339 470-243-0374

Charlotte 1515 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28209 470-243-0374

• Testimonials
• Meet the Team Atlanta
• Meet the Team Charlotte
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Sorry. This form is no longer accepting new submissions.

Solving Procrastination

Student Procrastination: Why Students Procrastinate and How to Stop It

Student procrastination is a common problem, which occurs when students unnecessarily postpone working on school tasks, like studying or writing. It affects students at all levels, and can cause serious issues, like worse grades and lower wellbeing. It’s also a complicated problem, since different students procrastinate for different reasons, and can therefore benefit from different solutions when it comes to overcoming their procrastination.

The following article provides a comprehensive and practical guide to the problem of student procrastination. Its goals are to first help you understand why students procrastinate, and then show you what students can do in order to stop procrastinating and start studying. This will be beneficial whether you’re a student yourself, or someone like a parent or a teacher, who wants to help students overcome their procrastination.

Examples of student procrastination

An example of student procrastination is a student who needs to sit down and finish their homework, but instead wastes time on the internet all day and only starts working late at night, even though they wish they could have gotten started earlier.

In addition, other examples of student procrastination are the following:

• A high-school student who puts off studying for a test for several hours, by browsing social media instead.
• An undergraduate university student who postpones writing a class paper for weeks until right before the deadline , by watching TV, playing games, and going out instead.
• A graduate student who postpones working on a large research project or dissertation for an entire semester, by continually putting it off to a later date, while working on small and unimportant tasks instead.

Finally, although the concept of student procrastination is mainly associated with procrastination on academic tasks, students can also procrastinate on other types of tasks , like exercising or cleaning their room.

Prevalence of student procrastination

Procrastination is very common among students. For example, studies show that approximately 50% of college students say that they procrastinate in a consistent and problematic manner, approximately 75% consider themselves to be procrastinators, and approximately 80%–95% procrastinate to some degree.

Furthermore, research shows that procrastination is common among other student populations , including students in elementary school , middle school , high school , and graduate school . In fact, it’s so common among students that the tendency to procrastinate on tasks until right before they’re due is sometimes called the student syndrome .

Dangers of student procrastination

Procrastination can cause various issues for students, by negatively affecting their time management, academic performance, emotional wellbeing, and mental and physical health:

• In terms of time management , procrastination can take up a considerable amount of time, and students often report that procrastination occupies over a third of their daily activities, usually in the form of behaviors such as sleeping, watching TV, or playing games. It can also cause them to experience other time-management issues, such as missing important deadlines, or rushing to complete assignments without enough time.
• In terms of  academic performance , procrastination can lead to various issues , including worse exam scores, worse grades, more course failures, and more course withdrawals. Many of these issues can be attributed to issues that procrastination causes in terms of time management. For example, if students fail to manage their time by continually putting off studying for an important test, they will likely end up unprepared, and therefore earn a worse grade than they could have earned if they didn’t procrastinate.
• In terms of  emotional wellbeing and mental/physical health , procrastination can cause  issues like increased stress  and increased rates of illness . Many of these issues are associated with the issues that students experience in terms of their time management and academic performance. For example, if a student submits an assignment late due to procrastination and ends up receiving a bad grade, then they might feel anxiety, guilt, and stress over their behavior.

Given this, and given how common procrastination is, it’s unsurprising that many students say that procrastination is always or nearly always a problem for them when it comes to various academic tasks (e.g., writing papers and studying for exams), and that they want to reduce their procrastination on those tasks.

In addition, procrastination can also cause serious issues for students once they leave academia and enter the job market, since many of the above issues extend to adults outside academia, and since procrastination is associated with further issues, such as lower salaries, shorter periods of employment, a higher likelihood of unemployment, and lower financial success in general.

Why students procrastinate

Students procrastinate because issues like exhaustion and anxiety outweigh their self-control and motivation. These issues include personal factors, like fear and perfectionism, and situational factors, like distractions and unclear instructions.

Specifically, when students need to study or work on assignments, they rely primarily on their self-control in order to get themselves to do it. Furthermore, their self-control is sometimes supported by their motivation, which helps them do things in a timely manner.

However, in some cases, students suffer from various issues that interfere with or oppose their self-control and motivation, such as exhaustion and anxiety . When these issues are stronger than their self-control and motivation, they end up procrastinating, until they reach a point where the balance between these factors shifts in the students’ favor, or until it becomes too late.

This explains why many students procrastinate in a chronic manner even when they have the necessary motivation and truly want to study and get their work done. This also explains why many students always procrastinate on academic work until right before the deadline, at which point the increased motivation, often in the form of stressful pressure, finally pushes them to start studying or to start working on their assignments.

Accordingly, common reasons why students procrastinate include the following :

• Abstract goals , generally in terms of being vague about when and how the students intend to study or do their work.
• Feeling overwhelmed , often while being unsure of how to deal with the academic task at hand.
• Perfectionism , generally in the form of refusing to create work that has any flaws.
• Fear of failure , often due to concerns over how failure might reflect on the student’s abilities and skills, either in their eyes or in the eyes of others.
• Anxiety , often in light of potential negative feedback.
• Task aversion , especially in cases where the students find an assignment boring or unpleasant.
• Lack of motivation , often as a result of not caring about academic performance, feeling disconnected from their future self, or having rewards that are too far in the future.
• Physical or mental exhaustion , often due to a combination of reasons, such as a high academic workload together with lack of sleep.
• Resentment , generally toward the studying or assignments directly, toward their source, or toward something related, such as a parent pushing the student to do well in a subject that they’re not interested in.
• Sensation seeking , generally in the form of enjoying working on things right before the deadline, when there’s intense time pressure that can make otherwise boring assignments more challenging and exciting.
• Problematic work environment , generally as a result of having many distractions or temptations around.
• Lack of sufficient communication from instructors, for example when it comes to not having clear directions and due dates for a certain class project.

Other common causes of student procrastination include behaviors such as self-handicapping , which involves procrastinating so that if the student fails then they can blame their failure on procrastination rather than on their abilities, and self-sabotaging , which involves procrastinating as a result of a tendency to hinder one’s progress.

Furthermore, certain personality traits , such as distractibility and impulsivity , are associated with the tendency to procrastinate, meaning that people who are naturally high in these traits are more likely to procrastinate.

Finally, there are also some underlying issues that can lead to procrastination, like ADHD , depression , and lack of sleep .

Overall, students procrastinate because issues such as exhaustion and anxiety outweigh their self-control and motivation. Common issues that lead to student procrastination include abstract goals, feeling overwhelmed, perfectionism, fear of failure, task aversion, resentment, a problematic work environment, and sensation seeking.

How to stop procrastinating on studying

To stop procrastinating on your studying or schoolwork right now , you should identify the smallest possible thing you can do to make progress on it, and then modify your environment to make it as likely as possible that you will do it.

For example, if you need to study for an exam, the smallest possible step that you can take toward doing this might be to open your notes and go over just the first paragraph that you have written down. Once you realize that this is all you need to do, you can start modifying your study environment to help yourself achieve this, for example by going to a room with no distractions and leaving your phone outside.

There are many other anti-procrastination techniques you can use as a student. Start by trying a few of them that seem relevant based on factors like your circumstances and the specific causes of your procrastination. Over time, you can modify which techniques you use and how you use them, based on how they work for you.

Improve your planning:

• Set concrete goals for yourself. For example, instead of a vague goal, such as “study for my upcoming exam”, set a concrete goal, such as “on the week of my upcoming exam, go to the library every day after I finish my last class for the day, and spend at least 2 hours studying”.
• Break your tasks into small and manageable steps. For example, if you need to write an essay, you can start with steps such as figuring out the title, creating a rough outline, and finding five appropriate academic sources. Note that if the project in question is large, then you generally shouldn’t worry about figuring out all the steps to it from the start. Instead, start by identifying only the first few steps that you need to take, and then identify new steps as you make progress, to avoid feeling overwhelmed or getting stuck.
• Set intermediate milestones and deadlines for yourself. If your instructor hasn’t done this already, or if they’ve only set a single major deadline at the end, setting scaffolded intermediate milestones and deadlines for yourself will help you plan ahead, be accountable, and feel more motivated to make continuous progress.
• Identify your productivity cycles. Students vary in terms of when they’re most productive; for example, some work best in the morning, while others are more focused at night. You should take this into account, and schedule your study and work to times of day when you’re least likely to procrastinate.

Improve your environment:

• Change your environment to make it harder for yourself to procrastinate. For example, if you tend to procrastinate on writing essays because you keep browsing social media , turn off your internet connection on your computer before you get to work.
• Change your environment to make it easier for yourself to get started. For example, if you know that you’ll need to study for an exam tomorrow morning, organize all the relevant study material on your desk or in your bag before you go to bed.
• Change your environment to make it easier for you to keep going. For example, if you know that you’re likely to lose concentration if you get distracted while studying, go study in a quiet room and leave your phone outside.

Change your approach:

• Start with a tiny step. For example, if you need to write an essay, help yourself get started by committing to only write a single sentence at first. This can help you push yourself to get started on tasks, and often, once you do so, you’ll find it easy to keep going.
• Start with the best or worst part first. Some students find that starting with the most enjoyable or easiest part of an assignment helps them get going, while others find that getting the worst part out of the way first helps them avoid procrastinating over time. You can use either approach if you find that it works well for you.
• Add a time delay before you procrastinate. If you can’t avoid procrastinating entirely, try committing to having a time delay before you indulge your impulse to do so. For example, this can involve counting to 10 before you’re allowed to open a new tab on the social media website that you usually use to procrastinate.
• Use the Pomodoro technique. This involves alternating between scheduled periods of study and rest. For example, you can study for 25-minute long stretches, with 5-minute breaks in between, and a longer 30-minute break after every 4 study sets that you complete.

Increase your motivation:

• Make studying feel more rewarding. For example, you can gamify your studying, by marking down streaks of days on which you’ve managed to achieve your study goals, and potentially also giving yourself some reward once you reach a sufficiently long streak.
• Make studying feel more enjoyable. For example, if studying in your room is uncomfortable, try going somewhere more pleasant, such as the library.
• Visualize your future self. For example, you can visualize yourself being able to relax after finishing an assignment, visualize yourself being rewarded for getting a good grade, or visualize yourself having to handle the issues associated with not studying enough.
• Focus on your goals instead of on your tasks. For example, if you need to work on an assignment that you find boring, then instead of focusing on the assignment, try thinking about your academic goals and about the reason why you want to do well on that assignment, such as that you want to get a good grade in the class so you can have a stronger college application.

Change your mindset:

• Give yourself permission to make mistakes. For example, if you’re working on an assignment, accept the fact that your work likely won’t be perfect , especially at first. Furthermore, you can decide to start by just getting some initial answers written down, and then go over your work at the end to check if you need to make corrections.
• Address your fears. If you’re procrastinating because you’re afraid of something, try to identify your fears and resolve them. For example, if you’re afraid that your writing won’t be good enough, you can say to yourself that your goal is to just start by getting something written down, and that you can always improve it later.
• Develop self-compassion.   Self-compassion can help reduce your procrastination, as well as various issues that are associated with it, such as stress. It consists of three components that you should promote: self-kindness , which involves being nice to yourself, common humanity , which involves recognizing that everyone experiences challenges, and mindfulness , which involves accepting your emotions in a non-judgmental manner.
• Develop self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is the belief in your ability to perform the actions needed to achieve your goals. It can help you reduce your procrastination, as well as associated issues, such as anxiety. To develop self-efficacy, try to identify the various strategies that you can use to successfully study and complete your assignments, and think about your ability to execute those strategies successfully.

You’ll probably need to use multiple techniques in order to reduce your procrastination, but even just a few should help. Start with just a few techniques initially, to avoid getting overwhelmed, and then you can add more techniques over time, based on your progress.

If you suffer from an underlying issue that causes procrastination, such as ADHD , depression , or lack of sleep , you will likely need to resolve that issue first, using professional help if necessary, in order to successfully overcome your procrastination.

Overall, to stop procrastinating on your schoolwork, you should identify the smallest possible thing you can do to make progress on it, and then modify your environment to make it as likely as possible that you will do it. In the long term, you should also figure out the causes of your procrastination, and use relevant anti-procrastination techniques, like setting concrete goals, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and giving yourself permission to make mistakes.

How to help students stop procrastinating

When it comes to helping students overcome their procrastination, for example if you’re a teacher or a parent, there are three main approaches that you can use:

• An externally led approach. This involves using relevant anti-procrastination techniques to reduce students’ procrastination, without actively involving them in the process. For example, this can involve setting a series of intermediate project deadlines for all students in a course.
• A student-led approach. This involves letting students overcome their procrastination with little to no external guidance. External guidance in this case might include something as minimal as mentioning the problem of procrastination and telling students about a relevant resource such as this article.
• A joint approach. This involves giving students external guidance while also encouraging them to take an active role in their attempts to stop procrastinating. For example, this can involve going over relevant anti-procrastination techniques with students, and helping them choose and implement their preferred ones.

None of these approaches is inherently superior to the others. Accordingly, you should decide which one to use based on factors such as the number of students that you’re trying to help and the type of relationship that you have with them. For example, if you’re a teacher trying to help 200 students in a college course you will likely need to use a different approach than if you’re a parent trying to help just your kid.

Almost any type of relationship can be beneficial when it comes to helping a student overcome their procrastination. For example, if you’re a teacher, you’re likely in a good position in terms of your influence over the student’s academic situation. On the other hand, if you’re a parent, you’re likely in a good position in terms of your influence over the student’s home life.

Furthermore, you can reach out to other stakeholders who can help. For example, if you’re a teacher, and you think that a student’s parents might be able to help them stop procrastinating, you can reach out to them and discuss the situation.

In addition, an important factor to keep in mind is how independent the students in question are. In general, the more independent students are, the more they should be involved in the process of overcoming their procrastination, since this can increase their motivation and make the process more effective, while generally leading to more self-development and growth over time. This also raises the importance of giving students a sense of control, even if you’re the one guiding the process, which can be especially crucial when it comes to avoiding procrastination that’s rooted in issues such as resentment, rebellion, or lack of self-confidence.

Finally, the following is a list of specific things that you can do to help students stop procrastinating:

• Explain to the students what procrastination is and what it looks like, and help them understand that they engage in it themselves.
• Show the students why procrastination can be dangerous, when it comes to factors such as their academic performance, their career prospects, and their mental and physical health.
• Explain to the students what causes procrastination, and help them identify the causes of their own procrastination.
• Point students in the direction of resources that can help them deal with their procrastination, such as this article.
• Tell the student about relevant anti-procrastination techniques —which are listed in the previous section—and help them pick their preferred ones.
• Implement the previously mentioned anti-procrastination techniques on behalf of the students, for example by breaking apart large tasks into manageable steps and setting intermediate deadlines for each.

Overall, you can help students overcome their procrastination in various ways, such as by helping them understand that they’re procrastinating in a problematic manner, helping them identify the causes of their procrastination, and helping them choose and implement relevant anti-procrastination techniques. The specific approach that you should use depends on factors such as how autonomous the students in question are, how many students you’re trying to help, and what kind of relationship you have with them.

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• Personal Development
• Productivity

14 Simple & Effective Ways to Stop Procrastinating

Last Updated: August 8, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Sharon Lee and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano . Sharon Lee is a Success Strategist and the Owner of Fearless Pursuits. With over seven years of experience, she specializes in helping others gain clarity on their goals, build confidence, and remain accountable towards their goals. Sharon offers advice to others through life coaching, career coaching, and small business coaching. Sharon holds a Strategic Intervention Coach Certification from Robbins-Madanes Training and has additional training from Erickson Coaching International. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,059,986 times.

Do you have a hard time staying on task? Do you constantly leave things on your to-do list till the last minute? If so, you’re likely procrastinating. Procrastination can stem from stress, frustration, or perfectionism. No matter why you may be procrastinating, there are many ways to break the habit and get back on task. Check out this list of the best tips and tricks to overcome procrastination and stay motivated.

Write a to-do list to set goals.

• Write this list on paper or in your phone—do whatever’s best for you!

Tackle your most important task for 15 minutes.

• If 15 minutes still sounds too intimidating, start with 3 or 5 minutes to warm yourself up.
• Once the timer goes off, take a 2-minute break. Then, start up on another set of 15 minutes of work.

Break tasks down into small chunks.

• For example, instead of thinking, “I need to finish this essay before 10 PM tonight,” tell yourself, “I’m going to make a short outline, fill that in, and then look for quotes.”
• Consider trying a specific technique like Pomodoro, in which you work from 25-minute chunks and take 5-minute breaks in between.
• Avoid making a long, disorganized to-do list. This is just setting yourself up for failure. Instead, create subcategories like "Home," "Work," "Family," and "Fun" and try to cross off a few entries from each list every day.
• Similarly, avoid multitasking or working on more than 1 task at once, as this could make you feel overwhelmed or stressed.

Start your day with the hardest tasks.

• Keep in mind that this strategy isn’t for everyone, so stick to tackling your most difficult tasks whenever you feel the most motivated.
• For instance, if you're a morning person, do your toughest work right after you wake up. On the other hand, if you tend to be groggy in the morning, you risk making careless errors or frustration by going headfirst into a difficult task.

Prioritize goals with set deadlines.

• Use a planner to help schedule your time and stay motivated.

Pick a workspace that works for you.

• For some, being in a new environment helps motivate them to work. Try bringing your work or task to a local library, coffee shop, or bookstore to feel inspired.

Use apps to prevent online distractions.

• AppDetox uses blockage rules that only let you use selected apps for a set amount of time.
• Forest grows trees for however long you stay focused.
• Freedom blocks distractions on all your devices at once.
• Self-Control blocks a list of websites for set amounts of time.
• Cold Turkey Blocker schedules system-wide blocking.

Put your phone in a different room.

• If you need to keep your phone on for family or work-related reasons, turn off all your notifications except for texts and/or calls.

Listen to music without lyrics.

Promise yourself a reward.

• Try rewarding yourself with a meal at your favorite restaurant, seeing a movie with a friend, or buying yourself something you’ve always wanted.
• Be careful not to over-reward yourself. Stick with small end-of-the-day rewards, and save big celebrations for when you accomplish something tremendous.

Give yourself a pep talk for motivation.

• Self-talk by saying something like, “Dariel, I know this week has been hard, and you’re tired. You’ve written a million essays before, and you’ll rock this.” [15] X Research source
• You can also ask yourself questions: “Amari, why are you nervous about this? You know you can handle it.”
• Self-talk out loud if you can. It’ll also work in your head if you’re in a public place.

Stop punishing yourself for procrastinating.

Aim for completion over perfection.

Ask someone to hold you accountable.

• Try planning fun outings with each other to reward yourself for meeting your goals.
• Hold accountability meetings each week or month to catch each other up on whether or not you’re meeting your goals and deadlines.

Overcome Laziness and Procrastination with this Expert Series

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

• If you’re suffering from anxiety or depression associated with your procrastination, talk to your doctor or therapist. It’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to go through this alone. [18] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Turn off the Wi-Fi on your devices and do any work that doesn't involve the internet first. That will help you eliminate the internet and social media as a distraction.
• Make it a game by racing yourself. For example, if you have to clean your room, set a timer for 10 minutes. During that time, try to get as much done as possible.
• Each day, choose 3 important tasks that you need to do. Reward yourself in some way once you've done those things. It will help motivate you to get more done.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Sharon Lee. Success Strategist. Expert Interview. 2 December 2021.
• ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/why-wait-the-science-behind-procrastination#.WVK-49Pytok
• ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/04/27/why-you-cant-help-read-this-article-about-procrastination-instead-of-doing-your-job/?utm_term=.b97d4925d499
• ↑ https://blog.innerdrive.co.uk/5-reasons-to-do-that-hard-task-early
• ↑ https://asana.com/resources/eisenhower-matrix
• ↑ http://www.pcworld.com/article/2094846/read-this-now-7-clever-mobile-apps-to-conquer-procrastination.html
• ↑ https://zapier.com/blog/stay-focused-avoid-distractions/
• ↑ https://www.boisestate.edu/coen-mbe/2021/04/20/5-ways-to-stop-procrastinating/
• ↑ https://www.nu.edu/blog/can-music-help-you-study-and-focus/
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/margiewarrell/2013/03/25/why-you-procrastinate-and-how-to-stop-it-now/#534f88081837
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201505/the-voice-reason
• ↑ https://www.npr.org/2021/01/11/955692434/procrastination-is-more-than-putting-things-off-heres-how-to-kick-the-habit
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/procrastination/

About This Article

To stop procrastinating, turn off your phone and play white noise or music without lyrics to help you focus. Break your task into small chunks that you can tackle one by one and work hard for 15-minute intervals, giving yourself short breaks in between to help you stay on task. Aim to finish the task, not make it perfect—you can always fix it when you’re done. Give yourself a quick pep talk to get you going and promise yourself a reward, like a sweet treat or funny video, when you’re all done. If you want to learn how to make a distraction-free space where you can focus on work, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Jul 5, 2017

Did this article help you?

Nov 7, 2018

Dec 10, 2019

Jan 25, 2018

Jenny Baker

Sep 6, 2017

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Procrastination

6 tips for overcoming anxiety-related procrastination, understand the six types of anxiety-related procrastination..

Posted March 13, 2013 | Reviewed by Devon Frye

• What Is Procrastination?
• Take our Procrastination Test
• Find a therapist near me

There are at least six kinds of anxiety -related procrastination . Here's how to understand each one—and start overcoming them.

1. Procrastination due to your working memory being overwhelmed.

For example, you get overwhelmed by all the notices that your child brings home from school. They need their swimming gear on Thursday, something for Show-and-Tell on Monday, $2 for something in two weeks on Wednesday, etc. If you're like my therapy clients, even putting things on the calendar as they come in feels overwhelming or your calendar gets too messy.

The solution to this is to find a way to be reliably reminded only at the time you need to think about something.

Some of my clients have liked an idea that comes from a book called Getting Things Done . How it works: Get 31 cardboard folders, and label them for each day of the month (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc). I like to use "file jackets" for this purpose rather than manila folders (so that things don't fall out).

When something comes in that you need to add to your to-do list, file it in the correct folder based on the day you need to think about it. Reuse the folders the next month. Reducing the need to make decisions about what to do with new information will free up your willpower for other things.

2. Procrastination due to intolerance of uncertainty.

Intolerance of uncertainty is an important cause of anxiety problems. These are some signs intolerance of uncertainty is causing your procrastination:

• You have a general tendency to stay stuck on pause whenever you feel uncertain about doing something (i.e., you avoid situations and tasks that involve feeling unsure).
• You overcomplicate the issue of where to start. You don't know how to do all the steps in a task so you avoid doing the first logical step.
• You like to mentally work through every possible scenario before you take the plunge. You get caught up in thinking about the details rather than the big picture.
• You try to do too much yourself rather than delegate/outsource to others, because you can only be 100 percent confident in yourself.

3. Procrastination due to overestimating the number of tasks you can get done in the time available.

Sometimes people are surprised to realize they're prone to both positive and negative cognitive biases. An example of a positive bias is overestimating how much you can realistically get done in a particular window of available time. Biting off more than you can realistically chew is a common cause of anxiety and avoidance.

Try a self-experiment where you track how much you actually get done from your to-do list each day. Record this each evening for a week. The following week, write a shorter to-do list that reflects the average number of tasks you were able to complete per day.

Overestimating how many tasks you can get done may or not be anxiety-related. When it is anxiety-related, it tends to be because on some level, you're worried that it'll be a catastrophe if you don't get everything done.

4. Procrastination due to all-or-nothing thinking or unrelenting standards.

All-or-nothing thinking is a hallmark of anxiety. Could you save yourself some stress by doing a task you've been avoiding in a more moderate way?

For example, if reading 25 articles for your essay is something you're avoiding doing, would you still feel the need to avoid the task if you set yourself a more moderate goal—say, reading five articles?

Would you procrastinate less about cleaning the shower if you just gave it a quick spray and wipe and pulled the hair out of the drain hole, rather than spending 30 minutes on it?

Try: Identify one task that you'd be less likely to avoid if you reduced your standards (and where you're willing to try this).

5. Procrastination due to predicting a negative outcome.

Often when people drag their heels on a task, it's because they're predicting a negative outcome. For example

• expecting someone will react badly to you raising an issue
• expecting to struggle with a task
• expecting a task to not go smoothly.

Tip: Half the battle is noticing that you're making a negative prediction. Recognize that a negative outcome is only one of the possible outcomes. Try the three questions technique (worst, best, most realistic).

6. Procrastination due to an uneven cognitive profile.

It's possible to be very smart and successful but to still have some difficulties with particular cognitive skills such as initiating, planning, or sequencing (putting together a string of steps in a logical order to complete a complex task).

These difficulties may not show up on familiar tasks. They're likely to be most obvious when a task is new, you have to make decisions about how to go about the task, and the task is in an arena you feel anxious about (such as computers) and your anxiety is sucking up some of your cognitive processing capacity.

If you find initiating, planning, or sequencing difficult compared to your general cognitive capacity, try factoring this in. Find a way to have other people give you a hand up with the things you find difficult (e.g., help you plan the steps) and be kinder to yourself.

Recognize that some of your anxiety about starting or planning complex self-driven tasks may be because you find it difficult on a cognitive level. In other words, don't misattribute your behavior to laziness or poor motivation —it will just make you feel bad about yourself and more likely to procrastinate.

Alice Boyes, Ph.D., translates principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and social psychology into tips people can use in their everyday lives.

• Find a Therapist
• Find a Treatment Center
• Find a Psychiatrist
• Find a Support Group
• Find Online Therapy
• United States
• Brooklyn, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• Portland, OR
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Washington, DC
• Asperger's
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Eating Disorders
• Passive Aggression
• Personality
• Goal Setting
• Positive Psychology
• Stopping Smoking
• Low Sexual Desire
• Relationships
• Child Development
• Self Tests NEW
• Therapy Center
• Diagnosis Dictionary
• Types of Therapy

Sticking up for yourself is no easy task. But there are concrete skills you can use to hone your assertiveness and advocate for yourself.

• Emotional Intelligence
• Gaslighting
• Affective Forecasting
• Neuroscience

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

How to Do Homework: 15 Expert Tips and Tricks

Coursework/GPA

Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

10 Tips on How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework

• June 4, 2023
• | Author: Virtue Map Team

You do not like to tidy up, but you are happy to take on household chores as soon as you remember the importance of the homework deadline. I hate cooking more than anything, but I can spend hours cooking if you only have an important homework assignment for tomorrow.

Have you ever wondered why it happens ? Have you ever asked yourself why I can’t do my homework? These are the surprises of procrastinating homework, that are able to surprise us every time we have to do one or another task immediately.

Why is it hard for Some People is Hard to do Homework?

People may procrastinate because of various reasons , such as:

• Feeling anxiety and fear that they will not be capable to complete the homework assignment;
• Wrong order of priorities;
• The belief that the homework task is boring;
• Thinking that homework will take little time, so it can be done later;
• Lack of motivation and perseverance to do homework;;
• High expectations of teachers and parents;
• There is no understanding of why it is necessary to do homework;
• Lack of energy due to inappropriate daily routine or diet;
• It is difficult to concentrate due to personal problems or an unsuitable environment for doing homework;
• Perfectionism or the desire to complete a task perfectly.

How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework? 10 Tips to Push You Forward

1. be honest with yourself and admit that you procrastinate.

One of the most common reasons why people cannot get rid of procrastination is that they do not recognize that they are procrastinating homework. And when asked why they did not complete one or another task on time, they find many reasons to make excuses.

So, in order to get rid of a problem, you first need to acknowledge it. And consciously monitor your speech and actions in order to ensure that they do not lead to procrastination.

2. State very clearly the reasons that lead you to procrastinate

After you have acknowledged that procrastination is causing you discomfort, it is time to name the reasons. Ask yourself why is it so hard to do homework? What exactly makes you anxious or afraid?

Naming the reasons will allow you not to blindly surrender to emotions, but to assess the situation rationally. When you clearly name the reasons, you may find that most of them are just ridiculous and not worth looking into.

3. Set clear and motivating goals

Another tip that can help to do your homework more effectively is to be clear about why you need to do it. This reasoning should not be superficial, but essential and inspiring for the work.

It is possible that the goal of finishing the school year with excellent grades or passing well in exams will not be very inspiring. In this case, try to deceive yourself. Use homework as a way to accomplish other goals. For example, if I achieve the goal set this month – I will allow myself to go to a concert of my favorite music group with my friends. If not, I will have to skip it, etc.

4. Break big goals into small ones, they will seem easier to overcome

Large projects can be really intimidating. In fact, they often paralyze people before they even begin to complete the assignment. Therefore, it is important to divide the task into several performance stages, and if necessary – to divide these stages into separate tasks.

This way the studying will no longer seem insurmountable. Step by step, one task at a time, you will soon have completed the entire project. And all this is only because a set of small tasks seems easier to overcome than one big task for our brain.

5. Surround yourself with people who have set goals and are purposefully pursuing them

Such a company will not only encourage you when it is difficult or inspire you when you lack motivation, but will also testify by example that the set goals are achievable. Of course, only if you devote enough time and effort to it.

As it is said, if you want to reach your goal slowly, go for it alone, if you want to reach it quickly, invite at least a couple of people to help you.

6. Tell others about the assignments you have to do

This is one of the effective ways to stop procrastinating with your homework and not only talk about the homework to be done, but actually do it.

You probably wonder, how does it work? Actually, this is another psychological trick that shows that when we have spoken about our plans to others out loud, we do not want to disappoint them. Therefore it becomes an additional motivation that helps to keep studying easier and to avoid procrastination at the same time.

7. Improve your time management: plan your schedule and stick to it

This is almost the most important thing: developing the habit of planning and sticking to that plan. Today, there are many ways to choose from that can help you plan your time and use it effectively. While some people still use a paper must-do list, others write their tasks down in a productivity app .

It doesn’t really matter which way you choose. The thing that is really significant – to choose one of the most popular ways to organize your agenda. And after that to start putting it into practice in your daily life. You will soon be surprised how much planning can do.

8. One task at a time

We often hear praise for those who know how to do several things at once. But it clearly does not work. When doing several tasks at once, our brain keeps switching back and forth from one thing to another. That is why we get tired faster, make more mistakes, and work less efficiently.

Therefore, if you want to save time and do more tasks in a shorter period of time, always follow a consistent order: one task at a time.

9. Choose a place to do homework with as few distractions as possible

If you want to prepare your homework effectively, then you need to provide the right environment for it. Choose a place where you have enough space to sit down comfortably and place the necessary tools nearby. It should be a quiet place – silence helps you concentrate for studying better.

It is also recommended to put aside all devices that may distract you. Be strict with yourself – give yourself a limited amount of time for homework (this will help you focus) and during this time do not use smart watches, phones or the computer unless your homework assignment requires it or the technology is useful for productivity .

10.  Reward yourself for successfully completed assignments

Do not forget that doing homework should be fun! Therefore, always reward yourself after successfully completing tasks. This will lead to self-satisfaction and the work done, and will also provide motivation to perform other assignments.

What kind of reward could this be? Whether it’s an episode of a newly released series or ice cream – use your imagination! And you will get rid of such questions as how to not procrastinate on homework, etc.

How to Indicate that You are Procrastinating on Studying?

Here are some of the symptoms that indicate you are prone to homework procrastination:

• Even though you know you have to do a task right away, you keep putting it off;
• Accomplishing small tasks that require only a little time and concentration also take a lot of your time;
•  You keep postponing frustrating tasks or the ones that might be boring;
• You wait until the deadlines for the completion of the work start to really cause you to worry about not being able to make it;
• If you have the opportunity, you prefer to postpone work until tomorrow, even if you know that the amount of tasks the next day may not be manageable;
• You would describe your busyness as a waste of time.

Is it common to procrastinate on homework?

Of course. Every task that requires you to leave your comfort zone can cause fear, confusion, and reluctance to do it. The same emotions are caused by tasks that seem uninteresting or too difficult. Most people have to deal with these emotions in order to stop procrastinating.

Can procrastinating on homework indicate ADHD?

There is no direct relationship between procrastination and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The reasons why people with ADHD fail to complete tasks are different from those who succumb to procrastination.

People call me lazy. Is it true that laziness and procrastination are the same thing?

Not really. Laziness can be described as an unwillingness to do anything at all. Meanwhile, procrastination is characterized by active action, but paying attention to things that are not important. For example, knowing that there is only one day left to finish an important homework project, a person still chooses to first wash the floor of the room, download a long-watched movie, to clean and organize the computer desktop, etc.

Eliminate Procrastination

Answer a quick quiz and crush your set goals with tons of focus, energy, and willpower., related articles.

How to cancel Virtue Map?

Virtue Map is a digital anti-procrastination tool that empowers you to achieve your goals and complete tasks more effectively. Using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, Virtue

15 Tips on How to Do Something You Don’t Want to Do

Most people experience procrastination and lack of motivation at one point or another in their lives. For instance, according to the Global Workplace Study published

Top 20 Famous Procrastinators

Procrastination is the act of delaying and postponing essential tasks to do less significant jobs instead. According to a study, 80-95% of college students and

Eliminate procrastination, anxiety, and low self-esteem at your own pace

For Employers

Social media.

© Virtue Map 2024   |   Terms & Conditions    |    Privacy    |   Money-Back Guarantee Terms

© Virtue Map 2024 Terms & Conditions Privacy Money-Back Guarantee Terms

The information Virtue Map provides is for educational and informational use only. The information is not intended to be used by the customer for any diagnostic purpose and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding diagnosis, cure, treatment, mitigation, or prevention of any disease or other medical condition or impairment or the status of your health.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How To Stop Procrastinating Homework

What’s the harm in taking five extra minutes to finish your social media scrolling before starting work? What’s the harm in relaxing for one more hour before the daily grind begins? No big deal, until you notice you’ve lost three hours! Now this procrastination has cost you an entire night of work because now you’re too sleepy to finish your assignment.

If you’ve always had trouble procrastinating homework, then it’s time to go deeper than the usual Shia LaBeouf “Just do it!” cliches. Let’s consider some tips for reprogramming your brain that work and how to stop procrastinating homework.

Why Do We Procrastinate?

Nearly everyone experiences some problems with procrastination. According to a University of Vermont report, 46 percent of subjects said they “always or “nearly always” procrastinate writing papers, while 65 percent stated they would like to reduce procrastination for their academic studies.

More telling is the fact that modern research suggests there are degrees of procrastination , indicating there isn’t always a quick-fix solution. Not everyone procrastinates the same way and tips to learn how to stop procrastinating homework and other things are not always universally helpful.

Dr. Joseph Ferrari, Ph.D., says, “Everyone procrastinates, but not everyone is a procrastinator.” He quotes research suggesting 20 percent of Americans are “chronic procrastinators,” which is a percentage higher than those diagnosed with clinical depression.

Commonly Suggested Reasons for Putting It Off

Psychologists have speculated that the most common reasons for procrastinating homework might include:

• Poor parental or authority models
• Lack of self-confidence
• Overconfidence
• Lack of self-love
• Underestimating time constraints
• Perfectionism

More complex theories from the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) suggest students may experience “low frustration tolerance.” A study from the University of Louisiana speculated that procrastinating college subjects had “irrational beliefs,” though the exact thought process during procrastination remained a mystery.

Personal Motivation and Procrastination

Psychologists have reevaluated the age-old trend in recent years, however, especially in light of new studies. Research suggests there could be a link between procrastination and a lack of personally relevant motivation.

According to a University of Bieleland study, procrastinators are more likely to avoid action if they are “fulfilling duties assigned by others rather than engaging in tasks important to them personally.”

Doctors Axel Grund and Stefan Fries even suggest procrastinators don’t always consider their behavior a matter of weakness, but a mismatch in values, the goal of completing an assignment not reflecting their “post-modern liberal values.”

The lesson is that stopping procrastination involves not necessarily tough love or in punitive consequences, but in students achieving more specific and personally-fulfilling goals.

You might wonder then, “Shouldn’t graduating and finding a good job be motivation enough?”

The Self-Improving Benefits of Homework

There is some debate as to whether homework helps students academically. The Center for Public Education, in association with the National School Boards Association, made a bold statement based on multiple homework studies.

“There is no conclusive evidence that homework increases student achievement across the board.”

The real benefit of doing homework is not necessarily that it makes you a better student. Instead, the practice teaches students self-discipline, time management skills, and productive study habits. These are self-improvement skills for the business world, where concentration and dedication to a task are essential.

Being diligent in completing homework assignments helps to establish good character and an excellent work ethic. The benefits and the matching values are self-evident.

At heart, procrastination is self-defeating behavior and sacrifices our self-willed success in the future for temporary comfort in the present.

In the words of Dr. Fuschia Sirois of the University of Sheffield, procrastination is “an inability to manage moods …or challenging emotions.”

Understanding fluctuating moods, as well as your unique way of coping with negative emotions or thoughts, would be the first step in breaking the habit. A person retreats when they procrastinate. They avoid the source of stress or negativity rather than finding productive ways to cope.

Strategies for Changing the Procrastination Lifestyle

It’s not enough to only “will yourself” to do homework when you don’t feel like it. Your struggle is against procrastination, which is the product of your lifestyle. Logically, the strategy is to change your lifestyle, which has until now allowed for easy procrastination.

Completing homework assignments is, therefore, a matter of learning what lifestyle changes will work to your advantage.

Let’s start by looking closely at “When” and not “Why.”

Figure Out When Procrastination Happens to You

Becoming more self-aware of the habit is the first step. Doing so prevents you from going into that automatic “trance” where you surf, read, watch, and lose track of time.

You can only speculate why it happens, but you need to focus on when it happens. Figure out the most likely times that you zone out, postpone, and stop using your conscious mind to problem solve.

For instance, do you tend to procrastinate right after dinner? Or does late-day anxiety send you to the internet or video games? Figuring out the least productive times of day, as well as your peak energy hours, could help you with concentration. If you change your lifestyle from hour to hour, you will have fewer instances of zoning out and losing time.

Write a New Schedule to Thwart Procrastination

The next step is to rewrite your schedule with a time management strategy. According to UCSC Counseling and Psychological Services, getting a planner will help with more efficient scheduling . When creating your new plan:

• Schedule your homework as a top priority assignment and do it at the peak energy time of your day, but before you have to take on other low-priority tasks
• After completing homework, you can schedule a time for eating, socializing, relaxing, and other daily routines that require less concentration
• Use an electronic app to set the alarm for each high priority assignment
• Remind yourself as the chime plays that time is up, and it’s time to move onto the next item on your schedule
• Learn to re-prioritize tasks based on what is due first

Better organization can break you from the habit of unconscious loitering! Speaking of reorganizing…

Break Down Big Tasks into Manageable Parts

Think of a big homework assignment (and yes, just assume they’re all huge and daunting!) as an enormous piece of food. A juicy steak, a soy patty, vegetable lasagne, a red velvet bundt cake, use your imagination!

When you have to take a big bite out of an entree, you don’t swallow it whole. You make small bites, right? Approaching homework assignments is much the same way. Don’t prepare for a huge meal as if you’re gulping it all down in one breath.

Try to break the assignment down into manageable parts. Divide the work in its entirety into simple-to-do items, individual goals. Work on one thing at a time and follow it through until you’re finished. One by one, mark each task as completed.

By breaking large homework assignments into smaller ones, you don’t procrastinate, but you can postpone the stress of a substantial workload. Take small breaks in between each task to avoid fatigue.

Depending on the overall length of the assignment, these breaks could be anywhere from five minutes to twenty minutes. Set deadlines for each mini-task and keep track of your progress.

You can also re-prioritize tasks according to stress levels. For instance, if doing a particular task causes you high anxiety, finish another low-stress level activity first. Continue to tackle the more comfortable items first, giving you a boost of confidence.

Getting started is sometimes the most challenging part of procrastination. Negotiating with your mind, and realizing that you don’t have to finish everything at once, can help to reprogram your mind for productivity and achievement.

What Are Some Examples for Mini-Goals?

Creating little goals might be challenging in its own right. Here are some examples of breaking down a simple task.

• Read 5-10 pages instead of 50
• Setting a time to work on a project, like one hour, then break, and resume
• Solving a certain number of problems on a test or sample test
• Writing a certain amount of words

Remember that recording all of your activity is important for finishing the assignment. Create a schedule, a goal sheet (of all the mini-tasks), timelines and deadlines, and a checklist to review and track all your progress thoroughly.

Set Performance-Based S.M.A.R.T. Goals

S.M.A.R.T. goals refer to an acronym for more practical goals than just general success and completion. Goals should be:

• Specific (or a specific way to improve)
• Measurable (there must be some way to record progress beyond just win or lose)
• Achievable (Actionable and according to the ability of the person)
• Relevant (Realistic and researched goals)
• Time-bound (Deliverable results according to a timeline)

Goals that are more specific and researched have a better chance of success than generalized “win or lose” scenarios.

You may be thinking by now, “If it were only that easy! Just when I sit down to finish a task, someone or something distracts me!”

Of course. The world is continuously busy, and people are always sending signals, looking for your attention. That brings us to our next point.

Create an Environment Free From Distraction

If you’ve noticed many lapses in keeping a new schedule, ask yourself if you’ve changed the environment enough to accommodate your unique goals. Too much comfort in your old routine may lead to overconfidence.

Instead, redesign your ideal environment. According to some studies, the “mere presence of others…could either speed up or slow down performance ”, depending on a student’s individual skill level. Other people can also serve as poor role models, while many people evaluate themselves compared to others.

It’s not surprising then to learn that catching up on the latest news involving people is usually a distraction to someone who struggles with procrastination. Everywhere you turn there is a “social distraction”, including:

• Checking social media streams
• Checking Smartphone or tablet notifications
• Watching TV or listening to the radio
• Friends and family sending you messages
• Casual surfing during your break – which can easily extend beyond the allotted time

Let’s also not forget other less human but still distracting social interactions like:

• Cats meowing for your attention or rubbing against your leg
• Dogs wanting to play
• Birds chirping (or screeching)
• Adorable pigs oinking at you

The point is, all of these distractions are bound to happen and interfere with work because they instantly take you out of your state of deep focus. The ideal room for doing homework is quiet, animal-free (close the doors!), and completely disconnected from the internet.

Successfully disconnecting from unwanted social distractions will require removing all temptations; deleting social media apps, turning off notifications, blocking addictive sites, and perhaps even logging out of social accounts before you start work.

Gain control over social media and internet addiction by checking apps according to schedule and not whenever you get a free minute or accomplish a simple task.

Forbes magazine had a great line about breaking social addiction ; “Some of the best minds in the world have dedicated their lives to making social media more addictive.”

You are quite literally fighting an uphill battle when you think you can quit social media surfing anytime you want. By nature, it is a medium of distraction, one that evokes strong emotions to keep you viewing and clicking. Stay out of the “casino” until you have the time (money) to spend!

Resisting procrastination is as much about managing addictive coping behaviors as it is resolving to finish a task.

If You Must Take a Break, Do Something Else

Part of reprogramming your mind for more significant homework assignments is about changing your coping behaviors altogether. If you know that the urge to procrastinate happens at a certain point in time, then don’t fight it. Plan for it.

More importantly, change your coping strategy for dealing with the anxiety or boredom that you feel. Finding alternate ways to satisfy a restless mind will break the procrastination cycle while also giving your subconscious the rest it requires.

You can think up new coping mechanisms that are productive and helpful in accomplishing your daily goals. Rather than surfing social media when you have a moment, instead:

• Take a walk outside
• Exercise for fifteen minutes
• Read a book (that’s not too exciting!)
• Start a new hobby like art, music or crafting

By avoiding the usual go-to behavior – the same one that robs you of valuable time – you can retrain your mind to respond to new cues. Now you can stop the automatic responses that you’ve been creating over the years.

An article in the Harvard Business Review covered a social experiment involving a writer who quit an addiction to social media (a leading trigger for procrastination ) by conducting a series of experiments.

The formula was easy:

• Social media “fast” for a month (break the craving)
• Limit all access to social media during work (remove temptation)
• Schedule time for social media (give your subconscious mind what it needs)
• Take a 24-hour weekend fast (Breaking the cycle regularly for shorter amounts of time)

These methods work because they retrain the mind stop automating our thought processes (which leads to procrastination and “lost time”) and instead returns your attention to conscious action and thinking.

You’re no longer allowed to coast through the day with the usual patterns. You actively think about what you’re doing, now that the addiction to procrastinating behaviors has lessened.

It might surprise you to discover that new hobbies enjoyed during downtime are more exciting than the old procrastinating behaviors that once consumed your attention.

Create a Network of Accountability Friends

The procrastinator’s ideal environment can sometimes turn into their greatest enemy – a quiet room! When no teacher or authority figure is watching over you, procrastination can sneak back in to disrupt your plans.

While some people can work independently, don’t assume everyone can do it well. After all, one study quoted in Neuron, states that human beings crave social interaction and validation from others – even from total strangers. Achieving a good reputation can activate the “reward” part of the brain, which links to motivation and success.

We don’t like the idea of “failing” others, even if they’re strangers, and that positive peer pressure can be advantageous. No, these people are not there to distract you while you work. Instead, they can be there for you after hours, to help you stay motivated.

Finding accountability friends or associates is a tremendous help for students trying to stop procrastinating. Reporting to someone on a weekly or even daily basis encourages friendly competition and mutual accountability.

Better yet, make it a point to talk about constructive topics related to your shared goals. For instance, discussing strategies that work, or various triggers that cause a problem.

If one of the group members doesn’t report their status, the others can send an email or phone the friend to make sure everything is still going smoothly.

When choosing an accountability partner(s):

• Choose someone ethical and honest
• Make sure they’re in this arrangement for the long-term
• Make sure they’re also students and personally understand the importance of stopping procrastination
• Make sure you find a compatible personality, someone who shares your values or sense of humor
• Always choose someone positive and make it a goal to stay positive in conversation

In addition to a work buddy, others around you can help. Decide in advance to tell friends and family about your goals to finish your homework on time and to get rid of procrastinating habits. Emphasize to them and yourself that you’ve committed to seeing this decision through.

Rewarding Yourself for Goals Achieved

For the last strategy tip, it’s time to review the concept of “training” the mind for success. By nature, we only want to do things that offer some benefit. Whether those benefits are physical or mental, or even short-term or long-term, our thoughts, feelings, and actions gravitate towards that which makes us feel good.

Things that cause revulsion or stress push us away. Perhaps it’s no coincidence then that in a Northern Arizona University study, the tactic of penalizing procrastinating students for late assignments did not show any strong positive effects.

On the contrary, a reward-based system for delivering homework improved student performance and reduced the number of dishonest excuses for late work.

Be Good To Yourself

Give yourself a small reward for completing individual milestones, since this will associate positive things with keeping your disciplined schedule.

Little rewards not only boost your confidence for a job well done but also feeds your need for comfort and pleasurable feelings. Chasing these pleasant “highs” helps you stay motivated and in good spirits about finishing your homework.

According to research cited by Robert Eisenberger , the secret to creating a successful rewards-based system is to reward ourselves in small doses for the progress we make , not merely reaching the end of a task.

Waiting to complete an enormous task may cause more problems with procrastination. Don’t wait to reward yourself at the end of the day or week. Instead, reward yourself for reaching a minimum level of progress, perhaps after a couple of hours.

Remember we talked about SMART goals earlier? Putting more emphasis on performance-based goals, rather than “win or lose,” will give us a steady supply of rewards daily. Over the next few weeks, you will start to associate work, and the completion of goals, as something positive and fun.

Best of all, Since you are continually learning while doing your homework, you will train your brain to crave challenges and find satisfaction in finishing tasks. Rather than focusing on unpleasant tasks, which we learned are demotivational, we shift our perspective to see the pleasure that comes from the rewards.

You must decide what your “small rewards” might include and how they directly tie into staying focused on the task. For example:

• Studying in an enjoyable environment
• Talking to a friend
• Eating your favorite snack
• Watching a favorite TV or internet show for a short amount of time
• Working out or enjoying another hobby for a few minutes

Don’t Punish – Keep Positively Motivated

On the other hand, punishing yourself for missing deadlines and goals doesn’t seem motivational, does it?

Still, it’s reasonable to say training yourself to accomplish goals by a rewards-based system only works if there is something to contrast those high emotions. Rewards work if they are highlights, a joyful part of an otherwise typical day.

Rather than punishing yourself for procrastinating, simply refrain from rewarding yourself when progress has stalled. Don’t allow your subconscious mind the gift of a reward if you haven’t earned it by making the progress you committed to making.

Reward yourself generously for staying focused or simply deny yourself the pleasure that procrastination falsely lends to you. Procrastination’s comfort is short-lived and weak. Hold out for something better!

Final Thoughts

As stated in the outset, not everyone deals with procrastination in the same way, and some cases are far more serious than others. The A.D.D. Resource Center in New York states that chronic procrastination that can’t be addressed by better organizing may point to additional problems such as:

• Health problems or nutritional deficiencies
• Sleep deprivation
• Drugs or alcohol
• An unhealthy diet or lack of exercise

If repeated attempts to stop procrastination prove unsuccessful, and if educators can’t help by adjusting the workload, then going in for a medical checkup or psychological screening may prove helpful. This way, a doctor could rule out any underlying causes.

Read more about studies involving ADHD and procrastination at Psycom.net, which lists several research studies studying the effects of medication on severe ADHD students.

In summary, remember that overcoming procrastination is ultimately a choice that you must make. It’s not about merely choosing to do the work; of course, it’s not that easy. It’s about what you are willing to do to explore solutions and adjust your lifestyle to accommodate a new schedule.

By now, we know the formula for success:

• Figure out why you procrastinate, what stressors and distractions lure you in
• What role finding personal motivation plays
• How finishing homework teaches good discipline, which is helpful for your long-term future
• The importance of analyzing your faulty schedule so you can design a new and improved one
• Why you must break down large assignments into manageable pieces
• Set mini-goals that are realistic, specific and performance-based
• Create a quiet environment free of distractions
• Switch your go-to break activity to break the predictable procrastination cycle
• Find a network of friends and associates to be your accountability team
• Create a positive reward-based system for accomplishing smaller tasks and making progress

If you have the will to find a solution, you are no longer just standing still and seeking the next distraction. You are taking back control of your mind.

Many students who have stopped their procrastination habit speak of “visualizing their success.” They decide in advance that they’re going to change the way they think, study, and work. They choose when they’re going to complete a series of tasks, and figure out how they’re going to do it and guarantee success.

They anticipate the benefits. They research a plan for success. They plan SMART goals and recreate the ideal environment. It’s not just about will, but determination.

Decide to make a change in your heart and determine that you can do this. You will explore new solutions and use all of your resources available to finish your homework on time, every single time. Commit to your own success, and the procrastination habit will stay in the past rather than perpetually ruining your future.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Procrastination and Homework

A Little Procrastination is Okay, But Too Much Can Hurt!

• Time Management
• Homework Tips
• Learning Styles & Skills
• Study Methods
• Private School
• College Admissions
• College Life
• Graduate School
• Business School
• Distance Learning
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Do you procrastinate? Most of us put things off from time to time, like when we're supposed to be studying for a test or starting our lengthy research paper assignments. But giving in to diversions can really hurt us in the long run.

Recognizing Procrastination

Procrastination is like a little white lie we tell ourselves. We think we’ll feel better if we do something fun, like watch a TV show, instead of studying or reading.

But when we give in to the urge to put off our responsibilities, we always feel worse in the long run, not better. And what's worse, we end up doing a poor job when we finally get started on the task at hand!

Those who procrastinate the most are usually performing below their potential.

Do you spend too much time on things that don’t matter? You may be a procrastinator if you:

• Feel the impulse to clean your room before you get started on a project.
• Rewrite the first sentence or paragraph of a paper several times, repeatedly.
• Crave a snack as soon as you sit down to study.
• Spend too much time (days) to decide on a topic.
• Carry books around all the time, but never open them to study.
• Get angry if a parent asks “Have you started yet?”
• Always seem to find an excuse to avoid going to the library to start on the research.

You probably did relate to at least one of those situations. But don’t be hard on yourself! That means you are perfectly normal. The key to success is this: it is important that you don’t allow these diversion tactics to affect your grades in a bad way. A little procrastination is normal, but too much is self-defeating.

Avoiding Procrastination

How can you battle the urge to put things off? Try the following tips.

• Recognize that a feisty little voice lives inside every one of us. He tells us it would be rewarding to play a game, eat, or watch TV when we know better. Don’t fall for it!
• Think about the rewards of accomplishments, and put reminders around your study room. Is there a specific college you want to attend? Put the poster right over your desk. That will serve as a reminder to be your best.
• Work out a reward system with your parent. There may be a concert you're dying to go to, or a new coat you've spotted in the mall. Make a deal with your parents way ahead of time— make an agreement that you can receive the reward only if you reach your goals. And stick to the deal!
• Start with small goals if you’re facing a big assignment. Don’t get overwhelmed by the big picture. Accomplishment feels great, so set small goals first, and take it day by day. Set new goals as you go.
• Finally, give yourself time to play! Set aside a special time to do whatever you want. Afterward, you’ll be ready to get to work!
• Find a study partner who will help you stay on track. Meet regularly to discuss your commitments and deadlines. It's a strange thing about human nature: we might be willing to let ourselves down easily enough, but we hesitate to disappoint a friend.
• Give yourself ten minutes or so to clean your space before you get started. The urge to clean as a procrastination tactic is common and it is based on the fact that our brains desire the feeling of "starting with a clean slate." Go ahead and organize your space--but don't take too much time.

Still find yourself putting off those important projects? Discover More Procrastination Tips to help you manage your time effectively.

• College Time Management 101
• Tips for Remembering Homework Assignments
• Tips for Preparing for the New School Year
• Motivation Tips for Students
• Top 10 Ways to Waste Time in College
• Organize Your Time With a Day Planner
• Learning How and When to Say No
• How to Stay Organized in College
• 5 Steps to Get Organized in College
• 8 Benefits of Time Management
• 7 Time Management Tips for Finals Week
• 5 Disadvantages of Bad Time Management
• How to Be on Time
• Is Homework Good or Bad for Students?
• Study Habits That Can Improve Grades and Performance
• Top 10 Healthy Homework Habits

The Ultimate (Non-Lazy) Guide to Stopping Procrastination

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Getting stuff done is hard. But it doesn’t have to be!

Here are some amazing anti-procrastination tips to get you off that couch and into #hustle mode.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• The difference between procrastinating and being lazy (and how to tell if you’re either)
• The telltale signs of procrastination (and how to tell if you’re in denial)
• How to eliminate procrastination with the MEGATRON Method (yes, it’s as cool as it sounds)
• How to stick with your new anti-procrastination routine so you’ll never procrastinate again

Let’s get to it!

How to Eliminate Procrastination Forever Using the MEGATRON Method

We know Megatron like the back of our hand for us nerds out there. Megatron is a supervillain in the  Transformers  franchise for those out of the loop.

Like, THE villain nobody wants to mess with.

So I want you to think of your procrastination demons as the super-evil Megatron. He’s coming after you, and  the only way to stop him is to use his method against him.

Sounds cool, right?

Here it is—all laid out for you in these 8 simple steps:

• Motivation:  Using the Procrastination Principle to stay motivated
• Environment:  Controlling your environment and setting up your workstation
• Greatness:  Becoming an expert in your field or industry
• Allowance:  Allowing yourself to have occasional moments of procrastination
• Time:  Using time techniques to ace those daily tasks
• Recovery:  Controlling your levels of dopamine and focus
• Origami Technique:  Doing the one smallest thing possible
• Ninety-Ten:  Planning ahead and having a goal

So grab your swords and shields because we’re about to take on a battle that could  change your life forever .

Dr. Piers Steel is an expert at procrastination. Not in the “he procrastinates a lot”-sense, but more like the “he devotes his life to stopping procrastination”-sense.

In his book,  The Procrastination Equation 1 https://www.amazon.com/Procrastination-Equation-Putting-Things-Getting/dp/0061703621 ,  Dr. Steel outlines a straightforward equation that determines a person’s motivation levels:

Motivation = (Expectancy x Value) / (Impulsiveness x Delay)

If your motivation is too low, you’ll likely procrastinate more.

Sounds simple, right?

Let’s take a look at what these variables mean:

• Expectancy:  How good you are at a given task and what results you might expect. Suppose you’re in sales and have high expectancy, for example. In that case, you may feel good about your  ability to influence  and hope to land new clients.
• Value: How much meaning a given task has or how enjoyable it is to you. A low-value job might be stapling papers together or doing the dishes.
• Impulsiveness: Your ability to focus and not give in to temptations or distractions. People with high impulsivity may check their phones, think about other entertaining pursuits, and have  trouble concentrating .
• Delay: The amount of time you push back a given task instead of doing it immediately. A student who has to do his homework but delays it until the night before is an example of high delay.

You’ll need to keep all 4 variables in check to stay motivated.

And if you ever find yourself procrastinating, you can look back at this equation and realize which element of your motivation needs improvement.

Follow these action steps to have high motivation, no matter your situation:

• Increase expectancy by developing your skills.  Are you a writer?  Public speaker ? Relationship expert? Knowing you can do well will motivate you to smash your goals instead of building up task anxiety when you know you won’t perform at 100%.
• Increase value by thinking of tasks as part of a whole.  What is the main goal you’re trying to accomplish, and what are these tasks doing to get you there? You might be bored out of your mind by stapling those papers, but keeping in mind the necessity of a stable job to earn money might be just the fuel you need.
• Decrease impulsiveness by setting up your environment and recovering from dopamine sinks. Try to avoid as many distractions as possible throughout the day.
• Decrease delay by eating that frog. Brian Tracy’s “ Eating That Frog ” rule is to do the worst or most challenging thing first thing in the morning. After all, if you eat an entire frog, all the other tasks seem easy by comparison.

We’ll cover more on how to deal with these 4 variables below!

Pro Tip:  Want to know one secret variable that will increase your motivation in everything you do in life? A positive attitude! Research shows being positive has dramatic positive effects on your life (who knew?). You can literally change your life by changing your mindset. Read more here:  The Best Positive Affirmations and Why They Work .

Environment

Take a look around at your usual workspace. What do you see? Is it:

• Messy and full of distractions, or
• Clean and organized

Your procrastinating tendencies will either be limited or flourish depending on your workstation.  For example, let’s say your workspace has your Nintendo Switch lying around, a bag of chips, and photos of your vacation in Mexico. These things are better left for “fun time” and not serious “work time.”

The objects around you “prime” yourself in procrastination or focus mode.

According to  Paper Plant ,  the average person wastes 4.3 hours per week simply searching for papers . Now, I’m not sure how accurate that number is. Still, I’m pretty sure we can all relate to searching under our beds for that last-minute document due tomorrow.

The increased stress and decreased productivity aren’t helpful either, especially when avoiding procrastination. So if you’re dissatisfied with your conditions, let’s prime yourself for the optimal working conditions:

• Tidy it up.  This goes without saying – get rid of video games, food, your phone, and even other people if you have to. Treat your workspace like a sacred zone, where the only thing that enters are things that help you boost your productivity.
• Find your Optimal Comfort Level (OCL).  Contrary to what some may think, I found the best working conditions are where you’re not  too  comfortable (think: laying in bed with your laptop), but not too uncomfortable, either. This leads to your OCL for working. Find the best work chair that won’t show you a broken back. Get your room or office to be that perfect temperature sweet spot. And stretch to stay comfortable yet  uncomfortable  enough to be productive.
• Have a workstation.  Whether you’re in an office or have the pleasure of being a  remote worker , having a consistent workstation is key to staying procrastination-less. Over time, you’ll come to associate your workstation as THE place to get stuff done. The key here is to not give in to temptation whenever you’re at your workstation. Do all your other non-work activities away from your station to avoid snowballing into bad habits.

Are you good at what you’re doing?

There’s a clear difference when you’re an expert and can accomplish a task in a breeze versus when it’s not your  A work .

The fantastic thing is  we can get better at what we do!

(Hint: it doesn’t take 10,000 hours.)

So whether you’re in IT or psychology, brush up on your skills by following these tips:

• Read every day.  There’s a reason why  VIPs  like Mark Cuban and Jeff Bezos advocate reading regularly – reading literally changed your brain! Read some of the best  self-development books  or books in your industry. Set a goal to read just one or two pages a day if you’re struggling with time.
• Listen to audiobooks. Not a fan of reading? You can always listen to audiobooks whether you’re out for a drive, getting in a good workout, or walking in the park.
• Attend those courses. Do you have a course you have always wanted to attend, whether in-person or online? Courses are a “second school” where you can learn while also testing yourself with supporting materials. Take that course and learn to your heart’s content!

On the one hand, you’re probably thinking, “Don’t let procrastination win!”

On the other hand,  you shouldn’t  be so harsh on yourself when procrastinating.

Allow yourself to procrastinate once in a while.

We’re all prone to procrastination, but research shows if you put yourself down, you might end up hurting yourself more than doing any good.

One study examined  119 college students  who were preparing for midterm exams. The researchers found that students who forgave themselves for procrastinating on their first exam were much less likely to procrastinate again for the second one.

The best after-procrastination remedy is a sip of forgiveness if you do catch yourself procrastinating. 

As the researchers noted, procrastination is a “self-inflicted wound.” We can be angry or feel guilty about procrastinating, but let’s face it: We all procrastinate!

Yes… Even you, Gandalf.

Try these anti-procrastination tips to be kinder to yourself:

• Try a morning meditation session. Just 10 minutes in the morning might be all you need to realize what needs to get done so you can avoid procrastinating in the first place.
• Do random acts of kindness. Have you ever heard the phrase, “Like begets like?” The same thing also applies here. Be kind, and you’ll find that you’re much more forgiving to yourself… Yes, even when you procrastinate.
• Allow yourself to procrastinate. This one is tricky, especially if you’re a serial procrastinator. The next time you have the urge to procrastinate, just do it! But only this once. Grant yourself “Procrastination Permission Slips” you can use once a week or a couple times a month, and hold yourself accountable for the rest.

OK, so there IS a benefit to procrastination.

Procrastination gives us time pressure, which many benefits many people because they  have  to get something done soon. In other words,  procrastinating is like not knowing how to swim and jumping off the diving board.

For many, this can be helpful. However, in the long run, controlling your procrastination urges will net you more consistent results (not to mention fewer grey hairs).

Try these time tips to obliterate procrastination:

• Use the Tri-Time Technique to your advantage.  The Tri-Time Technique (or 3T Technique for short) allows you to maximize your daily energy levels. Here’s how it works: Imagine your waking hours as a pie divided into 3 slices. That’ll be the morning, afternoon, and evening for most people. Now think about how you best feel during these times and when you’re the most productive. For example, I always feel my most effective during the evening. The mornings are OK, and the afternoons? I feel like a sloth! During your peak time, aim to tackle your top priorities for the day. And leave the rest for your downtimes.
• Set that Pomodoro! The Pomodoro technique is a technique to help “block” time. Set routine amounts of time to get the job done (in the case of the Pomodoro technique, it’s usually 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break). In this way, you’ll regain that focus since you know  exactly  when you’ll have a break!
• Eliminate multitasking. If you’re used to switching from writing, to scanning videos, to researching for projects, to checking your email – you’re overloading your brain!  Science  proves that multitasking generally makes us slower and less efficient when tackling tasks. If you must multitask, try blocking longer blocks to work on one task before switching to the next.

Let’s face it.

Nobody wants to sit around a circle and admit that they’re an “addict.”

But just like alcohol and drug addictions, we’ve come along as a society to accept a more common form of addiction – modern entertainment addiction.

Modern entertainment looms everywhere. But the closer we get to it, the farther we get from our goals.

And unless you’re a pro gamer, it’s unlikely another round of Halo is going to do good for your  career  or  relationships  (aka the things that truly matter).

So let’s take it down a notch. We’re all recovering in some way or another.  Here’s how to recover based on your needs:

• Level 1: Newbie. You tend to watch movies on the weekends, play the occasional game, or indulge in social media if your friends are on. You can control yourself well, and you’re not distracted by entertainment when you work. Good for you!
• Level 2: Adventurer. You’re definitely more informed than most. You know the new Facebook news ( “Are they really going to get rid of the Like button!?” ) and keep up-to-date with the latest trends. This causes you to have staggered focus at work, and you’re also constantly planning about what you’re going to do when you’re free. Consider going on a  digital detox  the next time you’re away from technology zones to combat this.
• Level 3: Grand Master. Uh-oh. You’re  really  distracted now. You tend to have difficulty focusing for more than 20 minutes, and your mind constantly wonders if your phone just buzzed. This one will require some more elbow grease – try detoxing and finding an accountability partner or joining a coworking space. You might even want to join a  mastermind  group weekly to hold yourself accountable for getting stuff done.

Origami Technique

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. And if you’ve ever tried making one of those paper cranes before, you’ll know it’s not as easy as it seems!

To create an origami crane, there are many steps involved, from:

• Cutting your rectangular paper into a square piece
• Making the base
• Endless bouts of folding, unfolding, flipping, and Googling where you went wrong

And here’s where the Origami Technique of anti-procrastination unfolds:

Take each task and break it down into the SMALLEST step possible.

• Want to run a marathon? Start with putting on your shoes.
• Want to launch a blog? Start with writing just 50 words.
• Want to bake a cake? Start with looking up ONE recipe.

The Origami Technique works because instead of looking up at the peak of the mountain and getting anxious/disheartened/[insert negative adjective here],  you’ll find simply walking to the base of the mountain is a much easier task.

So easy that it literally takes minutes or even seconds.

Now, take a look at your task list. If that de-motivates you, think of the simplest ONE thing you could do for each task to get you started moving in that direction.

Let inertia work its magic from there, and soon enough, you’ll see the entire crane come to life.

The 90/10 rule states that you can save 90% of the time it takes to complete a task by just taking 10% of that time to plan.

Here’s how it works: Imagine your boss calls, and you’ve got a big deadline due tomorrow. You might be able to crank it out if you work all night and the cortisol starts kicking in.

But wait! Sit down, take a breather, and put on your planning antennas – because, according to the 90/10 Rule,  every minute you spend planning is 9 minutes saved.

That’s a whole lot of minutes.

Putting in just 15 minutes of planning upfront can save you over 2 hours in the long run!

Planning is the long-term killer of procrastination.

• Plan your following day. Every night before you go to bed, write down what you need to complete the next day. Overnight, your subconscious will work overtime to come up with problems automagically! It really is a brain “hack.”
• Plan your free time. If you’re a sucker for tuning into Netflix when you’ve got important stuff to do ( “Just ONE more episode!” ), slay your demons by planning your play periods. I like to set a couple hours around dinner time to do whatever I want away from work – whether it’s Netflix binging, spending time with my daughter, or  catching up with friends .
• Set up a system. Whether it’s a bullet journal or an online task manager, plan your to-do’s where you can visually see it. It’ll cost some time up-front, but once you get involved in your system, you’ll be shocked at how much you  instantly  know what to prioritize and do whenever you’re “feeling bored.” No more wasted moments!
• The Sand Method. Imagine you’re on a beach, and your tasks are to build something with sand. Now, you can create one colossal sandcastle, spending all your time to make something big. Or, you can break it down and build many small sandcastles, leaving some unfinished to get to them later. The point is, tasks are like sandcastles. You have different ways of finishing them, but you should have a game plan in mind for how you want to approach them before you start.

Why is Procrastination so Dangerous?

Let’s take a little history lesson to better understand why we procrastinate, shall we?

Around 800 BC, the Greek poet Hesiod famously said to not “put your work off till tomorrow and the day after.” Even Roman statesman Cicero noted procrastination was “hateful” in accomplishing affairs.

For all we know, our cavemen ancestors might have seen a hungry jaguar right outside their cave and decided to go right back to playing with their sticks and stones!

(I hope not.)

So, procrastination has been around for quite a while.

And you probably already know the detrimental effects of delaying the important stuff:

• Less time to accomplish our task
• The added stress of less time to finish
• Loss of sleep due to hurrying to finish a task

…Not to mention a massive loss of  productivity !

Sure, procrastinating  just a little bit  might not hurt so much.

But  let that procrastination monster roam free for too long, and the effects grow like wildfire.  Just take a look around in real life, and you’ll see what procrastination can do:

• Little to no savings for retirement
• A lack of genuine, caring  friendships
• Not advancing up the career ladder
• Not accomplishing your most  meaningful goals

The long-term effects of procrastination can really ruin your life in the real world.

Example of a person who procrastinated?

Procrastination vs. Laziness (which one describes you?)

You may have spent one too many countless nights staring at the ceiling, wondering if you’ll ever finish that project/homework/random house task you put off at the last minute.

And you might have even been told you’re  lazy .

But the key in recognizing the difference is that  procrastination is an active process while being lazy is passive.

When you  choose  not to write that assignment that’s due tomorrow and instead tune into the latest episode of Game of Thrones, you’re procrastinating.

But if you instead  don’t even care  about finishing that assignment, you’re being lazy.

And there’s another type of procrastination that takes it to a whole new level – chronic procrastination.

Are You a Chronic Procrastinator? (Quiz)

There’s a difference between being a procrastinator and being a  chronic procrastinator…  Just like there’s a difference between being sad and being medically depressed.

Joseph Ferrari, professor of psychology at DePaul University, found that 20% of US men and women are  chronic procrastinators .

Take this quick procrastination quiz to see if you’re a chronic procrastinator!

• When you have a deadline due tomorrow, you usually…
• Find excuses to NOT finish and save it for the last minute, coffee on hand.
• Deadline tomorrow? Pfft. I had already finished it last week!
• Prioritize it and crank it out ASAP.

2. Imagine you’ve got a handful of tasks due soon. How do you decide which to prioritize?

• Whatever I feel like.
• Create a task list and prioritize tasks based on the due date and time to accomplish them.
• Keep the functions in mind and do them in order of importance.

3. Your boss asks you when you’ll be able to turn in your assignment. Your immediate thought is:

• “Assignment? What assignment?”
• “I already finished yesterday and am making final touches!”
• “I’ve already planned to finish tonight!” 

4. You’ve got a virtual meeting at 10:00AM sharp. When do you show up?

• Usually, late – mornings aren’t my thing.
• 5 minutes early, with my notes on hand.
• Right on time, give or take a minute.

Now, take a look at your answers.

• If you mainly answered the first answer…  You’re a chronic procrastinator! You leave tasks until the end and usually need a lot of motivation to get yourself going.
• If you mainly answered the second answer…  You’re high on conscientiousness! You tend to stay on top of your tasks and even remind others when theirs are due.
• If you mainly answered the last answer…  You’re about average! Maybe you procrastinate sometimes, but try your best to keep on track.

So how did you rank on the procrastination quiz?

If All Else Fails…

Own your procrastination! After all, some people are more likely to procrastinate than others. And if that sounds like you, maybe you’ve got to accept it.

And maybe that’s just the thing you need—a little bit of acceptance and permission to think of procrastination as “OK.”

After all,  procrastination isn’t the end of the world …

Now, it’s your turn! Go out there and do the thing you need to do.

Do it now – don’t procrastinate for later.

You got this!

Article sources

Popular guides, 9 thoughts on “the ultimate (non-lazy) guide to stopping procrastination”.

I hope it will help me and I hope for further articles on the same. Thank you so much for explaining all this so easily. Having known such great people who can just help you succeed in your life are very amazing people.

Prepare ‘Not to Do List’ is very good idea. Thank you for such a informative article.

Wow, This is what i need. Great ideas. I’ve wrote it on my notes. Thanks in advance.

Comments are closed.

How to Deal with Difficult People at Work

Do you have a difficult boss? Colleague? Client? Learn how to transform your difficult relationship. I’ll show you my science-based approach to building a strong, productive relationship with even the most difficult people.

Related Articles

Science of People offers over 1000+ articles on people skills and nonverbal behavior.

Get our latest insights and advice delivered to your inbox.

It’s a privilege to be in your inbox. We promise only to send the good stuff.

• PWInsider RSS Feed
• Follow PWInsider on Twitter
• Join PWInsider on Facebook
• Add PWInsider on Google+

PWInsider - WWE News, Wrestling News, WWE

• Questions & Answers
• This Day in History
• Why go Elite?
• Signup and Go Elite
• Login to My Account
• PWInsider Polls
• DVD Easter Eggs
• Upcoming Wrestling Events
• PWInsider Super Store
• PWInsiderXtra.com

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AVOIDING PROCRASTINATION AND GETTING YOUR HOMEWORK DONE

Procrastination is more common in students than one realizes. The habit of unnecessarily delaying actions often causes unwanted stress, missed opportunities, reduced well-being, and other concerns. Several candidates make up their minds to pull an all-nighter for their pending assignments (including yourself). However, when you sit down (with the TV playing in the background), you find those preposterous late-night commercials or soap operas too captivating to skip. Hence, you decide to finish watching them before you begin writing. Eventually, by that time, it's too late, and your eyes and head want nothing else but to hit the sack and call it a night. The situation does seem familiar, doesn't it? For many, it's like a typical weeknight, and strangely, they keep finding and indulging something or the other that causes further work delays. Right up till when students realize there's little time left for submission, they get down to writing the assignment in haste and resultantly fail to meet the professor's required expectations.

Furthermore, the Psychology Today Report points out that procrastination is one of the chief causes of reduced grades in many pupils. Regardless of whether the cause of delay is 'Netflixing,' napping, cleaning, or lack of interest in the subject itself, you must look to overcome this habit and manage time wisely for doing homework properly. Of course, old habits die hard, and that makes overcoming procrastination more difficult than one expects. Some pupils opt for the easier option- hiring an assignment expert online and requesting them to ' do my homework for me.'  The decision proves beneficial. Top-rated assignment writing websites (like MyAssignmenthelp.com and similar) have exceptional writers for 100+ subjects to help students. They accept orders 24/7.

So, those who struggle to finish their homework on time can  Visit at Myassignmenthelp , fill up the order form, and secure a writer to guide and mentor them for their pending task. If you succumb to procrastination, you can use the option too to finish homework quickly and make it submission ready before the due date. 

Now that you have a last-minute reliable option to turn to during emergencies let's focus on the primary issue at hand – OVERCOMING PROCRASTINATION so you can finish your homework without needing help from online experts! Below are some practical tips to follow!

Admit You Procrastinate and Figure Out The Main Cause 

The foremost step to overcoming this habit is admitting you have this issue. Once you admit that you're deliberately delaying things when you aren't supposed to, you take the first step to rectifying the problem. 

The next step is figuring out the chief cause of your procrastination. The reasons could be plenty: lack of subject interest, fear of failing, or even due to some psychological reasons like –

Low self-esteem

Overwhelming anxiety

Lack of support structure

Inability to self-motivate

Or some other emotional turmoil.

Some field experts also explain procrastination could result due to rumination -fixating on negative thoughts and allowing them to control you (when it should be it the opposite)! Once you determine the cause(s) of your procrastination, it is possible to diagnose it over time. The key to it is developing an optimistic mindset and establishing your daily study goals and productivity benchmarks. Let's emphasize more on this in the next point.

Establishing a Realistic Study Plan and Daily Work Target

We pointed out above that reasons like inability to self-motivate, low self-esteem, and emotional turmoil are key causes of procrastination. Well, good news: There is a surefire way to get into the right mindset. Give yourself some meaningful purpose or goal, or set a daily target to accomplish. Working on pending homework is as good as any. So, look to establish a realistic study goal and daily work target. 

Take for Instance:

You typically study for 3-4 hours every day. So, how about dividing the study time into two sessions? One for studying your course lessons. The other, for working the ignored homework paper. Next, you assess the amount of work to be done and divide them into manageable parts. 

So, if the paper is 4000 words and due in 4 days, set a goal of writing 1800-2000 words per day for 2 days. Reserve the 3rd day for editing, proofreading, checking for plagiarism, correcting citations and references, and adding the finishing touches.

Once finished, you can also use the remaining time to request someone trustworthy to review your final work and suggest honest feedback and improvement suggestions. Refer to the shared feedback and make changes whenever applicable.

Creating a solid study goal and daily work target helps reduce the workload and prevents you from procrastinating. With a sense of purpose and target, you will have reason to motivate yourself and maintain the positive working momentum to finish the pending work appropriately before schedule. So, try this technique out. It's simple and has yielded success for several who similarly have suffered from this ill-habit. 

However, your study location also plays a crucial role in sustaining your productivity and working momentum. Find out more on that below.

Find A Suitable Study Location

It may be tempting to curl up in bed under a cozy blanket with your laptop and do your homework while watching Stranger Things. Nevertheless don't do it. It's not the right spot for working on your assignment. Instead, you must find a suitable study spot with proper lighting, a neat surface, and plenty of space to spread out all useful writing materials and your laptop. You can also name-tag the spot, like no napping or watching shows. With time, your mind will catch on and adjust whenever you sit down at that spot to focus on what’s important – like your assigned homework!

If you have a good spot in your room, make the arrangements. Clear out the clutter, add proper lighting and motivational wallpapers, and keep all resources, like lecture notes, textbooks, dictionaries, marker pens, etc., at arm's reach. Then, sit down and focus only on one thing – doing your homework properly according to your set daily target. You will realize how much of a difference having a quality study spot makes in eliminating procrastination and augmenting your productivity. 

Keep Distractions at Bay

Distractions hamper productivity in more ways than one. All it takes is one notification from a close mate, girlfriend, or sibling to disrupt a long and productive study session. So, once you've figured out a proper study spot, remove all distractions. Keep your phone silent, turn off laptop notifications, and even shut the window to keep the outside noise from reaching in. 

If it suits you, turn on some soft classical music or white noise to filter out the distractions and sustain focus for long periods. Additionally, you must also inform your parents or siblings not to disturb you during your study period. If you have a pet, hand it over to your sibling or parent temporarily till you're done. While pets are cute and lovely to play with, their presence during your study session will only distract you and cause more unwanted delays.

Set A Reward System and Be Accountable When You Can't Reach the Daily Target

If procrastination has been a long-standing habit, it will take some time to overcome it. Proper discipline and self-control are necessary to overcome this habit. Moreover, it requires you to motivate yourself constantly to finish an important task before schedule. Setting a reward system works well for such situations.

When you finish a broken-down homework section ahead of schedule, treat yourself to something you enjoy. For example, you could get some ice cream, take a power nap, or go for a walk with your pet. However, when the opposite happens, you must also accept accountability and remind yourself to do better next time. 

By training your brain with such healthy habits and a positive mindset, you will become less prone to procrastination. If anything, you would want to prove yourself right and work harder the next day to succeed where you failed previously. 

Partage in Group Studies 

Some students lack the will and determination to study/do homework alone. Despite their efforts, they can't get into that positive and productive mindset. Eventually, they lose whatever motivation they manage to churn out and succumb to negative feelings and procrastination. 

If you're one of the same, then it's time to change tactics. Collaborate with some of your classroom mates and arrange for group study sessions. Knowing that you have to pull your weight when partaking in group studies will help flush out all negative feelings and make you more proactive. 

Partaking in group learning sessions creates a sense of responsibility towards yourself the group. It creates the right amount of work pressure that compels you to get serious and work on the pending task with purpose and conviction. Moreover, group studies always make things interesting. You can exchange knowledge on the homework topic and discuss ideas and strategies to implement in the paper. Eventually, your activeness and accountability towards the group and your pending task will make you finish it correctly before the specified due date.

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!

Latest Headlines

Buy Instagram Followers from Twicsy

Buy Instagram Followers from Buzzoid

Buy Instagram Followers from Poprey

OnlineCasinosSpelen.com

Non-GamStop Casino

Third Party Advertising: We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our Web site. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address or telephone number) about your visits to this and other Web sites in order to provide advertisements on this site and other sites about goods and services that may be of interest to you. In the course of serving advertisements to this site, our third-party advertiser may place or recognize a unique cookie on your browser.

© 2004-2024 PWInsider.com . All Rights Reserved.