Overcoming Procrastination

Overcoming Procrastination

1. Clarify your personal goals

   • Write down your goals.
   • Post goals where you can see them.
   • Make sure tasks are in line with your goals.

2. Manage your time effectively

   • Break your goal into little parts.
   • Write out a plan. Make a schedule.
   • Establish regular times each day to work towards your goal.
   • Organize your environment complete with tools needed in a good working environment.
   • Get questions answered so you can work towards your goal.
   • Start early. Build procrastination time into your schedule.
   • Start small. You will get better and better at managing your time.

3. Change your attitude.

   • Do not use self-defeating language.
   • Believe in yourself. Bring positive energy to tasks.
   • Remind yourself of the consequences of procrastination.
   • Break tasks down into smaller pieces.
   • Value your mistakes. Do not judge them. Learn from them.
   • Know your escapes and avoidances: Socializing? Working out? Running away? Daydreaming?
   • Vent (if you want), but don't let it take over.

4. Change your behavior.

   • Use your friends who are serious students, good listeners.
   • Reward yourself AFTER you complete the task.
   • Keep your tasks visible: reminders, lists, agenda.
   • Use your impulsiveness. When you think of it, do it. Do instant tiny things.
   • Do something daily.
   • Establish priorities. Start with the most unpleasant (if you can).
   • If you have something hard to do, rehearse it. Don't terrify yourself.
   • Have a good general quality of life.

5. Accept yourself.

   • Give yourself time to change.
   • Expect and forgive backsliding.
   • Give yourself credit for your accomplishments.