What is procrastination?Procrastination is the decision to put off a task that is best started right now. When you put tasks off until later, you can end up rushing to finish assignments at the last minute, or running out of time completely. This module will explain strategies to help fight the desire to procrastinate.
Motivation builds the closer you get to completing a task. Mustering enough motivation to get things started can be the biggest challenge. Once you have started a task, you will find the task easier to work on.
Take a boring task and make a game of it. Some examples:
Your brain uses tricks to get you to procrastinate, like downplaying the importance of a task or telling yourself that the professor didn’t provide clear instructions. Learn to recognize these tricks so that you aren’t fooled.
Put a firm time limit on how long you will give yourself to work on a task. Dragging unpleasant tasks out only promotes procrastination. A time limit encourages you to finish the task faster.
Social media and video games are a breeding ground for procrastination. Every video on YouTube is likely to appear to be a more interesting way to spend your time than the assignment you’re trying to finish. Limit yourself to using only the technology you need to complete your task.
Test yourself. Complete this activity Avoid procrastination. Watch this video
find out if you have a procrastination NOW!
problem.
Are you easily distracted? Need some help figuring out how to get motivated to manage your time better? These videos from Oregon State University can help!