6 answers
TyKiyah
Student
High Point, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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How should I manage procrastination and avoid distractions while studying ?
I am currently a high school senior who struggles to stay focused and manage my time wisely especially when the tasks are boring or mentally exhausting. I get easily distracted by things like social media or my phone and I want to build better study habits before I get to college.
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6 answers
Michelle Mayes
Librarian
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
I've struggled with this myself, but I've found some helpful strategies: 1) Try placing your phone in another room. Treat it like a class—set it aside for 30 or 60 minutes. 2) Give yourself a reward for concentrating. Tell yourself, "I can check social media for 5 minutes after studying for an hour." 3) Reflect on your goals and why studying matters to you. Think about where you want to go and how focus and study will help you get there. Keep these goals in mind when your attention starts to drift.
Adam Shun
Customer Success Manager
6
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Hi TyKiyah,
I find that using good noise-canceling headphones really helps me concentrate. I like the over-the-ear kind better than earbuds because they block out distractions. Also, try not to have a TV in the room where you're working. You can put your phone in another room, like Hilary suggested, or set it to Do Not Disturb. Turn off notifications for your email and social media, too. If you start to lose focus, take a moment to do some deep breathing or try a few minutes of guided meditation. This can help you stay in the present and refocus.
Buy a pair of over the ear noise canceling headphones
Look at apps like Calm for guided meditation
Turn off all notifications from email and social platforms
I find that using good noise-canceling headphones really helps me concentrate. I like the over-the-ear kind better than earbuds because they block out distractions. Also, try not to have a TV in the room where you're working. You can put your phone in another room, like Hilary suggested, or set it to Do Not Disturb. Turn off notifications for your email and social media, too. If you start to lose focus, take a moment to do some deep breathing or try a few minutes of guided meditation. This can help you stay in the present and refocus.
Adam recommends the following next steps:
Faustas Abartis
Field Service Engineer
13
Answers
Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
Updated
Faustas’s Answer
I recommend reading a book called "Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones".
It helps many with exactly this, and the book has been a top seller on Amazon for a long time.
Good luck (:
It helps many with exactly this, and the book has been a top seller on Amazon for a long time.
Good luck (:
Kelli Duncan
M&A Consultant
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Kelli’s Answer
Hi TyKiyah!
First off, you are definitely not alone. Staying focused, especially when the work is boring or exhausting, is something everyone struggles with at some point. Our world is nonstop, and with school, friends, family, and the constant buzz of phones and social media, it’s easy to feel distracted or overwhelmed.
I wish I could tell you that one day you just wake up and magically stop procrastinating-- but the truth is, it takes practice. Discipline is a skill, not something you're born with. Even now, as a full-time consultant at PwC, I have to be intentional about staying on track (trust me, TikTok still calls my name!).
Here are a few things that have worked for me and might work for you too:
1. Use time blocks. Challenge yourself to work in 30-60 minute chunks, then take a 5-10 minute break. This is called the Pomodoro Technique, and it's great because it gives your brain a clear "on" and "off" switch.
2. Out of sight, out of mind. When I’m trying to focus, I put my phone on the other side of the room and turn on Do Not Disturb. I keep my family and close friends in my “Favorites,” so they can still reach me if it’s urgent, but it keeps all the other distractions out of reach.
3. Make your distractions a reward. If you love social media (same here, TikTok is my fav), try using it as a treat after you’ve hit a study goal. Think of it like: “Once I finish this, I earn 15 minutes of scrolling.”
4. Know your why. Procrastination often shows up when you’re either bored or overwhelmed. If that happens, take a moment to remind yourself why you’re doing the work in the first place. Whether it’s getting into a college you’re excited about, or just proving to yourself that you can push through. Your goals matter.
5. Make it fun. Studying doesn’t have to be dull! Play your favorite playlist in the background, grab a snack, study with a friend, or turn it into a challenge for yourself. The more you can make it feel yours, the easier it gets.
You're already doing the hard part by being self-aware and wanting to improve. That's HUGE. Keep experimenting with what works for you, and be kind to yourself along the way. You've got this, and I'm seriously rooting for you!
Use time blocks → Train your brain with short, focused sprints and guilt-free pauses
Out of sight, out of mind → Distance your distractions to dial in your attention
Make your distractions a reward → Use your favorite apps as a treat, not a trap
Know your why → Reconnect with your goals when motivation dips
Make it fun → Add your personality to your process to keep it interesting
First off, you are definitely not alone. Staying focused, especially when the work is boring or exhausting, is something everyone struggles with at some point. Our world is nonstop, and with school, friends, family, and the constant buzz of phones and social media, it’s easy to feel distracted or overwhelmed.
I wish I could tell you that one day you just wake up and magically stop procrastinating-- but the truth is, it takes practice. Discipline is a skill, not something you're born with. Even now, as a full-time consultant at PwC, I have to be intentional about staying on track (trust me, TikTok still calls my name!).
Here are a few things that have worked for me and might work for you too:
1. Use time blocks. Challenge yourself to work in 30-60 minute chunks, then take a 5-10 minute break. This is called the Pomodoro Technique, and it's great because it gives your brain a clear "on" and "off" switch.
2. Out of sight, out of mind. When I’m trying to focus, I put my phone on the other side of the room and turn on Do Not Disturb. I keep my family and close friends in my “Favorites,” so they can still reach me if it’s urgent, but it keeps all the other distractions out of reach.
3. Make your distractions a reward. If you love social media (same here, TikTok is my fav), try using it as a treat after you’ve hit a study goal. Think of it like: “Once I finish this, I earn 15 minutes of scrolling.”
4. Know your why. Procrastination often shows up when you’re either bored or overwhelmed. If that happens, take a moment to remind yourself why you’re doing the work in the first place. Whether it’s getting into a college you’re excited about, or just proving to yourself that you can push through. Your goals matter.
5. Make it fun. Studying doesn’t have to be dull! Play your favorite playlist in the background, grab a snack, study with a friend, or turn it into a challenge for yourself. The more you can make it feel yours, the easier it gets.
You're already doing the hard part by being self-aware and wanting to improve. That's HUGE. Keep experimenting with what works for you, and be kind to yourself along the way. You've got this, and I'm seriously rooting for you!
Kelli recommends the following next steps:
Hilary Toole
Contract Management
7
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Hilary’s Answer
Hi, TyKiyah - I struggle with that too, but here is what I do.
Put your phone in another room (and mute it). Turn off tvs, music etc. Use a timer (if you can maybe not the cell phone one) - maybe one from the kitchen (like an egg timer) if you have one. Set the timer for 15 minutes to start. Do one piece of homework until the timer goes off. Only that one thing. Once it timer goes off take a break for 5.
Repeat this and gradually lengthen the time to 30, 45, 60 mins. Also set up one place to study and always do your work there -- that will lower the distractions of being in new places where your eyes and mind wander.
I think phones and social media has us all jumping around so much it is hard to do just one thing!
I also make a list of the things I want to do - then as I get it done I check it off the list. It sounds old fashioned, but it really works. Study as early in the day or night as you can -- it is so hard to focus when you are tired. Good luck.
Put your phone in another room (and mute it). Turn off tvs, music etc. Use a timer (if you can maybe not the cell phone one) - maybe one from the kitchen (like an egg timer) if you have one. Set the timer for 15 minutes to start. Do one piece of homework until the timer goes off. Only that one thing. Once it timer goes off take a break for 5.
Repeat this and gradually lengthen the time to 30, 45, 60 mins. Also set up one place to study and always do your work there -- that will lower the distractions of being in new places where your eyes and mind wander.
I think phones and social media has us all jumping around so much it is hard to do just one thing!
I also make a list of the things I want to do - then as I get it done I check it off the list. It sounds old fashioned, but it really works. Study as early in the day or night as you can -- it is so hard to focus when you are tired. Good luck.
Claire Mahaffey
Management Consultant
9
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Claire’s Answer
I also find it challenging to manage my time and avoid distractions, even now that I've finished school and started working. But you've already taken a big step by recognizing the need to improve your time management and wanting to make a change. That's something to be proud of!
Here are some tips that have helped me stay focused:
1. Put time limits on apps that distract you, like social media or games. It might be tempting to ignore these limits, but remember why you set them and stick to it. If that’s not enough, try changing your phone to grayscale. I’ve noticed that this makes apps, especially social media, less appealing and reduces my desire to reach for my phone throughout the day.
2. There are many free apps available now that can block distracting apps at certain times. I block these apps during my work hours (and these apps make it a pain to override the block!), and it has really helped me stay focused.
3. Plan what you want to achieve each day. Use a planner or calendar to schedule your tasks or study time. Hold yourself accountable to these goals, and reward yourself when you meet them.
Celebrate the positive changes you’re making for your future. Every small step counts!
Here are some tips that have helped me stay focused:
1. Put time limits on apps that distract you, like social media or games. It might be tempting to ignore these limits, but remember why you set them and stick to it. If that’s not enough, try changing your phone to grayscale. I’ve noticed that this makes apps, especially social media, less appealing and reduces my desire to reach for my phone throughout the day.
2. There are many free apps available now that can block distracting apps at certain times. I block these apps during my work hours (and these apps make it a pain to override the block!), and it has really helped me stay focused.
3. Plan what you want to achieve each day. Use a planner or calendar to schedule your tasks or study time. Hold yourself accountable to these goals, and reward yourself when you meet them.
Celebrate the positive changes you’re making for your future. Every small step counts!