What is the best way to avoid procrastination?
I sometimes struggle with procrastinating in classes I don’t enjoy (specifically when it comes to consistent studying), and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how I can work to improve this?
53 answers
Daniel’s Answer
to avoid procrastination, I have always found switching up your routine and to do lists to be helpful! Switching up the routine could be studying in different locations (likely in public w/ headphones to block out the noise), like a coffee shop or library. To-do lists are an additional way to keep yourself accountable, and the satisfaction of completing items on the list doesn't hurt either!
Alexander’s Answer
If you have something that has a concrete deadline, rather than just put it off until the last minute you can create a daily to-do list that segments your workload out over the course of a few days rather than just have everything hit at the last minute sending you into a panic and causing you to submit work that may not be completed to the best of your capabilities. Start slow with the to-do lists so you can ease into the routine and once you've gotten the routine nailed down, add more things and it will become second nature to you.
Remember, forming a new habit/routine can be VERY difficult, so give yourself some grace if you aren't getting into the rhythm immediately. It's a race, not a sprint!
Alexander recommends the following next steps:
Shira’s Answer
Annika’s Answer
Travis’s Answer
1) Know your limits/be pragmatic. If someone procrastinates too much, the “catching-up” part becomes insurmountable – and will lead to added stress / worse mental health as a result
2) Set goals for yourself on a daily basis. It might even be worth setting goals that are “ambitious” in nature – i.e., where you don’t know if you’ll be able to truly get through it all – so that it puts that pressure on yourself to work throughout the entire day (i.e., to not just try to accomplish a couple easy things near the end of the day)
3) Don’t confuse procrastination with effective work ethics. Taking a much-needed break is not the same as procrastinating! Get to know your peak work/study routine (e.g., during which part(s) of day are you most productive? How long can you delve deep into something before losing focus?) and then ensure you’re enabling yourself to be productive during those peak times while also allowing yourself to take a break and recharge during those non-peak times.
Anthony’s Answer
Sierra’s Answer
My dad taught me a helpful lesson in middle school to avoid putting things off. Mark Twain asked, if you had to eat a frog every day, when would you do it? Would you eat it first thing to get it over with, or worry about it all day? Eating a frog doesn't sound fun, and I'd want to delay it too. But if I wait, I'll spend more time worrying than it would take to just eat the frog. So, if there's something you're dreading, try the "eat the frog" approach. Get it done first, so you can enjoy the rest of your day. For example, if you have a book report to write but want to hang out with friends, finish the report first. Then you can be with your friends without stress. This works for little tasks too, like putting away laundry or making your bed.
When you're trying to change a habit, remember that growth takes time. Celebrate small wins, like noticing when you procrastinate. Then try a quick 30-second fix, then a 5-minute one. Soon, you'll prefer finishing tasks so you can enjoy fun activities later.
Sophia’s Answer
- Have a plan of what you want to get done and how you are going to do
- Small rewards when you complete the task at hand (whether it be a little treat, some extra time on the tv, go see friends, etc.). This can also work in increments for longer tasks. (ex: with long study session, each hour I can give myself a 5-10 minute phone or walking break)
- Find the time of day that works best for you (extremely important to get things done during your most productive period of the day!)
- If you can, go somewhere else other than home to complete the task. Less distractions and since you already left, you might as well keep going! Also, go outside if it is nice weather – there is nothing like some good serotonin from the sun!
- Low volume instrumental music
Sara’s Answer
1. Break tasks into smaller steps
This makes them seem less scary and more manageable.
2. Try the 10-minute rule
Focus on the task for just ten minutes, then take a break. Often, once you start, it's easier to keep going.
3. Remove distractions
Put your phone away and find a quiet place to work.
4. Understand why you're procrastinating
If it's boring, try adding a reward. If it's hard, ask for help.
Divya’s Answer
Try to implement the below to see if it helps beat procrastination
1. Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps
Divide large projects into manageable, specific tasks.
Set mini-deadlines for each step to create a sense of progress and urgency.
2. Use a To-Do List or Planner
Write down tasks and prioritize them.
Check off completed items to build momentum and motivation.
3. Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Define what “done” looks like for each task.
Make goals specific and realistic to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
4. Eliminate Distractions
Identify your main distractions (phone, social media, noisy environments).
Create a focused workspace—turn off notifications, use website blockers, or find a quiet place.
5. Use Time Management Techniques
Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
Time blocking: Schedule specific times for each task.
6. Reward Yourself
Set up small rewards for completing tasks (snacks, breaks, favorite activities).
Celebrate progress to reinforce positive habits.
7. Hold Yourself Accountable
Tell someone your goals or work with a study buddy.
Check in regularly to share progress.
8. Start With the Easiest Task
Build momentum by knocking out something simple first.
Use the “two-minute rule”: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.
9. Practice Self-Compassion
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up.
Reflect on why you procrastinated and adjust your approach.
Hope this helps!
Edward’s Answer
It's great that you're thinking about why you might be procrastinating. Understanding the reason is the first step to overcoming it. Here are some ideas to help you move forward:
- If you're noticing signs similar to ADHD, consider talking to a trusted adult about getting tested.
- If other stressors are making it hard to focus, reach out to someone you trust for support and work together to make a plan.
- If the subject feels boring, try to find a way to make it more engaging for yourself.
Finding out why you're procrastinating can lead you to the right solutions. I'm here if you need more support or want to chat further. Wishing you all the best!
Landry’s Answer
It can also be fun to experiment with time management techniques, like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a short break. Scheduling dedicated time for your tasks can make a big difference, too. If distractions are a problem, try putting your phone away or using apps that block social media while you work. Finding a quiet, comfortable spot can help you focus as well.
Sometimes, sharing your goals with a friend or coworker can keep you accountable and motivated. You can check in with each other and celebrate your progress together. Don’t forget to reward yourself for finishing tasks, even if it’s just with a small treat or a quick break. Noticing what makes you want to procrastinate—like feeling overwhelmed or bored—can help you find ways to work around those feelings. And remember, just getting started, even with the smallest part of a task, can help you build momentum.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Everyone has off days, and it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly. Focus on making progress, not being perfect. With a little patience and some friendly encouragement, you’ll find your own rhythm and get things done in no time!
Autumn’s Answer
Try to change how you view learning. Connect the class to your long-term goals, like your career or academic plans. Even if a class isn't fun, seeing its relevance can boost motivation. Find links between the subject and your interests to make it more engaging.
Focus on learning for its own sake, not just for grades. This can make studying more rewarding.
Use practical strategies:
- Time Management: Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking to organize study time.
- Break Tasks Down: Split big assignments into smaller parts to make them less daunting.
- Study Environment: Set up a distraction-free space for studying to create a routine.
- Active Recall: Use methods like summarizing or flashcards to improve memory.
- Reward System: Give yourself rewards for completing tasks to make studying more enjoyable.
Can you get support from others?
- Study Groups: Join or create a study group for shared learning and accountability.
- Ask for Help: Reach out to professors or TAs for guidance and resources.
- Accountability Partner: Have someone check in on your progress and offer support.
Combining these approaches can help you overcome procrastination. Identify your demotivators, try different strategies, and seek support to find what works best for you.
Chris’s Answer
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Stephanie’s Answer
Kara’s Answer
Srilatha’s Answer
Pair studying with something fun (like music or snacks).
• Set tiny goals (start small to get going).
• Track your progress visually for motivation.
• Use short study bursts (like 25-minute Pomodoro sessions).
• Connect the class to a bigger goal (like graduation or career plans).
• Find an accountability buddy to keep you on track.
• Change your study environment to boost focus.
These small changes can help make even boring subjects more manageable.
Jiabao (Jabs)’s Answer
I find your question really relevant as that has been my problem for a long time. I believe the most effective way to avoid it is to set up a due date or deadline for whatever you are trying to accomplish. For example, if you want to study for an exam, schedule your exam early. That will force you to start studying because you know that you will need to get prepared before your exam date.
Alexandra’s Answer
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
I create a "to do" list every morning. I'll use stars or numeric values to indicate order of importance or i'll indicate how long to finish each listed task will take. So for example, If i have only 10 minutes between meetings, i'll review my lists for tasks that take 5 minutes or less. (like responding to an email)
Haris’s Answer
I was the same until I realized how much of my time has been spent on things when I procrastinated and how bad of a content I was providing. I started using due dates and deadlines for myself and assignments that are due end of week I would try to do it at least a day before.
hope my advice helps you.
Anvitha’s Answer
Small manageable tasks with an incremental progress towards your goals will help with procrastination and also give you a sense of actual progress in your day-to-day. But remember that if you did not complete something in a day, it does not mean that you are doing something wrong. You just pick it up where you left off and not be sad about the time/task missed. Consistency is important. Hope you achieve everything you set your mind to.
Thanks!
Michael’s Answer
Here are some helpful recommendations for avoiding procrastination, retaining difficult information, time management and preventing being overworked:
- Form a study group with classmates ... set a study agenda with them to accomplish certain goals by certain dates and times ... ask your classmates what best study practices that they do and help each other study challenging concepts, questions, etc.
- Use a white board with an eraser and erasable markers to write down concepts, theories, formulas, etc.. The white board can be used over and over again and save on paper.
- Utilize flash cards where the question is on the front and the answer is on the back. This helps to memorize the information.
- Outline the course material to be learned ... it's like drawing an information map. Each section of an exam will focus on a specific concept, theory, formula, etc.
- Get help and advice from professors or teachers as well as other classmates for best studying practices ... ask them for help to make yourself more accountable to your studies and to you.
Here are other recommendations when studying and avoiding burnout:
- Get to bed early to ensure you are getting enough rest and sleep to be refreshed for the next day ... at least 7-8 hours per night
- Make it a point to get some form of exercise per day ... stretching, going for a walk and getting some sunshine, go to the gym, go running, etc. in order to build up your energy levels
- Instead of candy and chips ... switch to an apple, a banana, a salad. etc. to fuel your energy levels ... too much sugar and fatty foods will make you sluggish and sleepy.
- Find a study area that does not have a television or video games nearby ... go to the library where you can focus on the task(s) at hand
- Put your cellphone facedown and turn on the Do Not Disturb option ... set your text options to reply "Busy studying and will contact you later, Thanks!"
- Create a digital calendar or purchase a calendar from Staples, Office Depot, etc. ... write down goals daily, weekly and monthly on what study items that you need to accomplish by what date and time ... share your calendar with your teachers and your study group of classmates to ensure to remain on track for your study goals
- Reward yourself after accomplishing a study goal ... take a break, go for a walk, eat a healthy snack, call a friend, etc.
- Visualize yourself accomplishing each and every study goal ... create a goal record to track your progress
- Keep Positive and focus on the things that mean the most to you ... you, family, friends, etc.
- Reflect on your past accomplishments to help motivate you to accomplish your future goals
- Read a book, take up a hobby like gardening, playing a musical instrument, volunteer work at a church or charity, etc.
- Remember to take care of and be good to yourself ... there is only one of you ... special, unique and extraordinary
All of the mentioned above is about balancing priorities, pacing oneself and being good to oneself.
Hope this helps and good luck with your education!
Mary’s Answer
Here are quick tips: Make a short to-do list. Work for just 10-15 minutes. Put away distractions like your phone. Give yourself a small reward when you finish. The key is to just start, even if you don’t feel like it yet.
Starting makes it easier to keep going!
Crystal’s Answer
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Harper’s Answer
McKenna’s Answer
Jenisha’s Answer
Haley’s Answer
First, they filled the jar with the small rocks which took up half of the jar. When they tried to add the big rocks afterward, they just wouldn’t fit. But when they put the big rocks in first and then poured the small rocks around them, everything fit perfectly! The small rocks filled in all the spaces between the big ones.
The point was: if you focus on all the little, easy tasks first (which is super tempting when you’re procrastinating), you run out of time and energy for the big, important stuff. But if you can more easily fit the smaller tasks in around the big ones.
Now, when I’m working, I try to “put the big rocks in first.” I carve out mini-deadlines for my big tasks (even if the real deadline is far away) to make sure I’m making progress. And if I ever feel overwhelmed, I’ll sprinkle in a few easy tasks to get some momentum before jumping back into the big stuff. Also, even though they didn’t show this in the demonstration, I’ve learned that breaking those big rocks into smaller pieces makes them way less intimidating and much easier to handle.
Hope this analogy works! And all the best!
-H
Yashasvi’s Answer
1. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
• Large projects can feel overwhelming. Divide them into manageable, specific tasks.
• Focus on completing one small step at a time.
2. Set Clear Goals and Deadlines
• Write down what you need to do and by when.
• Use a planner or digital calendar to track your progress.
3. Remove Distractions
• Find a quiet workspace and put away your phone or other distractions.
• Use website blockers or apps to limit time on social media.
4. Use the “Pomodoro Technique”
• Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat.
• This helps maintain focus and prevents burnout.
5. Prioritize Tasks
• Tackle the most important or challenging tasks first (“eat the frog” method).
• Make a daily to-do list and check off completed items for motivation.
6. Reward Yourself
• Give yourself a small reward after finishing a task, like a snack or a short walk.
• Positive reinforcement can help build good habits.
7. Stay Accountable
• Share your goals with a friend or study partner who can check in on your progress.
• Accountability increases motivation to stay on track.
Randi Sue’s Answer
Randi Sue recommends the following next steps:
Vijaya’s Answer
Just know that you have to complete one task at a time, not all.
Don't get overwhelmed by thinking about needing to complete the whole thing, but one small task at a time.
Use set time everyday to do your homework to make it a habit
Have a study buddy
Anna’s Answer
You're asking a fantastic question! To beat procrastination, try breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes everything feel easier to handle. I also set a timer on my phone for each step and challenge myself to focus only on that task during the time. This goal keeps me away from distractions. When the timer ends, I take a short break and then repeat the process. I also prioritize these smaller steps by difficulty or importance and tackle the toughest ones first. I hope these tips are helpful!
Don’s Answer
I just want to say that I have also struggled when it comes to procrastination in school and in parts of my life, so it is not unusual. I will create a list of things that you can focus on or look over to think about. Hope this helps!
List:
-Break down large tasks, make into smaller tasks
-Use the Pomodoro Technique for time management
-Minimize distractions
-Organize your work area
-Hold yourself accountable
-Set goals that you want to achieve
-Reward yourself for not procrasinating
-Change/Adjust your mindset when it comes to your work
Sara’s Answer
Sara recommends the following next steps:
Danielle’s Answer
Brijal’s Answer
Liz’s Answer
Do a little bit every day to get to your goal
Keep the deadline on your radar
As you get closer to the deadline, if you are feeling pressure, don’t panic.
That’s the time to focus and act – You’ve Got This!
When you are feeling distracted but want to start your project do these things:
1. Breath for 5 minutes and prepare to begin our project.
2. Change your scenery. I like to get up from my workstation and go outside for a few minutes. When I come back to my desk, my mind is clear and ready – 100% of the time. This works!
3. Stand up and stretch - do something that energizes your body and mind.
YOU CAN DO THIS!
Michelle’s Answer
Procrastination is a very common thing and I would venture to say that everyone procrastinates, maybe even daily, so you're definitely not alone. When it comes to studying, though, it's something you have to do and sometimes has deadlines in the form of projects or exams.
To help you not put off undesirable tasks for studying, think about forming or joining a study group at your school. If you know you are scheduled to meet with a study group, you'll do it. Whatever subject it is, you may even find online videos that would give you supplemental information.
Another way you may want to use to stave off procrastination would be to make a list of all the things you need to do for a particular day. Do all the tasks you don't like first and then do the ones you don't mind doing. Get the boring or uninteresting ones out of the way first. I actually use this method.
Try to take good notes during class so that you can study from your own words.
Know that the things you have to do that you delay doing are usually temporary. It's best to just get it over with and move on and you'll feel good about having accomplished it.
Just remember that it's a natural behavior, we all procrastinate, and hopefully the suggestions I've advised will help you improve with studying the school subjects that you're not really into.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Ankur’s Answer
However basics things you can try to avoid this which I have personally tried are:
1. Broadcast some of your commitments to your closed ones and your ego would you force you get things done.
2. Prepare a simple to do list and stick somewhere you can physically see all the time. The digital to-do list are not as effective as pen and paper in my opinion
3. Eat healthy food, whether you like it or not, we are what we eat. Fruits, plenty of liquids, water and salads can make you feel more energetic and help avoid procrastination.
4. If possible try to build discipline on one element of your life, maybe like have fix sleeping schedule or eating schedule and then increment on this individual building blocks of daily life.
Andrey’s Answer
I always had hard time staying awake while learning materials I’m not interested in. I know one thing helped is YouTube videos. Sometimes you can find really good videos like Ameba Sisters that make the dreaded subject fun. Additionally, look into pourposegames.com I believe that’s how you spell it. There are tons of fun games that help you learn subjects, I know I found it super useful.
Breakdown the material in small sections. If you are able find a study partner and instead of learning just talk about material, explain each other what you think it is and come up with some fun mnemonics to help you memorize stuff.
I hope this helps!
merve’s Answer
Robert’s Answer
• Use reminders and alerts to help plan your day
• Focus on getting obtainable chunks done each time (don’t overload)
• Avoid multi-tasking (focus on what you are doing)
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Tyler’s Answer
1. Think ahead: Decide if it's better to deal with the task now or face more stress later when you're rushed.
2. Break it down: Divide the task into smaller parts and work on them gradually until it's finished.
3. Push yourself: Completing tasks can boost your mental health. Even if something isn't fun, finishing it brings relief and satisfaction.
4. Set goals: Give yourself small rewards for completing parts of the task, like promising to finish a section before going out with friends.
I hope these tips are helpful!
Matthew’s Answer
Raquel’s Answer
MOHIL’s Answer
1. Work for 25-30 minutes.
2. Take a 5-10 minute break.
3. Repeat this cycle 4-5 times.
After completing these cycles, reward yourself with a longer break. This approach helps you finish tasks and boosts your focus when you start again. I hope this helps
Jhansirani’s Answer
Kevin’s Answer
I struggled with the same issue in high school and college. I found that the best way to tackle tasks I dreaded/found boring was to break my work up in to smaller sessions, and create some sort of reward system for bigger accomplishments, such as finishing a chapter of a textbook or fully memorizing a section of material.
Kristina’s Answer
"If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day knowing the worst is behind you."
One of the core principles of it is to Do the hardest task first: tackle your biggest challenge first thing in the morning when your motivation/energy are at their best. This is something that has helped me and the book is an interesting read with some other great principles you can apply to help you with avoiding procrastination.
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