6 Ways You Can Get Tasks Accomplished and Say NO to Procrastination

We get it; sometimes, you don’t want to do anything, especially when it comes to writing essays or tests, studying for midterms, or tackling any other overwhelming task. It’s easy to tell yourself, “I’ll get to that later,” or “Maybe I don’t need to do that right now.” Procrastinating, however, can become an issue if you do it too often and can lead to too many unfinished tasks left on your plate. That’s why we’ve created 6 useful tips to help you stop procrastinating – read them below! 

 

Plan and Schedule 

One of the best ways to stop yourself from procrastinating is by planning. Getting a journal, notebook, a sheet of paper, or even using an app on your phone to schedule your workload a week or two in advance can be beneficial. It will allow you to block out time for specific assignments, meetings, events, or whatever else you need to slot in. Having a planned schedule to refer to also helps you stay organized and aware of deadlines. 

 

Start Small 

We tend to procrastinate because the particular task we need to complete is large, and we’re unsure how to begin it. For example, if you have a huge exam coming up, it can feel daunting knowing you have to study for it. Instead of waiting to cram all your studying in the night before or avoiding it altogether, start small. Try studying in 20–30-minute-long sessions a few times a day and stop. Not only does this alleviate stress, but studies also show that studying in shorter, spaced-out sessions improve memory. Setting goals you can reach is a game changer. 

 

Create a Distraction-Free Zone 

Procrastinating is easy if your environment is full of unnecessary distractions, such as people talking, noisy music, and phone notifications. Creating an environment that is free of distractions is an effective way to keep your focus on your tasks. We know it might not be easy, but holding yourself accountable whenever you become distracted is key to preventing procrastination. Doing something as small as putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb” can help improve your focus. 

 

Organize a Study Group 

If you have trouble studying alone or completing homework, get with friends and work together! Sometimes, working in a group makes all the difference when you can take turns asking questions or sharing answers. You’ll be able to schedule times and dates, and the group can help keep you accountable and possibly even teach you more tricks to study better. 

 

Allow Yourself to Take Breaks 

Taking breaks from studying and doing homework is an excellent way to avoid burnout or overwhelming feelings. Trying to complete or think about large tasks all at once is a significant cause of procrastination and might be why you do it, too. Remembering to plan, prioritize tasks, and start small are three keys to accomplishing tasks and giving you room to take the breaks you need to succeed. 

 

Reward Yourself 

Sometimes, the best thing you can do to motivate yourself is to set up your reward system. You may want a sweet treat or to watch a new episode of a show you like. Whatever it may be, you could tell yourself you can only get it if you do 30 minutes of studying, complete half an assignment, etc. Those small rewards can give you the initiative to get tasks done and can make doing something you don’t want to do more enjoyable. 

 

It’s important to remember that everyone has procrastinated at least once, and that procrastination does not make you a bad student. Following these simple tips and creating your own can help you stop procrastinating!