Overcoming Procrastination

Photo Credit: Tina Servaes

Procrastination is something that all college students deal with at one point or another. It’s inevitable: who wants to do homework when they could be watching Netflix, partying with their friends, or hitting the slopes? Although everyone procrastinates, there comes a point when it is taken too far. Some people work well under pressure and have no problem saving work until the last minute, but for others, waiting to do their work can negatively affect their grades and can create a bad habit that will continue throughout their lives. Luckily, there are several tried-and-true methods to stop wasting time and get motivated.

The most common strategy for beating procrastination is creating lists of what needs to be done. “I overcome procrastination by making to-do lists at the beginning of the week and completing them by the end of the week,” said senior Kendra Makos. Keeping track of everything that needs to be done prevents the stress and confusion that will make someone want to give up. Having a list also provides the wonderful satisfaction of crossing something off. This sense of accomplishment will stop students from getting discouraged and keep them on the right path.

Some students find it helpful to find a student who has similar problems with procrastination. “Find someone else in your class who you get along with and have them motivate you,” said freshman Sade LaPlante. It will help having someone to complain with, then check up on each other and make sure they get the work done. Students find it motivating to know that if they don’t do their work, not only will they disappoint themselves, but their study buddy will be disappointed, too.

Another tip is to set milestones for rewards. Students often find it helpful to set up goals and rewards for themselves. This could be something along the lines of, ‘For every hour of homework I do, I get an hour of watching Netflix (or whatever hobby they enjoy).’ Motivation helps.

And sometimes, all it takes to beat procrastination is just a shift in thinking. “Personally, I have long-term goals I set, and if I think about what it takes for me to get there, I realize I have little time for procrastination,” said junior, Davis Dodge. Thinking about what he wants for his future motivates him to stop slacking off and do his best.  Another interesting take on why one shouldn’t procrastinate comes from sophomore Jason Phillips, who said, “I always think, ‘I am paying so much money for this, how could I possibly rationalize getting a poor grade by not trying?’” It’s true – college students are already paying a fortune for classes, so next time they consider not doing their work, perhaps remembering their hefty loans will motivate them.

These are just some of the methods people use to stay motivated, but everyone has their own personal strategies. Overcoming procrastination is a tough task that college students must face, but with some self-discipline and determination, it is possible.