7 tips to avoid procrastination

Procrastination is a common challenge that many individuals including students face in their daily lives. It is the act of delaying or postponing tasks and activities, often resulting in decreased productivity and increased stress levels. And so to overcome the habit of procrastination, one needs to consciously make an effort to ‘say no to dilly-dallying’. Check out these effective daily practices that can help students overcome procrastination and enhance productivity.

1. Set clear and realistic goals: One of the primary reasons students procrastinate is the lack of clear goals. Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound also known as SMART goals provides a sense of direction and motivation. Students can break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and establish deadlines for themselves. By having a clear roadmap, they can better focus and avoid the temptation to postpone tasks.
According to Bhavana Choudhary, mother of Emma, a student at Apeejay School, Noida, “Setting clear goals can help motivate children to complete their tasks without getting overwhelmed. It not only helps them stay focused on the task at hand but also improves their performance. Realistic goals can teach children the importance of having objectives, developing planning skills, and creating a blueprint to achieve their set targets. Moreover, it instils in them the value of perseverance as they work towards meeting their objectives.”

2. Prioritise and create a to-do list: Prioritisation is crucial for overcoming procrastination. Start each day by creating a to-do list that outlines tasks based on their importance and urgency. By tackling high-priority tasks first, one can prevent oneself from piling up and causing unnecessary stress. Crossing off completed tasks from the list provides a sense of accomplishment, motivating individuals to keep going.

3. Practice time management techniques: Effective time management is essential for combating procrastination. Techniques such as the ‘Pomodoro Technique’ can help students stay focused and productive. This technique involves working on a task for a set amount of time (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by a short break (e.g., 5 minutes). Repeat this cycle several times, and then take a longer break. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks with dedicated time slots helps maintain focus and prevents procrastination.
Dr. Ravinder Kaur, mother of Yuvraj Sharma, enrolled in Class 2 at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, shares, “Procrastination is a negative term that goes against the principles of time management. On the other hand, time management is a positive skill that can be taught through a personalised routine from an early age. However, as parents, we must ensure that our children follow a structured schedule from the moment they wake up until bedtime, including meals, physical activity, and outdoor activities. While the school enforces discipline, at home, it becomes a cultural trait that our children adopt. It is important to eliminate unnecessary activities and replace them with meaningful skills.”

4. Overcome perfectionism: The fear of making mistakes or not meeting high standards can restrict students from taking action. It is therefore important to acknowledge that perfection is unattainable at every point. However,  progress is more important than perfection. Embrace the concept of “good enough” and focus on completing tasks to the best of your ability rather than obsessing over every minor detail.

5. Utilise positive reinforcement: Rewarding children for completing tasks can be a powerful motivator. Establish a system of positive reinforcement, such as treating the child to a favourite snack or taking a short break to do something enjoyable after completing a task. By associating positive experiences with task completion, children can develop a positive mind-set and overcome the inclination to procrastinate.

6. Eliminate distractions: Distractions can significantly hinder productivity and contribute to the above-mentioned habit. Identify common distractions for your child, such as social media, notifications, or noisy surroundings, and take proactive measures to minimise them. Consider using productivity apps or website blockers to limit access to time-wasting platforms during work or study sessions. Creating a designated workspace free from distractions can also help maintain focus and boost productivity.

7. Cultivate a growth mind-set: A growth mind-set is essential for overcoming procrastination. Tell your kid that embracing challenges and setbacks as opportunities adds to his/her growth and learning, rather than as reasons to avoid tasks. Develop a positive attitude towards failure, viewing it as a stepping stone to success. By adopting a growth mind-set, students can overcome self-doubt and fear of failure, thereby reducing procrastination tendencies.

In a nutshell, overcoming procrastination requires consistent effort and the adoption of daily practices that promote productivity. Remember, overcoming procrastination is a journey that requires patience and perseverance, but the rewards in terms of increased productivity and reduced stress are worth the effort. So, start implementing these practices for your child today so that they can enjoy a more fulfilling and productive life.