Overcome procrastination; it’s a thief of time

Procrastination happens when you feel bored or your mind is elsewhere, and it’s a common problem for students who feel distracted and delay their tasks. There can be various reasons for this state of mind.

Here are some tips to help you overcome procrastination :

1. Plan for tomorrow: Take 10 minutes to make a plan for what tasks you need to complete tomorrow and prioritise them. Being organised will give you a clear framework to work within.
2. Stay organised: Analyse your progress on a daily and weekly basis and set achievable goals. This will help you stay motivated and trick your brain into tackling difficult tasks more easily.
3. Eliminate distractions: Many young people are drawn to entertainment activities like binge-watching Netflix, scrolling through social media, and watching YouTube. These activities release dopamine in the brain, making you feel relaxed and less inclined to work. Consider deleting or limiting these apps to boost productivity.
4. Don’t chase perfection: Striving for perfection can lead to cognitive distortions and ultimately result in procrastination. Instead of aiming for perfection, start small and build momentum over time. Avoid overgeneralisation (thinking that if I haven’t done a certain task before, I shouldn’t do it now) and emotional reasoning (believing that I don’t feel like doing something, so I can do it later).
5. Change your mind-set: Laziness and low self-esteem can affect your productivity. Taking care of your physical health can have a positive impact on your mind-set. Get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and maintain a balanced diet with fiber and protein.
6. Assess your progress: Internal motivation is key to success. Be honest with yourself and recognise your strengths and weaknesses. The drive to change your perspective and approach comes from within. Treat each day as a new beginning and gather positive energy before starting your day.

Remember, overcoming procrastination requires self-discipline and a willingness to take action. By implementing these strategies, you can improve your focus and productivity.