procrastinating online homework

4 tips for college students to avoid procrastinating with their online work

Cyphert Distinguished Professor; Professor of Learning Technologies; Director of The Research Laboratory for Digital Learning, The Ohio State University

Assistant Professor of Instructional Systems Design and Technology, Sam Houston State University

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Kui Xie receives funding from Institute for Educational Sciences, Spencer Foundation, Ohio Department of Education, Ohio Department of Higher Education, and Ohio Mayfield School District.

Shonn Cheng does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

The Ohio State University provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation US.

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If you take classes online, chances are you probably procrastinate from time to time.

Research shows that more than 70% of college students procrastinate, with about 20% consistently doing it all the time.

Procrastination is putting off starting or finishing a task despite knowing that it will seriously compromise the quality of your work – for instance, putting off a major class project until the last minute.

In fact, research has shown that procrastination can be a harmful behavior that lowers a student’s grades .

Now that so many colleges and universities are operating remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we worry that students are more prone to procrastinate because they have less access to campus facilities and structured support from instructors. We raise these concerns as researchers who study students’ motivation and engagement and their procrastination in online learning .

As professors, we’ve also heard our fair share of explanations and excuses for why students missed deadlines. Everything from “my computer doesn’t work” to “my Wi-Fi went dead.” We even had one student claim that “Grandma died” in one course and that “Grandpa died” in another course. We also have had students claim that their roommate deleted their homework.

Whether you see those reasons as valid or not, none of them really gets at why students procrastinate and end up in those kinds of situations in the first place. With that in mind, here are four tips that can help students deal better with the root causes of procrastination when it comes to online coursework.

1. Manage motivation

One of the main reasons students procrastinate is that they do not see their coursework as relevant to what they’re doing now or expect to do later on. When students find that their academic tasks are interesting, important and useful, they are more likely to try harder to get them done and less likely to put them off .

Remote learning can make students feel bored and frustrated . Therefore, finding ways to stay motivated can prevent procrastination .

Remind yourself of the practical value of your academic tasks. Figure out the reasons you’re studying something in the first place.

For instance, instead of viewing the completion of an assignment as a way to fulfill course requirements, you can think about how to turn your coursework into something related to your life or career goals. For a computer science student, a programming assignment could be made a part of your portfolio to help secure an internship or even a job – as some of our own students have done. A research report could be turned into an academic journal article to enhance your profile when applying for graduate school in the future.

2. Manage goals, tasks and time

College life can get hectic. Many college students must juggle coursework, social events and work commitments at the same time. Getting more organized helps stave off procrastination. This means breaking long-term goals into smaller short-term, challenging and clear goals and tasks.

The reason this technique works is that procrastination is directly related to an individual’s preference and desire for working on a task. When a goal is too large, it becomes not immediately achievable; therefore, you will see this task as less desirable and be more likely to put it off.

By breaking a large long-term goal into a series of smaller and more concrete subgoals, you will see the project as easier to complete and, more importantly, your perceived distance to the finishing line will shorten. This way, you are more likely to perceive the project as desirable , and you will be less likely to procrastinate.

Second, you need to plan your time daily by listing tasks based on their importance and urgency, estimating how much time you need to complete each task, and identifying concrete steps to reach daily goals. That is, tell yourself that in the context of X, I will need to do Y to accomplish Z.

It is also important to plan your time according to how and when you prefer to study . For example, you may concentrate the most late at night, your memory may work the best in the early mornings, or you may collaborate better during the day.

In addition, you should use tech tools, such as calendar and task-management apps, to plan your time and monitor how much you’re getting done.

3. Create a good learning space

Another important way to avoid procrastination is to make sure that your learning environment is supportive for learning.

During the coronavirus pandemic, students are usually learning from home, but sometimes they study wherever they happen to be, even at picnic tables in public parks. These places may not be best suited for academic activities.

These environments have many characteristics that may be more interesting and less emotionally draining than academic tasks. Therefore, students could drift away from academic tasks and wind up instead chatting with friends or watching sports. This is why choosing or creating a good place to study can help people stop procrastinating.

Try to set up your surroundings in a way that suits your learning habits, including where you put tables and chairs and how you use lighting and block out noises. For example, some students may enjoy learning in a quiet and dark space with a spotlight. Others may learn best when they use a standing desk next to a bright window and constantly play soft background music.

4. Get a little help from friends

Friends and classmates can help one another stop procrastinating . Colleagues and other contacts can hold one another accountable and help one another meet deadlines. This is particularly important for anyone who struggles with self-control . Research also has shown that having supportive friends and other peers can boost self-confidence and make tasks seem more valuable and interesting.

[ Deep knowledge, daily. Sign up for The Conversation’s newsletter .]

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, students are physically isolated from most of their friends and classmates. The social support that students normally receive in face-to-face settings, such as after-class chats and study groups, has also been moved to virtual spaces. That is, it’s still available, but mainly through virtual means, such as instant-messaging apps, online collaboration tools or video conferencing software. Used wisely, these tools can help students work with friends to overcome procrastination and make the classwork more enjoyable.

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How to Do Your Homework on Time if You're a Procrastinator

Last Updated: January 31, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Katie Styzek . Katie Styzek is a Professional School Counselor for Chicago Public Schools. Katie earned a BS in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She served as a middle school mathematics, science, and social studies teacher for three years prior to becoming a counselor. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling from DePaul University and an MA in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. Katie holds an Illinois School Counselor Endorsement License (Type 73 Service Personnel), an Illinois Principal License (formerly Type 75), and an Illinois Elementary Education Teaching License (Type 03, K – 9). She is also Nationally Board Certified in School Counseling from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 552,423 times.

Procrastinating on your homework assignments can make school more stressful and can hurt your grade if you're always finishing homework at the last minute. Once you learn a few techniques to beat procrastination can make homework much easier for you! By keeping organized, setting specific goals, and asking for help, you can transform yourself into an academic star who still has time to watch TV and catch up with friends on Facebook.

Getting Organized

Establishing a Routine

• Set an alarm on your phone to remind you when to get back to work!

Setting Goals

• Very few people can actually work effectively with music playing. If you like to listen to music while you work but find you aren't getting anything done, try going without it for an hour to see if your concentration improves.

Asking for Help

• This doesn't work for everybody. If you find another person distracting, quit working with them.

How Can I Stop Procrastinating?

Community Q&A

• Good health can improve your study habits and can help you retain what you learn. Exercise, eat well, get plenty of sleep, and skip the alcohol and caffeine. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Ask your parents or a friend to keep your smartphone so you don't get distracted. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Try to set an alarm or a task reminder in your phone. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Even the best students know that they can't work all of the time. Allow some relaxation time for yourself, particularly on the weekends. Good study habits make you work smarter, not harder. Thanks Helpful 120 Not Helpful 9

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Katie Styzek. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 26 March 2021.
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-stop-procrastinating/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ https://childmind.org/article/strategies-to-make-homework-go-more-smoothly/
• ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/take-charge-of-distractions/
• ↑ Ted Coopersmith, MBA. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/school-help-teens.html
• ↑ https://blogs.iu.edu/dbauman/2018/12/18/homework-writing-tips-for-college-students/

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How college students can avoid procrastinating with online work

Four tips, including this one: create a good learning space, originally published in, cyphert distinguished professor; professor of learning technologies; director of the research laboratory for digital learning, the ohio state university, sheng-lun cheng, assistant professor of instructional systems design and technology, sam houston state university.

Time management and supportive learning environments are keys to avoiding procrastination. fizkes/ iStock via Getty Images Plus

If you take classes online, chances are you probably procrastinate from time to time.

Research shows that more than 70% of college students procrastinate, with about 20% consistently doing it all the time.

Procrastination is putting off starting or finishing a task despite knowing that it will seriously compromise the quality of your work – for instance, putting off a major class project until the last minute.

In fact, research has shown that procrastination can be a harmful behavior that lowers a student’s grades .

Now that so many colleges and universities are operating remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we worry that students are more prone to procrastinate because they have less access to campus facilities and structured support from instructors. We raise these concerns as researchers who study students’ motivation and engagement and their procrastination in online learning .

As professors, we’ve also heard our fair share of explanations and excuses for why students missed deadlines. Everything from “my computer doesn’t work” to “my Wi-Fi went dead.” We even had one student claim that “Grandma died” in one course and that “Grandpa died” in another course. We also have had students claim that their roommate deleted their homework.

Whether you see those reasons as valid or not, none of them really gets at why students procrastinate and end up in those kinds of situations in the first place. With that in mind, here are four tips that can help students deal better with the root causes of procrastination when it comes to online coursework.

1. Manage motivation

One of the main reasons students procrastinate is that they do not see their coursework as relevant to what they’re doing now or expect to do later on. When students find that their academic tasks are interesting, important and useful, they are more likely to try harder to get them done and less likely to put them off .

Remote learning can make students feel bored and frustrated . Therefore, finding ways to stay motivated can prevent procrastination .

Remind yourself of the practical value of your academic tasks. Figure out the reasons you’re studying something in the first place.

For instance, instead of viewing the completion of an assignment as a way to fulfill course requirements, you can think about how to turn your coursework into something related to your life or career goals. For a computer science student, a programming assignment could be made a part of your portfolio to help secure an internship or even a job – as some of our own students have done. A research report could be turned into an academic journal article to enhance your profile when applying for graduate school in the future.

2. Manage goals, tasks and time

College life can get hectic. Many college students must juggle coursework, social events and work commitments at the same time. Getting more organized helps stave off procrastination. This means breaking long-term goals into smaller short-term, challenging and clear goals and tasks.

The reason this technique works is that procrastination is directly related to an individual’s preference and desire for working on a task. When a goal is too large, it becomes not immediately achievable; therefore, you will see this task as less desirable and be more likely to put it off.

By breaking a large long-term goal into a series of smaller and more concrete subgoals, you will see the project as easier to complete and, more importantly, your perceived distance to the finishing line will shorten. This way, you are more likely to perceive the project as desirable , and you will be less likely to procrastinate.

Second, you need to plan your time daily by listing tasks based on their importance and urgency, estimating how much time you need to complete each task, and identifying concrete steps to reach daily goals. That is, tell yourself that in the context of X, I will need to do Y to accomplish Z.

It is also important to plan your time according to how and when you prefer to study . For example, you may concentrate the most late at night, your memory may work the best in the early mornings, or you may collaborate better during the day.

In addition, you should use tech tools, such as calendar and task-management apps, to plan your time and monitor how much you’re getting done.

3. Create a good learning space

Another important way to avoid procrastination is to make sure that your learning environment is supportive for learning.

During the coronavirus pandemic, students are usually learning from home, but sometimes they study wherever they happen to be, even at picnic tables in public parks. These places may not be best suited for academic activities.

These environments have many characteristics that may be more interesting and less emotionally draining than academic tasks. Therefore, students could drift away from academic tasks and wind up instead chatting with friends or watching sports. This is why choosing or creating a good place to study can help people stop procrastinating.

Try to set up your surroundings in a way that suits your learning habits, including where you put tables and chairs and how you use lighting and block out noises. For example, some students may enjoy learning in a quiet and dark space with a spotlight. Others may learn best when they use a standing desk next to a bright window and constantly play soft background music.

4. Get a little help from friends

Friends and classmates can help one another stop procrastinating . Colleagues and other contacts can hold one another accountable and help one another meet deadlines. This is particularly important for anyone who struggles with self-control . Research also has shown that having supportive friends and other peers can boost self-confidence and make tasks seem more valuable and interesting.

[ Deep knowledge, daily. Sign up for The Conversation’s newsletter .]

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .

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Solving Procrastination

Homework Procrastination: Why You Procrastinate on Homework and How to Stop

Homework procrastination involves unnecessarily postponing working on homework assignments. For example, if a student delays starting a homework assignment until right before its deadline for no good reason, even though it would have been better for them to start earlier, that student is engaging in homework procrastination.

Homework procrastination can take various forms, from wasting hours trying to bring yourself to start writing an essay, to putting off an important project until the end of the semester. This is a problem not only because it can harm your performance at school, and therefore cause you to receive lower grades , but also because it can cause you to suffer from various other issues , such as frustration, anxiety, and stress .

If you often procrastinate when it comes to doing homework, know that you’re not alone. Procrastination is a common problem among students ; in terms of statistics, studies show that approximately 80%–95% of college students engage in procrastination to some degree, approximately 75% consider themselves to be procrastinators, and approximately 50% say that they procrastinate in a consistent and problematic manner.

Fortunately, however, there are some things that you can do to solve this problem, as you will see in the following article. Specifically, you will first see an explanation about why students procrastinate on their homework, so you can understand your own behavior better. Then, you will see what you can do in order to stop procrastinating on your homework, so you can start getting them done on time.

Why you procrastinate on homework

You procrastinate on homework because issues such as exhaustion and anxiety outweigh your self-control and motivation. These issues include personal factors, like fear and perfectionism, and situational factors, like distractions and unclear instructions.

Specifically, when you need to get homework done, you rely primarily on your self-control in order to get yourself to do it. Furthermore, your self-control is sometimes supported by your motivation, which helps you complete your homework on time.

However, in some cases, you suffer from issues that interfere with or oppose your self-control and motivation, such as exhaustion and anxiety . When these issues are stronger than your self-control and motivation, you end up procrastinating, until you reach a point where the balance between them shifts in your favor, or until it’s too late.

This explains why you might end up procrastinating on your homework even when you have the necessary motivation and you truly wish that you could just get started. This also explains why you might end up procrastinating on your homework until right before deadlines , when the increased motivation, often in the form of stressful pressure, finally pushes you to get to work.

Accordingly, common reasons for procrastinating on homework include the following :

• Abstract goals , in terms of being vague about how and when you intend to do the homework.
• Feeling overwhelmed , often while being unsure of how to complete the homework.
• Perfectionism , in the form of refusing to create work that has any flaws.
• Fear of failure , often because of concerns over how such failure might reflect on you.
• Anxiety , often in light of potential negative feedback.
• Task aversion , especially in cases where you find the homework boring or unpleasant.
• Lack of motivation , often as a result of feeling disconnected from your future self or having rewards that are far in the future.
• Physical or mental exhaustion , often due to a combination of reasons, such as a high academic workload and associated stress .
• Resentment , generally toward the homework, toward its source, or toward something related, such as a parent pushing you to do well in a subject that you’re not interested in.
• Sensation seeking , generally in the form of enjoying working on things right before the deadline, when there’s intense time pressure.
• Problematic work environment , generally as a result of having many distractions or temptations around.
• Lack of sufficient communication from instructors, for example when it comes to not having clear directions and due dates for a certain class project.

In addition, other issues can also make you more likely to procrastinate on your homework. For example:

• Problematic behaviors like self-handicapping , which involves procrastinating so that if you fail you can blame your failure on procrastination rather than your abilities, and self-sabotaging , which involves procrastinating as a result of a tendency to sabotage your progress.
• Personality traits like distractibility and impulsivity .
• Underlying issues like lack of sleep , ADHD , and depression .

Finally, note that some of these issues can lead to problematic procrastination cycles . For example, this can happen if you’re anxious about your homework, so you procrastinate on it, which makes you even more anxious about your homework due to the added negative emotions that you now associate with it (e.g., guilt and shame), which in turn makes you more likely to keep procrastinating on your homework in the future.

Understanding why you procrastinate on your homework can help you learn how to overcome your procrastination. However, while understanding why you procrastinate can be helpful, in many cases you can reduce your procrastination even without figuring this out. As such, if you find that you’re struggling with this step, don’t worry, and don’t get stuck; simply move on to the next step, which involves trying out various anti-procrastination techniques, until you find the ones that work best for you.

How to stop procrastinating on homework

To stop procrastinating on your homework right now , you should identify the smallest possible thing you can do to make progress on it, and then modify your environment to make it as likely as possible that you will do it.

For example, if you need to write a paper for a university course, the smallest possible step that you can take toward finishing it might be opening the relevant document on your computer, and writing just a single opening line, even if it’s poorly phrased initially. Once you realize that this is all you need to do, you can start modifying your work environment to help yourself achieve that, for example by going to a room with no distractions, leaving your phone outside, and turning on airplane mode on your laptop to disable your access to online distractions .

There are many other anti-procrastination techniques that can help you stop procrastinating on your homework. You don’t need to use all of these techniques, since some won’t be relevant in your case, and since you will generally need only a few of them in order to make significant progress toward overcoming your procrastination. As such, try skimming through this list, and finding the techniques that you think will work best for you.

Improve your planning:

• Set concrete goals for yourself. For example, instead of a vague goal, such as “finish my psychology paper over the weekend”, set a concrete goal, such as “start writing an outline for the psychology paper on Thursday at 5 pm in the library, right after I finish the last class for the week”).
• Break your homework into small and manageable steps. For example, if you need to write a research paper, you can start with steps such as “(1) brainstorm three potential topics, (2) figure out which topic I like best, and (3) find five relevant sources”. If the project that you’re dealing with is large and will therefore require a large number of steps, don’t worry about outlining the whole thing from the start; simply identify the first few steps that you need to take, and add new ones as you go along, to avoid feeling overwhelmed or getting stuck.
• Set a series of milestones and deadlines for yourself. This will help you be accountable and plan ahead, and can also motivate you and give you a rewarding feeling of continuous progress.
• Identify your productivity cycles. Different people are more productive at different times, based on factors such as whether it’s morning, noon, or evening. To reduce procrastination, you should take your personal productivity patterns into account, and schedule your homework for times when you’re most likely to be able to actually work on it.

Improve your environment:

• Change your environment to make it easier for you to focus. For example, if you know that you work best when there are no distracting noises, go somewhere quiet, or put on some noise-blocking headphones.
• Change your environment to make it easier for yourself to get started. For example, if you know that you will need to write an essay tomorrow after you wake up, then leave the document open on your computer before you go to bed.
• Change your environment to make it harder for yourself to procrastinate. For example, if you tend to procrastinate by browsing apps on your phone , leave your phone outside the room where you plan to work.

Change your approach:

• Start with a tiny step. For example, if you need to write an essay, help yourself get started by committing to only write a single sentence at first. This can help you push yourself to get started on homework, and often, once you do so, you’ll find it easy to keep going.
• Start with the best or worst part first. Some people find that starting with the most enjoyable or easiest part of an assignment helps them get going, while others find that getting the worst part out of the way first helps them avoid procrastinating over time. Use either approach if you feel that it works for you.
• Add a time delay before you procrastinate. If you can’t avoid procrastinating entirely, try committing to having a time delay before you indulge your impulse to do so. For example, this can involve counting to 10 before you’re allowed to open a new tab on the social media website that you usually use to procrastinate.
• Use the Pomodoro technique. This involves alternating between scheduled periods of work and rest. For example, you can work on your homework for 25-minute long stretches, with 5-minute breaks in between, and a longer 30-minute break after every 4 work sets that you complete.

Increase your motivation:

• Make doing the homework feel more rewarding. For example, you can gamify your work, by marking down streaks of days on which you’ve managed to make sufficient progress on your assignments, and potentially also give yourself some reward once you reach a sufficiently long streak.
• Make doing the homework feel more enjoyable. For example, you can do your homework in a pleasant location, while listening to energizing music.
• Visualize your future self. For example, you can visualize yourself being able to relax after you finish working, visualize yourself being rewarded for getting a good grade in a course, or visualize yourself having to handle the issues associated with not finishing your homework on time.
• Focus on your goals instead of your assignments. Instead of focusing on the fact that you have an aversion to your homework, for whatever reason, try focusing on your end goals for completing the homework, such as getting a good grade in an important class so you can have a better application for grad school.

Change your mindset:

• Give yourself permission to make mistakes, and accept the fact that your work won’t be perfect, especially at first. This can be helpful, for example, when it comes to assignments that involve writing, where you can give yourself permission to write a bad first draft, and then edit it afterward.
• Address your fears. If you’re procrastinating because you’re afraid of something, try to identify your fears and resolve them. For example, if you’re afraid that your writing won’t be good enough, you can say to yourself that your goal is to just start by getting something written down, and that you can always improve it later.
• Develop self-compassion.   Self-compassion can help reduce your procrastination, as well as various issues that are associated with it, such as stress. It consists of three components that you should develop: self-kindness , which involves being nice to yourself, common humanity , which involves recognizing that everyone experiences challenges, and mindfulness , which involves accepting your emotions in a non-judgmental manner.
• Develop self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is the belief in your ability to carry out the actions that you need to achieve your goals, and it can help you reduce your procrastination. To develop self-efficacy, try to identify the various strategies that you can use to finish your homework, and think about your ability to execute those strategies successfully.

When deciding which approach to use in order to overcome your procrastination , keep in mind that anti-procrastination techniques are especially effective when they’re tailored to the specific causes of your procrastination. For example, if you procrastinate because you set abstract goals for yourself, you should focus on setting concrete goals instead. Similarly, if you procrastinate because of available distractions, you should remove those distractions from your study environment, or go work somewhere else instead.

In addition, note that if you suffer from an underlying issue that leads to procrastination, such as lack of sleep , depression , or ADHD , you will likely need to resolve that issue, using professional help if necessary, if you want to successfully overcome your procrastination.

Finally, keep in mind that most people need more than one technique in order to overcome their procrastination , and that different techniques work better for different people in different circumstances. Accordingly, don’t expect a single technique to solve all your problems, and don’t feel that if some technique works well for others then it will necessarily also work well for you. Instead, try out the various techniques that are available to you, until you figure out which ones work best for you, in your particular situation.

Daniel Wong

30 Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Find Motivation to Do Homework

Updated on June 6, 2023 By Daniel Wong 44 Comments

To stop procrastinating on homework, you need to find motivation to do the homework in the first place.

But first, you have to overcome feeling too overwhelmed to even start.

You know what it feels like when everything hits you at once, right?

You have three tests to study for and a math assignment due tomorrow.

And you’ve got a history report due the day after.

You tell yourself to get down to work. But with so much to do, you feel overwhelmed.

So you procrastinate.

You check your social media feed, watch a few videos, and get yourself a drink. But you know that none of this is bringing you closer to getting the work done.

Does this sound familiar?

Don’t worry – you are not alone. Procrastination is a problem that everyone faces, but there are ways around it.

By following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to overcome procrastination and consistently find the motivation to do the homework .

So read on to discover 30 powerful tips to help you stop procrastinating on your homework.

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus  3 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

How to stop procrastinating and motivate yourself to do your homework.

Procrastination when it comes to homework isn’t just an issue of laziness or a lack of motivation .

The following tips will help you to first address the root cause of your procrastination and then implement strategies to keep your motivation levels high.

1. Take a quiz to see how much you procrastinate.

The first step to changing your behavior is to become more self-aware.

How often do you procrastinate? What kinds of tasks do you tend to put off? Is procrastination a small or big problem for you?

To answer these questions, I suggest that you take this online quiz designed by Psychology Today .

2. Figure out why you’re procrastinating.

Procrastination is a complex issue that involves multiple factors.

Stop thinking of excuses for not doing your homework , and figure out what’s keeping you from getting started.

Are you procrastinating because:

• You’re not sure you’ll be able to solve all the homework problems?
• You’re subconsciously rebelling against your teachers or parents?
• You’re not interested in the subject or topic?
• You’re physically or mentally tired?
• You’re waiting for the perfect time to start?
• You don’t know where to start?

Once you’ve identified exactly why you’re procrastinating, you can pick out the tips in this article that will get to the root of the problem.

3. Write down what you’re procrastinating on.

Students tend to procrastinate when they’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

But you might be surprised to discover that simply by writing down the specific tasks you’re putting off, the situation will feel more manageable.

It’s a quick solution, and it makes a real difference.

Give it a try and you’ll be less likely to procrastinate.

4. Put your homework on your desk.

Here’s an even simpler idea.

Many times, the hardest part of getting your homework done is getting started.

It doesn’t require a lot of willpower to take out your homework and put it on your desk.

But once it’s sitting there in front of you, you’ll be much closer to actually getting down to work.

5. Break down the task into smaller steps.

This one trick will make any task seem more manageable.

For example, if you have a history report to write, you could break it down into the following steps:

• Read the history textbook
• Do online research
• Organize the information
• Create an outline
• Write the introduction
• Write the body paragraphs
• Write the conclusion
• Edit and proofread the report

Focus on just one step at a time. This way, you won’t need to motivate yourself to write the whole report at one go.

This is an important technique to use if you want to study smart and get more done .

6. Create a detailed timeline with specific deadlines.

As a follow-up to Point #5, you can further combat procrastination by creating a timeline with specific deadlines.

Using the same example above, I’ve added deadlines to each of the steps:

• Jan 30 th : Read the history textbook
• Feb 2 nd : Do online research
• Feb 3 rd : Organize the information
• Feb 5 th : Create an outline
• Feb 8 th : Write the introduction
• Feb 12 th : Write the body paragraphs
• Feb 14 th : Write the conclusion
• Feb 16 th : Edit and proofread the report

Assigning specific dates creates a sense of urgency, which makes it more likely that you’ll keep to the deadlines.

7. Spend time with people who are focused and hardworking.

Jim Rohn famously said that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

If you hang out with people who are motivated and hardworking, you’ll become more like them.

Likewise, if you hang out with people who continually procrastinate, you’ll become more like them too.

Motivation to do homework naturally increases when you surround yourself with the right people.

So choose your friends wisely. Find homework buddies who will influence you positively to become a straight-A student who leads a balanced life.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun! It just means that you and your friends know when it’s time to get down to work and when it’s time to enjoy yourselves.

8. Tell at least two or three people about the tasks you plan to complete.

When you tell others about the tasks you intend to finish, you’ll be more likely to follow through with your plans.

This is called “accountability,” and it kicks in because you want to be seen as someone who keeps your word.

So if you know about this principle, why not use it to your advantage?

You could even ask a friend to be your accountability buddy. At the beginning of each day, you could text each other what you plan to work on that day.

Then at the end of the day, you could check in with each other to see if things went according to plan.

9. Change your environment .

Maybe it’s your environment that’s making you feel sluggish.

When you’re doing your homework, is your super-comfortable bed just two steps away? Or is your distracting computer within easy reach?

If your environment is part of your procrastination problem, then change it.

Sometimes all you need is a simple change of scenery. Bring your work to the dining room table and get it done there. Or head to a nearby café to complete your report.

10. Talk to people who have overcome their procrastination problem.

If you have friends who consistently win the battle with procrastination, learn from their experience.

What was the turning point for them? What tips and strategies do they use? What keeps them motivated?

Find all this out, and then apply the information to your own situation.

11. Decide on a reward to give yourself after you complete your task.

“Planned” rewards are a great way to motivate yourself to do your homework.

The reward doesn’t have to be something huge.

For instance, you might decide that after you finish 10 questions of your math homework, you get to watch your favorite TV show.

Or you might decide that after reading one chapter of your history textbook, you get to spend 10 minutes on Facebook.

By giving yourself a reward, you’ll feel more motivated to get through the task at hand.

12. Decide on a consequence you’ll impose on yourself if you don’t meet the deadline.

It’s important that you decide on what the consequence will be before you start working toward your goal.

As an example, you could tell your younger brother that you’ll give him $1 for every deadline you don’t meet (see Point #6).

Or you could decide that you’ll delete one game from your phone for every late homework submission.

Those consequences would probably be painful enough to help you get down to work, right?

13. Visualize success.

Take 30 seconds and imagine how you’ll feel when you finish your work.

What positive emotions will you experience?

Will you feel a sense of satisfaction from getting all your work done?

Will you relish the extra time on your hands when you get your homework done fast and ahead of time?

This simple exercise of visualizing success may be enough to inspire you to start doing your assignment.

14. Visualize the process it will take to achieve that success.

Even more important than visualizing the outcome is visualizing the process it will take to achieve that outcome.

Research shows that focusing on the process is critical to success. If you’re procrastinating on a task, take a few moments to think about what you’ll need to do to complete it.

Visualize the following:

• What resources you’ll need
• Who you can turn to for help
• How long the task will take
• Where you’ll work on the task
• The joy you’ll experience as you make progress

This kind of visualization is like practice for your mind.

Once you understand what’s necessary to achieve your goal, you’ll find that it’s much easier to get down to work with real focus. This is key to doing well in school .

15. Write down why you want to complete the task.

You’ll be more motivated when you’re clear about why you want to accomplish something.

To motivate yourself to do your homework, think about all the ways in which it’s a meaningful task.

So take a couple of minutes to write down the reasons. Here are some possible ones:

• Learn useful information
• Master the topic
• Enjoy a sense of accomplishment when you’ve completed the task
• Become a more focused student
• Learn to embrace challenges
• Fulfill your responsibility as a student
• Get a good grade on the assignment

16. Write down the negative feelings you’ll have if you don’t complete the task.

If you don’t complete the assignment, you might feel disappointed or discouraged. You might even feel as if you’ve let your parents or your teacher – or even yourself – down.

It isn’t wise to dwell on these negative emotions for too long. But by imagining how you’ll feel if you don’t finish the task, you’ll realize how important it is that you get to work.

17. Do the hardest task first.

Most students will choose to do the easiest task first, rather than the hardest one. But this approach isn’t effective because it leaves the worst for last.

It’s more difficult to find motivation to do homework in less enjoyable subjects.

As Brian Tracy says , “Eat that frog!” By this, he means that you should always get your most difficult task out of the way at the beginning of the day.

If math is your least favorite subject, force yourself to complete your math homework first.

After doing so, you’ll feel a surge of motivation from knowing it’s finished. And you won’t procrastinate on your other homework because it will seem easier in comparison.

(On a separate note, check out these tips on how to get better at math if you’re struggling.)

18. Set a timer when doing your homework.

I recommend that you use a stopwatch for every homework session. (If you prefer, you could also use this online stopwatch or the Tomato Timer .)

Start the timer at the beginning of the session, and work in 30- to 45-minute blocks.

Using a timer creates a sense of urgency, which will help you fight off your urge to procrastinate.

When you know you only have to work for a short session, it will be easier to find motivation to complete your homework.

Tell yourself that you need to work hard until the timer goes off, and then you can take a break. (And then be sure to take that break!)

19. Eliminate distractions.

Here are some suggestions on how you can do this:

• Delete all the games and social media apps on your phone
• Turn off all notifications on your phone
• Mute your group chats
• Archive your inactive chats
• Turn off your phone, or put it on airplane mode
• Put your phone at least 10 feet away from you
• Turn off the Internet access on your computer
• Use an app like Freedom to restrict your Internet usage
• Put any other distractions (like food, magazines and books unrelated to your homework) at the other end of the room
• Unplug the TV
• Use earplugs if your surroundings are noisy

20. At the start of each day, write down the two to three Most Important Tasks (MITs) you want to accomplish.

This will enable you to prioritize your tasks. As Josh Kaufman explains , a Most Important Task (MIT) is a critical task that will help you to get significant results down the road.

Not all tasks are equally important. That’s why it’s vital that you identify your MITs, so that you can complete those as early in the day as possible.

What do you most need to get done today? That’s an MIT.

Get to work on it, then feel the satisfaction that comes from knowing it’s out of the way.

21. Focus on progress instead of perfection.

Perfectionism can destroy your motivation to do homework and keep you from starting important assignments.

Some students procrastinate because they’re waiting for the perfect time to start.

Others do so because they want to get their homework done perfectly. But they know this isn’t really possible – so they put off even getting started.

What’s the solution?

To focus on progress instead of perfection.

There’s never a perfect time for anything. Nor will you ever be able to complete your homework perfectly. But you can do your best, and that’s enough.

So concentrate on learning and improving, and turn this into a habit that you implement whenever you study .

22. Get organized.

Procrastination is common among students who are disorganized.

When you can’t remember which assignment is due when or which tests you have coming up, you’ll naturally feel confused. You’ll experience school- and test-related stress .

This, in turn, will lead to procrastination.

That’s why it’s crucial that you get organized. Here are some tips for doing this:

• Don’t rely on your memory ; write everything down
• Keep a to-do list
• Use a student planner
• Use a calendar and take note of important dates like exams, project due dates, school holidays , birthdays, and family events
• At the end of each day, plan for the following day
• Use one binder or folder for each subject or course
• Do weekly filing of your loose papers, notes, and old homework
• Throw away all the papers and notes you no longer need

23. Stop saying “I have to” and start saying “I choose to.”

When you say things like “I have to write my essay” or “I have to finish my science assignment,” you’ll probably feel annoyed. You might be tempted to complain about your teachers or your school .

What’s the alternative?

To use the phrase “I choose to.”

The truth is, you don’t “have” to do anything.

You can choose not to write your essay; you’ll just run the risk of failing the class.

You can choose not to do your science assignment; you’ll just need to deal with your angry teacher.

When you say “I choose to do my homework,” you’ll feel empowered. This means you’ll be more motivated to study and to do what you ought to.

24. Clear your desk once a week.

Clutter can be demotivating. It also causes stress , which is often at the root of procrastination.

Hard to believe? Give it a try and see for yourself.

By clearing your desk, you’ll reduce stress and make your workspace more organized.

So set a recurring appointment to organize your workspace once a week for just 10 minutes. You’ll receive huge benefits in the long run!

25. If a task takes two minutes or less to complete, do it now.

This is a principle from David Allen’s bestselling book, Getting Things Done .

You may notice that you tend to procrastinate when many tasks pile up. The way to prevent this from happening is to take care of the small but important tasks as soon as you have time.

Here are some examples of small two-minute tasks that you should do once you have a chance:

• Replying to your project group member’s email
• Picking up anything on the floor that doesn’t belong there
• Asking your parents to sign a consent form
• Filing a graded assignment
• Making a quick phone call
• Writing a checklist
• Sending a text to schedule a meeting
• Making an online purchase that doesn’t require further research

26. Finish one task before starting on the next.

You aren’t being productive when you switch between working on your literature essay, social studies report, and physics problem set – while also intermittently checking your phone.

Research shows that multitasking is less effective than doing one thing at a time. Multitasking may even damage your brain !

When it comes to overcoming procrastination, it’s better to stick with one task all the way through before starting on the next one.

You’ll get a sense of accomplishment when you finish the first assignment, which will give you a boost of inspiration as you move on to the next one.

27. Build your focus gradually.

You can’t win the battle against procrastination overnight; it takes time. This means that you need to build your focus progressively.

If you can only focus for 10 minutes at once, that’s fine. Start with three sessions of 10 minutes a day. After a week, increase it to three sessions of 15 minutes a day, and so on.

As the weeks go by, you’ll become far more focused than when you first started. And you’ll soon see how great that makes you feel.

28. Before you start work, write down three things you’re thankful for.

Gratitude improves your psychological health and increases your mental strength .

These factors are linked to motivation. The more you practice gratitude, the easier it will be to find motivation to do your homework. As such, it’s less likely that you’ll be a serial procrastinator.

Before you get down to work for the day, write down three things you’re thankful for. These could be simple things like good health, fine weather, or a loving family.

You could even do this in a “gratitude journal,” which you can then look back on whenever you need a shot of fresh appreciation for the good things in your life.

Either way, this short exercise will get you in the right mindset to be productive.

29. Get enough sleep.

For most people, this means getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. And teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night to function optimally.

What does sleep have to do with procrastination?

More than you might realize.

It’s almost impossible to feel motivated when you’re tired. And when you’re low on energy, your willpower is depleted too.

That’s why you give in to the temptation of Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube videos more easily when you’re sleep-deprived.

Here are ways to get more sleep , and sleep better too:

• Create a bedtime routine
• Go to sleep at around the same time every night
• Set a daily alarm as a reminder to go to bed
• Exercise regularly (but not within a few hours of bedtime)
• Make your bedroom as dark as possible
• Remove or switch off all electronic devices before bedtime
• Avoid caffeine at least six hours before bedtime
• Use an eye mask and earplugs

30. Schedule appointments with yourself to complete your homework.

These appointments are specific blocks of time reserved for working on a report, assignment, or project. Scheduling appointments is effective because it makes the task more “official,” so you’re more likely to keep the appointment.

For example, you could schedule appointments such as:

• Jan 25 th , 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Math assignment
• Jan 27 th , 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Online research for social studies project
• Jan 28 th , 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Write introduction for English essay

Transform homework procrastination into homework motivation

Procrastination is a problem we all face.

But given that you’ve read all the way to here, I know you’re committed to overcoming this problem.

And now that you’re armed with these tips, you have all the tools you need to become more disciplined and focused .

By the way, please don’t feel as if you need to implement all the tips at once, because that would be too overwhelming.

Instead, I recommend that you focus on just a couple of tips a week, and make gradual progress. No rush!

Over time, you’ll realize that your habit of procrastination has been replaced by the habit of getting things done.

Now’s the time to get started on that process of transformation. 🙂

Like this article? Please share it with your friends.

Images: Student and books , Homework , Group of students , Consequences , Why , Writing a list , Organized desk , Gratitude

January 19, 2016 at 11:53 am

Ur tips are rlly helpful. Thnkyou ! 🙂

January 19, 2016 at 1:43 pm

You’re welcome 🙂

August 29, 2018 at 11:21 am

Thanks very much

February 19, 2019 at 1:38 pm

The funny thing is while I was reading the first few steps of this article I was procrastinating on my homework….

November 12, 2019 at 12:44 pm

same here! but now I actually want to get my stuff done… huh

December 4, 2022 at 11:35 pm

May 30, 2023 at 6:26 am

October 25, 2023 at 11:35 am

fr tho i totally was but now I’m actually going to get started haha

June 6, 2020 at 6:04 am

I love your articles

January 21, 2016 at 7:07 pm

Thanks soo much. It’s almost like you could read my mind- when I felt so overwhelmed with the workload heap I had created for myself by procrastination, I know feel very motivated to tackle it out completely and replace that bad habit with the wonderful tips mentioned here! 🙂

January 21, 2016 at 8:04 pm

I’m glad to help 🙂

January 25, 2016 at 3:09 pm

You have shared great tips here. I especially like the point “Write down why you want to complete the task” because it is helpful to make us more motivated when we are clear about our goals

January 25, 2016 at 4:51 pm

Glad that you found the tips useful, John!

January 29, 2016 at 1:22 am

Thank you very much for your wonderful tips!!! ☺☺☺

January 29, 2016 at 10:41 am

It’s my joy to help, Kabir 🙂

February 3, 2016 at 12:57 pm

Always love your articles. Keep them up 🙂

February 3, 2016 at 1:21 pm

Thanks, Matthew 🙂

February 4, 2016 at 1:40 pm

There are quite a lot of things that you need to do in order to come out with flying colors while studying in a university away from your homeland. Procrastinating on homework is one of the major mistakes committed by students and these tips will help you to avoid them all and make yourself more efficient during your student life.

February 4, 2016 at 1:58 pm

Completely agreed, Leong Siew.

October 5, 2018 at 12:52 am

Wow! thank you very much, I love it .

November 2, 2018 at 10:45 am

You are helping me a lot.. thank you very much….😊

November 6, 2018 at 5:19 pm

I’m procrastinating by reading this

November 29, 2018 at 10:21 am

January 8, 2021 at 3:38 am

March 3, 2019 at 9:12 am

Daniel, your amazing information and advice, has been very useful! Please keep up your excellent work!

April 12, 2019 at 11:12 am

We should stop procrastinating.

September 28, 2019 at 5:19 pm

Thank you so much for the tips:) i’ve been procrastinating since i started high schools and my grades were really bad “F” but the tips have made me a straight A student again.

January 23, 2020 at 7:43 pm

Thanks for the tips, Daniel! They’re really useful! 😁

April 10, 2020 at 2:15 pm

I have always stood first in my class. But procrastination has always been a very bad habit of mine which is why I lost marks for late submission .As an excuse for finding motivation for studying I would spend hours on the phone and I would eventually procrastinate. So I tried your tips and tricks today and they really worked.i am so glad and thankful for your help. 🇮🇳Love from India🇮🇳

April 15, 2020 at 11:16 am

Well I’m gonna give this a shot it looks and sounds very helpful thank you guys I really needed this

April 16, 2020 at 9:48 pm

Daniel, your amazing information and advice, has been very useful! keep up your excellent work! May you give more useful content to us.

May 6, 2020 at 5:03 pm

nice article thanks for your sharing.

May 20, 2020 at 4:49 am

Thank you so much this helped me so much but I was wondering about like what if you just like being lazy and stuff and don’t feel like doing anything and you don’t want to tell anyone because you might annoy them and you just don’t want to add your problems and put another burden on theirs

July 12, 2020 at 1:55 am

I’ve read many short procrastination tip articles and always thought they were stupid or overlooking the actual problem. ‘do this and this’ or that and that, and I sit there thinking I CAN’T. This article had some nice original tips that I actually followed and really did make me feel a bit better. Cheers, diving into what will probably be a 3 hour case study.

August 22, 2020 at 10:14 pm

Nicely explain each tips and those are practical thanks for sharing. Dr.Achyut More

November 11, 2020 at 12:34 pm

Thanks a lot! It was very helpful!

November 15, 2020 at 9:11 am

I keep catching myself procrastinating today. I started reading this yesterday, but then I realized I was procrastinating, so I stopped to finish it today. Thank you for all the great tips.

November 30, 2020 at 5:15 pm

Woow this is so great. Thanks so much Daniel

December 3, 2020 at 3:13 am

These tips were very helpful!

December 18, 2020 at 11:54 am

Procrastination is a major problem of mine, and this, this is very helpful. It is very motivational, now I think I can complete my work.

December 28, 2020 at 2:44 pm

Daniel Wong: When you’re doing your homework, is your super-comfortable bed just two steps away? Me: Nope, my super-comfortable bed is one step away. (But I seriously can’t study anywhere else. If I go to the dining table, my mum would be right in front of me talking loudly on the phone with colleagues and other rooms is an absolute no. My mum doesn’t allow me to go outside. Please give me some suggestions. )

September 19, 2022 at 12:14 pm

I would try and find some noise cancelling headphones to play some classical music or get some earbuds to ignore you mum lol

March 1, 2021 at 5:46 pm

Thank you very much. I highly appreciate it.

May 12, 2023 at 3:38 am

This is great advice. My little niece is now six years old and I like to use those nice cheap child friendly workbooks with her. This is done in order to help her to learn things completely on her own. I however prefer to test her on her own knowledge however. After a rather quick demonstration in the lesson I then tend to give her two simple questions to start off with. And it works a treat. Seriously. I love it. She loves it. The exam questions are for her to answer on her own on a notepad. If she can, she will receive a gold medal and a box of sweets. If not she only gets a plastic toy. We do this all the time to help her understand. Once a week we spend up to thirty minutes in a math lesson on this technique for recalling the basic facts. I have had a lot of great success with this new age technique. So I’m going to carry on with it for now.

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Academic Procrastination and Online Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This paper investigates online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the possibility that procrastinators have been impacted differently as compared to others. The research is explorative in nature and employs interviews from participants at a higher education institution in Norway as a primary method of investigation. The preliminary findings presented in the paper highlight differences between procrastinators and non-procrastinators regarding the desire to study and satisfaction with learning outcomes. The procrastinators are encountering a higher degree of challenges related to motivation as opposed to non-procrastinators. The preliminary findings also highlight challenges associated with student engagement and the use of the camera during online classes for all the students.

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How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework: 9 Helpful Tips

Published on: 09/21/2022

By Scott Winstead

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Are you looking for clear, actionable advice on how to stop procrastinating on homework?

Does it feel like no matter how good your intentions are, you just can’t seem to make yourself sit down and do your work?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Procrastination is a common problem that affects students of all ages.

Finding the motivation to study and do your work can be tough, especially when there are other things that you’d rather be doing.

The good news is that there are things that you can do to make it easier to get started on your homework and avoid procrastination.

In this article, we’ll share with you some of the best tips on how to stop procrastinating on homework so you can get your work done and move on with your day.

1. Make a plan

The first step to avoiding homework procrastination is to make a plan. Having a plan gives you something to stick to and helps you stay on track.

Start by knowing what work you need to do and when it’s due. Then, break down the work into smaller tasks that you can complete.

For example, if you have a paper to write, your plan might look something like this:

• Choose a topic
• Do research
• Write a rough draft
• Edit and revise
• Print and submit

Making a plan will help you see the big picture and understand what needs to be done. It can also make the work feel less daunting because you’re not looking at it all at once.

2. Figure out why you’re procrastinating

While it’s easy to call a procrastinator lazy, the reality is there are usually several underlying reasons for why someone is putting off their work.

It could be that the task feels too difficult, or maybe you’re just not interested in the subject matter.

Maybe you’re worried about not doing the assignment well, or you’re procrastinating because you don’t want to deal with the consequences of not doing it right.

Whatever the reason, it’s important to figure out why you’re procrastinating so you can find a way to overcome it.

If the task feels too difficult, for instance, you might try breaking it down into smaller steps or getting help from a tutor or classmate.

And if you’re worried about not doing the assignment perfectly, remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes and that the goal is to learn from them, not to be perfect.

3. Set a timer for working and taking breaks

One of the best ways to stop procrastinating is to set a time limit for yourself.

Tell yourself that you’re going to work on the task for 20 minutes, and then take a 5-minute break after.

After 4 or 5 of these cycles, you should have made significant progress on the task and you can take a longer break.

The key is to not allow yourself to get too bogged down or overwhelmed by the work.

By setting a time limit, you’re giving yourself permission to take breaks and not feel guilty about it.

4. Find a study buddy who’s focused

You’ve probably heard it said that you are who you spend the most time with.

This is especially true when it comes to your studies.

If you’re constantly around people who are unfocused and uninterested in their work, it’s going to be that much harder for you to stay on track.

On the other hand, if you surround yourself with people who are motivated and focused, you’re more likely to be motivated and focused as well.

One way to do this is by finding a study buddy who shares your goals and is willing to help you stay on track.

Working with someone who’s doing well in school can help you stay focused and motivated, and it’s also a great way to get help when you’re struggling with a concept.

5. Find the right environment for doing your homework

It’s very possible that the reason you keep procrastinating on your homework is because you’re trying to do it in an environment that’s not conducive to learning.

For some people, that means trying to do their work in a noisy or crowded place. Others might find it difficult to focus at home because there are too many distractions.

Everyone has different needs when it comes to finding the right environment for doing their homework.

Some people need complete silence, while others prefer to have some background noise.

Some people like to work in a library or coffee shop, while others prefer to be at home.

The important thing is to find an environment that works for you and stick to it.

6. Get rid of distractions

Another reason you might be procrastinating on your homework is because there are too many distractions around you.

This could be anything from your phone to the TV to social media.

If you’re trying to do your homework but you keep getting distracted, it’s important to get rid of those distractions.

Figure out exactly what it is that keeps distracting you and find a way to eliminate it.

For some people, that means putting their phone in another room while they work.

For others, it might mean working in a library instead of at home.

Whatever it is, getting rid of distractions will help you stay focused and get your homework done.

7. Let others know about your homework schedule

By letting others know when you’ll be doing your homework, you accomplish a couple of things.

First, you’re less likely to procrastinate because you don’t want to let others down, and you’ll have some people who can help hold you accountable.

Second, letting others know about your homework schedule can help ensure that no one interrupts you while you’re working.

8. Set reasonable goals

Another reason you might procrastinate on your homework is that your goals are too lofty or unrealistic.

If you’re constantly trying to achieve perfection, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration.

Instead, try to set reasonable goals for yourself.

Focus on understanding the material and doing your best, rather than getting a perfect score.

Or make your goal to do a specific amount of work each day, rather than to finish all of your homework for the week in one sitting. Check out our guide to setting SMART goals for students to get a better idea of how to set achievable goals.

9. Take breaks

If you’re finding it difficult to focus on your homework, it might help to take a break. While that might sound counterintuitive, taking breaks can actually be helpful for your concentration.

If you’ve been working on a project for a while and you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or frustrated, take a 5-10 minute break to clear your head.

Get up and walk around, have a snack, or just step away from your work to give yourself a mental break.

You’ll come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your work with a clear head.

A Final Word on How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework

At one time or another, we’ve all been guilty of procrastinating on our homework.

But if you find that you’re habitually putting off your work, it’s important to find a way to stop. Otherwise, you’ll just end up falling behind and feeling stressed out.

By following the tips above, you can develop better habits and break the cycle of procrastination so you can be more productive at school .

Have any questions about how to stop procrastinating on homework? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

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How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework – Learn to Study Like a Pro

Everyone has experienced procrastination at some point in their lives.

It’s that feeling of dread when you think about a task that needs to be done, followed by a strong urge to do anything but that task.

Unfortunately, procrastination can have some serious consequences.

Not only does it lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety , but it can also interfere with work, school, and personal relationships.

In extreme cases, it can even lead to depression.

Procrastination – A Common Issue For Students

Many students find that they work better under pressure, but this often leads to last-minute scrambling and feeling overwhelmed.

Other students procrastinate because they feel like they can’t do the assignment perfectly, so they put it off until they can’t avoid it anymore.

Still, others might have difficulty getting started or may be bored by the task at hand. 

There are many causes of procrastination, but no matter the reason, procrastination can have negative consequences.

It can lead to lower grades, as well as increased stress and anxiety. 

Elusive Goals

Unclear or elusive goals are one of the common reasons why people procrastinate.

Students are often very curious as they always have an analytic approach to any given task.

So, it is common for them to want to know why they are performing an action before getting started.

And with uncertain goals, they are likely to delay work until they find a reason to complete it. 

Avolition Or The Lack Of Motivation  

There are many reasons why students procrastinate, but one of the most common is simply a lack of motivation.

When students don’t care about the task at hand or don’t see the point in doing it, they’re much more likely to put it off. 

For this reason, it’s vital to identify a deeper purpose behind a project and keep this vision front of mind.

Overwhelm and Fear of Failure

Everyone is built differently, with varying desires, goals and motivations.

Students are no exception to this and can easily become overwhelmed by impending deadlines or a heavy workload. 

This overwhelming feeling often develops in response to a fear of failure.

In a competitive society where performance is paramount, students may be worried about doing the assignment well or getting a bad grade.

Perfectionism

When we set a goal of everything being perfect, we often don’t want to start anything in order to avoid any mistakes and flaws.

Students may procrastinate out of perfectionism , feeling that the task is not worth doing unless it can be done right first time.

Anxiety 

There are various of reasons why people feel anxious day to day. In the case of students, anxiety can be very unhealthy if not handled carefully.

Perhaps the expectation of parents may place undue pressure on a student, or comparison with peers may force them to evaluate their own performance negatively.

Procrastination is a common side-effect of such stress. 

How To Stop Procrastinating on Homework

Procrastination is a common problem for students of all ages.

When faced with a difficult or boring homework assignment, it can be tempting to put it off until later.

However, this can often lead to even more problems, as the work builds up and becomes even more daunting. 

1. Getting Organized Can Help

One of the best ways to avoid procrastination is to stay organized.

Having a clear plan for what needs to be done and when will make it much less likely that we delay our work.

Additionally, keeping track of all of our assignments in one place will help us stay on top of everything that’s due. 

2. Be Reasonable When Setting Goals

Realistic goals are essential to avoiding procrastination for students.

By setting goals that are achievable, we are more likely to stay motivated and on track.

In contrast, when our goals are unrealistic, it is easy to become discouraged and give up. 

In addition, avoid setting goals that are too general.

For example, instead of saying we want to get better grades, set a specific outcome-orientated goal such as getting an A or process-related goal such as studying X number of hours.

This will help us make a plan of action and stay focused. 

3. Cut the Distractions

As a student, there are countless distractions that can keep us from completing our work.

Social media, streaming services, and even simply talking to friends can all prevent us from getting our assignments done on time. 

However, there are some steps that you can take in order to avoid these distractions.

One method is to create a schedule for ourselves and stick to it.

Dedicate specific times of day to working on schoolwork, and make sure to stick to those times. 

Additionally, try to find a quiet place to work where you won’t be interrupted by others.

If possible, turn off your phone or any other devices that might distract you.

By taking these steps, you can create an environment that is conducive to productivity and avoid the procrastination pitfalls that so many students fall into.

4. Recharge by Taking the Needed Breaks

One of the most important things for students to do in order to avoid procrastinating is to take breaks.

It may seem counterintuitive, but students who take breaks are actually more productive overall.

That’s because they’re giving their brains a chance to rest and recharge.

As a result, they’re able to come back to their work with fresh energy and new ideas. 

In addition, taking breaks can help to prevent burnout.

When students try to push themselves too hard, they often end up feeling overwhelmed and discouraged.

However, by taking regular rest, students can maintain their motivation and avoid fatigue. 

5. Rewarding Ourselves is Fulfilling

Completing work and then rewarding ourselves is a great way to avoid procrastinating.

It is important to find something we look forward to as a reward for completing small tasks, so that we’ll be motivated to keep going.

This could be something as simple as watching our favorite TV show, going for a walk, or taking a nap. 

The key is to engage in an activity to break up the monotony of work and find our flow again afterwards.

Whatever the reason, procrastination can have a major impact on a student’s academic success.

That’s why it’s important to learn how to overcome it .

Identifying the reasons for procrastination can be a helpful first step.

Once we know what’s causing our procrastination, we can start to find ways to deal with it.

Some students find that setting small goals and taking breaks throughout their work helps them stay on track.

Others find that listening to music or reading while they work helps them focus.

Whatever works for you, make sure to start today – don’t wait for tomorrow!

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How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework? Winning the Homework Game in 2024

• Post author By admin
• October 30, 2023

Explore powerful strategies for how to stop procrastinating on homework. Your path to academic success starts here.

Yet, there you are, wrestling with the age-old temptation of procrastination. We’ve all been there, right? It’s that eternal battle between what we should do and what we’d rather be doing.

But fear not! In this article, we’re about to embark on a quest to conquer that mighty dragon called procrastination.

We’ll be your trusty guides, offering practical tips, easy tricks, and a fresh perspective that will help you take the reins of your homework. No more last-minute panics or anxiety-ridden nights – just straightforward, effective solutions.

So, if you’re itching to bid procrastination farewell and say hello to a more productive, relaxed you, keep reading. We’re about to unveil the secrets of how to stop procrastinating on your homework and make your academic life a whole lot simpler.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Procrastination Puzzle

Let’s talk procrastination – that common struggle we’ve all faced. You’re sitting there, homework in front of you, but suddenly, cleaning your room or endlessly scrolling social media becomes way more appealing. Sound familiar? Well, we’re going to demystify this whole procrastination thing and make it as clear as day.

Procrastination often happens because of two things: “perplexity” and “burstiness.”

This is just a fancy way of saying that when a task seems as confusing as solving a Rubik’s Cube in the dark, we’d rather put it off. Our brains like to avoid stuff that feels too hard.

Our focus isn’t exactly a steady stream; it’s more like waves in the ocean. One moment, you’re all in, and the next, you’re daydreaming about what’s for dinner.

Understanding these two factors is like having the secret map to procrastination. It’s not about being lazy; it’s about dealing with tough tasks and a mind that loves to wander.

But here’s the good news: we’ve got some straightforward strategies and techniques to outsmart procrastination. So, let’s get to it and conquer this homework hurdle, once and for all!

How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework ?

Learn the best ways to stop procrastination on homework:-

Create a Dedicated Workspace

Okay, let’s talk about creating your dedicated homework space. It’s like building your fortress against procrastination. Here’s how to do it:

• Chase the Quiet: Hunt for a quiet nook where the world won’t barge in every two minutes. It could be your bedroom, a library, or a peaceful corner in your house.
• Comfort is Queen: Make sure your workspace is comfy. A cozy chair and good lighting can make a huge difference. You don’t want to feel like you’re serving time in a study prison.
• Distraction Ditching: Kick distractions to the curb. That means your phone, the TV remote, and noisy siblings (if possible). Put your phone on silent or use one of those nifty apps to keep away from Instagram’s tempting grasp.
• Materials at Arm’s Reach: Keep all your study stuff nearby. No more scavenger hunts for that elusive pen or your textbook.
• Make It Yours: Personalize your study space. Add a dash of your personality with a motivational quote on the wall, a little plant buddy, or some chill music to set the vibe.

So, there you have it – your perfect little study sanctuary. Once you’ve got this spot nailed down, you’re all set to kick procrastination out the door and supercharge your homework game.

Set Clear Goals

Let’s dive into the art of setting clear goals for your homework – it’s like having your personal GPS for academic success. Here’s how to make it happen:

• Task Breakdown: Break your homework into bite-sized pieces. Think of it like cutting a big sandwich into manageable, delicious bites. If you have a major project, break it into research, outlining, writing, and editing – each is like a mini-mission.
• Deadlines that Talk: Now, give each of these tasks a deadline. Make it specific, like ‘Finish research by Wednesday’ or ‘Outline done by Friday.’ These deadlines aren’t just dates; they’re your milestones.
• Picture the Finish Line: With your tasks and deadlines laid out, it’s like having a treasure map. You can see the ‘X’ marks where you need to be. It’s your visual guide to the finish line.
• The Satisfaction of Checkmarks: As you conquer each task, put a glorious checkmark next to it. It’s like giving yourself a virtual high-five and a little victory dance.
• Ready to Adapt: Life can throw curveballs, but that’s okay. Be flexible and adjust your plan if needed. Just keep your eyes on the prize – completing your homework successfully.

Armed with these clear goals, you’ll navigate your homework journey with confidence. It’s like embarking on a grand adventure with a trusty map in hand.

So, set those goals, and let’s make homework time not just productive but also a tad exciting!

Plan and Prioritize

Let’s dive into the intriguing world of planning and prioritizing your homework. Think of it as creating your personal strategy to outsmart procrastination. Here’s how to make it engaging:

• The To-Do List Magic: Start by conjuring up a to-do list for your homework tasks. Write down all the missions you need to conquer. It’s like crafting your own adventure map for the day.
• The Importance Puzzle: Now, it’s time to play detective. Analyze each task and decide how important it is. Some are like urgent quests, while others can wait for your heroic attention.
• The Deadline Drama: Check for those homework deadlines. Some are sprint races, and others are marathons. Prioritize your tasks based on when they need to be vanquished.
• Your Homework Battle Plan: Armed with your list and prioritization skills, you’re now the commander of your homework army. You know exactly which dragons to slay first.
• The Procrastination Shield: With a clear plan in hand, procrastination’s evil powers are no match for your Jedi-like focus. You’ve got your homework forces in order!

So, get ready to turn your homework time into an epic quest, complete with battles and victories. Your map is ready, your strategy is set, and it’s time to conquer those homework challenges with style.

Onward, brave student!

Try the Pomodoro Technique

Alright, let’s dive into a nifty trick to zap procrastination – the Pomodoro Technique. Think of it as your superpower to stay laser-focused. Here’s how it rolls:

• Time Blocks: Picture your homework as a series of quick missions, each lasting around 25 minutes – we call this a Pomodoro. It’s like a challenge you set for yourself.
• Focus Mode On: During a Pomodoro, you’re in the zone. No distractions allowed. It’s like you’re a study ninja with your concentration shurikens.
• Mini Victory Break: After each Pomodoro, you earn a tiny, 5-minute break. It’s like a quick victory dance, a chance to recharge for the next round.
• The Fab Four: Once you’ve conquered four Pomodoros, you treat yourself to a more extended break, say 15-30 minutes. It’s like your homework marathon checkpoint.
• Procrastination Kryptonite: The Pomodoro Technique is your trusty shield against procrastination. When you have a timer ticking, distractions can’t sneak in, and your productivity soars.

Ready to level up your homework game? Give the Pomodoro Technique a whirl, and watch your focus and productivity shoot through the roof. You’re not just a student; you’re a study superhero!

Time Blocking

Now, let’s dive into the genius strategy of time blocking – it’s like your superhero cape against procrastination. Here’s the lowdown:

• Chunk Your Time: Imagine your day as a puzzle, and each puzzle piece is a time block dedicated to a specific subject or task. It’s like creating your own schedule with chapters.
• The Zone of Zen: When you’re in a time block, it’s all about that one task – no distractions allowed. It’s like setting your focus laser on high power.
• The Roadmap to Success: By assigning specific time blocks to different subjects, you’re essentially crafting a roadmap for your day. It’s like having a GPS for your productivity.
• Procrastination’s Nemesis: Time blocking is your shield against procrastination’s sneaky tricks. When you’ve set aside a dedicated block for a task, distractions find it tough to creep in.

So, if you’re ready to level up your homework game and bid farewell to procrastination, time blocking is your go-to strategy.

It’s like having your personal organizer, ensuring you stay on the path to academic victory. Get ready to conquer your homework with style!

Visualize Success

Alright, let’s explore a nifty little trick to tackle procrastination head-on – the power of visualization. It’s like creating a mental blockbuster that inspires you. Here’s how it rolls:

• Shut Those Peepers: Find a quiet spot before diving into your homework. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let’s get ready to roll. It’s like stepping into your very own imagination theater.
• Paint the Picture: Picture yourself acing your homework, big smile on your face, a sense of accomplishment filling your chest. See the finish line clearly – it’s like you’re watching a movie about your success.
• Feel the Feels: As you imagine your success, let the emotions flow. Feel the pride, the relief, the joy – like you’re already celebrating the victory.
• Fuel Your Motivation: Use this mental movie as your secret weapon. When procrastination tries to knock, play this movie in your head, and let the inspiration flow. It’s like having a motivational coach inside your mind.

So, gear up to supercharge your homework motivation with your very own mental cinema. It’s not just about getting the work done; it’s about enjoying the journey and visualizing your triumphant destination. Let’s get started!

Change Your Perspective

Okay, let’s chat about a cool way to tackle procrastination – changing your perspective. It’s like putting on a pair of positivity glasses to see homework in a whole new light. Here’s how it goes:

• Shift the Lens: Instead of seeing homework as a chore, look at it as a chance to grab some serious rewards. It’s like turning homework into a treasure hunt.
• The Treasure Trove: Think about the good stuff that comes with completing your homework – better grades, more knowledge, and the sweet satisfaction of a job well done. It’s like picturing a chest full of academic gold.
• Picture the Win: Imagine yourself reaping those rewards and enjoying the benefits. Feel the pride and personal growth that come with conquering your homework. It’s like watching your success story unfold.
• Stay Fired Up: Whenever procrastination tries to creep in, remind yourself of these rewards and benefits. It’s like having your personal motivation guru in your corner.

Changing your perspective can turn homework from a dreaded task into an exciting journey. It’s all about focusing on the pot of gold at the end of your academic rainbow.

So, get ready to dive into your homework with a fresh outlook and a pocket full of motivation. Let’s roll!

Reward Yourself

Let’s talk about a fun and effective way to combat procrastination – rewarding yourself. It’s like sprinkling a little celebration into your study routine. Here’s how it works:

• Task Triumph: After you’ve conquered a homework task, it’s time to treat yourself. Think of it as your personal victory lap.
• The Reward Menu: Decide on some enjoyable treats or activities. It could be a snack, a short game, a walk, or even a quick dance to your favorite song. It’s like choosing from your own reward menu.
• Keep it Proportional: Make sure the reward matches the task’s difficulty. Smaller tasks might call for a quick treat, while larger ones could earn you a more substantial celebration.
• The Motivation Booster: Rewards act as motivation magnets. They keep you excited about completing your homework and make you eager to start the next task.
• Stay Consistent: By regularly rewarding yourself, you’re building a positive association with homework. It’s like turning a chore into a fun game.

So, embrace the power of rewards and make your homework sessions a bit sweeter. It’s not just about completing the task; it’s about enjoying the journey with a dash of celebration.

Ready to dive into your homework with the promise of delightful rewards? Let’s do this!

Join or Create Study Groups

Alright, let’s dive into the wonderful world of study groups – your secret weapon against procrastination. It’s like forming a homework dream team. Here’s how it goes down:

• Gather Your Crew: Round up some classmates who are in the same homework boat as you. It’s like building your Avengers of academics.
• The Homework Campfire: Within your study group, share your homework struggles and victories. It’s like swapping adventure stories around a campfire.
• Accountability Partners: Your study buddies keep you on your toes. You’re accountable to each other, and that’s a fantastic motivator. It’s like having your personal cheering section.
• Brainpower Bonanza: When you work together, you tap into a treasure chest of ideas and knowledge. It’s like having your very own brain trust.
• Homework Hangouts: Study groups make homework a lot more fun. It’s like turning a solo mission into a group quest.

By joining or creating study groups, you transform homework into a social event. It’s not just about getting the work done; it’s about enjoying the ride with your study pals.

Ready to tackle your homework like a dynamic duo or a fantastic four? Let’s get to it!

Accountability Partners

Alright, let’s dive into a savvy strategy to kick procrastination to the curb – meet your accountability partner. Think of it as enlisting your very own homework cheerleader. Here’s how the story unfolds:

• Recruiting Your Partner in Crime: Find a friend or family member who’s game to join forces. They become your homework ally, your go-to teammate.
• Sharing the Secrets: Open up about your homework goals and progress with your partner. It’s like making a pact to support each other’s success.
• Daily Check-Ins: Keep the communication lines open, regularly updating your partner on your homework journey. The feeling of someone rooting for you is like a turbo boost for motivation.
• Victory Celebrations: When you conquer your homework goals, it’s time for a celebratory high-five with your partner. It’s like having your very own personal victory party.
• Boosted Commitment: With an accountability partner in tow, your commitment soars to new heights. It’s like having an extra dose of motivation on your side.

Teaming up with an accountability partner transforms homework into a shared adventure. It’s not just about the task; it’s about the bond and the joint commitment to success.

Ready to tackle your homework with your trusty sidekick? Let’s do this!

Eliminate Distractions

Let’s talk about a crucial strategy to tackle procrastination – eliminating distractions. It’s like creating a fortress of focus for your homework time. Here’s how to do it:

• Detect Your Distractions: First, identify what’s been pulling your attention away during homework. Is it your smartphone, noisy neighbors, or the TV? It’s like finding the enemy’s weak spots.
• Homework Sanctuary: Now, create a dedicated homework space where distractions are minimal. It could be a quiet corner, a library, or a cozy coffee shop – your fortress of focus.
• Gadget Control: If your smartphone is your kryptonite, set it to ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode or place it out of reach. It’s like locking away the distraction in a hidden vault.
• Noisy Neighbors? Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: If outside noise is the culprit, invest in noise-canceling headphones. It’s like putting on a silencing superhero cape.
• Stay on Guard: While in your homework zone, keep an eye on potential distractions and steer clear of them. It’s like having your own watchtower to protect your focus.

By eliminating distractions, you’re creating an environment where procrastination finds it tough to survive. Your homework time becomes a sacred space for productivity. Ready to transform your space into a distraction-free fortress of focus? Let’s get started!

Use Technology Wisely

Alright, let’s dive into the world of tech to outsmart procrastination – using technology wisely. It’s like having your very own digital homework genius. Here’s how the story unfolds:

• Explore the App Universe: There’s a galaxy of productivity apps out there. Your mission? Find the ones that click with your needs. It’s like building your arsenal of homework helpers.
• Time-Taming Wizards: Picture calendars and task managers as your trusty time-travel companions. They keep your homework schedule in check. It’s like having a digital time guardian.
• Distraction Defenders: Some apps are like your digital bodyguards, shielding you from distracting websites and notifications. It’s like a digital fortress of focus.
• Study Superpowers: There are apps for research, note-taking, and study techniques . They’re like having your personal digital tutor on speed dial.
• Accountability Allies: You can even recruit apps to track your progress and keep you on your homework toes. It’s like having a virtual coach in your corner.

With tech as your ally, you’re turning your digital devices into powerful tools for conquering procrastination. They become your homework superheroes, not villains.

Ready to gear up and turn your digital world into a homework powerhouse? Let’s roll!

Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

Alright, let’s unveil a classic procrastination-busting move – the art of breaking down your tasks into bite-sized bits. It’s like turning a daunting mountain into a collection of manageable molehills. Here’s the deal:

• Task Checkup: When you face a homework task that seems as colossal as a mountain, take a breath and assess it. What are the smaller, more doable steps hidden within this giant? It’s like uncovering the secret map to success.
• Mini-Missions: Divide that mammoth task into tiny, conquerable chunks. If you’re dealing with a research paper, think of steps like “Gather Sources,” “Craft an Outline,” “Write Introduction,” and so on. It’s like creating your own homework adventure roadmap.
• One Bite at a Time: Focus on one mini-task at a time. As you finish each one, savor the sweet taste of progress. It’s like ticking off items on your homework checklist.
• Overwhelm Be Gone: Slicing your homework into smaller pieces transforms the impossible into a series of manageable victories. It’s like turning an epic quest into a collection of thrilling chapters.

By conquering your homework one mini-challenge at a time, you’re taking the driver’s seat to victory. Procrastination doesn’t stand a chance when you’re the master of these bite-sized tasks.

Ready to dive into your homework with the confidence of a conqueror, one step at a time? Let’s roll!

Start with the Most Challenging Task

Alright, let’s reveal a ninja move against procrastination – tackling the most daunting task head-on. It’s like facing your homework Goliath right from the start. Here’s the game plan:

• Task Scouting: Look over your homework lineup and find the one that gives you the biggest case of the homework jitters. It’s usually the toughest or the least exciting.
• The Brave Kick-Off: Instead of procrastinating, dive straight into that challenging task. It’s like stepping onto the battlefield with your mightiest sword.
• Early Triumph: When you conquer the most challenging task first, it’s like scoring a winning goal in the big game. You feel an instant rush of accomplishment.
• Smooth Sailing Ahead: With the toughest challenge in your rearview mirror, the rest of your homework feels like a walk in the park. It’s like downhill coasting on a bike after a steep uphill climb.

By taking on the biggest challenge right from the start, you not only slay the dragon but also set the stage for a super productive homework session.

Procrastination doesn’t stand a chance when you lead with your strongest move. Ready to jump into your homework like a true hero taking on a formidable foe? Let’s roll!

Stay Organized 

Alright, let’s unveil a nifty trick for outsmarting procrastination – the power of staying organized. It’s like having a magic wand to create order in your homework realm. Here’s how it plays out:

• Declutter Detective: First, size up your homework space. Is it a chaotic jungle, or a serene sanctuary?
• Your Homework Haven: Carve out a special space just for your homework materials, notes, and assignments. It’s like creating a secret haven amidst the homework hustle.
• A Place for Everything: Give each item a designated home. Your textbooks, notes, pens – they all get their own cozy corners. It’s like having a treasure map for your academic gear.
• Supercharge Efficiency: When everything’s in its place, you’ll spend less time hunting for stuff and more time conquering your homework. It’s like turning your workspace into a well-oiled homework machine.
• Procrastination-Proof: An organized space is like a fortress against procrastination. It’s like having a homework superhero shield that repels distractions.

By embracing the way of the tidy and organized, you’re setting the stage for homework success. Procrastination struggles to survive in a well-ordered kingdom.

Ready to dive into your homework with the cool, collected vibe of a Zen master? Let’s get this organized party started!

How can I stop procrastinating immediately?

Got a procrastination emergency? No worries; we’re diving into action right now. Here’s your swift and snappy plan:

The first step is often the hardest. So, pick a task, any task, and just start. Set a timer for a quick 5 minutes and tell yourself you’ll give it your all during that time. Starting is the name of the game.

Distraction Defenders

Silence your phone, shut irrelevant tabs, and create a laser-focused workspace. It’s like rolling out the red carpet for your homework superhero.

Divide your task into itsy-bitsy mini-goals. Completing these tiny triumphs will give you a boost of victory and keep you charging forward.

Pomodoro Power

Work for 25 minutes like a champ, then treat yourself to a 5-minute breather. Rinse and repeat. It’s a dynamite method for maintaining your focus.

Imagine Victory

Close your eyes and picture the glorious moment when you finish your task. Feel the satisfaction deep in your bones.

Accountability Ace

Share your task with someone else. Knowing someone’s got an eye on your progress amps up your commitment.

Deadline Dash

Set a lightning-quick deadline for yourself. Creating a touch of urgency can fire up your motivation.

Reward Time

Promise yourself a sweet reward as soon as you conquer that task. It could be a treat, a fun video, or whatever floats your boat.

Stay Positive

Focus on the awesome feeling of accomplishment you’ll have when the task is done, rather than the effort it takes.

Push Past Resistance

Remember, procrastination is a mind game. Push through that initial resistance; it’s just a mental mirage. Keep pushing, even if it feels tough.

With these strategies, you’re equipped to kick procrastination to the curb right this instant. Ready to grab that task by the horns and show it who’s boss? Let’s do it!

You’ve just embarked on a journey to conquer the procrastination dragon that’s been haunting your homework world. With these powerful strategies in your arsenal, victory is within reach.

We began by understanding why procrastination sneaks in and learned that it’s a battle anyone can win. We explored the secrets of creating a dedicated workspace, setting clear goals, planning, and using clever techniques like the Pomodoro method and time blocking.

We harnessed the power of visualization, shifted our perspective, and discovered the sweet rewards of staying organized.

We learned to embrace the bravery of starting with the most challenging task and the wisdom of technology, accountability, and the support of friends and family.

We crafted a homework sanctuary where distractions dare not tread, and we honed the art of breaking tasks into manageable steps.

And if the procrastination beast dared to raise its head, we had a lightning-fast action plan ready to slay it immediately.

Remember, every step you take toward conquering procrastination is a step toward your academic success. With focus, determination, and these strategies, you can turn your homework time into a productive, fulfilling adventure.

So, gear up, and let’s banish procrastination to the shadows. Your homework journey is just beginning, and you’re the hero of this tale. Go forth and conquer!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i find the right workspace for homework.

Your workspace should be quiet and free from distractions. It could be a corner in your room, a library, or a cozy café, wherever you can focus best.

What’s the Pomodoro Technique, and how does it work?

The Pomodoro Technique involves working in short, focused intervals (typically 25 minutes) followed by a short break. This helps maintain concentration and reduce procrastination.

Is it essential to set clear goals for homework?

Yes, setting clear goals is crucial. It breaks down your tasks into manageable chunks with specific deadlines, making it easier to stay on track.

How can I change my perspective on homework?

Shift your focus from the effort required to the rewards of completing your homework. Think about the sense of achievement and knowledge gained.

Why are study groups and accountability partners helpful?

Study groups provide a support system and the opportunity to discuss assignments. Accountability partners help keep you on track by sharing your goals and progress.

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Psychology of Procrastination: 10 Worksheets & Games (PDF)

Perceptions of procrastination range from being the topic of jokes to being associated with mental illness (Svartdal, Granmo, & Farevaag, 2018). But what is the truth about this ubiquitous behavior?

As a college instructor, I deal with student procrastination every semester, often resulting in end-of-term complications.

I’ve been guilty of it myself. Although I’m much better than I used to be, I’m still curious about procrastination.

How does it affect wellbeing and physiology?

More importantly, how can we overcome this tendency? Is there an app for that?

To get these answers, let’s explore procrastination, beginning with the psychology of procrastination.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Productivity Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients become more productive and efficient.

This Article Contains:

What is procrastination according to psychology, 6 causes according to research, 2 real-life examples of procrastination, how to overcome procrastination: 3 techniques, procrastination coaching and therapy: 2 tips, using cbt to overcome procrastination, 5 helpful worksheets, apps, & games, 12 questions, tests, & questionnaires for clients, top 2 books on the topic, positivepsychology.com’s helpful resources, a take-home message.

Procrastination has existed throughout history and across cultures, appearing in folk tales and songs. In 44 BC, the Roman politician Cicero denounced Antonius’s chronic slowness and procrastination as “hateful” (Steel, 2007).

Is procrastination merely slowness? According to Klassen, Krawchuk, and Rajani (2008, p. 916), “procrastination consists of the intentional delay of an intended course of action, in spite of an awareness of negative outcomes.”

Reviewing the history of procrastination, Steel (2007) stated that although it has existed throughout history, it increasingly assumed negative connotations with the start of the industrial revolution.

We know that technologically advanced societies mandate various commitments and deadlines, whereas agrarian and undeveloped societies do not (Steel, 2007).

Bearing in mind the connotation of procrastination as negative, we can assume there are associated consequences.

Physiological consequences of procrastination

Procrastination is linked to higher levels of stress and lower wellbeing (Jaffe, 2013; Stead, Shanahan, & Neufeld, 2010; Hairston & Shpitalni, 2016). Specifically, “[a]nxiety and depression are positively correlated with self-report and behavioral measures of procrastination” (Stead et al., 2010, p. 175).

Hairston and Shpitalni (2016) link procrastination to negative affect and self-reported sleep disturbances.

Other adverse effects of procrastination include “increased stress, lower task performance, reduced wellbeing, regret and suffering, and risk of mental and physical illness” (Svartdal et al., 2018, p. 2).

Considering the overall cultural condition of time poverty, why do people avoid tasks, preferring to peruse the internet or occupy themselves with Candy Crush?

The following is not a comprehensive list of the causes of procrastination; however, it reflects common correlations.

1. Neuroticism

Neuroticism is similar to worrying, trait anxiety, or negative affect (Steel, 2007). Subcategories of note include irrational beliefs, cognitions, or thoughts; low self-efficacy and self-esteem; self-handicapping; impulsivity, sensation seeking; and depression.

Steel’s (2007, p. 81) research shows that the correlation between procrastination and neuroticism “appears to be due almost entirely to impulsiveness.”

2. Impulsivity

Impulsive people procrastinate, preferring to focus on desires of the moment (Steel, 2007; Svartdal et al., 2018) rather than the drudgery of tasks. This form of procrastination stems from pursuit of “ immediate gratification , neglecting or ignoring longer term responsibilities” (Steel, 2007, p. 70).

3. Conscientiousness

Conscientiousness includes variables such as distractibility (self-control), poor organization (structuring and planning life), low achievement motivation (goal setting, enjoyment of performance), and a gap between intention and action (Steel, 2007).

According to Steel (2007, p. 81), “procrastination does appear to be representative of low conscientiousness and self-regulatory failure.”

4. Lack of self-confidence or low self-efficacy

Stemming from a fear of failure, both low self-efficacy and low self-esteem are associated with procrastination (Steel, 2007). Low self-efficacy is seen as irrational doubts in our ability to do well. Low self-esteem is the belief that “any failure to perform to standard suggests inadequacy as a person” (Steel, 2007, p. 69).

5. Discomfort dodging (task aversion)

Discomfort dodging includes putting off a task “because some parts of it are associated with uncomfortable and, possibly anxious, feelings” (Knaus, 1979, p. 5). The goal of discomfort dodging is to avoid bad feelings.

6. Perfectionism

In his 1979 book Do It Now , William J. Knaus included a chapter on the association between perfectionism and procrastination. He states that perfectionism is unrealistic and linked to fear of failure. Others (Dexter, 2020; Phillips, 2019) also cite perfectionism as a source of procrastination.

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Procrastination is not new and does not discriminate.

Hannah Lamarque (2017) describes some famous procrastinators that few would expect.

1. Bill Clinton

This former president was notorious for failing to follow through and being cursed by distraction. So notorious was his latent reputation that in 1994, Time Magazine published an article about it. Further, his own vice president, Al Gore, characterized him as “punctually challenged” (Lamarque, 2017).

2. Leonardo Da Vinci

One of the greatest and most well-known artists of all time also contended with procrastination. It’s hard to conceive, considering his body of work, but Da Vinci struggled with focus. The Mona Lisa, one of his most notable masterpieces, took 16 years to complete.

Other works such as the Virgin of the Rocks took 13 years. So intense was Da Vinci’s proclivity for procrastination that his own benefactor threatened bankruptcy to motivate him.

It’s reassuring to know that procrastination is an equal opportunity malady. To offer a hand to those who struggle with it, let’s review some expert advice.

1. The 5-minute rule

When the brain is overwhelmed by a task, it can result in anxiety and avoidance. Bariso (2021) suggests a simple technique he calls the five-minute rule.

He advises committing to the task for five minutes with the stipulation that you can quit after that time if the task is overwhelming. Also known as chunking, this method breaks tasks into feasible portions.

Because task initiation often creates the roadblock, this method helps procrastinators clear the first hurdle. Thank you, Mary Poppins.

2. Visualization (mental rehearsal)

Visualization is an ongoing process that can be productively directed (Peper, Harvey, Lin, & Duvvuri, 2014). Imagining successful completion of a task makes the realization more likely. This process is familiar to athletes and artists.

These five steps can guide the process.

• Think of a past behavior or conflict that ended in disappointment.
• Understand that under the circumstances, you handled it the only way you could.
• Consider, “How could I have handled this with the wisdom I have now?”
• Now, think back to that same situation. Immerse yourself in it as if it is recurring, using all of your senses. Be as specific as possible. This time, imagine yourself behaving masterfully.
• Congratulate yourself for programming your own future.

3. Mindfulness

In Unwinding Anxiety , Judson Brewer (2021) discusses both procrastination and the worry loop that leads to it.

Brewer describes the standard habit loop as trigger, behavior, result. Avoiding a project can feel better in the moment than starting it. He suggests using mindfulness to build awareness of feelings associated with procrastination.

In the future, try doing a task early or on time, noticing what that feels like. The positive feelings associated with timely task completion can be used to build a new habit loop.

This video , created for medical students, introduces a useful equation for understanding procrastination and suggests seven remedies.

Knowing that there are ways to overcome procrastination, here are two tips for the therapist who has to deal with this phenomenon.

1. Appreciative inquiry

Appreciative inquiry was developed by Cooperrider and Srivastva (1987), with the help of graduate students at Case Western University in the 1980s. The concept is based on “powerful assumptions about human change that are positive and life generating by nature” (Binkert & Clancy, 2011, p. 287).

This strengths-based and solution-focused paradigm is premised on human potential and social constructionism. Adherents believe that clients can reinvent themselves through language, using three fundamental principles:

• “what people focus on becomes their reality;
• the language people use creates their reality; and
• in every individual, something works” (Orem, Binkert, & Clancy, 2007, p. 40).

The application to coaching is realized through asking life-enhancing appreciative inquiry questions , watching for pivotal moments as clients begin to view themselves in a new light, and helping the client move forward, taking parts of their past that are positive and comforting (Binkert & Clancy, 2011).

2. Motivational interviewing

Motivational interviewing (MI) is an optimistic approach to change based on research, experience, and the belief that clients are more likely to change when they believe they can (Souders, 2019).

Drawing on the strength of self-talk, MI techniques encourage change talk. Grounded in self-determination theory, MI attends to three basic psychological needs:

• Relatedness

Self-determination theory techniques are also used by professional sports coaches, such as Pete Carroll (Stetka, 2016).

This interdisciplinary method helps clients reduce ambivalence often associated with change. Its application is common in psychology and fields such as medicine and criminal justice.

This SlideShare was originally developed to help criminal justice practitioners implement MI. It explains concepts such as change talk, rolling with resistance, and using the acronym OARS.

In CBT, the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and feelings is explored and discussed. Research shows that anxiety and avoidance may explain procrastination. As reviewed earlier, procrastination is a behavior used to avoid uncomfortable feelings (Dexter, 2020).

This therapeutic approach focuses on the present and is goal oriented. It utilizes cognition to treat emotional and behavioral disorders and operates with the premise that changes in thoughts can be highly effective for treating deep-seated issues (Orem et al., 2007).

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy has been proven effective as a tool to improve self-esteem and self-worth (McKay & Fanning, 2016), sometimes associated with procrastination. Using the power of self-talk to recognize and tame the inner critic, this method ignites the client’s rational, healthy voice (Sutton, 2021).

Below are three worksheets to help clients work through issues related to procrastination as well as a collection of apps and therapy games .

1. Reward Replacement Worksheet

Using procrastination as their behavior change goal, clients can use the Reward Replacement Worksheet to analyze the costs and rewards of procrastination and consider behavior change.

2. Problem Solving Worksheet for Adults

This Problem Solving Worksheet helps clients identify a problem, break it into smaller steps, and set a course of action, listing the pros and cons of each option.

3. Building New Habits

Building New Habits walks clients through the habit loop, including reward implementation, creating motivation for positive action.

4. HabitHub App

HabitHub, a habit and goal tracker app , motivates clients to complete to-do lists with easy-to-understand color schemes for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks.

Task reminder options range from many to few. I have incorporated this app for health and wellness routines as well as work-related tasks. Yes, there’s an app for that.

Available for Android . Available for iOS (coming soon).

5. Triskelion eLearning game

Triskelion from Gamelearn is a role-playing simulation course for overcoming procrastination and maximizing personal productivity and time management skills.

Students learn to plan and prioritize projects and discover techniques that can be used daily to manage tasks, improve efficiency, and achieve goals.

Request a demo .

As we have seen through motivational interviewing, powerful questions can lead clients to revelations, evoking new thoughts about their own potential. Below are six examples from Catherine Moore, author of 100 Most Powerful Life Coaching Questions (2019):

• What will success look like?
• How will you know you’ve achieved your goal?
• How might you turn these steps into a plan?
• How will you prepare for each step?
• How do you plan to motivate yourself when obstacles arise?
• What are some ways to motivate yourself to get started?

I’ve added four questions of my own:

• What one word describes how you feel during or after procrastination? Explain.
• What type of tasks do you tend to procrastinate on the most?
• If your self-talk is negative, do you know where that voice comes from?
• Think of a time you felt amazing about the work you do. How did it feel? Why?

These questions allow the client to reflect on emotions that when overlooked, create non-productive habit loops, keeping in mind that what gets rewarded, gets repeated.

Procrastination can be prevalent among students. This questionnaire from the Oregon State University’s Academic Success Center website, cleverly named Procrasti-Not, is geared toward students and holistic in nature. The questions seek to identify which life domains are more prone to procrastination.

Thoroughly getting on top of a topic means extending your knowledge, and reading our recommended books are just what you need.

1. Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastination and Get More Done in Less Time – Brian Tracy

Eat That Frog is touted as one of the most popular time management books in history and is available in 42 languages.

The author embraces the premise that hitting your most undesirable task first thing in the morning means you start the day having accomplished a great thing.

Further, Tracy addresses perseveration that leads to procrastination.

Find the book on Amazon .

2. Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind – Judson Brewer

This book reviews the state of anxiety in current times and how anxiety drives bad habits (procrastination being one) and addictive behaviors.

Brewer presents a solution-focused program for overcoming anxiety.

We have a selection of resources that can aid mental healthcare practitioners with procrastinating clients.

The article 100 Most Powerful Life Coaching Questions [+PDF] by Catherine Moore (2019) provides helpful questions and resources for therapists, coaches, and anyone else looking to uncover issues. Moore also explains the GROW model and provides specific questions for coaching managers and leaders.

A series of simple worksheets are helpful for walking clients through individual steps toward their goal, using the acronym GROW. The worksheets include the following step-by-step process.

• G Stands for Goal helps clients identify goals.
• R Stands For REALITY allows clients to identify where they are with their goal and identify obstacles.
• O Stands for Options helps clients identify options and their energy resources for reaching their goals.
• W Stands For WAY FORWARD aids clients in setting up steps and sub-steps for reaching their goal. One of the strengths of this worksheet is the accountability piece and establishing a reward system for the accomplished goal.

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others become more productive and efficient, this collection contains 17 validated productivity and work efficiency exercises . Use them to help others prioritize better, eliminate time wasters, maximize their personal energy, and more.

17 Science-Based Productivity & Efficiency Exercises

Arm yourself with these 17 Productivity & Work Efficiency Exercises [PDF] and use positive psychology to increase flow, engagement, and goal achievement in the workplace.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Surprisingly, it has been my pleasure to explore procrastination. I’ve discovered apps, worksheets, questions, books, and other valuable resources that I’ve already implemented to improve work hygiene.

In 1979, Knaus described distractions such as “chain-smoking, overeating, sleeping, playing solitaire, doing pushups” (1979, p. 21). Forty-two years later, technological advancements have situated the temptation to procrastinate in the palm of our hands – no pushups necessary.

Students have been the target of many procrastination studies, but they’re not alone.

We are all different, and when addressing the gap between intention and action, it’s vital to create a plan that suits your personality type.

This article was completed on time, and it felt like an accomplishment because for me, procrastination is no joke.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Productivity Exercises for free .

• Bariso, J. (2021, June 13). Emotionally intelligent people embrace the 5-minute rule . www.inc.com. Retrieved July 5, 2021, from https://www.inc.com/justin-bariso/emotionally-intelligent-people-embrace-5-minute-rule.html
• Binkert, J., & Clancy, A. L. (2011). Appreciative inquiry. In L. Wildflower & D. Brennan (Eds.), The handbook of knowledge-based coaching: From theory to practice . Jossey-Bass.
• Brewer, J. A. (2021). Unwinding anxiety: New science shows how to break the cycles of worry and fear to heal your mind . Avery.
• Cooperrider, D. L., & Srivastva, S. (1987). Appreciative inquiry in organizational life.  Research in Organizational Change and Development ,  1 (1), 129–169.
• Dexter, M. (2020, March 28). Social anxiety and procrastination: What “I can’t” might really mean . National Social Anxiety Center. Retrieved July 17, 2021, from https://nationalsocialanxietycenter.com/2020/03/28/social-anxiety-and-procrastination-what-i-cant-might-really-mean/
• Hairston, I. S., & Shpitalni, R. (2016). Procrastination is linked with insomnia symptoms: The moderating role of morningness-eveningness. Personality and Individual Differences , 101 , 50–56.
• Jaffe, E. (2013, March 29). Why wait? The science behind procrastination. Association for Psychological Science. Retrieved July 5, 2021, from https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/why-wait-the-science-behind-procrastination
• Klassen, R. M., Krawchuk, L. L., & Rajani, S. (2008). Academic procrastination of undergraduates: Low self-efficacy to self-regulate predicts higher levels of procrastination. Contemporary Educational Psychology , 33 (4), 915–931.
• Knaus, W. J. (1979). Do it now . Prentice-Hall.
• Lamarque, H. (2017, January 12). Top 10 most famous procrastinators in the world . Career Addict. Retrieved July 21, 2021, from https://www.careeraddict.com/top-10-most-famous-procrastinators-in-the-world
• McKay, M., & Fanning, P. (2016).  Self-esteem . New Harbinger.
• Moore, C. (2019, October 22). 100 Most powerful life coaching questions [+PDF] . PositivePsychology.com. Retrieved August 4, 2021, from https://positivepsychology.com/life-coaching-questions/
• Orem, S. L., Binkert, J., & Clancy, A. L. (2007). Appreciative coaching: A positive process for change . Jossey-Bass.
• Peper, E., Harvey, R., Lin, I. M., & Duvvuri, P. (2014). Increase productivity, decrease procrastination, and increase energy. Biofeedback , 42 (2), 82–87.
• Phillips, L. (2019, October 24). Procrastination: An emotional struggle. Counseling Today. Retrieved July 22, 2021, from https://ct.counseling.org/2019/10/procrastination-an-emotional-struggle/#
• Souders, B. (2019, November 5). 17 Motivational interviewing questions and skills . PositivePsychology.com. Retrieved August 2, 2021, from https://positivepsychology.com/motivational-interviewing/
• Stead, R., Shanahan, M. J., & Neufeld, R. W. (2010). “I’ll go to therapy, eventually”: Procrastination, stress, and mental health. Personality and Individual Differences , 49 , 175–180.
• Steel, P. (2007). The nature of procrastination: A meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure. Psychological Bulletin , 133 (1), 65–94.
• Stetka, B. (2016). How to coach like an Olympian. Scientific American Mind , 27 (4), 45–49.
• Sutton, J. (2021, July 24). How to boost self-esteem: 12 Simple exercises & CBT tools . PositivePsychology.com. Retrieved August 2, 2021, from https://positivepsychology.com/self-esteem-boost-exercises/
• Svartdal, F., Granmo, S., & Farevaag, F. S. (2018). On the behavioral side of procrastination: Exploring behavioral delay in real-life Settings. Frontiers in Psychology , 9 .
• Tracy, B. (2017).  Eat that frog! 21 Great ways to stop procrastinating and get more done in less time.  Berrett-Koehler.

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What our readers think.

Brilliant article. I see aspects of myself in all the 6 causes of procrastination listed, nice to see them listed like this, where one can examine why they think the way they do… complete with references for further reading and tools for therapy. Procrastination can become a severe, career/lifestyle destroying problem left unchecked, negative beliefs formed over a lifetime. Guilt, shame and disappointment become unbearable by midlife. I am still procrastinating my social life more than a year after covid lockdowns, and struggles with productivity when working from home resulted in me forming rigid beliefs such as I am simply not capable of working in the afternoon, at all, even after returning to the office. When it gets this far, really need therapy not just an ADHD diagnosis and throw some meds at it. (meds not helpful in my case, I tried). There are so many “how to beat procrastination 10 tips” type articles that are basic, patronising and really just cover how to set goals followed by “just start it, go on!”. I’d also add one potential cause: Demand avoidance, which we all do to some degree. But when its pathological demand avoidance it can be associated with autism

A highly informative article that must be read by all people who wants to deal with mind strongholds of procrastination which are obstacles to our Divine Predestined success and prosperity.

Well researched and informative article.

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What Is Procrastination?

Putting off tasks we don't enjoy is common, despite the consequences

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Why Do You Procrastinate?

Types of procrastination.

• The Negative Impact
• Strategies to Stop

Procrastination is the act of delaying or putting off tasks until the last minute, or past their deadline. Some researchers define procrastination as a "form of self-regulation failure characterized by the irrational delay of tasks despite potentially negative consequences."

According to Joseph Ferrari, a professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago and author of "Still Procrastinating: The No Regret Guide to Getting It Done," around 20% of U.S. adults are chronic procrastinators.

No matter how well-organized and committed you are, chances are that you have found yourself frittering away hours on trivial pursuits (watching TV, updating your Facebook status, shopping online) when you should have been spending that time on work or school-related projects.

Whether you're putting off finishing a project for work, avoiding homework assignments, or ignoring household chores, procrastination can have a major impact on your job, your grades, and your life.

In most cases, procrastination is not a sign of a serious problem. It's a common tendency that most people give in to at some point or another.

Remember that time that you thought you had a week left to finish a project that was really due the next day? How about the time you decided not to clean up your apartment because you "didn't feel like doing it right now?"

We often assume that projects won't take as long to finish as they really will, which can lead to a false sense of security when we believe that we still have plenty of time to complete these tasks.

One of the biggest factors contributing to procrastination is the notion that we have to feel inspired or motivated to work on a task at a particular moment.

The reality is that if you wait until you're in the right frame of mind to do certain tasks (especially undesirable ones), you will probably find that the right time simply never comes along and the task never gets completed.

The following are a few other factors that cause procrastination.

Researchers suggest that procrastination can be particularly pronounced among students. A 2007 meta analysis published in the Psychological Bulletin found that a whopping 80% to 95% of college students procrastinated on a regular basis, particularly when it came to completing assignments and coursework.  

According to researchers, there are some major cognitive distortions that lead to academic procrastination.   Students tend to:

• Overestimate how much time they have left to perform tasks
• Overestimate how motivated they will be in the future
• Underestimate how long certain activities will take to complete
• Mistakenly assume that they need to be in the right frame of mind to work on a project

Present Bias

The present bias is a phenomenon observed in human behavior that may result in procrastination. The present bias means that we tend to be motivated more by immediate gratification or rewards than we are by long-term rewards. This is why it feels good in the moment to procrastinate.

For example, the immediate reward of staying in bed and watching TV is more appealing than the long-term reward of publishing a blog post, which would take much longer to accomplish.

Procrastination can also be a result of depression . Feelings of hopelessness , helplessness, and a lack of energy can make it difficult to start (and finish) the simplest task. Depression can also lead to self-doubt . When you can't figure out how to tackle a project or feel insecure about your abilities, you might find it easier to put it off.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Procrastination is also pretty common in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder . One reason is that OCD is often linked with maladaptive perfectionism, which causes fears about making new mistakes, doubts about whether you are doing something correctly, and worry over others' expectations of you.

People with OCD also often have a propensity toward indecision, causing them to procrastinate rather than make a decision.

Many adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle with procrastination. When you're so distracted by outside stimuli, as well as internal thoughts, it can be hard to get started on a task, especially if that task is difficult or not interesting to you.

Is Procrastination a Mental Illness?

Procrastination itself is not a mental illness. But in some cases, it may be symptomatic of an underlying mental health condition such as depression, OCD, or ADHD.

We often come up with a number of excuses or rationalizations to justify our behavior. According to researchers, there are 15 key reasons why people say they procrastinate:

• Not knowing what needs to be done
• Not knowing how to do something
• Not wanting to do something
• Not caring if it gets done or not
• Not caring when something gets done
• Not feeling in the mood to do it
• Being in the habit of waiting until the last minute
• Believing that you work better under pressure
• Thinking that you can finish it at the last minute
• Lacking the initiative to get started
• Blaming sickness or poor health
• Waiting for the right moment
• Needing time to think about the task
• Delaying one task in favor of working on another

Press Play for Advice On Completing Tasks

Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares how to get tasks done with a science-backed trick known as 'temptation bundling.' Click below to listen now.

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Some researchers classify two types of procrastinators: passive and active procrastinators.

• Passive procrastinators : Delay the task because they have trouble making decisions and acting on them
• Active procrastinators : Delay the task purposefully because working under pressure allows them to "feel challenged and motivated"

Others define the types of procrastinators based on different behavioral styles of procrastination, including:

• Perfectionist : Puts off tasks out of the fear of not being able to complete a task perfectly
• Dreamer : Puts off tasks because they are not good at paying attention to detail
• Defier : Doesn't believe someone should dictate their time schedule
• Worrier : Puts off tasks out of fear of change or leaving the comfort of "the known"
• Crisis-maker : Puts off tasks because they like working under pressure
• Overdoer : Takes on too much and struggles with finding time to start and complete task

Procrastinators vs. Non-Procrastinators

"Non-procrastinators focus on the task that needs to be done. They have a stronger personal identity and are less concerned about what psychologists call 'social esteem'—how others like us—as opposed to self-esteem which is how we feel about ourselves," explained Dr. Ferrari in an interview with the American Psychological Association (APA).  

According to psychologist Piers Steel, people who don't procrastinate tend to be high in the personality trait known as conscientiousness , one of the broad dispositions identified by the Big Five theory of personality. People who are high in conscientiousness also tend to be high in other areas including self-discipline, persistence, and personal responsibility.

The Negative Impact of Procrastination

It is only in cases where procrastination becomes chronic and begins to have a serious impact on a person's daily life that it becomes a more serious issue. In such instances, it's not just a matter of having poor time management skills, it's a major part of their lifestyle.

Perhaps they pay their bills late, don't start work on big projects until the night before the deadline, delay gift shopping until the day before a birthday, and even file their income tax returns late.

Unfortunately, this procrastination can have a serious impact on a number of life areas, including a person's mental health and social, professional, and financial well-being:

• Higher levels of stress and illness
• Increased burden placed on social relationships
• Resentment from friends, family, co-workers, and fellow students
• Consequences of delinquent bills and income tax returns

How to Overcome Procrastination

You might find yourself wondering, How can I stop procrastinating?

Fortunately, there are a number of different things you can do to fight procrastination and start getting things done on time. Consider these your procrastination exercises:

• Make a to-do list : To help keep you on track, consider placing a due date next to each item.
• Take baby steps : Break down the items on your list into small, manageable steps so that your tasks don’t seem so overwhelming.
• Recognize the warning signs : Pay attention to any thoughts of procrastination and do your best to resist the urge. If you begin to think about procrastinating, force yourself to spend a few minutes working on your task.
• Eliminate distraction : Ask yourself what pulls your attention away the most—whether it's Instagram, Facebook updates, or the local news—and turn off those sources of distraction.
• Pat yourself on the back : When you finish an item on your to-do list on time, congratulate yourself and reward yourself by indulging in something you find fun.    

Prem R, Scheel TE, Weigelt O, Hoffmann K, Korunka C. Procrastination in daily working life: A diary study on within-person processes that link work characteristics to workplace procrastination . Front Psychol . 2018;9:1087. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01087

American Psychological Association. The Psychology of Procrastination: Why People Put Off Important Tasks Until the Last Minute . 2010.

Bisin A, Hyndman K. Present-bias, procrastination and deadlines in a field experiment . Games and Economic Behavior. 2020;119:339-357. doi:10.1016/j.geb.2019.11.010

Steel P. The nature of procrastination: A meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure . Psychol Bull . 2007;133(1):65-94. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.133.1.65 

Ferrari, Joseph & Johnson, Judith & McCown, William. (1995). Procrastination and Task Avoidance - Theory, Research and Treatment . doi: 10.1007/978-1-4899-0227-6

Beutel ME, Klein EM, Aufenanger S, et al. Procrastination, distress and life satisfaction across the age range - A German representative community study .  PLoS One . 2016;11(2):e0148054. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0148054

Limburg K, Watson HJ, Hagger MS, Egan SJ.  The relationship between perfectionism and psychopathology: A meta-analysis .  J Clin Psychol.  2017;73(10):1301-1326. doi:10.1002/jclp.22435

Altgassen M, Scheres A, Edel MA.  Prospective memory (partially) mediates the link between ADHD symptoms and procrastination .  Atten Defic Hyperact Disord . 2019;11(1):59-71. doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0273-x

Tuckman BW, Abry DA, Smith DR. (2008). Learning and Motivation Strategies: Your Guide to Success (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Zohar AH, Shimone LP, Hen M. Active and passive procrastination in terms of temperament and character .  PeerJ . 2019;7:e6988. doi:10.7717/peerj.6988

American Psychological Association. The first step to overcoming procrastination: Know thyself .

Svartdal F, Nemtcan E. Past negative consequences of unnecessary delay as a marker of procrastination . Front Psychol. 2022;13. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.787337

Schrager S, Sadowski E. Getting more done: Strategies to increase scholarly productivity .  J Grad Med Educ . 2016;8(1):10-13. doi:10.4300/JGME-D-15-00165.1

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

10 Tips on How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework

• June 4, 2023
• | Author: Virtue Map Team

You do not like to tidy up, but you are happy to take on household chores as soon as you remember the importance of the homework deadline. I hate cooking more than anything, but I can spend hours cooking if you only have an important homework assignment for tomorrow.

Have you ever wondered why it happens ? Have you ever asked yourself why I can’t do my homework? These are the surprises of procrastinating homework, that are able to surprise us every time we have to do one or another task immediately.

Why is it hard for Some People is Hard to do Homework?

People may procrastinate because of various reasons , such as:

• Feeling anxiety and fear that they will not be capable to complete the homework assignment;
• Wrong order of priorities;
• The belief that the homework task is boring;
• Thinking that homework will take little time, so it can be done later;
• Lack of motivation and perseverance to do homework;;
• High expectations of teachers and parents;
• There is no understanding of why it is necessary to do homework;
• Lack of energy due to inappropriate daily routine or diet;
• It is difficult to concentrate due to personal problems or an unsuitable environment for doing homework;
• Perfectionism or the desire to complete a task perfectly.

How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework? 10 Tips to Push You Forward

1. be honest with yourself and admit that you procrastinate.

One of the most common reasons why people cannot get rid of procrastination is that they do not recognize that they are procrastinating homework. And when asked why they did not complete one or another task on time, they find many reasons to make excuses.

So, in order to get rid of a problem, you first need to acknowledge it. And consciously monitor your speech and actions in order to ensure that they do not lead to procrastination.

2. State very clearly the reasons that lead you to procrastinate

After you have acknowledged that procrastination is causing you discomfort, it is time to name the reasons. Ask yourself why is it so hard to do homework? What exactly makes you anxious or afraid?

Naming the reasons will allow you not to blindly surrender to emotions, but to assess the situation rationally. When you clearly name the reasons, you may find that most of them are just ridiculous and not worth looking into.

3. Set clear and motivating goals

Another tip that can help to do your homework more effectively is to be clear about why you need to do it. This reasoning should not be superficial, but essential and inspiring for the work.

It is possible that the goal of finishing the school year with excellent grades or passing well in exams will not be very inspiring. In this case, try to deceive yourself. Use homework as a way to accomplish other goals. For example, if I achieve the goal set this month – I will allow myself to go to a concert of my favorite music group with my friends. If not, I will have to skip it, etc.

4. Break big goals into small ones, they will seem easier to overcome

Large projects can be really intimidating. In fact, they often paralyze people before they even begin to complete the assignment. Therefore, it is important to divide the task into several performance stages, and if necessary – to divide these stages into separate tasks.

This way the studying will no longer seem insurmountable. Step by step, one task at a time, you will soon have completed the entire project. And all this is only because a set of small tasks seems easier to overcome than one big task for our brain.

5. Surround yourself with people who have set goals and are purposefully pursuing them

Such a company will not only encourage you when it is difficult or inspire you when you lack motivation, but will also testify by example that the set goals are achievable. Of course, only if you devote enough time and effort to it.

As it is said, if you want to reach your goal slowly, go for it alone, if you want to reach it quickly, invite at least a couple of people to help you.

6. Tell others about the assignments you have to do

This is one of the effective ways to stop procrastinating with your homework and not only talk about the homework to be done, but actually do it.

You probably wonder, how does it work? Actually, this is another psychological trick that shows that when we have spoken about our plans to others out loud, we do not want to disappoint them. Therefore it becomes an additional motivation that helps to keep studying easier and to avoid procrastination at the same time.

7. Improve your time management: plan your schedule and stick to it

This is almost the most important thing: developing the habit of planning and sticking to that plan. Today, there are many ways to choose from that can help you plan your time and use it effectively. While some people still use a paper must-do list, others write their tasks down in a productivity app .

It doesn’t really matter which way you choose. The thing that is really significant – to choose one of the most popular ways to organize your agenda. And after that to start putting it into practice in your daily life. You will soon be surprised how much planning can do.

8. One task at a time

We often hear praise for those who know how to do several things at once. But it clearly does not work. When doing several tasks at once, our brain keeps switching back and forth from one thing to another. That is why we get tired faster, make more mistakes, and work less efficiently.

Therefore, if you want to save time and do more tasks in a shorter period of time, always follow a consistent order: one task at a time.

9. Choose a place to do homework with as few distractions as possible

If you want to prepare your homework effectively, then you need to provide the right environment for it. Choose a place where you have enough space to sit down comfortably and place the necessary tools nearby. It should be a quiet place – silence helps you concentrate for studying better.

It is also recommended to put aside all devices that may distract you. Be strict with yourself – give yourself a limited amount of time for homework (this will help you focus) and during this time do not use smart watches, phones or the computer unless your homework assignment requires it or the technology is useful for productivity .

10.  Reward yourself for successfully completed assignments

Do not forget that doing homework should be fun! Therefore, always reward yourself after successfully completing tasks. This will lead to self-satisfaction and the work done, and will also provide motivation to perform other assignments.

What kind of reward could this be? Whether it’s an episode of a newly released series or ice cream – use your imagination! And you will get rid of such questions as how to not procrastinate on homework, etc.

How to Indicate that You are Procrastinating on Studying?

Here are some of the symptoms that indicate you are prone to homework procrastination:

• Even though you know you have to do a task right away, you keep putting it off;
• Accomplishing small tasks that require only a little time and concentration also take a lot of your time;
•  You keep postponing frustrating tasks or the ones that might be boring;
• You wait until the deadlines for the completion of the work start to really cause you to worry about not being able to make it;
• If you have the opportunity, you prefer to postpone work until tomorrow, even if you know that the amount of tasks the next day may not be manageable;
• You would describe your busyness as a waste of time.

Is it common to procrastinate on homework?

Of course. Every task that requires you to leave your comfort zone can cause fear, confusion, and reluctance to do it. The same emotions are caused by tasks that seem uninteresting or too difficult. Most people have to deal with these emotions in order to stop procrastinating.

Can procrastinating on homework indicate ADHD?

There is no direct relationship between procrastination and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The reasons why people with ADHD fail to complete tasks are different from those who succumb to procrastination.

People call me lazy. Is it true that laziness and procrastination are the same thing?

Not really. Laziness can be described as an unwillingness to do anything at all. Meanwhile, procrastination is characterized by active action, but paying attention to things that are not important. For example, knowing that there is only one day left to finish an important homework project, a person still chooses to first wash the floor of the room, download a long-watched movie, to clean and organize the computer desktop, etc.

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25 Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Find Motivation to do Homework

April 28, 2023 by Chukwuemeka Gabriel Leave a Comment

Are you having trouble doing your homework, here is an article that lists tips to help you stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do homework.

Keeping up with schoolwork can be tiring and stressful even for intelligent students. From an early age, dealing with homework and school is never easy. But, there must be a solution to overcome the fear and anxiety to face what must be done.

If you are a student having trouble creating a balance between school, homework, and other activities, you need to find the right motivation to get things right.

Are you a student who finds it difficult to get things done at the right time? Allow me to tell you that procrastination is a very bad habit and you need to let it go.

Yes, everyone deals with the problem of procrastination but is more of a problem if you are a student. You have to submit your homework and test at the appropriate time, so you see why it’s bad to procrastinate as a student.

To help you overcome this problem, we have listed more than 20 tips to stop procrastinating and find the motivation to do your homework.

How Do I Stop Procrastinating as a Student?

If you don’t try, you may never find a solution to a problem, that’s a fact. We all have our issues and how we handle their matters.

When it comes to students procrastinating and feeling tired to do their home, there are simple steps to take to attend to these problems. 

If you are a parent and your child is having trouble building a balance with school work, here are simple steps to take to make things better.

Firstly, as a parent, you need to understand why students procrastinate. You may think that your child is naturally lazy or care less about schoolwork.

That may not be the case, as procrastination is common even in adults.

Secondly, a student struggling with procrastination needs the right motivation to overcome their fears. Everyone struggles at a point in life and only the right words of encouragement can help in such situations.

If a student feels reluctant to do the work involved in getting the right results, he or she should not expect an excellent outcome.

Lastly, a word of encouragement from a parent can go a long way to help the student overcome the problem of procrastination.

Also Read: 21 Time Management Apps For Students

Why You Procrastinate on Homework

Exhaustion and anxiety are some of the factors affecting your self-control and motivation. You procrastinate on your homework, why? Because these factors are the problem you are dealing with.

Fear is natural, but when it gets the best of you over motivation, it becomes a huge problem. Distraction and unclear instruction also contribute to why you procrastinate doing your homework.

Self-control matters and it’s the motivation you need to even start. You have to be in charge to get things done as a student.

Yes, there will be exhaustion and anxiety, but once you are in control and have the right motivation, you should have no problem doing your homework and stop procrastinating.

You need to rejuvenate your confidence and find the right motivation to do your homework, so here are tips to help you stop procrastinating. 

#1. Find Out Why You Are Procrastinating

Every puzzle needs to be solved and the best way to do that is to figure things out. Procrastination is a huge problem not just for students, but for everyone out there who needs to get things done.

It’s more of an issue when it comes to academics. Delaying and giving excuses to do schoolwork is very bad. Procrastinating is packed with fears, exhaustion, anxiety, etc.

So, what is one way out of many ways to solve this problem?

Firstly, you need to stop coming up with excuses for not doing your homework. Search within yourself and find out what is stopping you from getting started.

Are you having this trouble because you are not interested in the topic or subject?

Whatever the case may be, you need to figure out why you are procrastinating.

#2. Challenge Yourself to a Quiz to See How You Procrastinate 

One of the tips to stop procrastinating and find the motivation to do your homework is to put yourself to the test.

If you want to change your behaviour to overcome procrastination, you need to be more self-aware.

Ask yourself these questions:

How often do I procrastinate and how badly is it affecting my state of mind?

Is it a problem to procrastinate and if yes, how bad is it? 

What tasks do I tend to avoid in school?

Once you find the answers to these questions, you are in for a big change.

#3. List What You Are Procrastinating on

Generally, most students are likely to procrastinate whenever they feel overwhelmed or stressed.

What if I told you that you can make things easier by listing the specific tasks you are putting off? It’s a simple trick and perhaps you should try it out.

#4. Keep Your Homework on Your Desk

What we are looking for are simple tips to help you stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do your homework .

Keeping your homework far from where you can easily start looking into it is a no-no. The hardest part for most students is to start doing their homework.

Putting your homework on your desk will remind you that you need to get started. When you leave it in your bag or any place that is not your desk, it will be hard for you to start.

#5. Break Down the Task into Smaller Steps

Here is one of the useful tips to help you find the motivation to stop procrastinating and do your homework.

Let’s say you have a history report to write and you have just a few days to submit it. Here is something you should do to make things easier for yourself.

Apply these simple steps to get your history report done in no time.

• Read the history textbook thoroughly and ensure you are satisfied
• Conduct online research to get more information
• Gather your information 
• Create an outline for your work
• Write the introduction and the body paragraphs
• Write your conclusion
• Edit and proofread your report

#6. Create a Timeline with Specific Deadlines

As a student, you need to be time cautious and creating a timeline and deadline will stop procrastinating.

Making out time to do your school work and giving yourself a deadline is one big step to stopping procrastination.

#7. Spend More Time with People Who Are Hardworking and Focused

The company you keep say a lot about you and how much you intend to succeed in school.

When you leave the best brains in your class and decide to hang out with unserious students, do not expect the best results.

Associating with people who are motivated and hardworking comes with a better result. The more you hang with such people, the more you become like them.

The friends you keep in school should motivate you and add value to life and academics. Ensure you are in a circle of friends with positive mindsets .

#8. Tell Two or Three Persons about the Task You Intend to Complete

Telling others about the task you intend to complete gives you the advantage to follow through with your plans.

It’s called accountability, as you will be seen as an individual known for his or her words.

Also Read: 30 Motivational and Inspirational Quotes for Students

#9. Change Your Environment

One of the simple tips to stop procrastinating and find the motivation to do your homework is changing of environment.

Perhaps your current environment is affecting you and you need to move. Believe me, I have been in that situation where I needed to leave my comfort zone just to make sure am not distracted doing my school work.

It’s bad to lay in bed and do your homework, never do that. If your environment is a contributing factor to your procrastination problem, then it’s time you do something about it.

#10. Speak to People Who Have Overcome their Procrastination Problem

If by any chance you have a friend who has gone through this problem in the past, try reaching out to them. 

There are questions you should ask them and whatever answer they give you, take them seriously.

#11. Use the 3, 2, 1 Method

Create a countdown for yourself to stop procrastinating and motivate yourself to do homework.

Once it’s go-time, stop whatever you are doing and start working on that task. Creating this pattern in your mind will help you combat procrastination.

#12. Give Yourself False Deadlines

Let’s say you have a maths assignment that has to be submitted in two weeks’ time. Even if the assignment has no deadline, try creating one for yourself.

By doing so, you will likely finish your assignment before the deadline for submission. When you think you have all the time in the world to do your homework, that’s procrastination taking over.

#13. Give Yourself a Gold Star

A teacher may decide to award students with gold stickers if they score 100 on a math test. This is something most students would want. 

Never feel left out if you never received a gold sticker from a teacher. Once you try to give yourself that small affirmation , you will be motivated.

#14. Reward Yourself in Bigger Ways

Rewarding yourself is one of the tips to stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do your homework.

Everyone deserves a reward after accomplishing a difficult task. Give yourself a bigger reward whenever you achieve something great/

#15. Consider the Consequences of Procrastination

Try asking yourself what will happen if you procrastinate. Maybe you will miss important deadlines at school or you will be unable to complete your school work.

Perhaps the history report you want to submit won’t get enough attention as it’s supposed to.

#16. Write a Letter to Your Future Self

We all want to be better as we advance in life and you should not expect less. Will you be going through the issue of procrastinating? Perhaps everyone you know will be facing this challenge, not just you.

What’s important is to be a better version of yourself in the future. So, here is something important you need to do.

Write a letter to yourself reminding yourself how you felt in the difficult moments and why you need to stop.

Whenever you are moving in the wrong direction, bring out that letter and read it.

Also Read: How to Create a Google Classroom: Guide to Create Classes and Contents

#17. Be Kind to Yourself

Generally, no one is impeccable and this should remind you that you are human.

When you procrastinate, remind yourself that you are only human and things like this happen. Don’t make it a habit because this is where it becomes a problem.

Speak to yourself that you will do better next time and ensure you do it.

#18. Visualize Success

Take a few seconds to visualize how you feel after finishing your homework. It feels right and satisfying knowing you have completed all your schoolwork.

There is a huge relief when you complete your task. Visualizing success perhaps is an inspiration to start doing your homework.

#19. Create a Study or Work Space

Creating a workspace is one of the tips to stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do your homework.

If your classmate feels comfortable reading in the library, it doesn’t mean the same thing will work for you.

Where is the perfect place for you to study? Is it your room, the library, or a specific corner of the quad?

Wherever you think is best for you, study there and concentrate on your work.

#20. Set Aside Time for Recreation

Whether you are in high school or college, try to make out time for other activities.

Creating a timetable for recreation and study will help balance things.

#21. Use the Pomodoro Technique

This technique involves taking short breaks when doing your homework.

Do your homework for 25-minute long stretches, with 5 minutes breaks in between.

#22. Begin with the Best or Worst Part

Whether it’s the best or worst part, you have to find a perfect method to start your homework.

Choose your pattern and make the best out of it.

#23. Concentrate on Your Goals Instead of Your Assignment

It’s better you focus on your end goals of completing the homework and earning good grades rather than concentrate on the fact that has an aversion to your homework.

Also Read: How to Record a Meeting on Microsoft Teams

#24. Write Down Why You Want to Complete the Task

You will be motivated once you understand why you want to accomplish something so badly. 

One simple tip to motivate yourself to do your homework is to think positively. Here are a few important things to write down:

• Master the topic and learn useful information
• Learn to accept challenges
• Become a more focused student that knows what he or she wants
• Fulfil your responsibility as a decent student 

#25. List the Negative Feelings You Will Have If You Don’t Complete the Task

What are the feelings you experience when you don’t finish your homework?

Are they positive feelings that you want to experience over and over again? If the feeling is not positive, you must challenge yourself to finish your schoolwork.

We have shown you tips to stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do your homework. It’s important you practice these tips if you are having trouble doing your homework.

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• https://www.daniel-wong.com/2016/01/18/stop-procrastinating-on-homework/
• https://solvingprocrastination.com/homework-procrastination/
• https://fairygodboss.com/career-topics/how-to-stop-procrastinating

About Chukwuemeka Gabriel

Gabriel Chukwuemeka is a graduate of Physics; he loves Geography and has in-depth knowledge of Astrophysics. Gabriel is an ardent writer who writes for Stay Informed Group and enjoys looking at the world map when he is not writing.

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Procrastination

11 ways to overcome procrastination, easy tips to stop putting things off..

Posted March 7, 2017 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

• What Is Procrastination?
• Find a therapist near me
• Procrastination is not a time management problem; rather, it's likely due to difficulty managing negative feelings like boredom or anxiety.
• But avoiding negative emotions—and important tasks—tends to lead to much worse outcomes in the long run, including more stress and regret.
• Changing your mindset, rewarding yourself for progress, and letting go of perfectionism can all help you overcome procrastinating tendencies.

Everyone has put off a task at some point in their life. (Take, for example, this article that I had planned on posting yesterday...) But have you ever wondered why you—or others—procrastinate? While some view it (in themselves or other people) as laziness, there might be something else at play.

In psychology, it has long been believed that people who procrastinate have a faulty sense of time—that they think they will have more time to get something done than they actually do. While that may be true for some, more recent research suggests procrastination is linked to difficulty managing distress. Specifically, it seems that task aversion is to blame—that is, when people view a task in an unpleasant manner (“It will be tough, boring, painful...”), they are more likely to put it off.

While procrastinators may be trying to avoid distress, this approach can ironically cause more distress in the long run. Procrastination can lead to increased stress, health problems, and poorer performance. Procrastinators tend to have more sleep issues and experience greater stressful regret than non-procrastinators. What’s more, procrastination can also hinder your self-esteem with the guilt , shame , or self-critical thoughts that can result from putting off tasks.

If you struggle with putting things off, try any of these tips to get you on track:

1. Get rid of catastrophizing .

One of the biggest reasons people procrastinate is because they catastrophize, or make a huge deal out of something. It may be related to how tough, how boring, or how painful it will be to complete the task; whatever the case, the underlying theme is that doing the task will be “unbearable.”

In reality, challenges, boredom , and hard work will not kill you—or even make you sick. Procrastination, on the other hand, is associated with stress—think of the stress you feel when you avoid making a phone call you know you need to make. So keep things in perspective: “Sure, this is not my favorite task, but I can get through it.”

2. Focus on your “why.”

Procrastinators focus more on short-term gains (avoiding the distress associated with the task), as opposed to long-term results (the stress of not doing it, as well as the consequences of avoiding this task). Instead, try focusing on why you are doing this task: What are the benefits of completing it?

If you've been putting off cleaning out a closet, imagine walking into the closet when it is decluttered and how good that will feel. And consider how much money you will make by selling the items on eBay, or how those in need will feel when they receive these items as donations.

If it is an exercise program you have been avoiding, focus on how exercising will help you have more positive energy, give you a boost of self-esteem, and serve as a great role model for your children.

3. Get out your calendar.

Projects that will get done "when I have time” (as in “I will do it when I have time”) tend not to get done very often, if ever. You need to schedule when you are going to work on a project and block out that time, just as you would an important meeting.

And when it is time to do your work, set a timer so you can be focused for the entire allotted time.

4. Be realistic.

As you establish your schedule, set yourself up for success. Projects often take much longer than expected, so bake in some extra time. And look for ways to make it easier on yourself: If, for example, you are not a morning person, don’t expect yourself to get up an hour early to start the exercise program you have put off for months. It might be better to schedule that activity during lunch or before dinner.

5. Chunk it.

When a task seems overbearing, procrastination often follows. So how can you break that task into smaller, more manageable parts? For example, if you want to write a book, you may choose to make an outline, identify each chapter, figure out the sections in the chapters, and then commit to writing one segment at a time. Chunking it down like this will help you feel less overwhelmed and more empowered.

6. Excuses be gone.

Do any of these sound familiar? “I need to be in the mood.” “I will wait until I have time.” “I work better under pressure.” “I need X to happen before I can start.”

Be honest with yourself: These are excuses. Sure, it might be nice to ”be in the mood,” but waiting for that to happen can mean you never start your project.

7. Get a partner.

Establish specific deadlines for completing a task. Then find someone who will help you be accountable. It could be a promise to your boss or client that you will complete the job by a certain date. Or it may be a coach who helps you stay on track. Or simply find an accountability partner. In this relationship, you connect with someone (on the phone, for example) at certain time intervals (such as once per week) and commit to what you will do before your next meeting. Not wanting to go back on your word, this can be a great way to squash procrastination. (Note: In an effort to save your relationship with your significant other, I recommend this person not be your partner. You don’t want a lack of follow-through to cause tension between you.)

8. Optimize your environment.

Your environment can help or hinder your productivity . Beware especially of technology, such as your email or messenger that keeps pinging to let you know someone has reached out. Social media , internet “research” that leads you far off track, and phone calls can lead to procrastination.

So try this: During your scheduled block of time for working on a particular task, close your email and IM, turn off your phone (or at least set it on “Do Not Disturb” and put it out of sight), and don’t let yourself get on the web until you have completed the task, or hold off any necessary internet searches until the end.

9. Reward good behavior.

Establish a reward if—and only if—you do what you set out to do. Do not let yourself binge that new Netflix show, check your social media, or get lunch until you complete what you've scheduled. So instead of using these tasks and distractions to procrastinate, make them contingent on you actually finishing what you schedule yourself to do.

10. Forgive yourself.

Stop beating yourself up about the past. Thoughts such as “I should have started earlier” or “I always procrastinate; I am such a loser” will only make matters worse. Research shows that forgiving yourself for past procrastination will help you stop putting off working on a task.

You can try to use past procrastination to your advantage as well. How? Determine what went into your avoidance— fear , stress, not having a good understanding of how to progress, lack of accountability, etc. Then address those obstacles in the present and future. If, for example, it was fear that contributed to your procrastination, what steps can you take to feel more empowered and less fearful next time around?

11. Drop the perfectionism.

Perfectionism is an all-or-nothing mentality: Something is either perfect, or it is a failure. People with perfectionistic tendencies tend to wait until things are perfect in order to proceed—so, if it's not perfect, you cannot be finished. Or if it is not the perfect time, you believe you can't start. This all-or-nothing mentality can hold you back from starting or completing tasks.

Instead, focus on being better than perfect. This means to still strive for excellence, creating excellence, or setting yourself up with excellent conditions, but at the same time, you focus on getting the job done. Done is better than perfect.

Make “some day” today. Follow these steps to get started on your project, and be proud of every bit of progress you make.

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Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D . is a Licensed Practicing Psychologist with an MS in physical therapy who combines research findings, real-life stories, and humor to provide actionable tips for individuals.

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Why do we procrastinate? Researchers finally did their homework to find out

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Procrastination, the art of delaying tasks we’d rather not tackle, is a familiar foe for many. However, an innovative new study sheds light on why some people are more prone to procrastination than others, linking this tendency to a psychological concept known as valence weighting bias . This bias influences whether individuals are more guided by positive or negative attitudes when facing new situations or decisions.

Scientists at The Ohio State University found a fascinating interplay between our attitudes and our actions, particularly when approaching tasks we find unpleasant .

Valence weighting bias, as explained by the team, is a mental process where individuals lean more heavily on either positive or negative attitudes or “signals” when encountering something new or deciding whether to engage in an activity.

“And the question is, which wins that battle — if, indeed, there are elements of both positivity and negativity?” says study senior author Russell Fazio, professor of psychology at Ohio State, in a university release .

Through a series of studies, researchers discovered that individuals with a tendency to focus on the negative aspects of a situation are more likely to procrastinate. Intriguingly, their research also suggests that it’s possible to adjust this bias towards a more neutral stance, potentially reducing the inclination to delay tasks.

The first study involved 232 participants and focused on a relatable scenario: filing federal tax returns . Researchers found that those who tend to file their returns late in the tax season also exhibited a stronger negative weighting bias. This connection suggests that people’s general attitudes can significantly influence their propensity to procrastinate on specific tasks.

A second study with 147 college students further explored this concept by examining how valence weighting bias and self-control affected students’ participation in a research program for course credit. The findings indicated that students with a negative bias and low motivation or self-control were more likely to delay their participation.

“The first study established the basic effect of negative weighting bias, but study two provides some nuance,” explains study first author Javier Granados Samayoa, a former Ohio state graduate student and now a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania.

“For people who don’t think about it too much or can’t think about it too much, their valence weighting tendencies guide their behavior in a straightforward manner. But if somebody is more motivated and able to think more about it, that might bring other considerations that dampen the influence of the valence weighting bias.”

The third study targeted self-identified procrastinators with a high negative weighting bias, attempting to alter their bias to make positive and negative signals more balanced. This intervention led to a significant change in behavior , with students earning credit hours more quickly than those who did not undergo the manipulation.

Researchers also found that a negative weighting bias isn’t always detrimental. It can encourage individuals to be more realistic in their self-assessment , such as when questioning if they’ve studied enough for a test. A positive bias, on the other hand, might lead to overconfidence .

“It’s better to be more objectively balanced than to be at either extreme,” notes Fazio. “But the situation where a particular valence weighting bias is likely to be problematic is going to vary.”

The implications of their research extend beyond academic curiosity, offering potential strategies for addressing procrastination by understanding and possibly altering our inherent biases. This study not only provides insight into why we procrastinate but also suggests a path towards more effective management of our tendencies to delay, which could have broad applications in educational settings and personal productivity strategies.

The study, supported by the John Templeton Foundation and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, is published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences .

You might also be interested in:

• Are you a ‘Precrastinator’? Study finds it may be worse than procrastinating
• Why We Hate Waiting: Science Solves Puzzle Behind Impatience
• Why do we still procrastinate despite it causing so much stress? Blame cognitive biases

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Physics Colloquium: Using Online Homework to Study Student Procrastination Habits

Postponing work impacts virtually everyone at some point, especially among students. In this talk, we will discuss how academic procrastination can be easily observed by looking at when students complete online assignments. We will examine how students can be characterized and differentiated by their completion of online assignments throughout the semester and discuss how instructors can incentivize developing good study habits in their classroom. Additionally, we will discuss a learning tool developed to improve student’s basic math skills that are needed in a physics class. This tool has been shown to improve accuracy and reduce the time it takes for students to solve basic math problems needed in physics. Finally, we will discuss what skills sets and career paths are available to physics education researchers.

Join us on Friday, Apr. 12, for this exciting presentation from Megan Nieberding, visiting professor of physics at The College of Wooster. Lunch will be available in Hayes 216 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and the presentation will begin in Hayes 211/213 at 12:10 p.m. We hope to see you there!

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