I started this habit somewhere in middle school or 5th grade but now I’m just stuck in a loophole of stress. I wait until the last minute to do two weeks worth of math homework, to study, to write an essay, to clean, to do anything. I’ve read things about it and even asked my parents and I’m met with tips and actions to take or just told to be more responsible, and nothing works. It’s basically the same thing as biting my nails, you can swat my hand away from my mouth but it always goes back without my intention (but I mean, that stopped only because of my braces). I understand it takes a long time to break a bad habit, but procrastination has really been hurting my school life. I went from an honor roll student to ending a school year with my first C. If there are any tricks that worked for you or anything please let me know, can’t really go to a good college with a habit like this
Time management. Make a schedule and follow it. It really comes down to self-discipline and nobody can do that but you.
Get tested for issues like ADD as well as other mental health issues (anxiety, etc). Sometimes, procrastination masks underlying issues that can greatly improve with counseling and sometimes medication. I am not suggesting this as an excuse for lack of discipline, but you would be amazed at how the right help can change your life.
Employ your parents or even friends to help you with accountability. Set up a daily time block in your post school schedule where you will do your work. Everyday! I would also encourage you to do your homework in a public space in your house (kitchen table) and put the “do not disturb” on your electronics so you aren’t getting distracted by incoming messages.
I would highly recommend the book by Cal Newport: “How To Become a Straight-A Student:
The Unconventional Strategies Real College Students Use to Score High While Studying Less”
It will help you with time management and how to be more efficient.
@YellowFlora: This is a psychological issue best dealt with by visiting with a professional. Otherwise try to read psychology books which deal with this topic.
On a personal level, I do well when I have many commitments. But these commitments must involve daily exercise which forces me into a daily routine.
Get a daily calendar and map out assignments like a check list. Put the due date of the assignment in calendar, but also write down specifics on what part of the assignment you will do in each day to meet the deadline. You could even get assignments done early!!
Turn off your phone and all electronics during homework.
You could also use a clock (not on phone) to help with time management. Let’s say you have 10 problems in math and you estimate it will take 1 hour. Focus and try to complete with in the time frame.
Try doing homework in a different location. Another poster suggested the kitchen table. My kids also did homework after school at school, the library, and a local coffee shop.
My kids also did homework with friends sometimes. Although, study partners should be motivated students who do their homework and not just a get together to chat.
Change your behavior. If you come home from school and start playing video games. Then, make a commitment to not play video games until you have completed your daily assignments. Don’t check social media until after your homework is done. Don’t hang out with friends until your homework is done.
Stay on a schedule. Go to sleep at an appropriate time. Eat well and be sure to get your exercise in.
Don’t sleep your weekends away. Wake up Saturday morning and do your homework before heading out or watching TV.
As OP is a self confessed procrastinator, I wonder when she will get around to reading the replies in this thread.
@publisher Well, this site is one of my preferred methods of procrastination so you never know.
@Publisher Not exactly;; When it comes down to it, I only ever procrastinate from school work, chores, and anything that involves talking to people face to face (except today I suppose, I’m gathering the courage to talk to my counselor during lunch).
I recently bought an hourly academic planner and so far it’s completely changed my productivity. I plan my days out the night or two before and it helps me so much to stay on track.
@YellowFlora: That was my attempt at injecting some humor into this thread.
@Publisher Oof, I know and it was clear to me no worries, my response was meant to playful sounding too but it never comes across the right way through messages ;c;
Check out James Clear - maybe follow him on social media. Good luck!
I struggle too-- procrastinating right now! Have an AP Bio test I really need to study for lmao…
Although I’m not really qualified, here are some things that worked for me:
Know your weaknesses and strengths when it comes to study skills:
For me, I know I can absolutely get no work done when I am at home. Therefore, after school, I ask my parents to drop me off at the library where I work until 9. Because I finish most of my HW by then, there’s less HW I have to complete at home. For days when I know I am swamped with HW and I know I absolutely cannot go home because I won’t get anything done, I go to McDonalds because the WiFi is free and usually late at night, its not noisy.
Do your HW during ‘waiting’ time:
When you have time to do your HW during short minutes that are spent waiting for something, do it. For an example, if your teacher is done teaching and there is five minutes left in class, start doing your HW… 5 minutes goes a loooong way. Also, if you finish lunch early, you could start your HW (I use the thirty minutes of lunch to practice my instrument and sneak in food during classes LOL)
Either that, or use the time to take a break and just take the time to think for a moment.
Use creative methods to get your work done:
Logically, you do things you like better, faster, and for longer periods of time. I like art so I force myself to take notes by making visually appealing papers in which I have to use drawing skills. Instead of buying an agenda, I use a bullet journal.
Find friends who are motivated and smart:
These types of friends are not the ones that will get you distracted; these will push you to study more.
Do things you like:
Find ways to connect what you’re studying to things you enjoy. For an example, in English, we were constructing different types of sentences to practice grammar skills. I made all of them related to band because that is an activity I enjoy.
good lucK!