Grab Your Goals
Procrastination. We know what we should be doing; we just don’t want to do it. It’s easy to put off undesirable chores/projects until the very last minute, but then we’re forced to pull a stress-induced all-nighter. Seven cups of coffee later, we’re exhausted, and frustrated. Here are the top 10 tips to crush procrastination and actually get some sleep for once!
1. Get organized
You can't do any work if you don't know what need to be completed. Invest in a planner or start using the calendar app on your phone. This makes it much easier to keep track of individual assignments and important due dates.
2. Set simple, achievable goals
Part of the reason we procrastinate is because the task at hand seems too daunting. It’s a lot easier to get started on a project when you establish simple, reachable goals rather than a big, vague plan. This makes your goals less intimidating and more attainable.
3. Create a timeline/schedule
After you set your goals, create a timeline to complete them. The best way I like working is to set a timer for 30 minutes and work as hard as I can for that set amount of time.. Breaking a project into small chunks over time makes it much more manageable.
4. Set a deadline
So many people get trapped in the cycle of "Someday," or "I'll get to that eventually." The truth is “someday” and “eventually” never come. It's important to set a specific date for when you want your goals to be accomplished. If you have a project due, aim to have it completed one or two days in advance. That way, if something unexpected happens, you still have extra time to complete it.
5. Get rid of distractions
It’s important to rid yourself of all potential disruptions before you begin working so you don’t get needlessly sidetracked halfway through your task. If you tend to spend too much time on Snapchat or Instagram, then shut your phone off (all the way off). Distractions could also be external sources, like annoying siblings. Try listening to classical music or white noise to drown out their constant chatter. Alternatively, you could change study environments all together and head down to the local coffee shop, where you can clear your mind get stuff done distraction free.
6. Time yourself
When loaded with assignments, it's easy to overwork yourself. Plus, our brains can really only handle so much information and focus at a time! So...how long should you work for? Everyone is different, but most experts agree on a range of 50 to 90 minutes. Set a timer for a block of focused work to prevent yourself from burning out.
7. Take a break
It's important to take mental breathers from work every now and then. When your timer goes off, take a 10–30-minute break. Listen to music, take a walk, do some laundry, or scream into a pillow—anything that takes your mind off of work and allows you to relax.
8. Use incentives
Everyone loves being rewarded. It’s important to give yourself incentives, no matter how small. It could be something as simple as, "If I work on this for an hour, I'll watch an episode of my favorite TV show tonight. It’s easier to pay attention when something is at stake.
9. Get the hard stuff done first
This may make you want to push everything back farther. It's hard to do something that you don't want to do. But guess what? Once you do it, it's over! It is best to complete your most challenging tasks first. That way everything after it seems easier and takes a shorter amount of time. If you keep pushing that project back, you’re never going to get it done. It’s best to buckle down and just do it.
10. Tell someone about your goal
It’s easy to forget about projects or put them off if you’re the only person holding yourself accountable. If you really want to get something done, tell a friend or family member. Now there is someone holding you responsible for your goals. You can't back out or slough it off. As an added bonus, you also have someone to celebrate your victories with, no matter how small, your friend will be there to support you.
Now quit scrolling through you email and get back to work!
