Unfortunately, procrastination helps reinforce itself. As soon as we avoid doing something we dread (like writing) by doing something we enjoy (such as for example viewing television, getting together with friends, etc.), we escape the dreaded task. Given such an option, it’s not surprising that many of us decide to procrastinate. We feel all the more compelled to procrastinate next time around when we write a paper at the last minute and still manage to get a good grade.
What to do about it
Now you may have procrastinated in the past, let’s explore some of the strategies you might use to combat your procrastination tendencies, now and in the future.Be patient; improvement will come with practice that you know a little bit about why.
Take an inventory
Figuring out exactly when and how you procrastinate can really help you stop the behavior. It could be tough to tell when you’re procrastinating. Consider the clues that inform you that is what you’re doing: for example, a voice that is nagging your head, a visual image of what you’re avoiding or perhaps the consequences of not doing it, physical ailments (stomach tightness, headaches, muscle tension), inability to focus, inability to enjoy what you are doing.
How will you procrastinate?
- You will need to ignore the task, hoping against hope that it shall disappear completely?
- Over- or under-estimate the degree of difficulty that the task involves?
- Minimize the impact that your particular performance now may have on your own future?
- Substitute something very important to something really important? (For example, cleaning as opposed to writing your paper.)
- Let a short break become a lengthy one, or an evening in which you do no work buy essays at all? (as an example, claiming that you’re going to watch TV for Ѕ hour, then watching it all night.)
- Concentrate on one part of the task, at the expense of the rest? (for instance, keep working on the introduction, while putting off writing the body and conclusion).
- Spend time that is too much or choosing a subject
When you better understand how you procrastinate, you shall be much better able to catch yourself carrying it out. All too often, we don’t even realize it’s too late that we are procrastinating—until.
Create a environment that is productive
That you find a place to work where you have at least half a chance of actually getting some writing done if you have made the decision to stop delaying on a particular writing project, it is critical. Your dorm room is almost certainly not the accepted place what your location is most productive. Ditto the pc lab. You can’t connect to the Internet (e-mail and the Web are the bane of the procrastinator’s existence—as you probably already know) if you have a laptop computer, try going someplace where. Then chances are you are already pretty exasperated; don’t risk frustrating yourself even more by trying to write in an environment that doesn’t meet your needs if you are a procrastinator.
CAUTION: the absolute most skilled procrastinators would be tempted to take this suggestion past an acceptable limit, spending an inordinate period of time “creating a environment that is productive (cleaning, filing, etc.) rather than nearly the time actually writing. Don’t fall under that trap! While cleaning and filing are indeed worthy and necessary activities, in the event that you only do this if you have an approaching writing deadline, then you are procrastinating.
You will write while you are thinking about where to write, consider also when. When are you most alert? Can it be at 8 a.m., mid-morning, mid-afternoon, early evening, or late during the night? You will need to schedule time that is writing you realize you will be at your absolute best. Don’t bother about when you “should” have the ability to write; just concentrate on if you are able to write.
Challenge your myths
So that you can break the procrastination habit, we need to see through the concept that in order to write, we should have got all the data pertaining to this issue, and we also should have optimal writing conditions. In reality, writers never have all the given information, and conditions are never optimal.
Think of a writing project that you’re currently putting off. On one side of a bit of paper, all write down the reasons behind your delay. On the other hand, argue (as convincingly as you can!) from the delay.
Break it down
The day you get the paper assignment (ideally), or shortly thereafter, break the writing assignment up to the smallest possible chunks. This way, the paper never has a chance to take on gargantuan proportions in your mind. It is possible to say to yourself, “Right now, I’m going to write the introduction. That’s all, just the introduction!” And also you may become more prone to sit down and accomplish that, than you will to stay down and “write the paper.”
Get a attitude that is new
We shoot ourselves into the foot, to begin with, by telling ourselves how horrible a particular writing assignment is. Changing our attitude toward the job, whenever possible, might go a way that is long keeping us from procrastinating. Tell yourself that the job is not so bad or difficult, which you either know how to do it, or that one can learn how while you’re doing it. You might find, too, that in the event that you start in the beginning a particular assignment, your attitude never has the opportunity to get very negative when you look at the first place! Simply needs to write can often help us feel more positive about writing.
Ask for help
- Get an anti-procrastination coach. Then get help from the supportive people in your life if you are really determined not to procrastinate. Tell someone regarding the writing goal and timeline, and get them that will help you determine whether or perhaps not your plan is realistic. A few times per week, email with a buddy, relative, or mentor, so that you can report (admit?) in your progress, and declare your promise for the week that is nextor couple of days). If, despite your very good intentions, you start procrastinating again, usually do not think, “All is lost!” Instead, speak with someone about this. They may be able to help you put your slip into perspective and get back on the right track.
- Get a buddy. See when you can find a friend to focus alongside you. They don’t have to be writing a paper; in fact, they can be Solitaire that is playing all that you care. What matters is that you arrange to satisfy them in the library (or wherever you decide to create) at a particular some time stay there for a specific period of time, thus creating accountability.
- Get assistance with your writing. Then ask someone (a Writing Center writing coach, a current or former professor or teaching assistant, a friend) to help you improve if you are procrastinating because you think you are a weak writer.
- Form a group that is writing. A writing group is a good way for|way that is great undergraduate and more advanced writers alike to generate accountability, get feedback, and just get reminded that you’re not alone into the find it difficult to produce also to boost your writing. See our writing group packet at to learn more about how to form and sustain a writing group. Dissertation writers may benefit not just from joining a writing group but in addition from reading our handout in the dissertation. This handout was authored by a Writing that is former Center member who eventually completed her dissertation.