5 simple ways to stop procrastinating

As teenagers, we’re expected to manage our time with studies, extra-curricular activities, sports, family, and adolescent changes. It’s as if we were all CEO’s of a Fortune 500 company, so we really can’t be blamed if we lose track once in a while. Students usually procrastinate when we’re feeling overwhelmed, have a lot of distractions around us, lack motivation or are just waiting for the right time and mood to start working. No matter what the reason may be, here are 5 simple ways to stop procrastinating:

1. Follow A Schedule – Having a schedule for all your daily chores is as important as having a shopping list when walking into a supermarket. It helps you be organized and gives you an idea of how long each task will take. Following the schedule is obviously as important as making it, otherwise there would be no point to make one in the first place. To maintain your motivation, I recommend rewarding yourself every time you follow your schedule (and complete it!), be it after a week or a month – whatever works best for you.

2. Break Down Your Tasks – No matter how enigmatic a task may seem at first, if you break each one down into smaller tasks, then they become much more comprehensible and seem actually doable. Instead of stressing out by looking at how much work is due, it’s always a good idea to have a bunch of easier, smaller tasks to complete rather than 2-3 colossal assignments.

3. Stay Away From Distractions – If you know it’s time for you to get work done, keep distractions away from you such as your phone or laptop. Go sit in a peaceful environment where nobody can disturb or interrupt you. Make sure you do this religiously because if you have the people or devices that hinder your working ability then you should stay away from them while you’re doing work. This will help you focus and you’ll be able to get much more done.

4. Finish What You Started – Do not leave your seat until you’re done with the task you started. If you start feeling hungry or your friends start calling you, for instance, or no matter what other procrastinator inducers may pop up, first complete what you set out to do, then reward yourself to take a break. Once your flow is broken, it’s harder to get back in the rhythm, so trust me – finish your task first.

5. Get A Friend To Join You – Having a friend who “suffers” from procrastination and working together will allow you both to keep checks on one another and to make sure you’re not being distracted and following your schedules. It’s a win-win!

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