Procrastination!

[ChelseaInChrist]

Any advice on how to stop it?
It's become a habit and a serious problem for me.
I have three final exams in a row starting three days from now and here I am on CF.
It's probably one of the better ways to procrastinate but seriously... I have to start working and I just can't seem to start.

 

[~Beauty_from_Pain~]

Procrastination is something that we all struggle with sometimes. I know I do it too...and I waste time....kind of like you. However, I always turn things in. As for exams though, I try to allow myself some time to study...but don't always do as much as I should. One thing I would suggest is to just try studying for 10 minutes...you are more likely to keep on studying after the ten minutes. Tell yourself to work.study for an hour and then take a 15 minute break. I come in here a lot to...so turn off the computer or something. Just try....

 

[septemberskies]

The only way to beat procrastination is to just do it. I'm guilty of this myself but somehow was able to have everything ready right on the deadline. I think you have to pick the right time to study. As much as I would like to study in the day, i'm a night owl and that's when i'm able to focus more. Sometimes i have to take a nap in the day and set myself up to study and finish my work late night.

Unless you have to work on a project online, disconnect from the internet! I will drift here to cf or talk to all of my friends on messenger which is a really bad idea. Cut any television or music off, turn off your cell and/or home phone and do your assignments where you are comfortable. For some reason I'm not very comfortable writing papers at my desk so i have to write using my laptop in bed. Or i will take a blanket and wrapped myself up so i'm warm and cozy at my desktop.

Make a list of projects and due dates you have and check off as each one is done so you can see your progress. If you can see yourself move forward it can be uplifting. Drink water! Yes drink water, it actually helps.

Finally and most importantly pray and ask the Lord to keep you focus.

 

[Yeshuarocks32783]

Don't worry, your not alone. Procrastination is something I have to deal with daily because it has become such a bad habit for me. And that's not good considering I have to be in control of my time and what I do since Im a Youth leader. What has helped me out lately in my goal of defeating it is just planning everything out. Keep a very detailed schedule. rule out things that can either be done later or you wont miss if they arent done. The most important things need to come first. Also, the thing I have to keep reminding myself is that God wants us to be good stewards of what he gives us, including our time. If we can't handle and few things, it will be a long time if at all before God lets us handle bigger things.

 

[DeezyC81]

The only way to beat procrastination is to just do it. I'm guilty of this myself but somehow was able to have everything ready right on the deadline. I think you have to pick the right time to study. As much as I would like to study in the day, i'm a night owl and that's when i'm able to focus more. Sometimes i have to take a nap in the day and set myself up to study and finish my work late night.

Unless you have to work on a project online, disconnect from the internet! I will drift here to cf or talk to all of my friends on messenger which is a really bad idea. Cut any television or music off, turn off your cell and/or home phone and do your assignments where you are comfortable. For some reason I'm not very comfortable writing papers at my desk so i have to write using my laptop in bed. Or i will take a blanket and wrapped myself up so i'm warm and cozy at my desktop.

Make a list of projects and due dates you have and check off as each one is done so you can see your progress. If you can see yourself move forward it can be uplifting. Drink water! Yes drink water, it actually helps.

Finally and most importantly pray and ask the Lord to keep you focus.

I like how the way you said things. Anyway procrastination is more like a choice and you have to choose what you must do or procratinate about it. So just choose to do it.

 

[tryniti]

the best thing for me is to go to a friend's room. Even if i take my computer, I can't hook up to the internet, which saves me from a lot of distractions. Ive seen a lot of friends suffer from it. For me, physical activity will usually make me more focused, so if i go out for a quick jog, i can come back and be a little more focused. I think the key to beating procrastiation is finding what helps you focus. Maybe you learn things better when you are talking ot a friend on line, or perhaps having the TV blaring lets you pay more attention to detail. Maybe you need it stone silent. Figure out your happy medium, and you will still face some procrastination, but it will be better for you.

Tryn

 

[Beth1231]

I try to create manageable chunks. Then I choose one that I feel a moderate level of confidence about (like a favorite subject or chapter). After that one is finished, I can smile and say " I finished this and I know it". If the next manageable chunk seems like too much, I sometimes would just close my eyes and pray for strength to get that chunk done. Also, I would write at the top of unfinished papers "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and when I was overwhelmed, my eyes would drift to that verse and give me a bit more resolve to keep going. And last but not least, I took planned breaks. Planned meaning specific amounts of time after specific amounts of study time. Otherwise, a "break" turns into three hours of CF. I have other tips, but this post is long enough Take heart, you are not alone and yes, there are ways to beat the laziness/procrastination monster.

 

[JonF]

I was also going to make a thread seeking advice for procrastination, but I just kept putting it off.

 

[Boss_BlueAngels]

LOL

Procrastination is a tough habbit to kick. I've honestly read this post several times but never got around to responding until now. (Very tired and half-dead) But here goes.

For me procrastination is a function of interest no matter what it is for. If I can write about aviation for school, I'll get it done the day I get it. But if it isn't, I'm lucky to do it at all. lol

Things that have worked to help get over that is simply sitting down and writing whatever pops into my head about the topic (if it's a paper for example) whether it makes any sense or not. At least I've thought about it. That makes me not feel guilty about procrastination as I can now say, "well, I've started to work on it." lol It's almost as if I have to re-learn how to pat my head and rub my stomach at the same time. Very concious, sitting there thinking, "ok, I am playing a game now, I must stop. Now, I must lift my right hand and get the book. Next... etc." After a while you can get over it.

I've started another habit where I completely re-write all my papers several times. I don't know if this is just because these paint fumes are getting to me or I'm actually growing in my writing skills. haha.

Anyway, what am I writing about again?

 

[Diane_Windsor]

Chelsea,

Here is what helps me. If you have a paper due on the 20th then write down in your dayplanner that the paper is due the 15th. That way, you have an extra five days. Apply this principle to all of your deadlines, and life will get easier for you. Also, do the thing that you don't want to do first-that way you have it out of the way.

I would reccommend some books, but you would probably procrastinate reading them.

DIANE

 

[reverie_maiden]

I seriously struggle with the issue of procrastination too. I have always been that way about everything, especially when it comes to school. I usually wait until the day before to start typing up papers and when it comes to any test I cram the day before. I have my reasons for latter though, because if I study a week ahead of time I lose that information I took the time to get the information to sink in. What I try to do is to just take things in moderation. Get what needs to be done in a reasonable time before it is due, just don't forget to take breaks so that you don't burn yourself out.