OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION

The ability to manage time can have positive impacts on academic performance and overall wellness. When we consider the core of time management, it really boils down to self-management. Are we able to prioritize based on urgency and importance? Can we address and overcome procrastination? Do we set boundaries and say no when we need to?

Time management skills are important for balancing multiple roles and responsibilities. Strong time management skills can help us manage stress, accomplish what is most important, relax without guilt, create motivation, organization, and focus while decreasing feeling overwhelmed, and urges to cram, and/or procrastinate.

According to NCHA (National College Health Assessment) data, procrastination is one of the top academic impediments for UF students. So it’s beneficial to find strategies that work for you to address and overcome procrastination and set priorities for yourself.

PROCRASTINATION: WHAT’S INFLUENCING YOURS?

Procrastination is the nemesis of time management. Overall, leading to inefficient use of time and taking away from the things you should be doing. Understanding the influence of procrastination can help identify solutions to decrease the urge to procrastinate.

CONQUER PROCRASTINATION

It is important to stay focused and complete the task you are working on. As you lose focus and begin multitasking, it can lead to decreased productivity, increased stress, and longer hours spent studying.

Getting started on tasks can also be a challenge. Having strategies to turn to when you recognize procrastination can be helpful. Consider what is influencing your procrastination to help determine what strategy will work best for you in this situation.

Break-up larger overwhelming tasks into smaller and more manageable steps to help you begin.
Change your environment - find a productive study environment and minimize distractions.
Find a buddy and hold each other accountable
Eat that frog/knock out the hardest task first: Do the hardest, most undesirable task on your to-do list first
Set time aside to plan out a weekly schedule based on priorities.
Take 5 minutes at the end of the day to write your to-do list for the next day
Try the Pomodoro technique: 3 cycles of being productive for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break and then 1 round of being productive for 25 minutes followed by a longer 15–30-minute break.
Take short breaks when studying to allow for increased focus. Explore productive breaks that truly help you reenergize and refocus on the task at hand.
Overestimate the amount of time to complete tasks, especially difficult, new, or boring tasks to create buffers or flexibility to your schedule.
Anticipate barriers and challenges and brainstorm solutions ahead of time. (ex. If “x” happens, I will do “y” to achieve “z”.)
Use apps or websites that help with focus and productivity like Forest or Cold Turkey.
Create specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time bound (SMART) goals to work toward. Consider making short- and long-term goals.

REDUCE PROCRASTINATION WITH PRIORITIZATION!

Prioritizing our time can help reduce procrastination by encouraging us to focus on what is most urgent and most important. It can also help us as we prioritize what we do and when we do it based on our energy levels. Being self-aware about if you are a morning person, a night owl, or somewhere in between can support productivity and efficiency.