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The following section focuses on providing you with necessary information about procrastination as well as some tools to assist you with avoiding procrastination all together. It is important that you take the time to work through this section and equip yourself with the tools to overcome procrastination from the get go!

What is procrastination and why should I avoid it?

Procrastination is commonly experienced by an estimated 75-90% of students. It is defined as putting off or avoiding to do something that needs to get done. This causes guilt and unnecessary stress which could lead to poor performance. Students tend to procrastinate for various reasons, some of these include:

Perfectionism
Fear of failure
Confusion
Task difficulty or confusion over expectations
Lack of motivations
Difficulty concentrating
Lack of priorities

If the below scenario looks familiar to you - it means that you probably tend to procrastinate or have procrastinated in the past.

A typical Procrastination Example

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Procrastination is a bad habit. It is something that you can change but, like any other habits, it takes time, practice, persistence and patience. So, where do you start? Below are three practical steps to assist you in changing your procrastination habit.

Steps to Changing Procrastination Habit

① Set-up your study space

It is important to have a chair and table to study at, avoid using your bed as a study space, if possible. Look for a space where you will not be disturbed by family or your housemates, if possible. Try to find a space with proper lighting and the correct temperature. If studying at home is not an option, the UCC library and The Hub has study spaces available where you will not be disturbed. You can also check resource booker by following this link.

② Manage Distractions

Distractions can be internal (your thoughts, worries and emotions) or external (social media, news, noisy environment, etc.). If you struggle with external distractions, take practical steps to eliminate these while studying, for example, silence your phone and only allow yourself to check your media during study breaks. If your distractions are internal, it is important that you find a self-care activity that can help you relax and put those thoughts and feelings aside while studying. Some of these could include mindfulness meditation; mindfulness colouring; relaxing music or your favourite song; yoga; a short walk in nature or you could even access the resources available on the UCC website by following this link.

③ Make a Plan

Start by making a list of the things you need to do. Next, identify the top 3 most important priorities and choose 1 task to start (easiest first). Divide this task into 3 to 6 steps. Remember, keep it realistic and make sure that you complete the first step in less than 30 minutes.

Inside the mind of a master procrastinator

You can watch the below Ted Talk - inside the mind of a master procrastinator by Tim Urban, for some tips on avoiding procrastination.

Tips - Avoid procrastination

Below are some handy tips to guide you in avoiding procrastination:

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① Motivate yourself - find something to reward yourself for completing a task!

② Prioritise tasks.

③ Work on tasks during the time of day that you are most effective.

④ Form a group.

⑤ Take regular breaks.

⑥ Delayed gratification.

⑦ Learn to say 'no'.

Take Note

Procrastination is a real problem for some students and it can easily hinder you from reaching your full potential. If you feel anxious about this topic and feel that you are struggling to manage it, you can reach out to any of the following UCC Supports:

Your Academic Department.

A Disability Support Advisor.

The UCC Skills Centre.

UCC Student Counselling and Development.

Crisis Text Line - Text 086 1800 280 any time of the day or night to chat to a volunteer.