stop procrastinating do your homework

Daniel Wong

30 Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Find Motivation to Do Homework

Updated on June 6, 2023 By Daniel Wong 44 Comments

To stop procrastinating on homework, you need to find motivation to do the homework in the first place.

But first, you have to overcome feeling too overwhelmed to even start.

You know what it feels like when everything hits you at once, right?

You have three tests to study for and a math assignment due tomorrow.

And you’ve got a history report due the day after.

You tell yourself to get down to work. But with so much to do, you feel overwhelmed.

So you procrastinate.

You check your social media feed, watch a few videos, and get yourself a drink. But you know that none of this is bringing you closer to getting the work done.

Does this sound familiar?

Don’t worry – you are not alone. Procrastination is a problem that everyone faces, but there are ways around it.

By following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to overcome procrastination and consistently find the motivation to do the homework .

So read on to discover 30 powerful tips to help you stop procrastinating on your homework.

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus  3 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

How to stop procrastinating and motivate yourself to do your homework.

Procrastination when it comes to homework isn’t just an issue of laziness or a lack of motivation .

The following tips will help you to first address the root cause of your procrastination and then implement strategies to keep your motivation levels high.

1. Take a quiz to see how much you procrastinate.

The first step to changing your behavior is to become more self-aware.

How often do you procrastinate? What kinds of tasks do you tend to put off? Is procrastination a small or big problem for you?

To answer these questions, I suggest that you take this online quiz designed by Psychology Today .

2. Figure out why you’re procrastinating.

Procrastination is a complex issue that involves multiple factors.

Stop thinking of excuses for not doing your homework , and figure out what’s keeping you from getting started.

Are you procrastinating because:

• You’re not sure you’ll be able to solve all the homework problems?
• You’re subconsciously rebelling against your teachers or parents?
• You’re not interested in the subject or topic?
• You’re physically or mentally tired?
• You’re waiting for the perfect time to start?
• You don’t know where to start?

Once you’ve identified exactly why you’re procrastinating, you can pick out the tips in this article that will get to the root of the problem.

3. Write down what you’re procrastinating on.

Students tend to procrastinate when they’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

But you might be surprised to discover that simply by writing down the specific tasks you’re putting off, the situation will feel more manageable.

It’s a quick solution, and it makes a real difference.

Give it a try and you’ll be less likely to procrastinate.

4. Put your homework on your desk.

Here’s an even simpler idea.

Many times, the hardest part of getting your homework done is getting started.

It doesn’t require a lot of willpower to take out your homework and put it on your desk.

But once it’s sitting there in front of you, you’ll be much closer to actually getting down to work.

5. Break down the task into smaller steps.

This one trick will make any task seem more manageable.

For example, if you have a history report to write, you could break it down into the following steps:

• Read the history textbook
• Do online research
• Organize the information
• Create an outline
• Write the introduction
• Write the body paragraphs
• Write the conclusion
• Edit and proofread the report

Focus on just one step at a time. This way, you won’t need to motivate yourself to write the whole report at one go.

This is an important technique to use if you want to study smart and get more done .

6. Create a detailed timeline with specific deadlines.

As a follow-up to Point #5, you can further combat procrastination by creating a timeline with specific deadlines.

Using the same example above, I’ve added deadlines to each of the steps:

• Jan 30 th : Read the history textbook
• Feb 2 nd : Do online research
• Feb 3 rd : Organize the information
• Feb 5 th : Create an outline
• Feb 8 th : Write the introduction
• Feb 12 th : Write the body paragraphs
• Feb 14 th : Write the conclusion
• Feb 16 th : Edit and proofread the report

Assigning specific dates creates a sense of urgency, which makes it more likely that you’ll keep to the deadlines.

7. Spend time with people who are focused and hardworking.

Jim Rohn famously said that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

If you hang out with people who are motivated and hardworking, you’ll become more like them.

Likewise, if you hang out with people who continually procrastinate, you’ll become more like them too.

Motivation to do homework naturally increases when you surround yourself with the right people.

So choose your friends wisely. Find homework buddies who will influence you positively to become a straight-A student who leads a balanced life.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun! It just means that you and your friends know when it’s time to get down to work and when it’s time to enjoy yourselves.

8. Tell at least two or three people about the tasks you plan to complete.

When you tell others about the tasks you intend to finish, you’ll be more likely to follow through with your plans.

This is called “accountability,” and it kicks in because you want to be seen as someone who keeps your word.

So if you know about this principle, why not use it to your advantage?

You could even ask a friend to be your accountability buddy. At the beginning of each day, you could text each other what you plan to work on that day.

Then at the end of the day, you could check in with each other to see if things went according to plan.

9. Change your environment .

Maybe it’s your environment that’s making you feel sluggish.

When you’re doing your homework, is your super-comfortable bed just two steps away? Or is your distracting computer within easy reach?

If your environment is part of your procrastination problem, then change it.

Sometimes all you need is a simple change of scenery. Bring your work to the dining room table and get it done there. Or head to a nearby café to complete your report.

10. Talk to people who have overcome their procrastination problem.

If you have friends who consistently win the battle with procrastination, learn from their experience.

What was the turning point for them? What tips and strategies do they use? What keeps them motivated?

Find all this out, and then apply the information to your own situation.

11. Decide on a reward to give yourself after you complete your task.

“Planned” rewards are a great way to motivate yourself to do your homework.

The reward doesn’t have to be something huge.

For instance, you might decide that after you finish 10 questions of your math homework, you get to watch your favorite TV show.

Or you might decide that after reading one chapter of your history textbook, you get to spend 10 minutes on Facebook.

By giving yourself a reward, you’ll feel more motivated to get through the task at hand.

12. Decide on a consequence you’ll impose on yourself if you don’t meet the deadline.

It’s important that you decide on what the consequence will be before you start working toward your goal.

As an example, you could tell your younger brother that you’ll give him $1 for every deadline you don’t meet (see Point #6).

Or you could decide that you’ll delete one game from your phone for every late homework submission.

Those consequences would probably be painful enough to help you get down to work, right?

13. Visualize success.

Take 30 seconds and imagine how you’ll feel when you finish your work.

What positive emotions will you experience?

Will you feel a sense of satisfaction from getting all your work done?

Will you relish the extra time on your hands when you get your homework done fast and ahead of time?

This simple exercise of visualizing success may be enough to inspire you to start doing your assignment.

14. Visualize the process it will take to achieve that success.

Even more important than visualizing the outcome is visualizing the process it will take to achieve that outcome.

Research shows that focusing on the process is critical to success. If you’re procrastinating on a task, take a few moments to think about what you’ll need to do to complete it.

Visualize the following:

• What resources you’ll need
• Who you can turn to for help
• How long the task will take
• Where you’ll work on the task
• The joy you’ll experience as you make progress

This kind of visualization is like practice for your mind.

Once you understand what’s necessary to achieve your goal, you’ll find that it’s much easier to get down to work with real focus. This is key to doing well in school .

15. Write down why you want to complete the task.

You’ll be more motivated when you’re clear about why you want to accomplish something.

To motivate yourself to do your homework, think about all the ways in which it’s a meaningful task.

So take a couple of minutes to write down the reasons. Here are some possible ones:

• Learn useful information
• Master the topic
• Enjoy a sense of accomplishment when you’ve completed the task
• Become a more focused student
• Learn to embrace challenges
• Fulfill your responsibility as a student
• Get a good grade on the assignment

16. Write down the negative feelings you’ll have if you don’t complete the task.

If you don’t complete the assignment, you might feel disappointed or discouraged. You might even feel as if you’ve let your parents or your teacher – or even yourself – down.

It isn’t wise to dwell on these negative emotions for too long. But by imagining how you’ll feel if you don’t finish the task, you’ll realize how important it is that you get to work.

17. Do the hardest task first.

Most students will choose to do the easiest task first, rather than the hardest one. But this approach isn’t effective because it leaves the worst for last.

It’s more difficult to find motivation to do homework in less enjoyable subjects.

As Brian Tracy says , “Eat that frog!” By this, he means that you should always get your most difficult task out of the way at the beginning of the day.

If math is your least favorite subject, force yourself to complete your math homework first.

After doing so, you’ll feel a surge of motivation from knowing it’s finished. And you won’t procrastinate on your other homework because it will seem easier in comparison.

(On a separate note, check out these tips on how to get better at math if you’re struggling.)

18. Set a timer when doing your homework.

I recommend that you use a stopwatch for every homework session. (If you prefer, you could also use this online stopwatch or the Tomato Timer .)

Start the timer at the beginning of the session, and work in 30- to 45-minute blocks.

Using a timer creates a sense of urgency, which will help you fight off your urge to procrastinate.

When you know you only have to work for a short session, it will be easier to find motivation to complete your homework.

Tell yourself that you need to work hard until the timer goes off, and then you can take a break. (And then be sure to take that break!)

19. Eliminate distractions.

Here are some suggestions on how you can do this:

• Delete all the games and social media apps on your phone
• Turn off all notifications on your phone
• Mute your group chats
• Archive your inactive chats
• Turn off your phone, or put it on airplane mode
• Put your phone at least 10 feet away from you
• Turn off the Internet access on your computer
• Use an app like Freedom to restrict your Internet usage
• Put any other distractions (like food, magazines and books unrelated to your homework) at the other end of the room
• Unplug the TV
• Use earplugs if your surroundings are noisy

20. At the start of each day, write down the two to three Most Important Tasks (MITs) you want to accomplish.

This will enable you to prioritize your tasks. As Josh Kaufman explains , a Most Important Task (MIT) is a critical task that will help you to get significant results down the road.

Not all tasks are equally important. That’s why it’s vital that you identify your MITs, so that you can complete those as early in the day as possible.

What do you most need to get done today? That’s an MIT.

Get to work on it, then feel the satisfaction that comes from knowing it’s out of the way.

21. Focus on progress instead of perfection.

Perfectionism can destroy your motivation to do homework and keep you from starting important assignments.

Some students procrastinate because they’re waiting for the perfect time to start.

Others do so because they want to get their homework done perfectly. But they know this isn’t really possible – so they put off even getting started.

What’s the solution?

To focus on progress instead of perfection.

There’s never a perfect time for anything. Nor will you ever be able to complete your homework perfectly. But you can do your best, and that’s enough.

So concentrate on learning and improving, and turn this into a habit that you implement whenever you study .

22. Get organized.

Procrastination is common among students who are disorganized.

When you can’t remember which assignment is due when or which tests you have coming up, you’ll naturally feel confused. You’ll experience school- and test-related stress .

This, in turn, will lead to procrastination.

That’s why it’s crucial that you get organized. Here are some tips for doing this:

• Don’t rely on your memory ; write everything down
• Keep a to-do list
• Use a student planner
• Use a calendar and take note of important dates like exams, project due dates, school holidays , birthdays, and family events
• At the end of each day, plan for the following day
• Use one binder or folder for each subject or course
• Do weekly filing of your loose papers, notes, and old homework
• Throw away all the papers and notes you no longer need

23. Stop saying “I have to” and start saying “I choose to.”

When you say things like “I have to write my essay” or “I have to finish my science assignment,” you’ll probably feel annoyed. You might be tempted to complain about your teachers or your school .

What’s the alternative?

To use the phrase “I choose to.”

The truth is, you don’t “have” to do anything.

You can choose not to write your essay; you’ll just run the risk of failing the class.

You can choose not to do your science assignment; you’ll just need to deal with your angry teacher.

When you say “I choose to do my homework,” you’ll feel empowered. This means you’ll be more motivated to study and to do what you ought to.

24. Clear your desk once a week.

Clutter can be demotivating. It also causes stress , which is often at the root of procrastination.

Hard to believe? Give it a try and see for yourself.

By clearing your desk, you’ll reduce stress and make your workspace more organized.

So set a recurring appointment to organize your workspace once a week for just 10 minutes. You’ll receive huge benefits in the long run!

25. If a task takes two minutes or less to complete, do it now.

This is a principle from David Allen’s bestselling book, Getting Things Done .

You may notice that you tend to procrastinate when many tasks pile up. The way to prevent this from happening is to take care of the small but important tasks as soon as you have time.

Here are some examples of small two-minute tasks that you should do once you have a chance:

• Replying to your project group member’s email
• Picking up anything on the floor that doesn’t belong there
• Asking your parents to sign a consent form
• Filing a graded assignment
• Making a quick phone call
• Writing a checklist
• Sending a text to schedule a meeting
• Making an online purchase that doesn’t require further research

26. Finish one task before starting on the next.

You aren’t being productive when you switch between working on your literature essay, social studies report, and physics problem set – while also intermittently checking your phone.

Research shows that multitasking is less effective than doing one thing at a time. Multitasking may even damage your brain !

When it comes to overcoming procrastination, it’s better to stick with one task all the way through before starting on the next one.

You’ll get a sense of accomplishment when you finish the first assignment, which will give you a boost of inspiration as you move on to the next one.

27. Build your focus gradually.

You can’t win the battle against procrastination overnight; it takes time. This means that you need to build your focus progressively.

If you can only focus for 10 minutes at once, that’s fine. Start with three sessions of 10 minutes a day. After a week, increase it to three sessions of 15 minutes a day, and so on.

As the weeks go by, you’ll become far more focused than when you first started. And you’ll soon see how great that makes you feel.

28. Before you start work, write down three things you’re thankful for.

Gratitude improves your psychological health and increases your mental strength .

These factors are linked to motivation. The more you practice gratitude, the easier it will be to find motivation to do your homework. As such, it’s less likely that you’ll be a serial procrastinator.

Before you get down to work for the day, write down three things you’re thankful for. These could be simple things like good health, fine weather, or a loving family.

You could even do this in a “gratitude journal,” which you can then look back on whenever you need a shot of fresh appreciation for the good things in your life.

Either way, this short exercise will get you in the right mindset to be productive.

29. Get enough sleep.

For most people, this means getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. And teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night to function optimally.

What does sleep have to do with procrastination?

More than you might realize.

It’s almost impossible to feel motivated when you’re tired. And when you’re low on energy, your willpower is depleted too.

That’s why you give in to the temptation of Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube videos more easily when you’re sleep-deprived.

Here are ways to get more sleep , and sleep better too:

• Create a bedtime routine
• Go to sleep at around the same time every night
• Set a daily alarm as a reminder to go to bed
• Exercise regularly (but not within a few hours of bedtime)
• Make your bedroom as dark as possible
• Remove or switch off all electronic devices before bedtime
• Avoid caffeine at least six hours before bedtime
• Use an eye mask and earplugs

30. Schedule appointments with yourself to complete your homework.

These appointments are specific blocks of time reserved for working on a report, assignment, or project. Scheduling appointments is effective because it makes the task more “official,” so you’re more likely to keep the appointment.

For example, you could schedule appointments such as:

• Jan 25 th , 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Math assignment
• Jan 27 th , 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Online research for social studies project
• Jan 28 th , 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Write introduction for English essay

Transform homework procrastination into homework motivation

Procrastination is a problem we all face.

But given that you’ve read all the way to here, I know you’re committed to overcoming this problem.

And now that you’re armed with these tips, you have all the tools you need to become more disciplined and focused .

By the way, please don’t feel as if you need to implement all the tips at once, because that would be too overwhelming.

Instead, I recommend that you focus on just a couple of tips a week, and make gradual progress. No rush!

Over time, you’ll realize that your habit of procrastination has been replaced by the habit of getting things done.

Now’s the time to get started on that process of transformation. 🙂

Like this article? Please share it with your friends.

Images: Student and books , Homework , Group of students , Consequences , Why , Writing a list , Organized desk , Gratitude

January 19, 2016 at 11:53 am

Ur tips are rlly helpful. Thnkyou ! 🙂

January 19, 2016 at 1:43 pm

You’re welcome 🙂

August 29, 2018 at 11:21 am

Thanks very much

February 19, 2019 at 1:38 pm

The funny thing is while I was reading the first few steps of this article I was procrastinating on my homework….

November 12, 2019 at 12:44 pm

same here! but now I actually want to get my stuff done… huh

December 4, 2022 at 11:35 pm

May 30, 2023 at 6:26 am

October 25, 2023 at 11:35 am

fr tho i totally was but now I’m actually going to get started haha

June 6, 2020 at 6:04 am

I love your articles

January 21, 2016 at 7:07 pm

Thanks soo much. It’s almost like you could read my mind- when I felt so overwhelmed with the workload heap I had created for myself by procrastination, I know feel very motivated to tackle it out completely and replace that bad habit with the wonderful tips mentioned here! 🙂

January 21, 2016 at 8:04 pm

I’m glad to help 🙂

January 25, 2016 at 3:09 pm

You have shared great tips here. I especially like the point “Write down why you want to complete the task” because it is helpful to make us more motivated when we are clear about our goals

January 25, 2016 at 4:51 pm

Glad that you found the tips useful, John!

January 29, 2016 at 1:22 am

Thank you very much for your wonderful tips!!! ☺☺☺

January 29, 2016 at 10:41 am

It’s my joy to help, Kabir 🙂

February 3, 2016 at 12:57 pm

Always love your articles. Keep them up 🙂

February 3, 2016 at 1:21 pm

Thanks, Matthew 🙂

February 4, 2016 at 1:40 pm

There are quite a lot of things that you need to do in order to come out with flying colors while studying in a university away from your homeland. Procrastinating on homework is one of the major mistakes committed by students and these tips will help you to avoid them all and make yourself more efficient during your student life.

February 4, 2016 at 1:58 pm

Completely agreed, Leong Siew.

October 5, 2018 at 12:52 am

Wow! thank you very much, I love it .

November 2, 2018 at 10:45 am

You are helping me a lot.. thank you very much….😊

November 6, 2018 at 5:19 pm

I’m procrastinating by reading this

November 29, 2018 at 10:21 am

January 8, 2021 at 3:38 am

March 3, 2019 at 9:12 am

Daniel, your amazing information and advice, has been very useful! Please keep up your excellent work!

April 12, 2019 at 11:12 am

We should stop procrastinating.

September 28, 2019 at 5:19 pm

Thank you so much for the tips:) i’ve been procrastinating since i started high schools and my grades were really bad “F” but the tips have made me a straight A student again.

January 23, 2020 at 7:43 pm

Thanks for the tips, Daniel! They’re really useful! 😁

April 10, 2020 at 2:15 pm

I have always stood first in my class. But procrastination has always been a very bad habit of mine which is why I lost marks for late submission .As an excuse for finding motivation for studying I would spend hours on the phone and I would eventually procrastinate. So I tried your tips and tricks today and they really worked.i am so glad and thankful for your help. 🇮🇳Love from India🇮🇳

April 15, 2020 at 11:16 am

Well I’m gonna give this a shot it looks and sounds very helpful thank you guys I really needed this

April 16, 2020 at 9:48 pm

Daniel, your amazing information and advice, has been very useful! keep up your excellent work! May you give more useful content to us.

May 6, 2020 at 5:03 pm

nice article thanks for your sharing.

May 20, 2020 at 4:49 am

Thank you so much this helped me so much but I was wondering about like what if you just like being lazy and stuff and don’t feel like doing anything and you don’t want to tell anyone because you might annoy them and you just don’t want to add your problems and put another burden on theirs

July 12, 2020 at 1:55 am

I’ve read many short procrastination tip articles and always thought they were stupid or overlooking the actual problem. ‘do this and this’ or that and that, and I sit there thinking I CAN’T. This article had some nice original tips that I actually followed and really did make me feel a bit better. Cheers, diving into what will probably be a 3 hour case study.

August 22, 2020 at 10:14 pm

Nicely explain each tips and those are practical thanks for sharing. Dr.Achyut More

November 11, 2020 at 12:34 pm

Thanks a lot! It was very helpful!

November 15, 2020 at 9:11 am

I keep catching myself procrastinating today. I started reading this yesterday, but then I realized I was procrastinating, so I stopped to finish it today. Thank you for all the great tips.

November 30, 2020 at 5:15 pm

Woow this is so great. Thanks so much Daniel

December 3, 2020 at 3:13 am

These tips were very helpful!

December 18, 2020 at 11:54 am

Procrastination is a major problem of mine, and this, this is very helpful. It is very motivational, now I think I can complete my work.

December 28, 2020 at 2:44 pm

Daniel Wong: When you’re doing your homework, is your super-comfortable bed just two steps away? Me: Nope, my super-comfortable bed is one step away. (But I seriously can’t study anywhere else. If I go to the dining table, my mum would be right in front of me talking loudly on the phone with colleagues and other rooms is an absolute no. My mum doesn’t allow me to go outside. Please give me some suggestions. )

September 19, 2022 at 12:14 pm

I would try and find some noise cancelling headphones to play some classical music or get some earbuds to ignore you mum lol

March 1, 2021 at 5:46 pm

Thank you very much. I highly appreciate it.

May 12, 2023 at 3:38 am

This is great advice. My little niece is now six years old and I like to use those nice cheap child friendly workbooks with her. This is done in order to help her to learn things completely on her own. I however prefer to test her on her own knowledge however. After a rather quick demonstration in the lesson I then tend to give her two simple questions to start off with. And it works a treat. Seriously. I love it. She loves it. The exam questions are for her to answer on her own on a notepad. If she can, she will receive a gold medal and a box of sweets. If not she only gets a plastic toy. We do this all the time to help her understand. Once a week we spend up to thirty minutes in a math lesson on this technique for recalling the basic facts. I have had a lot of great success with this new age technique. So I’m going to carry on with it for now.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Stay Informed Group

Stay informed with opportunities online

25 Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Find Motivation to do Homework

April 28, 2023 by Chukwuemeka Gabriel Leave a Comment

Are you having trouble doing your homework, here is an article that lists tips to help you stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do homework.

Keeping up with schoolwork can be tiring and stressful even for intelligent students. From an early age, dealing with homework and school is never easy. But, there must be a solution to overcome the fear and anxiety to face what must be done.

If you are a student having trouble creating a balance between school, homework, and other activities, you need to find the right motivation to get things right.

Are you a student who finds it difficult to get things done at the right time? Allow me to tell you that procrastination is a very bad habit and you need to let it go.

Yes, everyone deals with the problem of procrastination but is more of a problem if you are a student. You have to submit your homework and test at the appropriate time, so you see why it’s bad to procrastinate as a student.

To help you overcome this problem, we have listed more than 20 tips to stop procrastinating and find the motivation to do your homework.

How Do I Stop Procrastinating as a Student?

If you don’t try, you may never find a solution to a problem, that’s a fact. We all have our issues and how we handle their matters.

When it comes to students procrastinating and feeling tired to do their home, there are simple steps to take to attend to these problems. 

If you are a parent and your child is having trouble building a balance with school work, here are simple steps to take to make things better.

Firstly, as a parent, you need to understand why students procrastinate. You may think that your child is naturally lazy or care less about schoolwork.

That may not be the case, as procrastination is common even in adults.

Secondly, a student struggling with procrastination needs the right motivation to overcome their fears. Everyone struggles at a point in life and only the right words of encouragement can help in such situations.

If a student feels reluctant to do the work involved in getting the right results, he or she should not expect an excellent outcome.

Lastly, a word of encouragement from a parent can go a long way to help the student overcome the problem of procrastination.

Also Read: 21 Time Management Apps For Students

Why You Procrastinate on Homework

Exhaustion and anxiety are some of the factors affecting your self-control and motivation. You procrastinate on your homework, why? Because these factors are the problem you are dealing with.

Fear is natural, but when it gets the best of you over motivation, it becomes a huge problem. Distraction and unclear instruction also contribute to why you procrastinate doing your homework.

Self-control matters and it’s the motivation you need to even start. You have to be in charge to get things done as a student.

Yes, there will be exhaustion and anxiety, but once you are in control and have the right motivation, you should have no problem doing your homework and stop procrastinating.

You need to rejuvenate your confidence and find the right motivation to do your homework, so here are tips to help you stop procrastinating. 

#1. Find Out Why You Are Procrastinating

Every puzzle needs to be solved and the best way to do that is to figure things out. Procrastination is a huge problem not just for students, but for everyone out there who needs to get things done.

It’s more of an issue when it comes to academics. Delaying and giving excuses to do schoolwork is very bad. Procrastinating is packed with fears, exhaustion, anxiety, etc.

So, what is one way out of many ways to solve this problem?

Firstly, you need to stop coming up with excuses for not doing your homework. Search within yourself and find out what is stopping you from getting started.

Are you having this trouble because you are not interested in the topic or subject?

Whatever the case may be, you need to figure out why you are procrastinating.

#2. Challenge Yourself to a Quiz to See How You Procrastinate 

One of the tips to stop procrastinating and find the motivation to do your homework is to put yourself to the test.

If you want to change your behaviour to overcome procrastination, you need to be more self-aware.

Ask yourself these questions:

How often do I procrastinate and how badly is it affecting my state of mind?

Is it a problem to procrastinate and if yes, how bad is it? 

What tasks do I tend to avoid in school?

Once you find the answers to these questions, you are in for a big change.

#3. List What You Are Procrastinating on

Generally, most students are likely to procrastinate whenever they feel overwhelmed or stressed.

What if I told you that you can make things easier by listing the specific tasks you are putting off? It’s a simple trick and perhaps you should try it out.

#4. Keep Your Homework on Your Desk

What we are looking for are simple tips to help you stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do your homework .

Keeping your homework far from where you can easily start looking into it is a no-no. The hardest part for most students is to start doing their homework.

Putting your homework on your desk will remind you that you need to get started. When you leave it in your bag or any place that is not your desk, it will be hard for you to start.

#5. Break Down the Task into Smaller Steps

Here is one of the useful tips to help you find the motivation to stop procrastinating and do your homework.

Let’s say you have a history report to write and you have just a few days to submit it. Here is something you should do to make things easier for yourself.

Apply these simple steps to get your history report done in no time.

• Read the history textbook thoroughly and ensure you are satisfied
• Conduct online research to get more information
• Gather your information 
• Create an outline for your work
• Write the introduction and the body paragraphs
• Write your conclusion
• Edit and proofread your report

#6. Create a Timeline with Specific Deadlines

As a student, you need to be time cautious and creating a timeline and deadline will stop procrastinating.

Making out time to do your school work and giving yourself a deadline is one big step to stopping procrastination.

#7. Spend More Time with People Who Are Hardworking and Focused

The company you keep say a lot about you and how much you intend to succeed in school.

When you leave the best brains in your class and decide to hang out with unserious students, do not expect the best results.

Associating with people who are motivated and hardworking comes with a better result. The more you hang with such people, the more you become like them.

The friends you keep in school should motivate you and add value to life and academics. Ensure you are in a circle of friends with positive mindsets .

#8. Tell Two or Three Persons about the Task You Intend to Complete

Telling others about the task you intend to complete gives you the advantage to follow through with your plans.

It’s called accountability, as you will be seen as an individual known for his or her words.

Also Read: 30 Motivational and Inspirational Quotes for Students

#9. Change Your Environment

One of the simple tips to stop procrastinating and find the motivation to do your homework is changing of environment.

Perhaps your current environment is affecting you and you need to move. Believe me, I have been in that situation where I needed to leave my comfort zone just to make sure am not distracted doing my school work.

It’s bad to lay in bed and do your homework, never do that. If your environment is a contributing factor to your procrastination problem, then it’s time you do something about it.

#10. Speak to People Who Have Overcome their Procrastination Problem

If by any chance you have a friend who has gone through this problem in the past, try reaching out to them. 

There are questions you should ask them and whatever answer they give you, take them seriously.

#11. Use the 3, 2, 1 Method

Create a countdown for yourself to stop procrastinating and motivate yourself to do homework.

Once it’s go-time, stop whatever you are doing and start working on that task. Creating this pattern in your mind will help you combat procrastination.

#12. Give Yourself False Deadlines

Let’s say you have a maths assignment that has to be submitted in two weeks’ time. Even if the assignment has no deadline, try creating one for yourself.

By doing so, you will likely finish your assignment before the deadline for submission. When you think you have all the time in the world to do your homework, that’s procrastination taking over.

#13. Give Yourself a Gold Star

A teacher may decide to award students with gold stickers if they score 100 on a math test. This is something most students would want. 

Never feel left out if you never received a gold sticker from a teacher. Once you try to give yourself that small affirmation , you will be motivated.

#14. Reward Yourself in Bigger Ways

Rewarding yourself is one of the tips to stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do your homework.

Everyone deserves a reward after accomplishing a difficult task. Give yourself a bigger reward whenever you achieve something great/

#15. Consider the Consequences of Procrastination

Try asking yourself what will happen if you procrastinate. Maybe you will miss important deadlines at school or you will be unable to complete your school work.

Perhaps the history report you want to submit won’t get enough attention as it’s supposed to.

#16. Write a Letter to Your Future Self

We all want to be better as we advance in life and you should not expect less. Will you be going through the issue of procrastinating? Perhaps everyone you know will be facing this challenge, not just you.

What’s important is to be a better version of yourself in the future. So, here is something important you need to do.

Write a letter to yourself reminding yourself how you felt in the difficult moments and why you need to stop.

Whenever you are moving in the wrong direction, bring out that letter and read it.

Also Read: How to Create a Google Classroom: Guide to Create Classes and Contents

#17. Be Kind to Yourself

Generally, no one is impeccable and this should remind you that you are human.

When you procrastinate, remind yourself that you are only human and things like this happen. Don’t make it a habit because this is where it becomes a problem.

Speak to yourself that you will do better next time and ensure you do it.

#18. Visualize Success

Take a few seconds to visualize how you feel after finishing your homework. It feels right and satisfying knowing you have completed all your schoolwork.

There is a huge relief when you complete your task. Visualizing success perhaps is an inspiration to start doing your homework.

#19. Create a Study or Work Space

Creating a workspace is one of the tips to stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do your homework.

If your classmate feels comfortable reading in the library, it doesn’t mean the same thing will work for you.

Where is the perfect place for you to study? Is it your room, the library, or a specific corner of the quad?

Wherever you think is best for you, study there and concentrate on your work.

#20. Set Aside Time for Recreation

Whether you are in high school or college, try to make out time for other activities.

Creating a timetable for recreation and study will help balance things.

#21. Use the Pomodoro Technique

This technique involves taking short breaks when doing your homework.

Do your homework for 25-minute long stretches, with 5 minutes breaks in between.

#22. Begin with the Best or Worst Part

Whether it’s the best or worst part, you have to find a perfect method to start your homework.

Choose your pattern and make the best out of it.

#23. Concentrate on Your Goals Instead of Your Assignment

It’s better you focus on your end goals of completing the homework and earning good grades rather than concentrate on the fact that has an aversion to your homework.

Also Read: How to Record a Meeting on Microsoft Teams

#24. Write Down Why You Want to Complete the Task

You will be motivated once you understand why you want to accomplish something so badly. 

One simple tip to motivate yourself to do your homework is to think positively. Here are a few important things to write down:

• Master the topic and learn useful information
• Learn to accept challenges
• Become a more focused student that knows what he or she wants
• Fulfil your responsibility as a decent student 

#25. List the Negative Feelings You Will Have If You Don’t Complete the Task

What are the feelings you experience when you don’t finish your homework?

Are they positive feelings that you want to experience over and over again? If the feeling is not positive, you must challenge yourself to finish your schoolwork.

We have shown you tips to stop procrastinating and find the right motivation to do your homework. It’s important you practice these tips if you are having trouble doing your homework.

Recommendations

• Motivation Letter for Scholarship Application: PDFs Samples/Guidelines
• List of Global Competitions for Students
• 20 Highest Paying 4 Week Online Certificate Programs
• How to Write an Erasmus Motivation Letter
• 15 Free Courses Online With Certificates
• https://www.daniel-wong.com/2016/01/18/stop-procrastinating-on-homework/
• https://solvingprocrastination.com/homework-procrastination/
• https://fairygodboss.com/career-topics/how-to-stop-procrastinating

About Chukwuemeka Gabriel

Gabriel Chukwuemeka is a graduate of Physics; he loves Geography and has in-depth knowledge of Astrophysics. Gabriel is an ardent writer who writes for Stay Informed Group and enjoys looking at the world map when he is not writing.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

15 Best Christian Colleges and Universities In the US

How to study for tests – learn how to pass any test, what are math classes in high school, how to pass nursing school exams, mental health tips for students, how to get bitmoji in google classroom, career opportunities for bcom students, prices for driving schools (how to get the best deal), 15 most expensive schools in australia, how to survive in middle school, how to get into a business school: all requirements for business school, how to become a librarian | salary and education, math games on google: play and learn, is engineering a science all you need to know, best online educational games and websites for students, how to become a pilot with or without a degree, how to become a dentist: all you need to know, how to adapt to online learning: tips for students, 5 reasons why international students choose to study in germany, who started racism history and examples, how long does it take to learn to drive a car ( driving made easy), what is period poverty all you need to know, 10 major causes of climate change, how to become a home inspector, is a master’s in information technology worth it, how to build a career in digital marketing, is an online associate degree in health science for you, how to become a video game designer, what is a business lawyer, how to capitalize job titles, project management methodologies: definition, types and examples, career development plan: how to create a career plan, what does a film producer do, how to become a medical writer, how to become a music producer without school, 20 high paying part time jobs, top 10 marketable careers in the world in 2024, motivation letter for job application example 2024, 10 work life balance examples, what do you learn in a six sigma white belt program, charting your course: career planning in the chemical sciences.

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game New
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• Personal Development
• Productivity

14 Simple & Effective Ways to Stop Procrastinating

Last Updated: February 21, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Sharon Lee and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano . Sharon Lee is a Success Strategist and the Owner of Fearless Pursuits. With over seven years of experience, she specializes in helping others gain clarity on their goals, build confidence, and remain accountable towards their goals. Sharon offers advice to others through life coaching, career coaching, and small business coaching. Sharon holds a Strategic Intervention Coach Certification from Robbins-Madanes Training and has additional training from Erickson Coaching International. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,038,958 times.

Do you have a hard time staying on task? Do you constantly leave things on your to-do list till the last minute? If so, you’re likely procrastinating. Procrastination can stem from stress, frustration, or perfectionism. No matter why you may be procrastinating, there are many ways to break the habit and get back on task. Check out this list of the best tips and tricks to overcome procrastination and stay motivated.

Write a to-do list to set goals.

• Write this list on paper or in your phone—do whatever’s best for you!

Tackle your most important task for 15 minutes.

• If 15 minutes still sounds too intimidating, start with 3 or 5 minutes to warm yourself up.
• Once the timer goes off, take a 2-minute break. Then, start up on another set of 15 minutes of work.

Break tasks down into small chunks.

• For example, instead of thinking, “I need to finish this essay before 10 PM tonight,” tell yourself, “I’m going to make a short outline, fill that in, and then look for quotes.”
• Consider trying a specific technique like Pomodoro, in which you work from 25-minute chunks and take 5-minute breaks in between.
• Avoid making a long, disorganized to-do list. This is just setting yourself up for failure. Instead, create subcategories like "Home," "Work," "Family," and "Fun" and try to cross off a few entries from each list every day.
• Similarly, avoid multitasking or working on more than 1 task at once, as this could make you feel overwhelmed or stressed.

Start your day with the hardest tasks.

• Keep in mind that this strategy isn’t for everyone, so stick to tackling your most difficult tasks whenever you feel the most motivated.
• For instance, if you're a morning person, do your toughest work right after you wake up. On the other hand, if you tend to be groggy in the morning, you risk making careless errors or frustration by going headfirst into a difficult task.

Prioritize goals with set deadlines.

• Use a planner to help schedule your time and stay motivated.

Pick a workspace that works for you.

• For some, being in a new environment helps motivate them to work. Try bringing your work or task to a local library, coffee shop, or bookstore to feel inspired.

Use apps to prevent online distractions.

• AppDetox uses blockage rules that only let you use selected apps for a set amount of time.
• Procraster prompts you to identify the source of your procrastination and gives you advice.
• Forest grows trees for however long you stay focused.
• Freedom blocks distractions on all your devices at once.
• Self-Control blocks a list of websites for set amounts of time.
• Cold Turkey Blocker schedules system-wide blocking.

Put your phone in a different room.

• If you need to keep your phone on for family or work-related reasons, turn off all your notifications except for texts and/or calls.

Listen to music without lyrics.

Promise yourself a reward.

• Try rewarding yourself with a meal at your favorite restaurant, seeing a movie with a friend, or buying yourself something you’ve always wanted.
• Be careful not to over-reward yourself. Stick with small end-of-the-day rewards, and save big celebrations for when you accomplish something tremendous.

Give yourself a pep talk for motivation.

• Self-talk by saying something like, “Dariel, I know this week has been hard, and you’re tired. You’ve written a million essays before, and you’ll rock this.” [15] X Research source
• You can also ask yourself questions: “Amari, why are you nervous about this? You know you can handle it.”
• Self-talk out loud if you can. It’ll also work in your head if you’re in a public place.

Stop punishing yourself for procrastinating.

Aim for completion over perfection.

Ask someone to hold you accountable.

• Try planning fun outings with each other to reward yourself for meeting your goals.
• Hold accountability meetings each week or month to catch each other up on whether or not you’re meeting your goals and deadlines.

Overcome Laziness and Procrastination with this Expert Series

Expert Q&A

• If you’re suffering from anxiety or depression associated with your procrastination, talk to your doctor or therapist. It’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to go through this alone. [18] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Sharon Lee. Success Strategist. Expert Interview. 2 December 2021.
• ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/why-wait-the-science-behind-procrastination#.WVK-49Pytok
• ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/04/27/why-you-cant-help-read-this-article-about-procrastination-instead-of-doing-your-job/?utm_term=.b97d4925d499
• ↑ https://blog.innerdrive.co.uk/5-reasons-to-do-that-hard-task-early
• ↑ https://asana.com/resources/eisenhower-matrix
• ↑ http://www.pcworld.com/article/2094846/read-this-now-7-clever-mobile-apps-to-conquer-procrastination.html
• ↑ https://zapier.com/blog/stay-focused-avoid-distractions/
• ↑ https://www.boisestate.edu/coen-mbe/2021/04/20/5-ways-to-stop-procrastinating/
• ↑ https://www.nu.edu/blog/can-music-help-you-study-and-focus/
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/margiewarrell/2013/03/25/why-you-procrastinate-and-how-to-stop-it-now/#534f88081837
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201505/the-voice-reason
• ↑ https://www.npr.org/2021/01/11/955692434/procrastination-is-more-than-putting-things-off-heres-how-to-kick-the-habit
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/procrastination/

About This Article

To stop procrastinating, turn off your phone and play white noise or music without lyrics to help you focus. Break your task into small chunks that you can tackle one by one and work hard for 15-minute intervals, giving yourself short breaks in between to help you stay on task. Aim to finish the task, not make it perfect—you can always fix it when you’re done. Give yourself a quick pep talk to get you going and promise yourself a reward, like a sweet treat or funny video, when you’re all done. If you want to learn how to make a distraction-free space where you can focus on work, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Jul 5, 2017

Did this article help you?

Nov 7, 2018

Dec 10, 2019

Jan 25, 2018

Jenny Baker

Sep 6, 2017

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

CALL: 347.758.2985

• Sep 28, 2022

6 Tried-and-True Ways to Beat Procrastination and Get Back into Homework

When summer ends and school starts up again , there are probably lots of things that will change in your life. You’ll have a more strict routine to follow. You’ll be spending more time with your peers. You’ll get back into school activities and classes. And you’ll have to deal with homework again.

Getting back into homework is tough when you’ve spent a couple of months not having to do any. It’s easy for students to get caught up in a vicious cycle of procrastination and stress around completing homework on time. Just getting started can be the hardest part.

At Liz Morrison Therapy , our counselors help middle schoolers and high schoolers ease into tough transitions and set healthy habits. Getting back into homework and school mode can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to ruin your school year. Here are some of our best tips for getting back into the habit quickly – so you can spend more time with your friends instead of worrying about assignments.

How to Overcome Procrastination and Do Your Homework: 6 Tips

Procrastinating on homework is one of the hardest habits to break, and it’s no secret that it poses a huge challenge to students. And it’s not actually about laziness – it’s about a desire to avoid the negative emotions that accompany whatever thing you have to do.

There are a lot of ways to overcome procrastination, and what works for some people won’t work for everyone. The key is to try different emotional management techniques and procrastination-busting methods until you figure out what works for you, and then continue to build on those. As you get better at new time management skills and emotional health habits, completing homework and other tasks will be easier. Ultimately, you’ll be less anxious and distressed about your workload.

Here are 6 ways you can build healthy skillsets around work, break the habit of procrastination, and set yourself up for success at school.

1. Acknowledge the difficulty of transitions

Your schedule is changing as you get back into school. This means your daily activities will change too. This might sound obvious, but many of our clients ignore this important aspect of returning to school. If you’re like most students, you have a lot of feelings about going back to school – you might be nervous, excited, apprehensive, sad, or some mixture of all of the above. And pushing away your difficult feelings can make it much more difficult to transition back to doing homework and attending classes. Maybe you’re someone who has a tough time with classes and schoolwork, or maybe you’re someone who looks forward to new assignments. Either way, you’re not alone. Acknowledging the big changes in your schedule – and how you feel about it all – can make a big difference in making you feel more relaxed and settled. Give yourself grace as you transition. It can help normalize any struggles you’re having and give you some much-needed emotional “wiggle room.”

2. Be realistic about your schedule

One of the biggest reasons students find it hard to get back into homework after the summer break – aside from procrastination – is they’re much busier with extracurriculars, sports, clubs, hanging out with friends, and possibly even working day jobs. There’s simply not a ton of extra time for doing homework, and this can put a lot of stress and pressure on getting everything done. Take a look at your schedule and ask yourself:

Can I realistically get everything done in the time that I have?

Can I feel good while getting everything done? Do I feel balanced and healthy?

Do I have any unnecessary or extra-stressful things in my schedule that I can eliminate?

How can I make sure to spend time on self-care along with all my other obligations?

Working through questions like these in a journal or with a therapist can really help you figure out what’s working and what might benefit from a change.

3. Eliminate distractions

If you’re someone who can focus all your attention on one task at a time without getting distracted, count yourself lucky. But for the rest of you out there, be sure to eliminate distractions when you work. Put your phone on silent and put it somewhere out of sight. Put headphones on with white noise or soothing ocean sounds if that helps you concentrate. Some students like a noisy atmosphere (like a coffee shop or a study group) for getting things done, and others prefer a completely quiet space where they can be alone. Know what you need, and give yourself that.

4. Plan out your homework – and break it up

To properly plan out your homework, it helps to know what’s going to be due and when. Write out a list (or buy a planner) with all your upcoming assignments, and score them on a scale of importance and difficulty. Many students tend to underestimate the time needed to complete their homework, so be realistic about the time different tasks take you. Don’t plan on finishing 4 different projects in one go, because that will just leave you exhausted and braindead. Next, give yourself a time limit for each project or assignment. Finally, work on the hardest thing first so some of the stress about completing difficult tasks is eased. And keep in mind that you don’t have to finish the hardest one first – you just have to get started.

Break up each of your assignments into chunks of time, and make sure to give yourself plenty of time to finish each. For example, say you have a paper due at the end of the week. Instead of trying to write it all the day before it’s due, set aside 30-60 minutes per day all week to work on that paper. Breaking up assignments will give your brain breaks and keep you from feeling super-stressed during and after homework sessions.

5. Set a timer

Setting a timer is a surprisingly useful tool for getting things accomplished. Simply getting started on homework is one of the biggest challenges for many students. Seeing a timer counting down can boost your motivation and help you begin. Setting a timer also is great if you’re easily distracted or have trouble focusing – it gives you an external cue to rely on. It also helps you avoid getting completely sucked in to one task at the expense of everything else you need to do.

Of course, it will likely take some trial and error for you to figure out how much time is actually right for you to work on each of your homework assignments. And this is totally okay. You can always tweak the timer when you need to. But in general, once the timer is up, wrap up what you’re working on. Give yourself a short break, and then move on to the next thing on your list.

6. Ask for help

There’s no shame in asking for extra help. Completing your homework shouldn’t feel like a monumental task. If you feel swamped with assignments and school work and need some support, consider asking your teacher or a tutor to help you. If your school doesn’t have a tutoring service, you can hire one or ask an adult for guidance. And if you are struggling with motivation or with the transition back into school and homework, a therapist can help.

Therapy Can Help You Figure Out How to Get Back Into Homework

If you’re having a hard time getting back into the rhythm of schoolwork and assignments after summer, you’re not alone. And you don’t need to let back-to-school stress get you down. If you’d like support in getting through your anxiety about how to do homework, we’re here for you. We’ll help you learn tools to beat the procrastination cycle, take the stress out of homework, and feel good about completing all your assignments and tasks. You’ll feel more prepared and confident about getting back into the demands of school.

Feel free to contact us for a free 15-minute phone consultation. We can answer any questions you have and see whether we’re a good fit.

Recent Posts

How to Cope With Bullying – Tips From a Teen Therapist on What Do You Do If You’re Being Bullied?

Teen Therapist Tips on How to Reduce Your Stress as a Teen

Stress Management for Students: 7 Ways to Ease the Pressure at School From a Teen Therapist

Solving Procrastination

Homework Procrastination: Why You Procrastinate on Homework and How to Stop

Homework procrastination involves unnecessarily postponing working on homework assignments. For example, if a student delays starting a homework assignment until right before its deadline for no good reason, even though it would have been better for them to start earlier, that student is engaging in homework procrastination.

Homework procrastination can take various forms, from wasting hours trying to bring yourself to start writing an essay, to putting off an important project until the end of the semester. This is a problem not only because it can harm your performance at school, and therefore cause you to receive lower grades , but also because it can cause you to suffer from various other issues , such as frustration, anxiety, and stress .

If you often procrastinate when it comes to doing homework, know that you’re not alone. Procrastination is a common problem among students ; in terms of statistics, studies show that approximately 80%–95% of college students engage in procrastination to some degree, approximately 75% consider themselves to be procrastinators, and approximately 50% say that they procrastinate in a consistent and problematic manner.

Fortunately, however, there are some things that you can do to solve this problem, as you will see in the following article. Specifically, you will first see an explanation about why students procrastinate on their homework, so you can understand your own behavior better. Then, you will see what you can do in order to stop procrastinating on your homework, so you can start getting them done on time.

Why you procrastinate on homework

You procrastinate on homework because issues such as exhaustion and anxiety outweigh your self-control and motivation. These issues include personal factors, like fear and perfectionism, and situational factors, like distractions and unclear instructions.

Specifically, when you need to get homework done, you rely primarily on your self-control in order to get yourself to do it. Furthermore, your self-control is sometimes supported by your motivation, which helps you complete your homework on time.

However, in some cases, you suffer from issues that interfere with or oppose your self-control and motivation, such as exhaustion and anxiety . When these issues are stronger than your self-control and motivation, you end up procrastinating, until you reach a point where the balance between them shifts in your favor, or until it’s too late.

This explains why you might end up procrastinating on your homework even when you have the necessary motivation and you truly wish that you could just get started. This also explains why you might end up procrastinating on your homework until right before deadlines , when the increased motivation, often in the form of stressful pressure, finally pushes you to get to work.

Accordingly, common reasons for procrastinating on homework include the following :

• Abstract goals , in terms of being vague about how and when you intend to do the homework.
• Feeling overwhelmed , often while being unsure of how to complete the homework.
• Perfectionism , in the form of refusing to create work that has any flaws.
• Fear of failure , often because of concerns over how such failure might reflect on you.
• Anxiety , often in light of potential negative feedback.
• Task aversion , especially in cases where you find the homework boring or unpleasant.
• Lack of motivation , often as a result of feeling disconnected from your future self or having rewards that are far in the future.
• Physical or mental exhaustion , often due to a combination of reasons, such as a high academic workload and associated stress .
• Resentment , generally toward the homework, toward its source, or toward something related, such as a parent pushing you to do well in a subject that you’re not interested in.
• Sensation seeking , generally in the form of enjoying working on things right before the deadline, when there’s intense time pressure.
• Problematic work environment , generally as a result of having many distractions or temptations around.
• Lack of sufficient communication from instructors, for example when it comes to not having clear directions and due dates for a certain class project.

In addition, other issues can also make you more likely to procrastinate on your homework. For example:

• Problematic behaviors like self-handicapping , which involves procrastinating so that if you fail you can blame your failure on procrastination rather than your abilities, and self-sabotaging , which involves procrastinating as a result of a tendency to sabotage your progress.
• Personality traits like distractibility and impulsivity .
• Underlying issues like lack of sleep , ADHD , and depression .

Finally, note that some of these issues can lead to problematic procrastination cycles . For example, this can happen if you’re anxious about your homework, so you procrastinate on it, which makes you even more anxious about your homework due to the added negative emotions that you now associate with it (e.g., guilt and shame), which in turn makes you more likely to keep procrastinating on your homework in the future.

Understanding why you procrastinate on your homework can help you learn how to overcome your procrastination. However, while understanding why you procrastinate can be helpful, in many cases you can reduce your procrastination even without figuring this out. As such, if you find that you’re struggling with this step, don’t worry, and don’t get stuck; simply move on to the next step, which involves trying out various anti-procrastination techniques, until you find the ones that work best for you.

How to stop procrastinating on homework

To stop procrastinating on your homework right now , you should identify the smallest possible thing you can do to make progress on it, and then modify your environment to make it as likely as possible that you will do it.

For example, if you need to write a paper for a university course, the smallest possible step that you can take toward finishing it might be opening the relevant document on your computer, and writing just a single opening line, even if it’s poorly phrased initially. Once you realize that this is all you need to do, you can start modifying your work environment to help yourself achieve that, for example by going to a room with no distractions, leaving your phone outside, and turning on airplane mode on your laptop to disable your access to online distractions .

There are many other anti-procrastination techniques that can help you stop procrastinating on your homework. You don’t need to use all of these techniques, since some won’t be relevant in your case, and since you will generally need only a few of them in order to make significant progress toward overcoming your procrastination. As such, try skimming through this list, and finding the techniques that you think will work best for you.

Improve your planning:

• Set concrete goals for yourself. For example, instead of a vague goal, such as “finish my psychology paper over the weekend”, set a concrete goal, such as “start writing an outline for the psychology paper on Thursday at 5 pm in the library, right after I finish the last class for the week”).
• Break your homework into small and manageable steps. For example, if you need to write a research paper, you can start with steps such as “(1) brainstorm three potential topics, (2) figure out which topic I like best, and (3) find five relevant sources”. If the project that you’re dealing with is large and will therefore require a large number of steps, don’t worry about outlining the whole thing from the start; simply identify the first few steps that you need to take, and add new ones as you go along, to avoid feeling overwhelmed or getting stuck.
• Set a series of milestones and deadlines for yourself. This will help you be accountable and plan ahead, and can also motivate you and give you a rewarding feeling of continuous progress.
• Identify your productivity cycles. Different people are more productive at different times, based on factors such as whether it’s morning, noon, or evening. To reduce procrastination, you should take your personal productivity patterns into account, and schedule your homework for times when you’re most likely to be able to actually work on it.

Improve your environment:

• Change your environment to make it easier for you to focus. For example, if you know that you work best when there are no distracting noises, go somewhere quiet, or put on some noise-blocking headphones.
• Change your environment to make it easier for yourself to get started. For example, if you know that you will need to write an essay tomorrow after you wake up, then leave the document open on your computer before you go to bed.
• Change your environment to make it harder for yourself to procrastinate. For example, if you tend to procrastinate by browsing apps on your phone , leave your phone outside the room where you plan to work.

Change your approach:

• Start with a tiny step. For example, if you need to write an essay, help yourself get started by committing to only write a single sentence at first. This can help you push yourself to get started on homework, and often, once you do so, you’ll find it easy to keep going.
• Start with the best or worst part first. Some people find that starting with the most enjoyable or easiest part of an assignment helps them get going, while others find that getting the worst part out of the way first helps them avoid procrastinating over time. Use either approach if you feel that it works for you.
• Add a time delay before you procrastinate. If you can’t avoid procrastinating entirely, try committing to having a time delay before you indulge your impulse to do so. For example, this can involve counting to 10 before you’re allowed to open a new tab on the social media website that you usually use to procrastinate.
• Use the Pomodoro technique. This involves alternating between scheduled periods of work and rest. For example, you can work on your homework for 25-minute long stretches, with 5-minute breaks in between, and a longer 30-minute break after every 4 work sets that you complete.

Increase your motivation:

• Make doing the homework feel more rewarding. For example, you can gamify your work, by marking down streaks of days on which you’ve managed to make sufficient progress on your assignments, and potentially also give yourself some reward once you reach a sufficiently long streak.
• Make doing the homework feel more enjoyable. For example, you can do your homework in a pleasant location, while listening to energizing music.
• Visualize your future self. For example, you can visualize yourself being able to relax after you finish working, visualize yourself being rewarded for getting a good grade in a course, or visualize yourself having to handle the issues associated with not finishing your homework on time.
• Focus on your goals instead of your assignments. Instead of focusing on the fact that you have an aversion to your homework, for whatever reason, try focusing on your end goals for completing the homework, such as getting a good grade in an important class so you can have a better application for grad school.

Change your mindset:

• Give yourself permission to make mistakes, and accept the fact that your work won’t be perfect, especially at first. This can be helpful, for example, when it comes to assignments that involve writing, where you can give yourself permission to write a bad first draft, and then edit it afterward.
• Address your fears. If you’re procrastinating because you’re afraid of something, try to identify your fears and resolve them. For example, if you’re afraid that your writing won’t be good enough, you can say to yourself that your goal is to just start by getting something written down, and that you can always improve it later.
• Develop self-compassion.   Self-compassion can help reduce your procrastination, as well as various issues that are associated with it, such as stress. It consists of three components that you should develop: self-kindness , which involves being nice to yourself, common humanity , which involves recognizing that everyone experiences challenges, and mindfulness , which involves accepting your emotions in a non-judgmental manner.
• Develop self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is the belief in your ability to carry out the actions that you need to achieve your goals, and it can help you reduce your procrastination. To develop self-efficacy, try to identify the various strategies that you can use to finish your homework, and think about your ability to execute those strategies successfully.

When deciding which approach to use in order to overcome your procrastination , keep in mind that anti-procrastination techniques are especially effective when they’re tailored to the specific causes of your procrastination. For example, if you procrastinate because you set abstract goals for yourself, you should focus on setting concrete goals instead. Similarly, if you procrastinate because of available distractions, you should remove those distractions from your study environment, or go work somewhere else instead.

In addition, note that if you suffer from an underlying issue that leads to procrastination, such as lack of sleep , depression , or ADHD , you will likely need to resolve that issue, using professional help if necessary, if you want to successfully overcome your procrastination.

Finally, keep in mind that most people need more than one technique in order to overcome their procrastination , and that different techniques work better for different people in different circumstances. Accordingly, don’t expect a single technique to solve all your problems, and don’t feel that if some technique works well for others then it will necessarily also work well for you. Instead, try out the various techniques that are available to you, until you figure out which ones work best for you, in your particular situation.

How to Stop Procrastinating Homework

Procrastination creates stress for students and can impact the production of quality work.  Putting things off, for all of us, creates an overall feeling of things hanging over our heads and never being free from responsibility.  

When students procrastinate, they can create a situation that makes it difficult to self-regulate .  When a student is not well-regulated – in other words, they’re experiencing a moderate to high level of anxiety related to homework –  it’s more difficult for their frontal lobe to be engaged in thinking and problem-solving.  

Want to help your student stop procrastinating homework and reach their full academic potential?  This article takes an objective view of homework procrastination to examine the root cause and provides some expert advice on how parents and educators can best help students.

Common Reasons for Procrastinating Homework

So, why is procrastination so common?  Contrary to what many might believe, the root cause has nothing to do with students being ‘lazy’ or dismissive about their schoolwork.  Rather, some of the most common reasons for homework procrastination include,  

• Students may underestimate the length or complexity of a project because they have not fully developed the concept.
• When students feel overwhelmed or become aware of the significance of the project/paper/essay etc, they can ‘freeze up’, rendering them incapable of completing any work at all.  
• Trying to accomplish homework with ADHD presents unique challenges for students; students with ADHD often need help further developing essential executive functioning skills .
• Some students may not be getting enough sleep and feel exhausted – both physically and mentally; an exhaustive state robs them of their natural ability to motivate. 
• The home environment where students typically complete homework may have too many distractions. 

The rule of thumb for parents: perspective is key for parents .  Motivating students from a place of shame is a non-starter.  Alternatively, parents will have more success when they objectively consider the root causes for procrastinating homework – anxiety, exhaustion, constant distractions, or living with ADHD – and look for ways to help alleviate these common factors. 

Homework Tips for Parents : A Word On Motivation

First, motivating students is a misnomer.  Students may want to do well, but really do not know how to do well.  Others may procrastinate because they’re afraid to fail or not be perfect.  

Try following these steps to help your student,  

• Begin by asking your student if they are open to help.  While students may say no, parents have the ability to respond by saying they respect their position but would kindly ask them to reconsider.  In other words, forcing students to comply simply compounds the stress and frustration the student is experiencing. 
• Recognize that your student may be more emotional with you than with a tutor.  It’s not personal – by keeping your emotions in check, you provide a great example of self-regulation for your student to model.  If you need to step away to get a break, do so.  
• Model, model, model!  Get involved by reading the assignment out loud with your student, and create a schedule of how to do a little each day so the student learns how to complete a little at a time 
• Perhaps the most important thing to do: empathize!  Kids, just like us, want to be understood and supported.  Even as adults, having to do what you don’t like to do stinks – we call it ‘adulting’. Want to shorten the proverbial gap between you and your student? Provide some real-life examples of how you have to do things you don’t like as an adult and acknowledge their feelings.  You will become instantly relatable. 

Additional Homework Tips for Students

• Start with something easy to help you get going – we call this behavioral momentum.  Format your paper, write your name at the top of the assignment, and answer the question you feel most comfortable with – just get the ball rolling. 
• After you establish behavioral momentum, tackle something more challenging – but set a timer (around 30 minutes) so you don’t feel like it will take all night. 
• Some research shows that individuals are more likely to perform better on an assessment when part of a group.  If you have the time and opportunity, join a study group of people who are all working like you.  
• Create a work/break schedule and definitely put distractions in another room (phone! Or games/Youtube or other streaming videos).  

Creating an Efficient Homework Schedule 

Okay, parents – you likely already know how important structure and routine can be for your kids. In helping your student learn how to stop procrastinating homework, creating a schedule can give them a greater sense of autonomy while helping them manage expectations.   

In a de-escalated environment, (when things are chill) ask your student to create a homework schedule that he/she would like to implement.  After they present it to you, you’ll have an opportunity to give feedback and set up a trial period.  

The proposal itself is a plan;  the student is evaluating their resources (time) and responsibilities (tasks) and formulating a plan.  Ask your student how they want to be held accountable and let them know you want to discuss it with them at the end of the week to evaluate their progress.  

With this approach, parents demonstrate trust in their students and give them an opportunity to practice being self-direct.  The key word here is practice – so, don’t expect it to be perfect!  Over time and with further practice, they will develop these skills.  

Academic Coaching with Effective Students

Fortunately, for parents and students who feel overwhelmed by homework or are frustrated trying to help their kids, there is help in the form of academic coaching from Effective Students. Our academic coaching services empower students who may be struggling to manage materials or assignments, apply what they’re learning, transition into a new academic environment (high school to college, for example), and procrastinate homework due to heightened feelings of anxiety, fear, and exhaustion. 

Learn how to help your child meet and exceed their academic goals – contact us today!

You might also like

Executive Function Skills and Expert Coaching Support for Online and Place-Based students throughout the US and internationally.

• Student Readiness Survey
• Lighthouse Partner Program
• How it helps?

Atlanta 3225 Cumberland Blvd SE, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30339 470-243-0374

Charlotte 1515 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28209 470-243-0374

• Testimonials
• Meet the Team Atlanta
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Sorry. This form is no longer accepting new submissions.

How to Stop Procrastination (10 Tips for Students That Work)

• by Daniel Friedman
• 6 minute read

Waiting until the very last minute to complete your homework? Here are 10 tips for students on how to stop procrastination!

Over 80% of students have a habit of procrastinating. That’s a large chunk of people!

No one ever teaches us how to work on it or what the best practices are to avoid it. It’s time that those questions get answered!

Let’s get started with some basics…

What is Procrastination?

Procrastination is the action of delaying or postponing something,

In other words, you don’t want to do your work when you should be. Homework and studying sucks, I get it.

We’ve all been at a point where we say, “I’ll get it done tomorrow.” Tomorrow comes around and suddenly, you catch yourself saying the same thing.

Let’s take a look at a few reasons to stop now that you know what it means…

Why You Should Stop Procrastinating

If you’re reading this, you probably already want to stop. Pat yourself on the back because you’re on the right track!

Here are a few reasons you should stop procrastinating :

• You’re failing assignments
• You feel stressed out doing things so late
• You want to develop better habits
• You’re afraid you’ll procrastinate your whole life
• You find that procrastination just leads to more problems

If any of these feelings sound familiar to you, then you’re part of a massive pool of students who are also looking to better themselves.

Ready to get this procrastination out of your system? Hang in there, because it’s going to take a bit of effort!

Related Post: How to Get Back on Track in College

How to Stop Procrastination

Here are 10 tips for students who want to stop procrastinating and finish assignments on time…

1) Work on Your Stress

The #1 reason you procrastinate in the first place is because you’re stressed. It may not feel so intense when you’re in the middle of it, but it’s there.

It’s common to procrastinate out of stress that you’re going to fail a task or that the task is going to be too intense for you.

Our brain’s natural response is to keep us out of danger. That’s exactly what your brain is doing when you say “I’ll get it done later”.

Work on relaxing your thoughts and be realistic about what you actually have to get done. I promise it’s not as bad as it seems.

2) Have a Schedule

A goal is just a dream without a plan… and that plan is going to be a schedule.

At first, a schedule may seem daunting. As if you’re obligated to write out every little thing that comes to your head.

Without an organized day, it’s very hard to get anything done efficiently. 

Here’s an easy way to create a schedule :

• Write down your daily plans the night before (include time for homework)
• Create at least 3 things to do
• Categories them by time and priority
• Check things off as you complete them

That’s it! No elaborate plans or extra work.

You can write out your schedule for the next day in less than 5 minutes. Sticky notes are great for this. You can also get a planner and use that for more organization!

3) Set Reminders

Students have it hard enough as it is. That’s why you should take the load off of your mind to remember every little thing.

This is the best tool you can use when learning how to stop procrastination as a student!

Set reminders on your phone to keep you in check throughout your day. Even the smallest of tasks can be set into reminders.

Remind yourself to start studying at a certain hour or even to take breaks in the middle of homework!

Related Post: 10 Time Management Tips for Students

4) Use a Timer

Remember, the ultimate goal here is to reduce your overall stress when completing tasks such as studying and homework.

Using a timer during those tasks can help remind you when to take breaks so that you’re not overwhelmed with work.

There is a specially designed technique to help you work in the most efficient way possible. It’s called the Pomodoro Technique and here’s how it works :

• Work for 25 minutes
• Take a 5 minute break
• Repeat 4 times
• After the 4th cycle, take a longer 30 minute break

It’s quite simple, but WOW does it work!

I highly recommend that you try it the next time you work on a longer assignment and see how it makes you feel.

5) The 2 Minute Rule

If you’ve never heard of the 2-minute rule, here’s what it is…

If it takes less than 2 minutes to complete, do it now!

The more you remember this rule, the more it will start to work on you and take effect into your life.

Here are a few things that take less than 2 minutes to complete :

• Washing a few dishes
• Taking out the trash
• Getting a paper signed
• Writing a short paragraph
• Looking up something on Google
• Getting yourself a glass of water
• Getting dressed

You get the point. Procrastination can seep through all aspects of life; even the small ones mentioned above.

Use this rule until the day you day and you’ll already be WAY less lazy!

6) Create a Routine

Creating a routine is a super healthy way to get your work done on time. You might be wondering… how is this different from creating a schedule?

Well… a routine is a sum of daily habits that you perform throughout the day (no matter what you have to get done).

For example , you can develop a routine where you do your homework at the exact same time everyday. This will mentally rewire you to feel the need to complete it at that time after a while.

You can also work on following a similar pattern while you’re studying or make your schedule for the next day at the same time every night.

Related Post: How to Remember What You Study

7) Work with Friends

Sometimes, all it takes is a little push, and your friends can be that push.

You might all be procrastinators as individuals, but together, you can motivate each other to keep working on your assignments.

You don’t even have to be working on the same thing. Sitting next to someone else while studying is enough to keep you going.

Plus, being around friends will turn study time into an enjoyable experience.

Just make sure you’re doing it with the right friends (aka the ones that won’t make you procrastinate even more).

8) Start Small

It’s important that you divide up tasks into smaller, more digestible pieces to learn how to stop procrastination.

The point is that you start. Otherwise, nothing will ever get done.

Of course it’s hard to feel motivated to get anything done when you don’t care too much about what you’re doing.

However, you have to look at the end goal…

Do you want to graduate with good grades? Are you trying to go to a good college? Do you want to look back and say you could’ve done better in school?

All of these questions can help you find motivation to start with the smallest of tasks (like pulling out your homework).

9) Develop Useful Habits

Along with your daily routine comes your habits.

Your individual habits are what’s going to give you a little push into getting your work done.

Here are a few good habits to develop to stop procrastination :

• Take out your homework right when you get home
• Place it right in front of you at your desk
• Always complete 1 question/page before doing anything else
• Gather necessary tools before you start working

All of these habits can be enough to get you to start. That’s what matters!

Related Post: Daily Routine for Teenage Girls and Teenage Guys

10) Turn Work Into Fun

Once again, reducing that overall stress is the key to stop procrastination.

Here are a few ways to turn work into fun :

• Listen to music
• Reward yourself with a snack when you’ve completed a task
• Make studying a game
• Look forward to something exciting when you finish

Simple things like this will make or break your success when working on your laziness. 

The moment your brain makes the switch from boring to fun, it will also turn procrastination into productivity.

Hopefully these 10 tips have helped you start your journey to becoming more productive and reduce that laziness.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions leave them down below. Thanks for reading!

Daniel Friedman

Hey, I'm Daniel - The owner of Modern Teen! I love sharing everything I've experienced and learned through my teen and college years. I designed this blog to build a community of young adults from all around the world so we can grow together and share our knowledge! Enjoy and Welcome!

The Pomodoro technique works well. It’s like an ultimatum or a self-deal – 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of well-deserved rest. This way you can do even the work you don’t like, which you put off until the last moment. But procrastination as a thing is bad, an indication that there is something in your life that you are not happy with. And you need to rethink your routine and your goals and plans.

Well said Philippa! The only tough part about that is the thing that most students are unhappy with is the work itself. Take care!

i really appreciate these tips, as someone who struggles with procrastination! thank you for doing what you do!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

15 Best Hairstyles for Teenage Guys with Curly Hair

How to meal prep as a teenager (easy meal prep ideas), you may also like.

25 Best Anything But Clothes Costume Ideas (For Girls & Guys)

• February 9, 2022
• 422 shares 422
• No comments

• 4 minute read

10 Money Saving Tips for College Students – Money Hacks

• March 29, 2019
• 312 shares 312

Disclosure: MyeLearningWorld is reader-supported. We may receive a commission if you purchase through our links.

How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework: 9 Helpful Tips

Published on: 09/21/2022

By Scott Winstead

• Share on Facebook
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on Reddit
• Share on Pinterest

Are you looking for clear, actionable advice on how to stop procrastinating on homework?

Does it feel like no matter how good your intentions are, you just can’t seem to make yourself sit down and do your work?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Procrastination is a common problem that affects students of all ages.

Finding the motivation to study and do your work can be tough, especially when there are other things that you’d rather be doing.

The good news is that there are things that you can do to make it easier to get started on your homework and avoid procrastination.

In this article, we’ll share with you some of the best tips on how to stop procrastinating on homework so you can get your work done and move on with your day.

1. Make a plan

The first step to avoiding homework procrastination is to make a plan. Having a plan gives you something to stick to and helps you stay on track.

Start by knowing what work you need to do and when it’s due. Then, break down the work into smaller tasks that you can complete.

For example, if you have a paper to write, your plan might look something like this:

• Choose a topic
• Do research
• Write a rough draft
• Edit and revise
• Print and submit

Making a plan will help you see the big picture and understand what needs to be done. It can also make the work feel less daunting because you’re not looking at it all at once.

2. Figure out why you’re procrastinating

While it’s easy to call a procrastinator lazy, the reality is there are usually several underlying reasons for why someone is putting off their work.

It could be that the task feels too difficult, or maybe you’re just not interested in the subject matter.

Maybe you’re worried about not doing the assignment well, or you’re procrastinating because you don’t want to deal with the consequences of not doing it right.

Whatever the reason, it’s important to figure out why you’re procrastinating so you can find a way to overcome it.

If the task feels too difficult, for instance, you might try breaking it down into smaller steps or getting help from a tutor or classmate.

And if you’re worried about not doing the assignment perfectly, remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes and that the goal is to learn from them, not to be perfect.

3. Set a timer for working and taking breaks

One of the best ways to stop procrastinating is to set a time limit for yourself.

Tell yourself that you’re going to work on the task for 20 minutes, and then take a 5-minute break after.

After 4 or 5 of these cycles, you should have made significant progress on the task and you can take a longer break.

The key is to not allow yourself to get too bogged down or overwhelmed by the work.

By setting a time limit, you’re giving yourself permission to take breaks and not feel guilty about it.

4. Find a study buddy who’s focused

You’ve probably heard it said that you are who you spend the most time with.

This is especially true when it comes to your studies.

If you’re constantly around people who are unfocused and uninterested in their work, it’s going to be that much harder for you to stay on track.

On the other hand, if you surround yourself with people who are motivated and focused, you’re more likely to be motivated and focused as well.

One way to do this is by finding a study buddy who shares your goals and is willing to help you stay on track.

Working with someone who’s doing well in school can help you stay focused and motivated, and it’s also a great way to get help when you’re struggling with a concept.

5. Find the right environment for doing your homework

It’s very possible that the reason you keep procrastinating on your homework is because you’re trying to do it in an environment that’s not conducive to learning.

For some people, that means trying to do their work in a noisy or crowded place. Others might find it difficult to focus at home because there are too many distractions.

Everyone has different needs when it comes to finding the right environment for doing their homework.

Some people need complete silence, while others prefer to have some background noise.

Some people like to work in a library or coffee shop, while others prefer to be at home.

The important thing is to find an environment that works for you and stick to it.

6. Get rid of distractions

Another reason you might be procrastinating on your homework is because there are too many distractions around you.

This could be anything from your phone to the TV to social media.

If you’re trying to do your homework but you keep getting distracted, it’s important to get rid of those distractions.

Figure out exactly what it is that keeps distracting you and find a way to eliminate it.

For some people, that means putting their phone in another room while they work.

For others, it might mean working in a library instead of at home.

Whatever it is, getting rid of distractions will help you stay focused and get your homework done.

7. Let others know about your homework schedule

By letting others know when you’ll be doing your homework, you accomplish a couple of things.

First, you’re less likely to procrastinate because you don’t want to let others down, and you’ll have some people who can help hold you accountable.

Second, letting others know about your homework schedule can help ensure that no one interrupts you while you’re working.

8. Set reasonable goals

Another reason you might procrastinate on your homework is that your goals are too lofty or unrealistic.

If you’re constantly trying to achieve perfection, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration.

Instead, try to set reasonable goals for yourself.

Focus on understanding the material and doing your best, rather than getting a perfect score.

Or make your goal to do a specific amount of work each day, rather than to finish all of your homework for the week in one sitting. Check out our guide to setting SMART goals for students to get a better idea of how to set achievable goals.

9. Take breaks

If you’re finding it difficult to focus on your homework, it might help to take a break. While that might sound counterintuitive, taking breaks can actually be helpful for your concentration.

If you’ve been working on a project for a while and you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or frustrated, take a 5-10 minute break to clear your head.

Get up and walk around, have a snack, or just step away from your work to give yourself a mental break.

You’ll come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your work with a clear head.

A Final Word on How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework

At one time or another, we’ve all been guilty of procrastinating on our homework.

But if you find that you’re habitually putting off your work, it’s important to find a way to stop. Otherwise, you’ll just end up falling behind and feeling stressed out.

By following the tips above, you can develop better habits and break the cycle of procrastination so you can be more productive at school .

Have any questions about how to stop procrastinating on homework? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Flipsnack Pricing: Plans, Free Trial Info, & More (2023 Guide)

The 10 best writing games & activities for kids, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

6 Incredible Tips on How Stop Procrastinating Homework for College Students

Procrastination is considered as an enemy of every person, especially that college and university students. They often avoid starting their homework or assignments until the last date. Well, it isn’t something uncommon but every student encounters such problems. As a student, you are given certain deadlines to submit your work that make you delay your work to the last date.

Don’t worry! You’re not the only one who faces procrastination, but everyone has to go through this problem, which might affect their grades consequently.

Therefore, in this article, we have brought some solidly proven methods on how to stop procrastinating homework and motivate yourself to start studying.

What is Procrastination?

Procrastination is an act of intentionally or unintentionally postponing or delaying something in spite of knowing whether it would have a positive or negative outcome eventually. Usually, procrastination occurs due to several reasons, which are mentioned below.

Reasons Why Do Students Procrastinate

Students usually procrastinate because they cannot see how their homework is significant to them, they do not comprehend the topic, or they just do not know where to begin. When it comes down to it, procrastination is a blend of challenges with enthusiasm, confidence, and knowledge.

It might be irritating as a parent when your child does not complete his or her homework and tasks. Many parents may believe their child is sluggish or uninterested in school as a result of this.

Procrastination, on the other hand, frequently has little to do with laziness or a lack of concern. In many situations, students acquire a procrastination dilemma of deeper concerns.

So, let’s first look into some common reasons why students face procrastination with regards to their academics.

Distraction

Students waste so much time in their rooms completing their homework when they are actually diverted by other stuff. This can happen deliberately, such as when students purposefully seek diversions in order to delay finishing their work, such as when students respond instinctively to interruptions in their surroundings without pausing to consider what is going on. When students study from home, they are generally surrounded by more distractions and have greater flexibility to explore them in time, making it challenging to avoid the need to postpone.

Not Knowing Where to Start

When students are overloaded with a lot of work and they don’t know where to start, they usually procrastinate until it comes to the deadline. The reason is their anxiety of not having enough time to finish the task is eclipsed by their dread of not having sufficient time to finish it at all. Especially with distant learning, instructors have less time in class to prepare students on the ideas they’re learning, resulting in a rise in the number of projects students must complete on their own. Many students become stressed as a result, and they are unsure where to begin.

Other Activities

If a student’s life looks like a continuous stream of duties and tasks with no or little free time, they may resort to postponement to generate spare time for themselves. However, this free time is rarely enjoyable as it is often occupied with regret for not focusing on the activities they should be doing. Since numerous after-school responsibilities were discontinued last year, this was one issue that’s become less of a burden for many students.

GET ACADEMIC WRITING HELP

Your assignment won’t be delivered on time: you’ll get it beforehand. Review your work immediately and ask for free revisions right away. Get extensive help in:

Tips to Avoid Procrastinating Homework

So, if you have been procrastinating on homework continuously, it means you need to execute some tips to motivate yourself to complete your academic tasks. Check out some tips on how to motivate yourself to do homework effectively.

Eliminate All Distractions

Initially, you should not try to deceive yourself. Exam preparation with your pals has a slim likelihood of getting you anywhere. It’ll undoubtedly be more enjoyable, but your attention will be sporadic and altering as you connect with people. Furthermore, rather than inspiring you, your friend’s progress may discourage you. When everyone has learned the topics, revising in a group is a fantastic option since you can then evaluate each other’s understanding.

Eliminate all social media apps, put your phone on flight mode, and study in a clean, clutter-free environment. A distracting environment equals a jumbled mind.

Prioritize your Work

If you want to be productive, you must prioritize your tasks accordingly. If you want to thrive in university and receive the grades you need to land your dream job, you must prioritize your studies. It suggests that you should finish your duties before making any other proposals. It’s usually a good idea to tackle the most difficult jobs first, since you’ll be more inspired to tackle the smaller, easier ones later.

You’ll never finish your literature essay, for example, if you keep putting it off. So begin with this and only work on your other duties once you’ve completed it.

Set Reasonable Objectives

Consider setting your objectives if you’re someone who procrastinates as their objectives appear unrealistic. While you may not be able to determine when assignments are due, you may specify when you wish to have them completed by. Similarly, you cannot determine when your exam dates will be, but you may determine when you will begin studying. You may divide these tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks to keep your pace and feel achieved. For instance, if you have a ten-page research study due, establish a target of completing two pages every day to prevent needing to finish it quickly.

Get Rid of Stress

Try to be rational and contemplate numerous possibilities of what would happen if you win or lose at this work whenever you feel stressed or frustrated.   It really doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned about your marks, but don’t put a lot of pressure on yourself. ask any senior what occurred after they dropped an exam, and their reaction would be probably neutral.

Take Short Breaks

It shouldn’t have to be exhausting or unpleasant to get tasks completed. Make sure to take breaks and relax yourself. Because you may anticipate the forthcoming break, this might also assist to enhance your drive to get stuff accomplished. You may also make your break as entertaining or peaceful as you like. Exercising, baking, visiting a friend, surfing through social media, having a shower, and so on are some examples of break ideas you might attempt when you’ve completed one of the tasks.

Get Homework Help

If you feel overwhelmed, instead of procrastinating or gazing at a blank screen, you may always use our “ do my homework ” service. You can access our 24/7 live chat support to place instant orders for your tasks and get it done before the deadline. Our world-class subject experts take your projects as a priority and assist you with your work efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Although there is no clear solution as to how to stop procrastinating homework for college students, there are distinctive actions and routines that you can adopt and try to conquer this challenging issue.

So, if you’re a steady procrastinator or you find yourself in a situation these days more than before, try and discover the reason. Then, to combat any emotional obstacles, put a few of the aforementioned recommendations into practice.

Related Posts

New Year Resolutions for Students to Foster Growth

• November 17, 2023

What is the Easiest Math in College? + Tips to Make it Easier

• October 30, 2023

Navigating the Last Semester of College with Success

• October 17, 2023

10 Tips on How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework

• June 4, 2023
• | Author: Virtue Map Team

You do not like to tidy up, but you are happy to take on household chores as soon as you remember the importance of the homework deadline. I hate cooking more than anything, but I can spend hours cooking if you only have an important homework assignment for tomorrow.

Have you ever wondered why it happens ? Have you ever asked yourself why I can’t do my homework? These are the surprises of procrastinating homework, that are able to surprise us every time we have to do one or another task immediately.

Why is it hard for Some People is Hard to do Homework?

People may procrastinate because of various reasons , such as:

• Feeling anxiety and fear that they will not be capable to complete the homework assignment;
• Wrong order of priorities;
• The belief that the homework task is boring;
• Thinking that homework will take little time, so it can be done later;
• Lack of motivation and perseverance to do homework;;
• High expectations of teachers and parents;
• There is no understanding of why it is necessary to do homework;
• Lack of energy due to inappropriate daily routine or diet;
• It is difficult to concentrate due to personal problems or an unsuitable environment for doing homework;
• Perfectionism or the desire to complete a task perfectly.

How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework? 10 Tips to Push You Forward

1. be honest with yourself and admit that you procrastinate.

One of the most common reasons why people cannot get rid of procrastination is that they do not recognize that they are procrastinating homework. And when asked why they did not complete one or another task on time, they find many reasons to make excuses.

So, in order to get rid of a problem, you first need to acknowledge it. And consciously monitor your speech and actions in order to ensure that they do not lead to procrastination.

2. State very clearly the reasons that lead you to procrastinate

After you have acknowledged that procrastination is causing you discomfort, it is time to name the reasons. Ask yourself why is it so hard to do homework? What exactly makes you anxious or afraid?

Naming the reasons will allow you not to blindly surrender to emotions, but to assess the situation rationally. When you clearly name the reasons, you may find that most of them are just ridiculous and not worth looking into.

3. Set clear and motivating goals

Another tip that can help to do your homework more effectively is to be clear about why you need to do it. This reasoning should not be superficial, but essential and inspiring for the work.

It is possible that the goal of finishing the school year with excellent grades or passing well in exams will not be very inspiring. In this case, try to deceive yourself. Use homework as a way to accomplish other goals. For example, if I achieve the goal set this month – I will allow myself to go to a concert of my favorite music group with my friends. If not, I will have to skip it, etc.

4. Break big goals into small ones, they will seem easier to overcome

Large projects can be really intimidating. In fact, they often paralyze people before they even begin to complete the assignment. Therefore, it is important to divide the task into several performance stages, and if necessary – to divide these stages into separate tasks.

This way the studying will no longer seem insurmountable. Step by step, one task at a time, you will soon have completed the entire project. And all this is only because a set of small tasks seems easier to overcome than one big task for our brain.

5. Surround yourself with people who have set goals and are purposefully pursuing them

Such a company will not only encourage you when it is difficult or inspire you when you lack motivation, but will also testify by example that the set goals are achievable. Of course, only if you devote enough time and effort to it.

As it is said, if you want to reach your goal slowly, go for it alone, if you want to reach it quickly, invite at least a couple of people to help you.

6. Tell others about the assignments you have to do

This is one of the effective ways to stop procrastinating with your homework and not only talk about the homework to be done, but actually do it.

You probably wonder, how does it work? Actually, this is another psychological trick that shows that when we have spoken about our plans to others out loud, we do not want to disappoint them. Therefore it becomes an additional motivation that helps to keep studying easier and to avoid procrastination at the same time.

7. Improve your time management: plan your schedule and stick to it

This is almost the most important thing: developing the habit of planning and sticking to that plan. Today, there are many ways to choose from that can help you plan your time and use it effectively. While some people still use a paper must-do list, others write their tasks down in a productivity app .

It doesn’t really matter which way you choose. The thing that is really significant – to choose one of the most popular ways to organize your agenda. And after that to start putting it into practice in your daily life. You will soon be surprised how much planning can do.

8. One task at a time

We often hear praise for those who know how to do several things at once. But it clearly does not work. When doing several tasks at once, our brain keeps switching back and forth from one thing to another. That is why we get tired faster, make more mistakes, and work less efficiently.

Therefore, if you want to save time and do more tasks in a shorter period of time, always follow a consistent order: one task at a time.

9. Choose a place to do homework with as few distractions as possible

If you want to prepare your homework effectively, then you need to provide the right environment for it. Choose a place where you have enough space to sit down comfortably and place the necessary tools nearby. It should be a quiet place – silence helps you concentrate for studying better.

It is also recommended to put aside all devices that may distract you. Be strict with yourself – give yourself a limited amount of time for homework (this will help you focus) and during this time do not use smart watches, phones or the computer unless your homework assignment requires it or the technology is useful for productivity .

10.  Reward yourself for successfully completed assignments

Do not forget that doing homework should be fun! Therefore, always reward yourself after successfully completing tasks. This will lead to self-satisfaction and the work done, and will also provide motivation to perform other assignments.

What kind of reward could this be? Whether it’s an episode of a newly released series or ice cream – use your imagination! And you will get rid of such questions as how to not procrastinate on homework, etc.

How to Indicate that You are Procrastinating on Studying?

Here are some of the symptoms that indicate you are prone to homework procrastination:

• Even though you know you have to do a task right away, you keep putting it off;
• Accomplishing small tasks that require only a little time and concentration also take a lot of your time;
•  You keep postponing frustrating tasks or the ones that might be boring;
• You wait until the deadlines for the completion of the work start to really cause you to worry about not being able to make it;
• If you have the opportunity, you prefer to postpone work until tomorrow, even if you know that the amount of tasks the next day may not be manageable;
• You would describe your busyness as a waste of time.

Is it common to procrastinate on homework?

Of course. Every task that requires you to leave your comfort zone can cause fear, confusion, and reluctance to do it. The same emotions are caused by tasks that seem uninteresting or too difficult. Most people have to deal with these emotions in order to stop procrastinating.

Can procrastinating on homework indicate ADHD?

There is no direct relationship between procrastination and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The reasons why people with ADHD fail to complete tasks are different from those who succumb to procrastination.

People call me lazy. Is it true that laziness and procrastination are the same thing?

Not really. Laziness can be described as an unwillingness to do anything at all. Meanwhile, procrastination is characterized by active action, but paying attention to things that are not important. For example, knowing that there is only one day left to finish an important homework project, a person still chooses to first wash the floor of the room, download a long-watched movie, to clean and organize the computer desktop, etc.

Eliminate Procrastination

Answer a quick quiz and crush your set goals with tons of focus, energy, and willpower., related articles.

15 Tips on How to Do Something You Don’t Want to Do

Most people experience procrastination and lack of motivation at one point or another in their lives. For instance, according to the Global Workplace Study published

Top 20 Famous Procrastinators

Procrastination is the act of delaying and postponing essential tasks to do less significant jobs instead. According to a study, 80-95% of college students and

Virtue Map vs. Sensa: Which is Better?

If you struggle with mental health issues, such as procrastination or anxiety, you may be aware of apps designed to calm your mind and increase

Eliminate procrastination, anxiety, and low self-esteem at your own pace

For Employers

Social media.

© Virtue Map 2024   |   Terms & Conditions    |    Privacy    |   Money-Back Guarantee Terms

© Virtue Map 2024 Terms & Conditions Privacy Money-Back Guarantee Terms

The information Virtue Map provides is for educational and informational use only. The information is not intended to be used by the customer for any diagnostic purpose and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding diagnosis, cure, treatment, mitigation, or prevention of any disease or other medical condition or impairment or the status of your health.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Adolescence

5 ways to help teens stop procrastinating and get things done, shifting responsibility from parents to teenager can be a good first step..

Posted September 14, 2022 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

• Teenagers don't always work on our schedules. It's important for adults to make clear what's expected of them.
• Shifting responsibility from the adult to the teenager can help empower the adolescent and build self-esteem.
• Showing an adolescent the importance of being responsible and meeting deadlines without prompting is a valuable skill to learn.

If you have teenagers in your house, chances are they don’t always “jump to it” when you have something you’d like them to do. Whether it’s getting their homework done, helping with chores around the house, or getting up at a decent hour on weekends, they’re most likely on their own schedule, which may be much, much slower than yours. As a result, there are conflicts that most likely occur between family members as you try to get teens to adhere to a schedule you find more reasonable.

One of the problems parents face is that teenagers don’t have the same priorities as adults. They don’t particularly care if they do their homework promptly and responsibly. They’ll get around to it. Chores are no fun, and often they wait until parents are at their wit’s end before complying. If you’ve had to raise your voice repeatedly to get anything done around the house by your teen, you know the reality of this situation.

The good news is that, developmentally, teens are in a place where they can be motivated to become more responsible. The first step in doing this is to start to shift the responsibility from yourself to them. That means they need to be responsible for getting their chores done or their homework completed. After all, if you continue to manage their choices, they won’t learn to function effectively in the world. Starting with the awareness that it may seem almost impossible for teens to become more self-motivated and responsible, here are some ideas to help teens to start taking responsibility for their own actions.

1. Shift Responsibility to the Teen.

Up until now, chances are you were a lot more invested in your adolescent completing their responsibilities than they were. Self- motivation to do chores or homework can be rare indeed. The good news is that can change. It all comes down to the proper motivation. Millions of people go to jobs every day that they’re not crazy about. They do it because the reward outweighs the alternative. The same can be applied to motivating teenagers.

Teens want things from us. They want to be driven places, or if they’re driving, they want to use the car. They want to go to parties and stay out late with their friends. These are all things that require a teenager to be responsible. These are privileges that require parental trust to help keep them safe. When you shift the responsibility of getting things done from yourself to the teenager and reinforce it with a rewards system that gives them something they want if they comply, you help them develop a sense of responsibility and empowerment. While you may have to remind them to complete their tasks at first, chances are they will get the message and complete their chores to get the rewards they want.

2. Let Them Set the Time to Accomplish Their Goals.

As parents, we watch our kids appear at times to be unmotivated. As a result, we wind up managing their time for them. We tell them when to do their homework. We remind them to do the dishes. We set their bedtimes. Doing these things puts the responsibility to honor their commitments on our shoulders. We wind up having to continually remind them to get things done, and this is frustrating for us and for them.

Maybe it’s time to let teenagers start managing their own time. This can shift the responsibility for getting things done from the adult to the teenager. Explain that they’re older now, and you expect them to be more responsible. Talk with them about the importance of being able to be self-motivated and accomplishing their goals. Be specific about what needs to be done and the deadline for getting it done. Explain that the more responsible they are, the more privileges they will get in the household.

3. Excuses Better Be Valid.

Kids love to make excuses for why they’re not getting things done. Let them know that excuses no longer cut it. They need to take care of their commitments within the time limits agreed upon. With teenagers, often their excuses are just a way to get out of taking responsibility for their behaviors. By holding teens to their word and not allowing excuses to easily “get them off the hook,” you are helping them understand that their commitments matter and are expected to be met.

4. Expect Them to Do What They Say They’re Going to Do.

When your teen gets older and starts working or getting into a serious relationship, their bosses and partners are going to expect them to honor their commitments. This is an important life skill that the sooner they learn, the better off they will be. Let teens know that when they agree to something, you expect them to follow through and complete what they’ve promised. You’re not being rigid or unfair by expecting them to keep their word.

5. Have Clear Expectations.

It’s not bad parenting to expect your child to contribute something to the household. Whether it’s chores, taking care of younger siblings, or just getting good grades, these are not unreasonable expectations for your teen. It’s actually unfair of parents to have no expectations for their children during most of their young life and then criticize them for lazing around the house all day.

Expectations are a good thing. They help prepare the child for adulthood and can give them a sense of being able to accomplish things. Having clear expectations is also a great way to build self-confidence .

Admittedly, it’s not easy to motivate teens. Whether you choose a reward system or just structure a schedule they can adhere to, the important thing is to help motivate your teen to start taking responsibility for their own behaviors and choices. As children reach their teenage years, developing a sense of responsibility can make a big difference in their ability to succeed. It’s a vital life skill that can help them feel empowered, which can lead to increased self-esteem .

David Schwartz, LMFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adolescents, adults, couples, and families in Westlake Village, California.

• Find a Therapist
• Find a Treatment Center
• Find a Psychiatrist
• Find a Support Group
• Find Teletherapy
• United States
• Brooklyn, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• Portland, OR
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Washington, DC
• Asperger's
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Eating Disorders
• Passive Aggression
• Personality
• Goal Setting
• Positive Psychology
• Stopping Smoking
• Low Sexual Desire
• Relationships
• Child Development
• Therapy Center NEW
• Diagnosis Dictionary
• Types of Therapy

Understanding what emotional intelligence looks like and the steps needed to improve it could light a path to a more emotionally adept world.

• Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Affective Forecasting
• Neuroscience

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Global Cognition

Teach your teen how to stop procrastinating homework (without nagging).

by Winston Sieck updated September 18, 2021

“Trust me?”

You send him off to school. Drive him to soccer practice. Then there’s dinner. And, you know, a little TV.

Says he’s getting homework done. But there doesn’t seem to be that much. Gets it all done in school . Hmm. Trust me . Hmm.

You want to trust him. You don’t have time to review each assignment. And that’d go over like a lead balloon, anyway. Nagging is out. Major hassle. Tiny return.

But when the grades come back, you know you’ve got to do something. Trust me didn’t work.

You might think that getting things done has to do with grit or simple hard-nosed discipline. That he’ll wake up and do it, or he won’t. But this is far from the truth.

He’s got to learn how to stop procrastinating homework.

You can’t manage his time for him anymore. But he still needs support.

Supporting him to get his work done simply requires that you teach him a few study tips and time management techniques. Teach him how to stop procrastinating homework, rather than trying to manage his time for him.

It’s much easier because you coach him on tools and processes, without getting into the nitty-gritty of his business. This is a central idea of our study skills course .

The procrastination cycle affects us all (or “It’s not just you, kid”)

You know what I mean by the procrastination cycle, right?

Say your son has a tough homework assignment. About geometry theorems. It seemed pretty complicated in class. He doesn’t get it right away, so he decides to put it off.

Later that evening comes. He puts it off again. Until tomorrow and then to the next day. Now he’s feeling like he really doesn’t know what’s going on in class. More assignments begin to slip, and class is less fun every day.

He’s walking around with an uneasy feeling that he’s not going to do very well in this course. And feeling like that, it becomes easy to procrastinate his homework even more.

Procrastination is a beast that feeds on itself.

And you’ve met that beast yourself, haven’t you?

It shouldn’t be too hard to feel some empathy. Procrastination haunts us all.

Can you think of a time when you didn’t feel very motivated to study (or work)? A time when you were sorely tempted to put off the task until later? My guess is that you don’t have to think that far back.

What was it about the task that gave you an itch to procrastinate? Did it seem too difficult, boring, or just tedious?

How did it turn out? Did you break the cycle, or did things get worse and worse?

You’ve got a story about procrastination. Think it through. Get it straight in your head.

Now, tell your teen all about it.

Don’t worry if it turned out badly. It’s fine to show a little weakness. We’re all humans here.

My kids love and remember stories of my failures best.

The point is to empathize with your teen’s struggle. Show him that you really do know what it’s like.

Get momentum and spiral up

We all face the procrastination beast at one time or another. Yet, you have the benefit of experience. To get where you are now, you’ve figured out a few ways to overcome it.

You may not have them on the tip of your tongue, but they’re there. You’ve internalized your tricks. They’ve become part of your habit.

It’s time to bring them back to the forefront of your consciousness so you can pass them on.

Need some help?

Here are four ways to overcome procrastination. Share these tips with your teen.

• Nip procrastination in the bud . Recognize this cycle early on, and imagine where it will lead you. By acting early, even if just to do a little, you can avoid the downward spiral.
• Set small goals to focus on , rather than on a big task that seems like too much. Break the assignment or study activity into little pieces. Congratulate yourself as you finish a small task. Making a little progress will help increase your motivation to do some more.
• Make a deal with yourself . Promise yourself a reward for finishing the task, or a reasonable chunk of it. Tell yourself that you’ll watch some TV, listen to a song you like, or call a friend after you are done.
• Concentrate on the most recent tasks when too much has piled up. Figure out what tomorrow’s lecture is going to be about, or what homework assignment is due next, and put your energy into preparing for those. This way, you can enjoy a small win of a more positive class experience, because you understand what’s being said a bit better and have turned in a more complete assignment on time.

Which of these have you used? Maybe at work, instead of school. Do they jar your memory for other tricks you use?

The harsh truth about how to stop procrastinating homework

We all have trouble with procrastination. At least now and then.

It’s the same for your teen. And he’s had less practice handling it. He hasn’t picked up all the tricks you’ve come across for working through the sticky spots.

How can you help him get his tedious, daunting tasks done?

Not directly, at least. He’s got to learn to get himself unstuck.

But you can talk with him about procrastination. Empathize with his struggles.

You’ve know you’ve been there.

Think about what works for you.

Share your tips for getting things done (even when you don’t feel like it).

Image Credit: dichohecho

Study Smarter

Build your study skills with thinker academy.

About Winston Sieck

Dr. Winston Sieck is a cognitive psychologist working to advance the development of thinking skills. He is founder and president of Global Cognition, and director of Thinker Academy .

Reader Interactions

March 15, 2017 at 7:31 pm

Hi, I am a mom of a 13 yrs old, my son is a great kid, at everything he does. Somehow, regadless of his procrastination he always comes out of it either withan A or winning his science proyect. He is really good at writing (he does not get it from me,☹️) he reads 10-12 grade books, plays the guitar and violin, He loves music… He was just accepted at advance orchestra and he swims 3 hrs a everyday. But, I dont know if it is me or what, but it makes me lose it and I get so angry at him when I find out he procrastinate his work or projects. I feel he is ignoring his own capacities not just to have an “A” or get second or third place on his science projects, it angries me he could have done it better, not just to pass the test or finish the project, but to really leaves us all with something he can really blow our minds…. am I been to harsh on him? how can I help him to see that? or should I be the one who changes?

May 13, 2017 at 4:48 am

Read what you have written …the answer is within. Ask yourself is it procrastination or is he time starved ? To be good at one thing requires time, to be good at a multitude of things takes even more time.

April 4, 2020 at 3:41 am

Hi my son has just turned 13, he has started his homeschooling this year and it’s his first experience in homeschooling. He procrastinates all his chores a lot, be it be assignments or daily chores. At the end he gets very frustrated because of his unfinished tasks. Please can I request you to help me so I could help my child overcome his problem.

April 11, 2020 at 3:57 pm

This is all about my brother! His attitude to homework is hard to describe. And we have a constant struggle over it. And also misunderstandings and resentments. As a person who loves to learn, I can’t figure out how he can avoid homework all the time. I mean, I’m not a study fan, but I like the process of learning. I mean, he’s not interested in anything but computer games. I’ll try to find an approach to it using your advice. Because he needs to learn to be independent and of course to develop his cognitive skills.

• Save Your Ammo
• Publications

GC Blog Topics

• Culture & Communication
• Thinking & Deciding
• Learning Skills
• Learning Science

Online Courses

• Thinker Academy
• Study Skills Course
• For Parents
• For Teachers

How To Stop Procrastinating On Homework?

Are you wondering about actionable or clear advice to stop procrastinating? If yes, here we will provide you with steps or tips on how to stop procrastinating on homework.

After Covid 19 pandemic, almost 80% of students’ homework was affected. The outcome of Covid in 2023 is that students start procrastinating their homework. It happens because the burden of school work, tests, and other exams is taken online.

If you are one of them and Want to know the tips to stop it, you should change your daily routine, make a schedule, take study breaks, not use your mobile while you are studying, etc. You can follow the steps and tips below to get a depth guide and the best study tips. 

This blog will teach you practical steps and tips for stopping procrastination on homework. Let’s know detailed steps and advice for your best motivation.

What Is Procrastination On Homework & Why Students Procrastinate?

Table of Contents

Procrastination on homework is when a student misses their school work and does not submit it on the due deadline. 

Following are the reasons for homework procrastination.

• The first reason for procrastination is laziness. It will happen when we avoid doing essential homework. Generally, it occurs when we worry—or even dread—completing a very tough task. Most students temporarily do homework that makes them feel good from the inner to obtain these negative feelings.
• The reasons for procrastination are fear of failure, feeling overwhelmed, perfectionism, abstract goals, task aversion, resentment, sensation seeking, a complex work environment, etc.
• Moreover, other reasons for homework procrastination are distractions, lack of motivation, lack of understanding, time limits, perfectionism, and fear of failure.

Steps For How To Stop Procrastinating On Homework?

Homework procrastination makes students lazier. Also, it demotivates students to complete a task at a particular time. If you also fall victim to procrastination, you can follow the steps below to eliminate this trouble.

Step 1:- Make A Proper TimeTable

If you want to know “how to stop procrastinating on homework,” you can make the schedule per the below-given timetable.

Step 2:- Removing Distractions and Temptations

These are the following distractions and temptations you should need to remove. It helps you to know the answer to this question, that is how to stop procrastinating on homework

• Turn off social media updates
• Shut down the TV and radio
• Don’t check your email during homework.
• Change your physical work environment.
• Wear noise-canceling headphones.
• Plan your homework sessions for when you’re most efficient.

Step 3:- Motivating Yourself to do Homework

Create your homework plan known to those near you. Discuss your homework schedule with your family members and friends so that they know that this objective is vital to you. Request them not to divert you at this time. They may also be willing to provide accountability and encouragement!

• Make a study group to discuss your queries. 
• Reassure yourself! 
• Keep track of assignments during this time.
• Reward yourself for any progress.

Step 4. Arrange All The Study Pertinent Things On Your Table

another step to stop home procrastination is that students should arrange everything on their study table. It will help you save time and invest it into your study. Following are the things that are necessary to have on your table.

Step 5. Take Study Breaks 

The next step are you should take proper study breaks. 

30 Best Ways On How To Stop Procrastinating For Students

Here are some tips that might help you stop procrastinating on your homework:

1. Make a Proper Study Plan

If you want to know how to procrastinate the homework, first, you will have to make a plan. Set a specific time to work on your homework daily, and stick to it as closely as possible. Also, know what work you need to do by making a plan. It is the example for making a proper study plan, such as;

• Do proper research
• Choose a topic & subjects 
• Write a rough draft
• Edit and revise
• Print and submit

2. Take A Quiz To See How Much You Procrastinate 

The next step is to create a weekly study schedule or to-do list and tackle your most difficult tasks first. After this, take a quiz to see how much you procrastinate on your homework. It is good to become more self-aware. By creating an online quiz , you easily know the below-given questions answers.

• What kinds of tasks do you tend to put off? 
• How often do you procrastinate on homework?
• Is procrastination a small or big problem for you?

3. Figure Out Why You’re Procrastinating

Procrastination is a complicated problem that affects multiple aspects.

Quit considering reasons for not doing your task, and figure out what’s holding you from getting started.

Are you procrastinating because

• You’re subconsciously rebelling against your teachers or parents?
• You’re not sure you’ll be capable of decrypting all the homework issues?
• You don’t know where to start?
• You’re not interested in the subject or topic?
• Are You physically or mentally exhausted?

4. Visualize Success

Take approx 30 seconds and visualize how you’ll feel when you complete your work.

What optimistic feelings will you experience?

Do you enjoy the stretch that arrives with spare time on your hands when you’ve finished your homework? Will you feel a sense of joy from getting all your work accomplished? 

This straightforward activity of visualizing success may encourage you to begin doing your homework.

5. Encouraging Yourself to Act

Following are the steps to encourage yourself to finish the work within a particular time limit.

• Make a study group with your school friends to discuss your homework queries.
• Keep track of tasks at the moment.
• Make your task plan known to those around you. 

Other 25+ Best Ways To Stop Procrastinating For Students

1. Find a quiet, comfortable workplace free from distractions such as the TV or social media.

2. Break large tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks and tackle them one at a time.

3. Tell someone about your goals, such as a friend or family member, to help hold yourself accountable.

4. Take breaks when you need them, but be sure to get back to work when the break is over.

5. Reward yourself when you complete tasks or meet goals.

6. Seek help when you need it, whether it’s from a tutor, teacher, or study group.

7. Put pertinent homework on your desk.

8. Write down what you’re procrastinating on.

9. Expend time with people who are concentrating and hardworking.

10. Break down the task into smaller steps.

11. Plan and divide your task into smaller, identifiable tasks. 

12. Make a straightforward timeline with precise deadlines.

13. Describe more than three people about the assignments you are preparing to finish.

14. Modify your environment.

15. Decide a prize to offer yourself after you finish your homework.

16. Communicate to people who have overwhelmed with their procrastination issues .

17. Do the small assignments first. 

18. Associate a timeline with your homework.

19. Determine a value you’ll set for yourself if you don’t satisfy the deadline.

20. Note down why you want to complete the task.

21. Do the most challenging task first.

22. Always keep reasonably organized for any topic. 

23. Note all the negative consistencies you’ll have if you don’t complete the task.

24. Fix a timer when doing your homework.

25. Note in the early morning for yourself the most important tasks (MITs) that you want to finish first.

26. Concentrate on improvement instead of perfection or ideal.

Conclusion (How To Stop Procrastinating On Homework)

In this blog, we have given steps and tips on “how to stop procrastination on homework.” All the tips will help you stop procrastination.

If you are struggling with homework procrastination, follow the steps first. For example, prepare yourself for study, reward yourself, etc. It helps you to stop procrastination on homework. If you want to know about all tips to remove procrastination, you can follow all the tips above.

What Are The Scientific Ways To Stop Procrastinating?

Focus on your work, narrow down your task, ask questions from yourself, put away all distractions and work in potent chunks of time, etc. 

How do I motivate myself to do homework?

Get help, make a plan, discuss your queries with your mentor, stay positive, etc. 

Similar Articles

Top 19 Tips & Tricks On How To Improve Grades?

Do you want to improve your grades? If yes, then don’t worry! In this blog, I have provided 19 tips…

How To Study For Final Exam – 12 Proven Tips You Must Know

How To Study For Final Exam? Studying for the final exam is very important for academic success because they test…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework? Winning the Homework Game in 2024

• Post author By admin
• October 30, 2023

Explore powerful strategies for how to stop procrastinating on homework. Your path to academic success starts here.

Yet, there you are, wrestling with the age-old temptation of procrastination. We’ve all been there, right? It’s that eternal battle between what we should do and what we’d rather be doing.

But fear not! In this article, we’re about to embark on a quest to conquer that mighty dragon called procrastination.

We’ll be your trusty guides, offering practical tips, easy tricks, and a fresh perspective that will help you take the reins of your homework. No more last-minute panics or anxiety-ridden nights – just straightforward, effective solutions.

So, if you’re itching to bid procrastination farewell and say hello to a more productive, relaxed you, keep reading. We’re about to unveil the secrets of how to stop procrastinating on your homework and make your academic life a whole lot simpler.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Procrastination Puzzle

Let’s talk procrastination – that common struggle we’ve all faced. You’re sitting there, homework in front of you, but suddenly, cleaning your room or endlessly scrolling social media becomes way more appealing. Sound familiar? Well, we’re going to demystify this whole procrastination thing and make it as clear as day.

Procrastination often happens because of two things: “perplexity” and “burstiness.”

This is just a fancy way of saying that when a task seems as confusing as solving a Rubik’s Cube in the dark, we’d rather put it off. Our brains like to avoid stuff that feels too hard.

Our focus isn’t exactly a steady stream; it’s more like waves in the ocean. One moment, you’re all in, and the next, you’re daydreaming about what’s for dinner.

Understanding these two factors is like having the secret map to procrastination. It’s not about being lazy; it’s about dealing with tough tasks and a mind that loves to wander.

But here’s the good news: we’ve got some straightforward strategies and techniques to outsmart procrastination. So, let’s get to it and conquer this homework hurdle, once and for all!

How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework ?

Learn the best ways to stop procrastination on homework:-

Create a Dedicated Workspace

Okay, let’s talk about creating your dedicated homework space. It’s like building your fortress against procrastination. Here’s how to do it:

• Chase the Quiet: Hunt for a quiet nook where the world won’t barge in every two minutes. It could be your bedroom, a library, or a peaceful corner in your house.
• Comfort is Queen: Make sure your workspace is comfy. A cozy chair and good lighting can make a huge difference. You don’t want to feel like you’re serving time in a study prison.
• Distraction Ditching: Kick distractions to the curb. That means your phone, the TV remote, and noisy siblings (if possible). Put your phone on silent or use one of those nifty apps to keep away from Instagram’s tempting grasp.
• Materials at Arm’s Reach: Keep all your study stuff nearby. No more scavenger hunts for that elusive pen or your textbook.
• Make It Yours: Personalize your study space. Add a dash of your personality with a motivational quote on the wall, a little plant buddy, or some chill music to set the vibe.

So, there you have it – your perfect little study sanctuary. Once you’ve got this spot nailed down, you’re all set to kick procrastination out the door and supercharge your homework game.

Set Clear Goals

Let’s dive into the art of setting clear goals for your homework – it’s like having your personal GPS for academic success. Here’s how to make it happen:

• Task Breakdown: Break your homework into bite-sized pieces. Think of it like cutting a big sandwich into manageable, delicious bites. If you have a major project, break it into research, outlining, writing, and editing – each is like a mini-mission.
• Deadlines that Talk: Now, give each of these tasks a deadline. Make it specific, like ‘Finish research by Wednesday’ or ‘Outline done by Friday.’ These deadlines aren’t just dates; they’re your milestones.
• Picture the Finish Line: With your tasks and deadlines laid out, it’s like having a treasure map. You can see the ‘X’ marks where you need to be. It’s your visual guide to the finish line.
• The Satisfaction of Checkmarks: As you conquer each task, put a glorious checkmark next to it. It’s like giving yourself a virtual high-five and a little victory dance.
• Ready to Adapt: Life can throw curveballs, but that’s okay. Be flexible and adjust your plan if needed. Just keep your eyes on the prize – completing your homework successfully.

Armed with these clear goals, you’ll navigate your homework journey with confidence. It’s like embarking on a grand adventure with a trusty map in hand.

So, set those goals, and let’s make homework time not just productive but also a tad exciting!

Plan and Prioritize

Let’s dive into the intriguing world of planning and prioritizing your homework. Think of it as creating your personal strategy to outsmart procrastination. Here’s how to make it engaging:

• The To-Do List Magic: Start by conjuring up a to-do list for your homework tasks. Write down all the missions you need to conquer. It’s like crafting your own adventure map for the day.
• The Importance Puzzle: Now, it’s time to play detective. Analyze each task and decide how important it is. Some are like urgent quests, while others can wait for your heroic attention.
• The Deadline Drama: Check for those homework deadlines. Some are sprint races, and others are marathons. Prioritize your tasks based on when they need to be vanquished.
• Your Homework Battle Plan: Armed with your list and prioritization skills, you’re now the commander of your homework army. You know exactly which dragons to slay first.
• The Procrastination Shield: With a clear plan in hand, procrastination’s evil powers are no match for your Jedi-like focus. You’ve got your homework forces in order!

So, get ready to turn your homework time into an epic quest, complete with battles and victories. Your map is ready, your strategy is set, and it’s time to conquer those homework challenges with style.

Onward, brave student!

Try the Pomodoro Technique

Alright, let’s dive into a nifty trick to zap procrastination – the Pomodoro Technique. Think of it as your superpower to stay laser-focused. Here’s how it rolls:

• Time Blocks: Picture your homework as a series of quick missions, each lasting around 25 minutes – we call this a Pomodoro. It’s like a challenge you set for yourself.
• Focus Mode On: During a Pomodoro, you’re in the zone. No distractions allowed. It’s like you’re a study ninja with your concentration shurikens.
• Mini Victory Break: After each Pomodoro, you earn a tiny, 5-minute break. It’s like a quick victory dance, a chance to recharge for the next round.
• The Fab Four: Once you’ve conquered four Pomodoros, you treat yourself to a more extended break, say 15-30 minutes. It’s like your homework marathon checkpoint.
• Procrastination Kryptonite: The Pomodoro Technique is your trusty shield against procrastination. When you have a timer ticking, distractions can’t sneak in, and your productivity soars.

Ready to level up your homework game? Give the Pomodoro Technique a whirl, and watch your focus and productivity shoot through the roof. You’re not just a student; you’re a study superhero!

Time Blocking

Now, let’s dive into the genius strategy of time blocking – it’s like your superhero cape against procrastination. Here’s the lowdown:

• Chunk Your Time: Imagine your day as a puzzle, and each puzzle piece is a time block dedicated to a specific subject or task. It’s like creating your own schedule with chapters.
• The Zone of Zen: When you’re in a time block, it’s all about that one task – no distractions allowed. It’s like setting your focus laser on high power.
• The Roadmap to Success: By assigning specific time blocks to different subjects, you’re essentially crafting a roadmap for your day. It’s like having a GPS for your productivity.
• Procrastination’s Nemesis: Time blocking is your shield against procrastination’s sneaky tricks. When you’ve set aside a dedicated block for a task, distractions find it tough to creep in.

So, if you’re ready to level up your homework game and bid farewell to procrastination, time blocking is your go-to strategy.

It’s like having your personal organizer, ensuring you stay on the path to academic victory. Get ready to conquer your homework with style!

Visualize Success

Alright, let’s explore a nifty little trick to tackle procrastination head-on – the power of visualization. It’s like creating a mental blockbuster that inspires you. Here’s how it rolls:

• Shut Those Peepers: Find a quiet spot before diving into your homework. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let’s get ready to roll. It’s like stepping into your very own imagination theater.
• Paint the Picture: Picture yourself acing your homework, big smile on your face, a sense of accomplishment filling your chest. See the finish line clearly – it’s like you’re watching a movie about your success.
• Feel the Feels: As you imagine your success, let the emotions flow. Feel the pride, the relief, the joy – like you’re already celebrating the victory.
• Fuel Your Motivation: Use this mental movie as your secret weapon. When procrastination tries to knock, play this movie in your head, and let the inspiration flow. It’s like having a motivational coach inside your mind.

So, gear up to supercharge your homework motivation with your very own mental cinema. It’s not just about getting the work done; it’s about enjoying the journey and visualizing your triumphant destination. Let’s get started!

Change Your Perspective

Okay, let’s chat about a cool way to tackle procrastination – changing your perspective. It’s like putting on a pair of positivity glasses to see homework in a whole new light. Here’s how it goes:

• Shift the Lens: Instead of seeing homework as a chore, look at it as a chance to grab some serious rewards. It’s like turning homework into a treasure hunt.
• The Treasure Trove: Think about the good stuff that comes with completing your homework – better grades, more knowledge, and the sweet satisfaction of a job well done. It’s like picturing a chest full of academic gold.
• Picture the Win: Imagine yourself reaping those rewards and enjoying the benefits. Feel the pride and personal growth that come with conquering your homework. It’s like watching your success story unfold.
• Stay Fired Up: Whenever procrastination tries to creep in, remind yourself of these rewards and benefits. It’s like having your personal motivation guru in your corner.

Changing your perspective can turn homework from a dreaded task into an exciting journey. It’s all about focusing on the pot of gold at the end of your academic rainbow.

So, get ready to dive into your homework with a fresh outlook and a pocket full of motivation. Let’s roll!

Reward Yourself

Let’s talk about a fun and effective way to combat procrastination – rewarding yourself. It’s like sprinkling a little celebration into your study routine. Here’s how it works:

• Task Triumph: After you’ve conquered a homework task, it’s time to treat yourself. Think of it as your personal victory lap.
• The Reward Menu: Decide on some enjoyable treats or activities. It could be a snack, a short game, a walk, or even a quick dance to your favorite song. It’s like choosing from your own reward menu.
• Keep it Proportional: Make sure the reward matches the task’s difficulty. Smaller tasks might call for a quick treat, while larger ones could earn you a more substantial celebration.
• The Motivation Booster: Rewards act as motivation magnets. They keep you excited about completing your homework and make you eager to start the next task.
• Stay Consistent: By regularly rewarding yourself, you’re building a positive association with homework. It’s like turning a chore into a fun game.

So, embrace the power of rewards and make your homework sessions a bit sweeter. It’s not just about completing the task; it’s about enjoying the journey with a dash of celebration.

Ready to dive into your homework with the promise of delightful rewards? Let’s do this!

Join or Create Study Groups

Alright, let’s dive into the wonderful world of study groups – your secret weapon against procrastination. It’s like forming a homework dream team. Here’s how it goes down:

• Gather Your Crew: Round up some classmates who are in the same homework boat as you. It’s like building your Avengers of academics.
• The Homework Campfire: Within your study group, share your homework struggles and victories. It’s like swapping adventure stories around a campfire.
• Accountability Partners: Your study buddies keep you on your toes. You’re accountable to each other, and that’s a fantastic motivator. It’s like having your personal cheering section.
• Brainpower Bonanza: When you work together, you tap into a treasure chest of ideas and knowledge. It’s like having your very own brain trust.
• Homework Hangouts: Study groups make homework a lot more fun. It’s like turning a solo mission into a group quest.

By joining or creating study groups, you transform homework into a social event. It’s not just about getting the work done; it’s about enjoying the ride with your study pals.

Ready to tackle your homework like a dynamic duo or a fantastic four? Let’s get to it!

Accountability Partners

Alright, let’s dive into a savvy strategy to kick procrastination to the curb – meet your accountability partner. Think of it as enlisting your very own homework cheerleader. Here’s how the story unfolds:

• Recruiting Your Partner in Crime: Find a friend or family member who’s game to join forces. They become your homework ally, your go-to teammate.
• Sharing the Secrets: Open up about your homework goals and progress with your partner. It’s like making a pact to support each other’s success.
• Daily Check-Ins: Keep the communication lines open, regularly updating your partner on your homework journey. The feeling of someone rooting for you is like a turbo boost for motivation.
• Victory Celebrations: When you conquer your homework goals, it’s time for a celebratory high-five with your partner. It’s like having your very own personal victory party.
• Boosted Commitment: With an accountability partner in tow, your commitment soars to new heights. It’s like having an extra dose of motivation on your side.

Teaming up with an accountability partner transforms homework into a shared adventure. It’s not just about the task; it’s about the bond and the joint commitment to success.

Ready to tackle your homework with your trusty sidekick? Let’s do this!

Eliminate Distractions

Let’s talk about a crucial strategy to tackle procrastination – eliminating distractions. It’s like creating a fortress of focus for your homework time. Here’s how to do it:

• Detect Your Distractions: First, identify what’s been pulling your attention away during homework. Is it your smartphone, noisy neighbors, or the TV? It’s like finding the enemy’s weak spots.
• Homework Sanctuary: Now, create a dedicated homework space where distractions are minimal. It could be a quiet corner, a library, or a cozy coffee shop – your fortress of focus.
• Gadget Control: If your smartphone is your kryptonite, set it to ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode or place it out of reach. It’s like locking away the distraction in a hidden vault.
• Noisy Neighbors? Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: If outside noise is the culprit, invest in noise-canceling headphones. It’s like putting on a silencing superhero cape.
• Stay on Guard: While in your homework zone, keep an eye on potential distractions and steer clear of them. It’s like having your own watchtower to protect your focus.

By eliminating distractions, you’re creating an environment where procrastination finds it tough to survive. Your homework time becomes a sacred space for productivity. Ready to transform your space into a distraction-free fortress of focus? Let’s get started!

Use Technology Wisely

Alright, let’s dive into the world of tech to outsmart procrastination – using technology wisely. It’s like having your very own digital homework genius. Here’s how the story unfolds:

• Explore the App Universe: There’s a galaxy of productivity apps out there. Your mission? Find the ones that click with your needs. It’s like building your arsenal of homework helpers.
• Time-Taming Wizards: Picture calendars and task managers as your trusty time-travel companions. They keep your homework schedule in check. It’s like having a digital time guardian.
• Distraction Defenders: Some apps are like your digital bodyguards, shielding you from distracting websites and notifications. It’s like a digital fortress of focus.
• Study Superpowers: There are apps for research, note-taking, and study techniques . They’re like having your personal digital tutor on speed dial.
• Accountability Allies: You can even recruit apps to track your progress and keep you on your homework toes. It’s like having a virtual coach in your corner.

With tech as your ally, you’re turning your digital devices into powerful tools for conquering procrastination. They become your homework superheroes, not villains.

Ready to gear up and turn your digital world into a homework powerhouse? Let’s roll!

Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

Alright, let’s unveil a classic procrastination-busting move – the art of breaking down your tasks into bite-sized bits. It’s like turning a daunting mountain into a collection of manageable molehills. Here’s the deal:

• Task Checkup: When you face a homework task that seems as colossal as a mountain, take a breath and assess it. What are the smaller, more doable steps hidden within this giant? It’s like uncovering the secret map to success.
• Mini-Missions: Divide that mammoth task into tiny, conquerable chunks. If you’re dealing with a research paper, think of steps like “Gather Sources,” “Craft an Outline,” “Write Introduction,” and so on. It’s like creating your own homework adventure roadmap.
• One Bite at a Time: Focus on one mini-task at a time. As you finish each one, savor the sweet taste of progress. It’s like ticking off items on your homework checklist.
• Overwhelm Be Gone: Slicing your homework into smaller pieces transforms the impossible into a series of manageable victories. It’s like turning an epic quest into a collection of thrilling chapters.

By conquering your homework one mini-challenge at a time, you’re taking the driver’s seat to victory. Procrastination doesn’t stand a chance when you’re the master of these bite-sized tasks.

Ready to dive into your homework with the confidence of a conqueror, one step at a time? Let’s roll!

Start with the Most Challenging Task

Alright, let’s reveal a ninja move against procrastination – tackling the most daunting task head-on. It’s like facing your homework Goliath right from the start. Here’s the game plan:

• Task Scouting: Look over your homework lineup and find the one that gives you the biggest case of the homework jitters. It’s usually the toughest or the least exciting.
• The Brave Kick-Off: Instead of procrastinating, dive straight into that challenging task. It’s like stepping onto the battlefield with your mightiest sword.
• Early Triumph: When you conquer the most challenging task first, it’s like scoring a winning goal in the big game. You feel an instant rush of accomplishment.
• Smooth Sailing Ahead: With the toughest challenge in your rearview mirror, the rest of your homework feels like a walk in the park. It’s like downhill coasting on a bike after a steep uphill climb.

By taking on the biggest challenge right from the start, you not only slay the dragon but also set the stage for a super productive homework session.

Procrastination doesn’t stand a chance when you lead with your strongest move. Ready to jump into your homework like a true hero taking on a formidable foe? Let’s roll!

Stay Organized 

Alright, let’s unveil a nifty trick for outsmarting procrastination – the power of staying organized. It’s like having a magic wand to create order in your homework realm. Here’s how it plays out:

• Declutter Detective: First, size up your homework space. Is it a chaotic jungle, or a serene sanctuary?
• Your Homework Haven: Carve out a special space just for your homework materials, notes, and assignments. It’s like creating a secret haven amidst the homework hustle.
• A Place for Everything: Give each item a designated home. Your textbooks, notes, pens – they all get their own cozy corners. It’s like having a treasure map for your academic gear.
• Supercharge Efficiency: When everything’s in its place, you’ll spend less time hunting for stuff and more time conquering your homework. It’s like turning your workspace into a well-oiled homework machine.
• Procrastination-Proof: An organized space is like a fortress against procrastination. It’s like having a homework superhero shield that repels distractions.

By embracing the way of the tidy and organized, you’re setting the stage for homework success. Procrastination struggles to survive in a well-ordered kingdom.

Ready to dive into your homework with the cool, collected vibe of a Zen master? Let’s get this organized party started!

How can I stop procrastinating immediately?

Got a procrastination emergency? No worries; we’re diving into action right now. Here’s your swift and snappy plan:

The first step is often the hardest. So, pick a task, any task, and just start. Set a timer for a quick 5 minutes and tell yourself you’ll give it your all during that time. Starting is the name of the game.

Distraction Defenders

Silence your phone, shut irrelevant tabs, and create a laser-focused workspace. It’s like rolling out the red carpet for your homework superhero.

Divide your task into itsy-bitsy mini-goals. Completing these tiny triumphs will give you a boost of victory and keep you charging forward.

Pomodoro Power

Work for 25 minutes like a champ, then treat yourself to a 5-minute breather. Rinse and repeat. It’s a dynamite method for maintaining your focus.

Imagine Victory

Close your eyes and picture the glorious moment when you finish your task. Feel the satisfaction deep in your bones.

Accountability Ace

Share your task with someone else. Knowing someone’s got an eye on your progress amps up your commitment.

Deadline Dash

Set a lightning-quick deadline for yourself. Creating a touch of urgency can fire up your motivation.

Reward Time

Promise yourself a sweet reward as soon as you conquer that task. It could be a treat, a fun video, or whatever floats your boat.

Stay Positive

Focus on the awesome feeling of accomplishment you’ll have when the task is done, rather than the effort it takes.

Push Past Resistance

Remember, procrastination is a mind game. Push through that initial resistance; it’s just a mental mirage. Keep pushing, even if it feels tough.

With these strategies, you’re equipped to kick procrastination to the curb right this instant. Ready to grab that task by the horns and show it who’s boss? Let’s do it!

You’ve just embarked on a journey to conquer the procrastination dragon that’s been haunting your homework world. With these powerful strategies in your arsenal, victory is within reach.

We began by understanding why procrastination sneaks in and learned that it’s a battle anyone can win. We explored the secrets of creating a dedicated workspace, setting clear goals, planning, and using clever techniques like the Pomodoro method and time blocking.

We harnessed the power of visualization, shifted our perspective, and discovered the sweet rewards of staying organized.

We learned to embrace the bravery of starting with the most challenging task and the wisdom of technology, accountability, and the support of friends and family.

We crafted a homework sanctuary where distractions dare not tread, and we honed the art of breaking tasks into manageable steps.

And if the procrastination beast dared to raise its head, we had a lightning-fast action plan ready to slay it immediately.

Remember, every step you take toward conquering procrastination is a step toward your academic success. With focus, determination, and these strategies, you can turn your homework time into a productive, fulfilling adventure.

So, gear up, and let’s banish procrastination to the shadows. Your homework journey is just beginning, and you’re the hero of this tale. Go forth and conquer!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i find the right workspace for homework.

Your workspace should be quiet and free from distractions. It could be a corner in your room, a library, or a cozy café, wherever you can focus best.

What’s the Pomodoro Technique, and how does it work?

The Pomodoro Technique involves working in short, focused intervals (typically 25 minutes) followed by a short break. This helps maintain concentration and reduce procrastination.

Is it essential to set clear goals for homework?

Yes, setting clear goals is crucial. It breaks down your tasks into manageable chunks with specific deadlines, making it easier to stay on track.

How can I change my perspective on homework?

Shift your focus from the effort required to the rewards of completing your homework. Think about the sense of achievement and knowledge gained.

Why are study groups and accountability partners helpful?

Study groups provide a support system and the opportunity to discuss assignments. Accountability partners help keep you on track by sharing your goals and progress.

• australia (2)
• duolingo (13)
• Education (264)
• General (65)
• How To (16)
• IELTS (127)
• Latest Updates (162)
• Malta Visa (6)
• Permanent residency (1)
• Programming (31)
• Scholarship (1)
• Sponsored (4)
• Study Abroad (187)
• Technology (12)
• work permit (8)

Recent Posts

13 Ways to Finally Put a Stop to Procrastination

Improve academic success without having to say "do your homework" a million times.

By Denise Yearian

Published on: september 05, 2017.

Many parents grow weary of prodding their children to do homework, get ready for school or complete household chores. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Kids who procrastinate can break the habit if parents teach them the skills and self-discipline needed to start and complete tasks. Here are 13 tips to help.

Consider the source. Think about why your child is procrastinating: lack of motivation, distractions, disorganization, overwhelmed or fear of failure driven by perfectionist tendencies. Once this is determined, you can help them begin breaking the habit.

Stick with the S.T.I.N.G. approach. “S”: Select one task you want your child to do. If it is a large, overwhelming job, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. “T”: Set a timer in keeping with your child’s developmental level – 5 or 10 minutes if they're younger, longer if they're older. “I”: Ignore everything else while the timer is ticking. Help them stay focused and free from distractions. Don’t let them start another task until the first one is done. “N”: No breaks allowed until the timer goes off. “G”: Give them a reward when the timer sounds. This can be a snack, a break to play outside or special time to read a book with Mom or Dad.

Maintain rules. Establish house rules and follow through with consequences when rules are broken. Even if your child never sees the value of a clean room, they need to know it’s a rule.

Teach technique. Don’t just assume your child knows how to do something. They may need to be taught how to organize a closet, clean out the toy box or tackle a long assignment. Discuss the project with your child and guide them toward successfully completing it. Check in with them from time to time to see how they're doing.

Reinforce positive behavior. Recognize when your child is taking steps toward being responsible and proactive. Praise the progress along the way.

Maintain daily routines. This is particularly true for young children. They will be less likely to procrastinate if their structure is familiar.

Make a list. Some children feel a sense of accomplishment and stay on task when they make a list and cross items off.

Consider teachable times. Wait until your older child is feeling the natural consequences of his procrastination — being late for school, having to miss an activity or getting a poor test score. Then rather than chastising them, suggest and encourage use of tactics to break the procrastination habit.

Work as a team. If you are a procrastinator, suggest teaming up and breaking the habit together. Share successes and mistakes in the journey.

Add variety and options. If your child procrastinates because of chores, rotate jobs on different days of the week or with different family members to give kids some flexibility and options.

Look at the long haul. Realize the long-term impact of procrastination on your child’s self-esteem and confidence. Young people form their identity based on experiences and beliefs. If they continually see failing grades, get punished or are yelled at for procrastinating it becomes a vicious cycle that chips away at their self-esteem.

Allow trial and error. Remember there is no one-size-fits-all technique when it comes to motivating children to break the procrastination habit. Discuss with your child what method works best for them and allow some trial and error until they settle into a routine.

Gradually turn over the reins . Breaking the procrastination habit is a gradual process that occurs over time, and many children need to be taught how to do it. Once they learn how to break down tasks or organize information, gradually up the level of expectation and let your child become more independent while you continue to provide guidance and coaching.

Most importantly, remember that whatever effort you invest in breaking the procrastination habit will positively impact every area of your child’s life — now and in the future!

STAY CONNECTED! Get the best of ParentMap delivered right to your inbox.

Related Topics

• Parent Learning

Share this resource with your friends!

About the author.

Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines, and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

The Surprising Diagnosis Caused by Kids' Screen Time

Want to Heal Your Child? Start by Healing Yourself

Study Reveals the Best Way to Deal With Challenging Behavior

You might also like.

Health + Nutrition

Measles outbreaks on the rise: how to protect your family and community.

Mental Health

Suspect adhd how and when to screen your child.

Behavior + Discipline

The Ultimate Parent Superpower

How to Stop Procrastinating on Your Homework?

• Post by: Professor Conquer
• Last updated on: May 2, 2023

Spread the love

Procrastination is one problem almost every student finds themselves battling. Sometimes, we know the right thing to do, but just don’t want to do them. It’s easy to put off undesirable assignments until the last minute when it’ll force you to spend sleepless nights working on them. Why spend the whole night frustrated when you can simply start your homework on time and have enough time to finish it. If this is a battle you continuously find yourself in, this article is for you. Read on to find out how you can end procrastination as a student.

Why Do Students Procrastinate?

Most times, when students procrastinate on their home works, it’s because they either don’t understand the material, are confused about how to get started, or think it’s irrelevant to their academic pursuit. While these are the primary reasons, there are some other reasons that people hardly talk about. When you put it into perspective, you’ll find that procrastination is a combination of confidence, comprehension, and motivation issues.

In contrast to many people’s beliefs, procrastination is not always due to laziness or lack of care. Most times, there are deeper issues leading students to develop the habit of procrastination. Here, let’s review some of the issues that may cause students to procrastinate on assignments.

Fear of Failure

Many students will prefer not to do a task than to fail in it. This is a mentality that often extends to their class and home works. The fear that they won’t do homework correctly can put students in an unending circle of procrastination. Therefore, if you want to understand why a student is procrastinating on their homework, perhaps the first place to look at is whether the assignment is too hard for them to the extent of being scared to fail.

Trouble Concentrating

One major problem that students deal with most times, especially as young adults, is difficulty in concentration. This age comes with a lot in their lives, and they often have to think about different activities at once. If left unchecked, too many issues affecting their concentration span can lead to homework procrastination. This is why parents need to partner with teachers to improve their concentration level in class and at home. Parents are often advised to talk to teachers and school counselors if they notice anything eating into the student’s concentration level at home.

Poor Organization Skills

It goes without saying that being consistent with homework requires organization from students. As a student, you would have several different tasks to complete every day. It’s easy to get caught up with these tasks and forget your homework. This is where proper organization comes into play. Without organization, you’ll find yourself running around in circles as you struggle to complete different tasks at the same time. However, organizing your daily tasks would help you know when to do your homework and when to handle other tasks.

Is Procrastination a Mental Illness?

Knowing that procrastination involves putting stuff off despite expecting to be worse off, as a result, it’s sometimes surprising to see that we still do it. This is why many people are asking if procrastination is a mental illness. Let’s start by saying that procrastination differs from scheduling or planning. There’s nothing wrong with delaying the completion of a task because you want to complete it properly. But students must learn to differentiate that from compulsively putting things off. Most people will find themselves procrastinating at one point or another. If it’s not too frequent, then it can be shrugged off as a common part of human experience.

However, you must be careful enough to know when procrastination becomes a habit. As a habit, it can be deadly serious for students and non-students. Experts suggest that there are several reasons why a student may procrastinate , including mental health issues. It can be a characteristic feature of mental health issues like:

Depression: Students can be depressed too, and one of the common effects of depression in students is low self-esteem, which is seen as a major cause of procrastination. When students begin to doubt their ability to do well in their homework and other tasks, they become less likely to complete it on time.

Anxiety: Another lead cause of procrastination is anxiety, which is a common mental health issue. Anxiety can force a student to become preoccupied with the fear of failure, causing them to lose confidence in completing certain tasks. Once students begin to lose the confidence they once used to approach homework, you can expect them to start procrastinating as a way to avoid failure in the short term.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder : People with this kind of condition often find time-management and organization extremely difficult. Of course, you know that organization and time management are crucial factors to consider when completing tasks on time. Therefore, it’s not surprising to see that students with this kind of disorder tend to procrastinate more often than other students.

Why Is It Hard for Some Students to Start their Homework?

Despite being a common and widespread educational activity, some students still find it challenging to start their homework. This is probably because most students need to do their homework amidst a pull of more attractive and competitive after-school tasks. Even the most serious students can sometimes find it challenging to start their homework. After a series of research, we’ve come up with some of the major reasons why students may struggle to complete their homework. Check them out.

The homework takes too long to complete

Young adults are often stuck in a pool of activities. Some of these activities are naturally fun and inviting and, as such, attracts their attention easily. It takes guts for them to leave those activities for the several minutes they’ll need to focus on their homework. However, they tend to give in to the appeal of other activities if the homework looks like it’ll take too long. A recent study of 700 students showed that most students would not be motivated to start home works that would take them more than 60 minutes. Therefore, if a student is showing unwillingness to start homework, perhaps you should look at the duration it takes to finish the tasks.

Students misunderstand the value of homework

This is perhaps the lead reason why students often feel unmotivated to start their homework. Most students believe that homework only has educational value, and since they are outside school, they do not have any motivation to start their homework. Students are hardly aware that beyond academic developments, home works are designed to measure their learning motivation, confidence, and ability to take on responsibility. Until they recognize that home works carry all these short-term and long-term benefits, they may not be interested in starting assignments by themselves.

Lack of feedbacks

Students want to know whether they are doing well or not in every task. Not providing feedback for homework shows that the teacher does not care about the students’ efforts, which can discourage students from trying. Students particularly desire praise from their homework efforts, and teachers have to provide this praise to sufficiently motivate students to try more. Most teachers overcome this by expanding homework evaluations to include points for including assignments. This way, students know that they earn points even when they do not get the questions correctly.

Lack of homework plans for student

As part of their job, teachers are typically tasked to provide workable homework plans that students can follow. It’s a known fact making provisions for homework increases the likelihood of getting homework completed. This is why teachers and parents must collaborate to create homework plans that include the time needed to execute the work, deadlines, and daily completion routines. Having such plans spelled out for the students will motivate them to complete homework even if they dislike the assignment.

How to Stop Overthinking While Studying?

While it’s natural to overthink things once in a while, some people find that they can’t seem to stop the constant barrage of thoughts. As a student, it’s easy for these constant thoughts to distract you even when you are under intense pressure to study. If you experience this often, here are practical steps that you can use to stop it.

• Train your mind not to overthink in any circumstance, including when you are not studying. Doing this will help you develop a habit of not overthinking things, so your mind can focus on the things you are doing.
• Meditation is another key to stopping yourself from overthinking when studying. If you can, practice meditation before your study time to relax your brain, mind, and muscles. This way, you’ll get rid of every thought and get your mind empty and ready for your study.
• Listen to music if you have the habit of doing so. This may be difficult for some people, but if you’ve mastered the habit of listening to music while studying, then this can be the ultimate key to clearing your mind.
• Start with a more exciting topic before going to the less exciting topics.
• Lastly, learn to be conscious of your state of mind. If you find yourself overthinking, drag your mind to the present, and focus again. Remember never to close your book because you are overthinking.

How to Finish Your Homework Faster?

Doing homework can be both time-consuming and frustrating to anybody, and you are probably sacrificing many activities for it. When a teenager procrastinates homework, it’s probably because they can’t overcome the temptation of other fun activities. However, learning how to do home works faster can be the key to avoiding procrastination. Learning habits like focus, planning, organization and self-motivation can help you finish your homework quicker. Read on to find tips that will help you complete your homework faster.

Work in a comfortable, well-lit environment

Comfort is key to productivity and creativity. You don’t want to be struggling between finishing your homework and finding balance; hence, the need to ensure maximum comfort. Avoid doing your homework on your bed or the floor because these environments can potentially make you distracted and sleepy. Also, ensure that your work environment is well lit to avoid struggling to see.

Prioritize by importance and due dates

Certainly, you’ll need to complete several different assignments throughout the week. One trap that most students fall into is to start with the simplest subjects. While this is not necessarily bad, it can mean late submission if due dates are different. An excellent way to go about it is to start from the ones that are due first so that you can finish them before their due date to avoid the pressure that comes with a last-minute rush.

Set a timer

Before starting each assignment, set a timer with the number of minutes you want to complete your work. Regularly glancing at the timer will help you stay aware of how much time you’ve spent on the homework and how much time you have left.

5 Powerful Tips to Stop Procrastinating on Your Homework

Procrastination often comes like a thief – stealthily crawling into our lives until it becomes a habit we can no longer deal with. If you always procrastinate on your homework, here are five powerful tips that will help you learn how to end procrastination.

Figure out why you are procrastinating

Procrastinating is not always a coincidence. Sometimes, it can be a complex issue that involves a combination of factors. Except you understand the real reasons behind your procrastination habit, it may be impossible for you to deal with it. Understanding why you’ve formed the habit of procrastination puts you one step ahead in solving the issue.

Write down what you are procrastinating on

Most times, homework procrastination is a result of stress and lack of motivation . But you might be surprised at how therapeutic writing down the task you are procrastinating can be. Writing down the task can help to make the situation more manageable.

Break your homework into smaller task

Enjoying this article? Get our 137-page guide to doing well in high school here.

This is one point that we can’t overemphasize. It goes without saying that breaking tasks down into smaller bits makes them more manageable. So, if your procrastination is a result of the complex nature of the assignments, you can break them down to make them easier and more manageable.

Create detailed timeline with specific deadlines

Now that you’ve probably broken the homework into smaller manageable tasks, you may consider setting specific timelines for each of the tasks. Assigning a timeframe for each task will help create a sense of urgency and motivate you to finish on time so that you can move to the next.

Spend time with people that have overcome procrastination problem

There’s no problem too new on earth. You’ll probably find a few people that are constantly winning the battle against procrastination within your circle. Identify such people and learn from their experiences. If they can, let them tell you the turning point for them and the tips they used to overcome procrastination. You can apply their formula to your life to see how it works for you too.

Wrapping Things Up: How to Stop Procrastinating on Your Homework

Although procrastination is often accepted as a part of human existence, the truth is that we can still be aware of it and make conscious attempts to conquer it. Once you’ve committed yourself to solve this problem, you’ll find that there is no shortage of steps you can take to fight the urge to push things off and leave them for the last minute. Throughout this article, we’ve provided all the information you’ll need to overcome procrastination. Employing the strategies in this article will not only help you stop procrastination in your homework, but it’ll also help you stay motivated to live a better life.

Did you enjoy this post? Then you may  like our other high school study tips.

> How to Improve Your Study Habits: 17 Tips

> How to Be a Successful Student: 25 Tips

> How to Not Hate School?

Professor Conquer

Professor Conquer started Conquer Your Exam in 2018 to help students feel more confident and better prepared for their tough tests. Prof excelled in high school, graduating top of his class and receiving admissions into several Ivy League and top 15 schools. He has helped many students through the years tutoring and mentoring K-12, consulting seniors through the college admissions process, and writing extensive how-to guides for school.

If you found this helpful, help us out by sharing this post!

Readers of this post also read...

How Hard is it to Get Into UMass Amherst Honors College?

Are you done with high school? Congratulations! Now’s time to face the next hurdle – college application. The college application process is difficult and often filled with uncertainties. It can have you thinking about the...

Best Honors College and Programs and What to Expect

If you’re a high-achieving student who loves challenging yourself, chances exist that you dream of attending an honors college. Honors colleges and programs are known for the amount of opportunities they open for students. However,...

What Happens if You Fail a Class in College?

So you failed a class in college. Maybe it’s because you’re not yet used to the new system. Maybe it’s a result of procrastination. Or you got unlucky. Whatever the reason, a failed class has...

*AP®, Advanced Placement®, and SAT® are registered trademarks of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this site. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc., which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this site.

Test names and other trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this site.

Conquer Your Exam is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Popular Posts

• Our Ultimate Guide to Scholarships
• 125 ACT Tips and Test Taking Strategies
• 125 SAT Tips and Test Taking Strategies
• 2024 AP Exam Test Dates
• 51 Time Management Tips for Students
• 25 Tips on How to Ace a Test

Terms & More

• Terms of Use / Privacy Policy

More From Forbes

14 tips to help professionals break free of procrastination.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Chronic procrastination is a familiar hurdle for professionals who want to optimize their productivity and achieve their goals. Procrastinating often leads to stress, missed opportunities and compromised performance. However, with the right strategies, professionals can overcome this habit and significantly boost their productivity.

Below, 14 Forbes Coaches Council members share helpful tips for breaking free of chronic procrastination and overcoming the obstacles that it can present in one’s career. From time management techniques to psychological insights for maintaining motivation, read on to learn about ways to transform the negative consequences of procrastination into sustainable success.

1. Find An Accountability Partner

Pick a tough accountability partner. This cannot be a friend who will allow you to slack. At some point, your chronic procrastination will sink you in some way. Find someone you can confide in, but who will not allow you to run from what you know you need to handle. Show them a calendar and make a commitment. This person, by the way, may not be someone from work, but an outsider. - John M. O’Connor , Career Pro Inc.

2. Implement The ‘2-Minute Rule’

Start by implementing the “2-minute rule,” a simple yet effective technique made popular by productivity expert David Allen. The rule encourages individuals to tackle tasks that take two minutes or less immediately, helping to build momentum and break the cycle of procrastination. - Chris Aird , With Purpose

3. Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing

Many professionals struggle with procrastination. The key to overcoming this is to keep the main thing the main thing. This can be achieved by linking a clear outcome with a compelling reason why you want to achieve it, backed by swift decisive action. With this approach, you can keep your priorities at the center and take more deliberate actions that are aligned with the outcome you desire. - Erica McKenzie , Creative Brands & Concepts

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, 4. switch up your environment.

Go somewhere where you can be uninterrupted in a different environment—it could be a park, a library or a coffee shop, for example—and set a timer. The goal is not to finish something, but to start. If you can work undistracted until the timer goes off (set it to go off after short bursts of about five minutes), then you can build up to working for longer stretches of time. Sometimes, a different environment and the pressure of an accountability tool such as a timer can build momentum. - Denise Russo , School of Thoughts Publishing

Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?

5. Determine Why You Are Procrastinating

Chronic procrastination is an avoidant way to fill a need of some kind. Identify what the “hope” is that procrastination gives you. By procrastinating, are you wanting to feel in control, maintain peace, manage anxiety or seek comfort by sticking to preferred tasks? Once you understand the “why,” you can reframe your mindset around non-preferred work and take steps in accordance with your values. - Jessica Fox , Clear Path Executive Coaching

6. Dive Into Executive Function

The adage is true: “When you know better, you do better.” Dive into executive function—the mental processes enabling us to focus attention, remember instructions, plan and successfully handle multiple tasks. Learn about it. Get training. Hire an executive function coach. If you wanted to get better at tennis, you’d take lessons or get a coach. So, do the same when it comes to getting things done! - David Taylor-Klaus, MCC, CPCC, CTPC , DTK Coaching, LLC

7. Figure Out What Happens After You Complete The Task

Start by figuring out how procrastination helps or benefits you, and what happens once you complete the task. Maybe you’re ambivalent, fearful or not ready for the next step. Maybe it’s not that you don’t want to do the task at hand; it’s what will happen after completion that you don’t want. Once you’re comfortable with the next step, you’ll be better positioned to tackle today’s task. - Julie Kantor, PhD , Julie Kantor Consulting

8. Take Action On Something Even If It’s Small

Take action on something, no matter how small, and get that first win under your belt. Then, rinse and repeat, building up that sense that you’re winning as you go through your day. This increasing sense of achievement will boost your confidence to take on more challenging tasks. As a certain sportswear company says: “Just do it!” - Ricky Muddimer , Thinking Focus

9. Try ‘Temptation Bundling’

To beat chronic procrastination, you can try “temptation bundling” by pairing tasks you avoid with enjoyable activities. For instance, only listen to podcasts while exercising. This creates positive associations and boosts motivation. Identify tasks and enjoyable activities, then pair them up to make tasks more enticing. Consistency is key to forming this habit effectively. - Alla Adam , Alla Adam Coaching

10. Start Doing The Most Difficult Task First

Begin doing the most difficult task first, when you are at peak alertness and energy levels. This differs from person to person, and it could be at any time of the day. Becoming conscious of this is important because you can prioritize channeling that energy toward time-consuming or big items, instead of smaller, easier tasks. When that energy window disappears, procrastination sets in. - Arthi Rabikrisson , Prerna Advisory

11. Gamify Your To-Do List

One novel way to stop procrastinating is to gamify tasks and treat them like quests in a game. You can break down your work into smaller, bite-sized tasks and assign each one a point value or reward. By setting specific goals and deadlines for completing each task and rewarding yourself with points or incentives upon completion, you can turn your work into a fun activity peppered with some excitement. - Thomas Lim , Centre for Systems Leadership (SIM Academy)

12. Write Down Your Fears

If procrastination is preventing you from completing a task, write down your fears about confronting the assignment, project or conversation. On the other side of the paper, list all the benefits you will gain from tackling that challenge. If need be, discuss this with an objective party, such as a manager or a mentor, so you can gain clarity and momentum. - Michael Timmes , Insperity

13. Change The Way You Think

One tip for overcoming procrastination is to check in with your thoughts around the task or action. If your go-to thoughts are, “I’m going to fail,” or, “This needs to be perfect,” this fear may cause you to doubt yourself. To move from inaction to action, ask yourself which thought will make the biggest difference, create a better feeling (confidence, for example) and move you forward to get results. - Kathleen Shanley , Statice

14. Embrace Your Own Process

Why change it? If it’s a modality that works for you, leave it alone. If you need the pressure of looming deadlines to drive you, and you tend to get things done—let it go. Instead of shaming yourself, what if you figured out what’s right about this approach? You’re getting something valuable from it; find what that is. The value may be seeing how fast you actually can get something done. Enjoy the rush. - Carry Metkowski , Carry Metkowski

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions