Procrastination Get’s the Best of Me.

In one way or another, this post is a paradox because I am procrastinating while I am typing this. Instead of reading for University or for my book review, I am working on my blog. So while I read some blogs I follow, I switched to Pinterest and Instagram. Then of course back to Facebook to see what my “friends” are up to, my email account to see if my mom wrote me back and then Youtube. Whenever I open Youtube, I know I am pretty much done for the next hour or so by being deeply sucked into videos upon videos. I am sure you now what I am talking about here, eh? Did you ever rearrange your books by color, clean the fridge or do laundry while an assignment was due? Then read on. 

To be honest, before I sat down at my desk to start this post I checked Instagram again, made myself a cup of tea, checked on the laundry in the dryer, checked if my son is asleep and looked for a Jazz-playlist on Spotify that would keep me nicely entertained while I write. I caught myself gazing around the living room, staring at my bookshelf. I could read a book instead or rearrange them? I know someone who is hands down the President of Procrastination but still gets an A+ on the final paper that he wrote literally the night before. Wth! He knows words though because he has been in academia for felt thousands of years. If he would procrastinate less, he could even get the honey from the tree faster than Tété. But I believe he knows that.  

I want to stop procrastination because it is such a time and motivation killer in a way. I came up with a bunch of things or tips that help me focus more on the work I need to do and less on everything else. It also makes me procrastinate more in style or more productively I reckon. However, keeping in mind that  focusing more on my life, health or myself personally should never lack and is priority number one. 

1. I set a time frame, goals or write a to-do list. 

I love lists and journals. Jotting down what I need to get done today or throughout the week is very helpful to me. I don’t have enormously long lists however because this becomes overwhelming. Also, if I allow myself a time frame of let’s say, watching Youtube Simpsons/Family guy videos for pleasure for half an hour works well. While setting a time, I actually have some sense of how much time I am spending procrastinating but it is then all under control somewhat. Another point is that I try to focus on one thing only and continue  until I am finished. Sometimes this is difficult because the course load is so demanding and I could work day and night on all four courses I am enrolled in. Also, sometimes the reading are very boring and filled with statistics (Thomas!) and charts. Prioritizing what is most important  is key here.  I usually write my to-do lists on Sunday evening to prepare myself for the upcoming week. Setting goals is a great way to keep on track with life and studies. Whenever I procrastinate I forget about my goals. Usually, my goals work pretty well to motivate me however, life throws curveballs at me, too. Also, I keep in mind that Netflix binge does not work to get this paper done any faster. 

2. I find a balance. 

Balancing studies and fun is salient. I play with my son and I am 100% with him when I do this because I know when he is in bed, I have to study. We have fun first and spend time together and I am usually motivated (or tired) enough to focus on my work later. Breaks are important too. I usually tell myself that I am reading or writing until 10pm and then make myself a cup of tea or eat some dark chocolate (Yum!). Which let’s me step away from the desk and clear my mind. I am also thinking about the pros of getting assignments done. Deadlines are usually on my mind constantly and hang over my head like a rainy cloud. Getting my work done sooner than later makes me feel good and I can scratch it off my to-do list. Balance in life is important. 

3. I find a peaceful, quiet place to study. 

This place is usually at the University library on the third floor. I am most productive when I don’t hear or see anything around me. And I don’t know what it exactly triggers in me but sitting near other people who study, read or write always gives me some type of competition-feeling. Like we are all in the same boat, we love to study and to learn which makes me work even harder. (peer pressure?) Places that also let me get more unimportant things done are  bookstores or a café. To listen to other people’s conversations and looking around observing is considered “study breaks”, right? I can also work in a comfortable environment like my home when I drop my son off at daycare in the morning. With him around all day long on weekends, university work piles up for the evening naturally. Being at home is however also dangerous sometimes. The couch is calling my name very loudly to invite me to take a nap at points. Rest is important but there is a huge difference between just relaxing and procrastination. Adequate rest I love indeed. Time for a power nap? 

So, in a nutshell, I am responsible for myself and whenever procrastinate I am the only one to blame really, right? Also, when I give myself too much time to complete anything, I know what nothing gets done because I procrastinate like ca-raaaazy. I have three weeks to get an assignment done or hand in a draft for a final paper? I think of it like this. I finish the paper in two weeks, hoping the professor (who said she should take advantage of handing in the paper for a proofread early) reads it and tells me if I am on the wrong track. (Cree dictionary, eyes, park)  

I am always amazed at myself what I can actually get done when I really want to. All I need to do is focus. Removing distractions is necessary sometimes. And if nothing else works and I can’t focus, I am going out and walk. Breath in some fresh air and get back to work with a better mood. Motivating myself to focus is my key to fight procrastination. What are your ways? I would love to hear from you.