The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that 98% of adolescents procrastinate, with 60-70% of them procrastinating at “high levels. That statistic applied to Skyline would mean that over 1200 of our peers experience procrastination at some level. That being said, procrastinating your english essay or your math corrections isn’t out of the ordinary, but it isn’t something to shrug off either. By not starting work until hours (or even minutes) before the deadline, the outcome won’t likely be your best work and, in my experience, it’s demotivating to see my grades fall over something I know I could have prevented. In this log I want to enable you with tips and tricks to overcome procrastination and bring on some healthy habits.
What causes procrastination?
Before finding a solution, it’s important to look at the base of a problem; in this situation, procrastination can be caused by different things so it’s important to recognize them.
- Perfectionism and the fear of failing
Perfectionism is defined as “a disposition to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable” (Merriam Webster), and it can often be partnered with the fear of failure. When you’re a perfectionist you want nothing short of the best there can be, and such a high goal can be incredibly intimidating. When you want nothing short of perfection, it can be incredibly hard to begin.
- Anxiety and depression
Procrastination can also be a by-product of anxiety and depression; two commonly spoken about mental ailments. According to the NIH, procrastination can result from being too anxious to start or anxious about what the result will be. The more that people get anxious, the more they procrastinate which causes more anxiety and so on. This spiral can result in feelings of depression.
- Writer’s block
Sometimes it’s just really difficult to find an idea to execute. I find that this form of procrastination really impacts me during English classes. If you don’t have a theme/topic you like, it’s hard to find motivation to write.
How can you get past procrastinating?
Here are some tips and tricks that I use to get my mind ready to be creative and work.
- Get up and get some fresh air.
I find that being inside in my room or even in a classroom can feel cramped, and it makes me not want to start anything. Moving around or getting outside can make you feel refreshed and reset, not to mention being outside can inspire some creativity if you’re in a creative “block”. Don’t be afraid to step away when you need to.
- Put the phone down.
Though I don’t like to admit it, even I love to be on my phone when I get home. It’s easy to turn to after a long day! Watching a show or “doom-scrolling” can suck time away and before you know it it’s nighttime. Setting your phone down in another room, or turning it off, can give you enough time to sit with your thoughts and maybe get motivated to start your nagging assignments. Boredom can be a great tool!
- Reach out for help.
Talking with peers (friends, tutors or even family) can really help you to get started. Involving other people can help keep you accountable, give you ideas, and/or help you just start.
- Journal/Write down your ideas
If you are having a hard time starting because you can’t find a topic you like/think you could write about/think represents you, it can be so unmotivating. By writing down ideas and just GETTING some words on paper, (for me atleast) writing starts to flow more and it can pull you out of a writing block.
While none of these tips are faultless, and procrastination can be an incredibly hard hole to climb out of, they’re definitely worth giving a try. Remember, lots of people share this struggle, so don’t think you’re alone in it!
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