Students struggle with procrastination and the stress of school throughout their college career. Here are some helpful tips students have shared to help motivate others to continue working hard this semester and following semesters.
Make to-do lists. It can be satisfying crossing out an assignment or task, once finished.
“The workload is still going to be the same just with more added pressure and the relief of knowing you have your stuff done is so worth it,” said Becca Hanzlick, a nursing student.
Do homework or study in new environments to keep your mind fresh.
Don’t do homework or study in bed. According to the American College of Healthcare Sciences, studying in bed can limit your focus and decrease productivity.
Do work around other people who are motivated and will keep you focused as well.
“I spend more time than usual with people in my life that I appreciate so I can remind myself of the people I’d be letting down if I gave up on myself,” Devin Rodriguez, a nursing student, said.
Plan ahead of time.
“Learning how to manage your time in the best way for you to find a solution,” said Kaileigh Thompson, a nursing student. “People handle everything differently, you just need to find your own rhythm.”
Schedule meetings for help
“Scheduling tutoring ahead of time whether someone needs it or not is helpful to just get it in their mind that things need to be done,” said Aris Huang, a kinesiology student and tutor in ASU Downtown Writing Center.“Even scheduling a meeting with your professor ahead of time even if you don’t need help right then. It’s good for just checkpoints.”
Remembering once you finish the work, you will be free from the assignment.
“Sometimes procrastination is okay,” Thompson said. “As long as you know your limits and can get the assignment done well and on time”
Take a break when needed.
“Walk away for 15 minutes and do whatever. Taking a break and then coming back to it helps re-evaluate what’s going on and gives your brain a break,” Huang said.
Start off with the little things first instead of jumping into all of it.
“For example, if you had a chapter or two to read, start off with reading like four or five pages early,” Leyci Denzler, a criminal justice student, said. “If you start off with trying to read an entire chapter early, you might not read it all and then get mad at yourself for not reading it. Then it’s gonna be harder for you to want to do it next time you have to read.”
Be aware of the pace you work at.
“Something I like to do is work ahead on easier assignments or classes so when it comes to a day where I’ve procrastinated, I only have to worry about completing one assignment,” Rodriguez said.
We’ve all experienced being burnt out at times.
“The way I keep myself focused and motivated is I reflect. I’ve reached points where I got completely burnt out,” Rodriguez said. “When I reach those points, I always have to take time to myself to reflect on all the work it’s taken to get here, the efforts others have put in so I can be successful, and I remind myself of my end goal so I can shift my focus from my current situation.”
Contact the reporter at jspinkne@asu.edu.
