Procrastinators are the leaders of tomorrow.

This may be true, but how do you get things done today? With an overwhelming number of commitments, responsibilities, activities, and deadlines, college students often find themselves in a cycle of duty deferral. Once you understand why procrastination occurs, you can take steps to combat it.

Why do people procrastinate?

Lack of motivation: When individuals lack a clear sense of purpose, interest, or enthusiasm for a task, they may struggle to initiate or sustain their efforts. Without a strong motivation, it becomes easier to delay or avoid the task altogether.

Fear of failure: Some people procrastinate because they are anxious about not meeting their own or others’ expectations. They may worry about making mistakes, being judged, or facing negative consequences. Procrastination can provide temporary relief from this anxiety, although it often leads to increased stress in the long run.

Perfectionism: Perfectionists tend to have extremely high standards for themselves, which can be paralyzing. They may delay starting a task because they fear they won’t be able to meet their own unrealistic expectations. Procrastination becomes a way to avoid potential feelings of inadequacy.

Difficulty with task management: Poor organizational skills or time management can contribute to procrastination. When individuals feel overwhelmed by the size or complexity of a task, they may struggle to break it down into manageable steps. As a result, they may put off starting it altogether.

Distractions and temptations: Modern life is full of distractions, such as social media, entertainment, or other enjoyable activities. People may procrastinate by engaging in these distractions instead of focusing on the task at hand. The immediate gratification provided by these distractions often outweighs the long-term benefits of completing the task.

Lack of structure or accountability: Some individuals require external structure or accountability to stay motivated. Without clear deadlines, guidelines, or consequences for not completing a task, they may struggle to initiate or complete it.

Overwhelm and lack of prioritization: When faced with multiple tasks or responsibilities, individuals may struggle to prioritize effectively. This feeling of overwhelm can lead to procrastination as they delay making decisions about what to tackle first.

Understanding the specific reasons behind your procrastination can help you develop strategies to overcome it and improve productivity.

Steps to Combat Procrastination

1. Set clear and achievable goals: Clearly define what you want to accomplish and break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Setting specific and achievable goals provides clarity and helps you stay focused.

2. Create a schedule or to-do list: Use a planner, digital calendar, or task management app to schedule your tasks and allocate specific blocks of time for each activity. This helps create structure and makes it easier to prioritize and stay on track.

3. Use time management techniques: Explore techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for a set period (e.g., 25 minutes) and then taking a short break. Breaking tasks into smaller, focused intervals can make them feel more manageable and reduce the tendency to procrastinate.

4. Identify and address underlying issues: Reflect on the reasons behind your procrastination. Are you lacking motivation, feeling overwhelmed, or afraid of failure? Once you identify the underlying issues, you can address them directly. For example, if you lack motivation, try finding ways to make the task more personally meaningful or rewarding.

5. Minimize distractions: Identify and minimize potential distractions in your environment. Put away your phone, close unnecessary browser tabs, or find a quiet space where you can focus without interruptions. Consider using productivity apps or browser extensions that block access to distracting websites or limit your time on them.

6. Break tasks into smaller steps: If a task feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes the task less daunting and helps you build momentum as you complete each step.

7. Develop a routine: Establishing a consistent routine can help create a sense of structure and discipline. Set aside specific times for work or study, and make it a habit to start tasks at those designated times.

8. Find an accountability partner: Share your goals and progress with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or colleague. Having someone to hold you accountable can provide motivation and support.

9. Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and avoid self-criticism if you procrastinate occasionally. Accept that everyone has off days, and focus on learning from those experiences to improve your approach in the future.

10. Celebrate progress and reward yourself: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way. Rewarding yourself after completing tasks or reaching milestones can help reinforce positive behaviors and motivate you to continue making progress.

Remember that combating procrastination is a process, and it may take time to develop new habits and overcome ingrained patterns of behavior. Be patient with yourself and keep experimenting with different strategies until you find what works best for you.