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Why?
Procrastination is the biggest distraction when it comes to completion of work. This is both at College where friends can be a distraction. It can be at home with the distractions of family or technology. Being distracted is easy, however this makes completion of tasks more difficult and it can feel like you aren’t making progress.
How?
What is Procrastination?
What is Procrastination?
Watch the video by Tim Urban which looks at the mind of a procrastinator. It gives a light insight into how our brains respond to procrastination and the impact that can have on study.
What forms can procrastination take?
What forms can procrastination take?
A study by Steele (2007) suggests that the following factors can impact on an individual response to task procrastination.
Aversion to the task
Avoidance of an unpleasant, boring or difficult task for as long as possible
Worry about failure
Worry about failing the task. Preferred to be viewed as lacking in effort, rather than ability.
Mood Related
Low energy or motivation levels or just not in the mood to respond to tasks.
Rebellion
Delaying starting tasks because of a resentment about the task itself.
Impulsiveness
Easily swayed from one task to another. Pursuit of immediate gratification.
Time Management
Under-estimation of time needed to complete the task set.
Environmental Factors
Place of study can have an impact on motivation to start.
Enjoy working under pressure
Relish the ‘buzz’ of working close to the time limits or deadlines.
Student Views
I use headphones and listen to calm music to make sure I focus and minimise distractions and noises.
Finding a quiet space to work allows you to just sit down and concentrate. This helps at home and at College.
When working in College try to work away from your friends then there won’t be distractions. Most students will do this at some point and it doesn’t affect your friendships.
Use a timer on your phone. This means it isn’t a distraction and also allows for you to have a period of time fully focusing on your tasks.
Practice
Working out your distractions
Working out your distractions
Watch the video by Tim Urban. Consider your Instant Gratification Monkeys. What are they? What strategies could you put in place to remove these distractions whilst you are trying to work? See some examples below.
What are your distractions?
Easily distracted by friends.
Put off tasks until the last minute.
Mobile Phone.
What actions can you take?
Ensure study periods are taken alone.
Have a clear study plan and ask for help if needed.
Keep a timer for effective study periods and time off the phone.
What can you do about it?
What can you do about it?
Following your consideration of your own personal distractions read the article to the right regarding procrastination.
Could any of the suggestions work for you?
Final Tips
Look at the final tips below to support you. Everyone will need this help at some time whilst at Sixth Form.
Forgive yourself for the past procrastination…
If it happened before fine. Start afresh!
Promise yourself a reward…
This could be a treat (coffee, cake) or time on your phone.
Act as you go…
Tackle tasks as they arise. Get the short ones done quickly.
Minimize Distractions…
This is the most challenging. Turn off your phone, email, do not engage in social media for periods of productivity.
Commit to the task…
Focus on doing not avoiding. Make lists and allocate times.
Ask someone to check up on you…
This could be peers, the Sixth Form Team or parents!
Aim to “Eat the Frog”
Start with the least pleasant tasks first to make it easier later!
Rephrase your internal dialogue…
Don’t think “need to” and “have to” think “I choose to”. Own the work.
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