Procrastination

Tip 1: Keep a black and white distinction between work and play. Plan out your time as carefully as possible to have a clear distinction between when you are working and when you are not. If you don't do this, you end up having periods of grey 'half-work' where you sit at your desk and pretend to work but in fact you are not being effective.

Tip 2: Have a fixed start and finish time for your work. This is related to Tip 1. Everyone knows that any task will expand to fill the time you give it. But if you are working to a deadline it forces you to work more efficiently. Set a clear end point for your work and stick to it like you would in an exam. Remember by sticking to the times you have set, you are protecting your free time. Never compromise your free time!

Tip 3: Remove distractions. This one doesn't need much explanation. Try to be mindful of what is dragging your attention away from your work. If you don't trust yourself not to check your phone, put it in another room or give it to another family member while you do your work. Out of sight, out of mind!

Tip 4: Reflect on when and where you work best. Perhaps you work best in the dining room rather than your bedroom. At weekends, maybe Saturday morning is more productive than Sunday evening. Have a think about when and where is best for you and play to your strengths.

Tip 5: Outsource your accountability. When it comes to procrastination, we are often our own worst enemy as we allow ourselves to get away with any little excuse not to do the work. This is where it can be helpful to recruit another person (a family member, friend, form tutor) to hold you to account - You can also put them in charge of dishing out the next tip!

Tip 6: Use rewards. These work very well to keep procrastination at bay, but make sure you only reward yourself when you have completed the task! You have to earn the reward!