Actually, I should learn, but... If instead you watch your favorite series, surf for hours on Instagram or tidy up your place, the experts call it procrastination. We show the successful way out of procrastination and tips against procrastination.
"Tomorrow I really start!" Are you one of those students who constantly put off studying for exams, writing homework or preparing a presentation? Instead of the tasks that are actually required, you devote yourself to other, less important things. Then you obviously suffer like about 70-80% of all students from the work disorder procrastination. No wonder, after all, Facebook & Co and Netflix seem much more attractive and the fridge should be cleaned again.
This form of postponing unpleasant tasks and activities is an endogenous protective mechanism that wants to save us effort. The further away the date of the exam or the submission of the homework is, the greater the likelihood of it being postponed. Because there is still enough time. Even if the tasks seem very difficult, boring or uninteresting to us, the probability of procrastinating increases.
But nothing helps. At some point every student has to motivate himself and will have to reach for the learning materials. So that you can defeat your procrastination, which is also known as student syndrome, we have put together some tips and tricks for you - so that the "Actually I should ..." finally becomes "I've already done it".
The best tips against procrastination
1. The first overcoming
Overcoming yourself and finally starting to do housework or other tasks instead of procrastinating is one of the most difficult steps in the learning process. You should get this over with as soon as possible. Just start! And don't start studying last minute before the exam. Structure is important, but you don't necessarily have to set it in stone at the very beginning. Read a text or look at the notes of an interesting lecture. This is how you familiarize yourself with the topic. After the first overcoming, many things will come naturally.
2. Create a learning atmosphere
The cozy shared room, the beer-drinking roommates and the game console quickly tempt you to let your work ethic sink and open the floodgates to procrastination. Create a place where you can really concentrate. Even if your learning materials are spread out in bed in front of you, the mouse often slides over the Netflix task. And let's be honest, an episode of your favorite series is rarely the case. If you work from home, sit at a table. If you don't need to research online, write your term paper in offline mode. Going to the library helps some students. Many meters away from your bed at home, it is usually easier to learn.
3. Avoid disruptive factors
Another symptom of procrastination is frequent interruptions in work. To combat this annoying side effect, get everything that can easily distract you (yes, including your cell phone) out of reach. Instagram, Facebook and Co. can also do without you for a few hours.
4. Reward yourself
Another motivation that will help you overcome your procrastination is a small reward after a job is done. After a long day in the library, treat yourself to a delicious meal, a visit to the cinema or sauna, or meet up with friends for a coffee between the individual learning stages.
5. Anyone can fail an exam
If procrastination should get the upper hand, which we hope won't happen to you based on our tips, put up with it. Anyone can fail an exam. There's no use nagging at all. Use the loss as motivation to start earlier next time.
6. Enjoy your semester break
Always keep in mind: The earlier you have passed your exams, the earlier you have semester break. Your procrastination will definitely be weakened by imagining your future self.