Thinking about doing something is not the same as getting it started.
Nothing is more inevitable than assignments – or assessments – if you're a university student.
They just keep coming.
But here's the thing. Finishing assignments on time (with reasonable marks) is how you end up with a degree.
So if your goal is to get this degree and change your life, you can't delay the inevitable.
Flip your thinking
When you procrastinate or put off something, you're probably thinking things like, "It's too boring" or "It's too hard" or "It won't be good enough" or "There's still plenty of time left".
You need to flip this thinking around and talk yourself into doing it.
Start thinking, "I'll feel better once it's done."
Or "If I start now, I won't be so stressed later."
Procrastinating can become a pattern of behaviour for some people.
Don't let it be yours.
Get into the habit of dealing with things straight away.
The sooner you start to understand the assignment you've been given the better you’ll feel about getting it done.
6 ways to avoid delaying study
Start anywhere
Do anything relating to the assignment just to get things moving. Pick something easy to start with. Chip away at parts of the job until it doesn't look so daunting.
Break it down
If your assignment seems too big or overwhelming, break it down into a series of smaller, more achievable tasks or steps that will add up to completing the job.
Pick your times
Work on the task at a time when you're most alert, rested and energised, and therefore more likely to do it – and put these times in your diary.
Change your study place
Make whatever changes you need to increase the likelihood that you'll get your work done. If you can't study at home, find somewhere you can. Minimise distractions!
Manage your time better
Use semester and weekly planners or diaries to organise your time. Set specific dates and times to begin or continue your work.
Reward yourself
Do fun things (even small ones) to reward yourself when you've done the work you planned to do – rather than using those fun things as a way of avoiding that work.
Ask for help
We all get stuck at some time, wondering how we're going to get something finished.
So, there's nothing wrong with asking someone for help, like a friend, classmate, tutor or lecturer.
Nobody is going to think less of you for doing this.
Your lecturers and tutors will welcome your questions because they want you to do well in your studies.
If you can't get hold of the right person straight away, move onto another part of the assignment if you can.
You can do this. Today.
