Procrastination is a sneaky little habit that shows up when you least expect it.
It whispers sweet lies in your ear like, “Don’t worry, you have plenty of time,” or “You can totally start that paper tomorrow, right?” We all know how that story ends.
As much as procrastination feels like an unavoidable part of being a student, it doesn’t have to win every time. You can overcome it.
Yes, YOU. In fact, with a little bit of strategy and a lot of self-compassion, you can kick procrastination to the curb and actually get things done without resorting to last-minute panic.
So, let’s dive into some tips that are as effective as they are charming (because we all deserve a little bit of charm in our lives).
Break It Down: Big Tasks Are Scary—But Baby Tasks? Not So Much.
Have you ever looked at a big project, like that 10-page research paper, and thought, “I’ll just… I’ll just do this later. Like, WAY later”? That’s procrastination talking. When you look at a task as one enormous, gigantic thing, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and walk away.
Solution: Break it down into manageable chunks. Instead of thinking, “I have to write 10 pages,” think, “I’ll write the introduction first.” Then the next day, tackle one body paragraph. Then another. And eventually, voila! You’ll have a whole paper without the whole meltdown.
Pro tip: Use a timer. The Pomodoro Technique—which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break, can make big projects feel more like a marathon than a sprint. And hey, who doesn’t like an excuse for a quick dance break every 25 minutes?
Set Deadlines (That Are Realistic—But Still Push You)
We’ve all been there: you tell yourself you’ll do something “later,” but you never actually set a specific time to do it. Surprise! Later never comes. But what if you set a deadline that’s close enough to keep you on your toes, but far enough away that it doesn’t feel suffocating?
Solution: Schedule mini-deadlines for yourself. Instead of a vague “finish paper before Friday,” set a goal like, “Have the first two pages done by 6 p.m. today.” These bite-sized deadlines feel less intimidating and more like quick wins. Plus, you’ll be shocked by how much momentum you build when you get those small tasks done.
Find Your “Why”. And Make It Bigger Than Your Netflix Binge to Beat Procrastination
Let’s be real: Netflix is addictive. One episode turns into three, and before you know it, you’re 6 episodes deep into a show you told yourself you’d “just watch for a little while.” But here’s the thing, you can’t get your dream job while binge-watching “Stranger Things” (no matter how many times you’ve watched it).
Solution: Remember why you’re doing this. What’s your big goal? Whether it’s acing this class, graduating with honors, making your family proud, or getting an internship? Keep that in the front of your mind. If you need help finding your why, you can look at this fool proof guide!: https://girlinbloom.co/?p=43
Visualizing the future you’re working toward can be a great motivator to get your head out of the screen and back into the books.
Another trick? Pair something you love with something you need to do. “I’ll let myself watch a YouTube video after I finish this paragraph.” Now you’ve got a little incentive to push through the task at hand.
Eliminate Distractions (And Yes, Your Phone Counts)
Your phone is your best friend, but it’s also the biggest blocker of productivity. One second, you’re checking a text, and the next, you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole of TikToks.
Solution: Turn off notifications, put your phone in another room, or use apps like Forest or Focus@Will to keep you in the zone. Want to be really hardcore? Try the “phone jail” method. Put your phone in a drawer and close it. No, I’m not kidding. You’ll be amazed how quickly your focus improves when you’re not constantly checking for the latest notification.
Use the Power of Momentum—The First Step Is the Hardest
Sometimes, procrastination isn’t about laziness, it’s about starting. We overthink, we get stuck in “analysis paralysis,” and we convince ourselves that unless the conditions are perfect, we can’t begin. Spoiler: perfection doesn’t exist.
Solution: Just start. Do something, anything. The first step is always the hardest, but once you start working, even for just 10 minutes, momentum will kick in. Once you’ve written a few sentences or completed a small task, you’ll find it easier to keep going.
Embrace the “Two-Minute Rule”
This is a game-changer. The two-minute rule is simple: if a task will take two minutes or less to do, do it now. Whether it’s responding to an email, organizing your desk, or making a quick phone call, tackle the tiny tasks immediately.
Solution: Make a list of everything you’ve been putting off (yes, everything), and knock out the two-minute tasks. Not only does this clear up your mental clutter, but you’ll feel like you’ve already achieved something, and trust me, that’s going to make you want to keep going.
Be Kind to Yourself: Perfectionism Is a Trap
You’re human. You’re going to mess up. You’re going to procrastinate sometimes. And you know what? That’s okay. The key is not to beat yourself up about it. Instead of saying, “Ugh, I’m such a failure for procrastinating,” try, “Okay, I didn’t get to it earlier, but I’m going to make the most of the time I have now.”
Solution: When you slip up, don’t spiral. Forgive yourself and get back on track. Embrace the idea that “done is better than perfect.” Trust me, a 90% perfect paper turned in on time is way better than a perfectly written paper submitted 12 hours too late.
Celebrate Your Wins (No Matter How Small)
Finally, remember to reward yourself. Seriously. When you check off a task, whether it’s a mini deadline or a massive one, give yourself some credit. You deserve it.
Solution: Treat yourself to something small; a snack, a walk outside, or 10 minutes of your favorite guilty-pleasure show. Positive reinforcement works wonders. And the next time you’re tempted to procrastinate, think back to how good it felt to cross something off your list.
In Conclusion: You’ve Got This
Procrastination doesn’t stand a chance when you have the right tools, mindset, and a little bit of self-compassion on your side. By breaking down tasks, setting realistic deadlines, finding your “why,” and eliminating distractions, you’ll soon be the productivity powerhouse you were always meant to be.
And remember: the path to productivity is never a straight line. There will be bumps, distractions, and the occasional Netflix binge. But that’s okay. Just take a deep breath, keep going, and give yourself credit for every little win. You’ve got this. Now go conquer that to-do list.
Lovingly,
Girl In Bloom
