For example, you might research areas of a report that you find most interesting before moving on to other areas. If your math assignment has different types of questions, try doing those that you enjoy the most before moving on to the others. You might also try tackling smaller or easier tasks first so you can cross a few items off your list. Seeing that you’ve already made progress may help you feel motivated to continue.
Promise yourself that you will meet your goal of working for five minutes on the assignment. Once you get started, you may find that you don’t want to stop working. Otherwise, you can take a break and come back to the assignment, knowing you’re at least five minutes closer to finishing than you were before.
Try to set reasonable periods of time that you know you can meet. For example, you might set aside two hours on a Friday to dedicate to your assignment. If you don’t have that much time all at once, try to carve out a few 20- or 30-minute blocks. You may or may not wish to continue working after your time limit has gone by. Have a realistic understanding of how fast you can write and plan your schedule accordingly.
It can help to read the assignment as soon as you get it and then ask any questions you might have. If you’re not sure if you understand the assignment, try rewriting it in your own words or explaining it to someone else. If you find you can’t or have a lot of questions, you may need more information. You should have an overview of the assignment, understand the main task, and understand the technical and stylistic requirements. Look for important words in the instructions to understand the assignment. These words might include define, explain, compare, relate, or prove. Keep your audience in mind and write a paper that would best deliver information to them.
Goals that are too big or not well defined can be difficult to start working towards. Smaller and well defined goals can seem easier to achieve than larger ones. For example, you could break a research paper down into several smaller tasks: 1) do preliminary research, 2) write an outline, 3) draft an introduction, 4) draft body paragraphs, 5) write conclusion, 6) revise. Each of these is much more do-able on its own.
You might want to go for a quick walk after working for a set amount of time. Try reading a website or book that you enjoy for a few minutes after working. Alternatively, try a quick burst of exercise before setting to work. Exercise releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins and can also help boost your memory. [8] X Research source
Instead of dreading your work, focus on how good it will feel to make progress. You won’t have it hanging over your head. You can actually enjoy the weekend instead of feeling guilty. Keeping your eye on long-term rewards can help you stay motivated to finish your assignment.
Avoid moving your workspace constantly. Don’t get lost on tangential research. Don’t take constant breaks to get a snack.
For every hour you waste procrastinating, you can limit how much television you watch that night. If you waste too much time procrastinating, you might deny yourself a favorite snack later on.
