Are you looking for clear, actionable advice on how to stop procrastinating on homework?
Does it feel like no matter how good your intentions are, you just can’t seem to make yourself sit down and do your work?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Procrastination is a common problem that affects students of all ages.
Finding the motivation to study and do your work can be tough, especially when there are other things that you’d rather be doing.
The good news is that there are things that you can do to make it easier to get started on your homework and avoid procrastination.
In this article, we’ll share with you some of the best tips on how to stop procrastinating on homework so you can get your work done and move on with your day.
1. Make a plan
The first step to avoiding homework procrastination is to make a plan. Having a plan gives you something to stick to and helps you stay on track.
Start by knowing what work you need to do and when it’s due. Then, break down the work into smaller tasks that you can complete.
For example, if you have a paper to write, your plan might look something like this:
- Choose a topic
- Do research
- Write a rough draft
- Edit and revise
- Print and submit
Making a plan will help you see the big picture and understand what needs to be done. It can also make the work feel less daunting because you’re not looking at it all at once.
2. Figure out why you’re procrastinating
While it’s easy to call a procrastinator lazy, the reality is there are usually several underlying reasons for why someone is putting off their work.
It could be that the task feels too difficult, or maybe you’re just not interested in the subject matter.
Maybe you’re worried about not doing the assignment well, or you’re procrastinating because you don’t want to deal with the consequences of not doing it right.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to figure out why you’re procrastinating so you can find a way to overcome it.
If the task feels too difficult, for instance, you might try breaking it down into smaller steps or getting help from a tutor or classmate.
And if you’re worried about not doing the assignment perfectly, remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes and that the goal is to learn from them, not to be perfect.
3. Set a timer for working and taking breaks
One of the best ways to stop procrastinating is to set a time limit for yourself.
Tell yourself that you’re going to work on the task for 20 minutes, and then take a 5-minute break after.
After 4 or 5 of these cycles, you should have made significant progress on the task and you can take a longer break.
The key is to not allow yourself to get too bogged down or overwhelmed by the work.
By setting a time limit, you’re giving yourself permission to take breaks and not feel guilty about it.
4. Find a study buddy who’s focused
You’ve probably heard it said that you are who you spend the most time with.
This is especially true when it comes to your studies.
If you’re constantly around people who are unfocused and uninterested in their work, it’s going to be that much harder for you to stay on track.
On the other hand, if you surround yourself with people who are motivated and focused, you’re more likely to be motivated and focused as well.
One way to do this is by finding a study buddy who shares your goals and is willing to help you stay on track.
Working with someone who’s doing well in school can help you stay focused and motivated, and it’s also a great way to get help when you’re struggling with a concept.
5. Find the right environment for doing your homework
It’s very possible that the reason you keep procrastinating on your homework is because you’re trying to do it in an environment that’s not conducive to learning.
For some people, that means trying to do their work in a noisy or crowded place. Others might find it difficult to focus at home because there are too many distractions.
Everyone has different needs when it comes to finding the right environment for doing their homework.
Some people need complete silence, while others prefer to have some background noise.
Some people like to work in a library or coffee shop, while others prefer to be at home.
The important thing is to find an environment that works for you and stick to it.
6. Get rid of distractions
Another reason you might be procrastinating on your homework is because there are too many distractions around you.
This could be anything from your phone to the TV to social media.
If you’re trying to do your homework but you keep getting distracted, it’s important to get rid of those distractions.
Figure out exactly what it is that keeps distracting you and find a way to eliminate it.
For some people, that means putting their phone in another room while they work.
For others, it might mean working in a library instead of at home.
Whatever it is, getting rid of distractions will help you stay focused and get your homework done.
7. Let others know about your homework schedule
By letting others know when you’ll be doing your homework, you accomplish a couple of things.
First, you’re less likely to procrastinate because you don’t want to let others down, and you’ll have some people who can help hold you accountable.
Second, letting others know about your homework schedule can help ensure that no one interrupts you while you’re working.
8. Set reasonable goals
Another reason you might procrastinate on your homework is that your goals are too lofty or unrealistic.
If you’re constantly trying to achieve perfection, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration.
Instead, try to set reasonable goals for yourself.
Focus on understanding the material and doing your best, rather than getting a perfect score.
Or make your goal to do a specific amount of work each day, rather than to finish all of your homework for the week in one sitting. Check out our guide to setting SMART goals for students to get a better idea of how to set achievable goals.
9. Take breaks
If you’re finding it difficult to focus on your homework, it might help to take a break. While that might sound counterintuitive, taking breaks can actually be helpful for your concentration.
If you’ve been working on a project for a while and you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or frustrated, take a 5-10 minute break to clear your head.
Get up and walk around, have a snack, or just step away from your work to give yourself a mental break.
You’ll come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your work with a clear head.
A Final Word on How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework
At one time or another, we’ve all been guilty of procrastinating on our homework.
But if you find that you’re habitually putting off your work, it’s important to find a way to stop. Otherwise, you’ll just end up falling behind and feeling stressed out.
By following the tips above, you can develop better habits and break the cycle of procrastination so you can be more productive at school.
Have any questions about how to stop procrastinating on homework? Let us know by leaving a comment below.