how to stop procrastinating on homework

Procrastination

11 ways to overcome procrastination, easy tips to stop putting things off..

Posted March 7, 2017 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

• What Is Procrastination?
• Take our Procrastination Test
• Find a therapist near me
• Procrastination is not a time management problem; rather, it's likely due to difficulty managing negative feelings like boredom or anxiety.
• But avoiding negative emotions—and important tasks—tends to lead to much worse outcomes in the long run, including more stress and regret.
• Changing your mindset, rewarding yourself for progress, and letting go of perfectionism can all help you overcome procrastinating tendencies.

Everyone has put off a task at some point in their life. (Take, for example, this article that I had planned on posting yesterday...) But have you ever wondered why you—or others—procrastinate? While some view it (in themselves or other people) as laziness, there might be something else at play.

In psychology, it has long been believed that people who procrastinate have a faulty sense of time—that they think they will have more time to get something done than they actually do. While that may be true for some, more recent research suggests procrastination is linked to difficulty managing distress. Specifically, it seems that task aversion is to blame—that is, when people view a task in an unpleasant manner (“It will be tough, boring, painful...”), they are more likely to put it off.

While procrastinators may be trying to avoid distress, this approach can ironically cause more distress in the long run. Procrastination can lead to increased stress, health problems, and poorer performance. Procrastinators tend to have more sleep issues and experience greater stressful regret than non-procrastinators. What’s more, procrastination can also hinder your self-esteem with the guilt , shame , or self-critical thoughts that can result from putting off tasks.

If you struggle with putting things off, try any of these tips to get you on track:

1. Get rid of catastrophizing .

One of the biggest reasons people procrastinate is because they catastrophize, or make a huge deal out of something. It may be related to how tough, how boring, or how painful it will be to complete the task; whatever the case, the underlying theme is that doing the task will be “unbearable.”

In reality, challenges, boredom , and hard work will not kill you—or even make you sick. Procrastination, on the other hand, is associated with stress—think of the stress you feel when you avoid making a phone call you know you need to make. So keep things in perspective: “Sure, this is not my favorite task, but I can get through it.”

2. Focus on your “why.”

Procrastinators focus more on short-term gains (avoiding the distress associated with the task), as opposed to long-term results (the stress of not doing it, as well as the consequences of avoiding this task). Instead, try focusing on why you are doing this task: What are the benefits of completing it?

If you've been putting off cleaning out a closet, imagine walking into the closet when it is decluttered and how good that will feel. And consider how much money you will make by selling the items on eBay, or how those in need will feel when they receive these items as donations.

If it is an exercise program you have been avoiding, focus on how exercising will help you have more positive energy, give you a boost of self-esteem, and serve as a great role model for your children.

3. Get out your calendar.

Projects that will get done "when I have time” (as in “I will do it when I have time”) tend not to get done very often, if ever. You need to schedule when you are going to work on a project and block out that time, just as you would an important meeting.

And when it is time to do your work, set a timer so you can be focused for the entire allotted time.

4. Be realistic.

As you establish your schedule, set yourself up for success. Projects often take much longer than expected, so bake in some extra time. And look for ways to make it easier on yourself: If, for example, you are not a morning person, don’t expect yourself to get up an hour early to start the exercise program you have put off for months. It might be better to schedule that activity during lunch or before dinner.

5. Chunk it.

When a task seems overbearing, procrastination often follows. So how can you break that task into smaller, more manageable parts? For example, if you want to write a book, you may choose to make an outline, identify each chapter, figure out the sections in the chapters, and then commit to writing one segment at a time. Chunking it down like this will help you feel less overwhelmed and more empowered.

6. Excuses be gone.

Do any of these sound familiar? “I need to be in the mood.” “I will wait until I have time.” “I work better under pressure.” “I need X to happen before I can start.”

Be honest with yourself: These are excuses. Sure, it might be nice to ”be in the mood,” but waiting for that to happen can mean you never start your project.

7. Get a partner.

Establish specific deadlines for completing a task. Then find someone who will help you be accountable. It could be a promise to your boss or client that you will complete the job by a certain date. Or it may be a coach who helps you stay on track. Or simply find an accountability partner. In this relationship, you connect with someone (on the phone, for example) at certain time intervals (such as once per week) and commit to what you will do before your next meeting. Not wanting to go back on your word, this can be a great way to squash procrastination. (Note: In an effort to save your relationship with your significant other, I recommend this person not be your partner. You don’t want a lack of follow-through to cause tension between you.)

8. Optimize your environment.

Your environment can help or hinder your productivity . Beware especially of technology, such as your email or messenger that keeps pinging to let you know someone has reached out. Social media , internet “research” that leads you far off track, and phone calls can lead to procrastination.

So try this: During your scheduled block of time for working on a particular task, close your email and IM, turn off your phone (or at least set it on “Do Not Disturb” and put it out of sight), and don’t let yourself get on the web until you have completed the task, or hold off any necessary internet searches until the end.

9. Reward good behavior.

Establish a reward if—and only if—you do what you set out to do. Do not let yourself binge that new Netflix show, check your social media, or get lunch until you complete what you've scheduled. So instead of using these tasks and distractions to procrastinate, make them contingent on you actually finishing what you schedule yourself to do.

10. Forgive yourself.

Stop beating yourself up about the past. Thoughts such as “I should have started earlier” or “I always procrastinate; I am such a loser” will only make matters worse. Research shows that forgiving yourself for past procrastination will help you stop putting off working on a task.

You can try to use past procrastination to your advantage as well. How? Determine what went into your avoidance— fear , stress, not having a good understanding of how to progress, lack of accountability, etc. Then address those obstacles in the present and future. If, for example, it was fear that contributed to your procrastination, what steps can you take to feel more empowered and less fearful next time around?

11. Drop the perfectionism.

Perfectionism is an all-or-nothing mentality: Something is either perfect, or it is a failure. People with perfectionistic tendencies tend to wait until things are perfect in order to proceed—so, if it's not perfect, you cannot be finished. Or if it is not the perfect time, you believe you can't start. This all-or-nothing mentality can hold you back from starting or completing tasks.

Instead, focus on being better than perfect. This means to still strive for excellence, creating excellence, or setting yourself up with excellent conditions, but at the same time, you focus on getting the job done. Done is better than perfect.

Make “some day” today. Follow these steps to get started on your project, and be proud of every bit of progress you make.

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LinkedIn image: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock

Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D . is a Licensed Practicing Psychologist with an MS in physical therapy who combines research findings, real-life stories, and humor to provide actionable tips for individuals.

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Daniel Wong

30 Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Find Motivation to Do Homework

Updated on June 6, 2023 By Daniel Wong 45 Comments

To stop procrastinating on homework, you need to find motivation to do the homework in the first place.

But first, you have to overcome feeling too overwhelmed to even start.

You know what it feels like when everything hits you at once, right?

You have three tests to study for and a math assignment due tomorrow.

And you’ve got a history report due the day after.

You tell yourself to get down to work. But with so much to do, you feel overwhelmed.

So you procrastinate.

You check your social media feed, watch a few videos, and get yourself a drink. But you know that none of this is bringing you closer to getting the work done.

Does this sound familiar?

Don’t worry – you are not alone. Procrastination is a problem that everyone faces, but there are ways around it.

By following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to overcome procrastination and consistently find the motivation to do the homework .

So read on to discover 30 powerful tips to help you stop procrastinating on your homework.

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus  3 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

How to stop procrastinating and motivate yourself to do your homework.

Procrastination when it comes to homework isn’t just an issue of laziness or a lack of motivation .

The following tips will help you to first address the root cause of your procrastination and then implement strategies to keep your motivation levels high.

1. Take a quiz to see how much you procrastinate.

The first step to changing your behavior is to become more self-aware.

How often do you procrastinate? What kinds of tasks do you tend to put off? Is procrastination a small or big problem for you?

To answer these questions, I suggest that you take this online quiz designed by Psychology Today .

2. Figure out why you’re procrastinating.

Procrastination is a complex issue that involves multiple factors.

Stop thinking of excuses for not doing your homework , and figure out what’s keeping you from getting started.

Are you procrastinating because:

• You’re not sure you’ll be able to solve all the homework problems?
• You’re subconsciously rebelling against your teachers or parents?
• You’re not interested in the subject or topic?
• You’re physically or mentally tired?
• You’re waiting for the perfect time to start?
• You don’t know where to start?

Once you’ve identified exactly why you’re procrastinating, you can pick out the tips in this article that will get to the root of the problem.

3. Write down what you’re procrastinating on.

Students tend to procrastinate when they’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

But you might be surprised to discover that simply by writing down the specific tasks you’re putting off, the situation will feel more manageable.

It’s a quick solution, and it makes a real difference.

Give it a try and you’ll be less likely to procrastinate.

4. Put your homework on your desk.

Here’s an even simpler idea.

Many times, the hardest part of getting your homework done is getting started.

It doesn’t require a lot of willpower to take out your homework and put it on your desk.

But once it’s sitting there in front of you, you’ll be much closer to actually getting down to work.

5. Break down the task into smaller steps.

This one trick will make any task seem more manageable.

For example, if you have a history report to write, you could break it down into the following steps:

• Read the history textbook
• Do online research
• Organize the information
• Create an outline
• Write the introduction
• Write the body paragraphs
• Write the conclusion
• Edit and proofread the report

Focus on just one step at a time. This way, you won’t need to motivate yourself to write the whole report at one go.

This is an important technique to use if you want to study smart and get more done .

6. Create a detailed timeline with specific deadlines.

As a follow-up to Point #5, you can further combat procrastination by creating a timeline with specific deadlines.

Using the same example above, I’ve added deadlines to each of the steps:

• Jan 30 th : Read the history textbook
• Feb 2 nd : Do online research
• Feb 3 rd : Organize the information
• Feb 5 th : Create an outline
• Feb 8 th : Write the introduction
• Feb 12 th : Write the body paragraphs
• Feb 14 th : Write the conclusion
• Feb 16 th : Edit and proofread the report

Assigning specific dates creates a sense of urgency, which makes it more likely that you’ll keep to the deadlines.

7. Spend time with people who are focused and hardworking.

Jim Rohn famously said that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

If you hang out with people who are motivated and hardworking, you’ll become more like them.

Likewise, if you hang out with people who continually procrastinate, you’ll become more like them too.

Motivation to do homework naturally increases when you surround yourself with the right people.

So choose your friends wisely. Find homework buddies who will influence you positively to become a straight-A student who leads a balanced life.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun! It just means that you and your friends know when it’s time to get down to work and when it’s time to enjoy yourselves.

8. Tell at least two or three people about the tasks you plan to complete.

When you tell others about the tasks you intend to finish, you’ll be more likely to follow through with your plans.

This is called “accountability,” and it kicks in because you want to be seen as someone who keeps your word.

So if you know about this principle, why not use it to your advantage?

You could even ask a friend to be your accountability buddy. At the beginning of each day, you could text each other what you plan to work on that day.

Then at the end of the day, you could check in with each other to see if things went according to plan.

9. Change your environment .

Maybe it’s your environment that’s making you feel sluggish.

When you’re doing your homework, is your super-comfortable bed just two steps away? Or is your distracting computer within easy reach?

If your environment is part of your procrastination problem, then change it.

Sometimes all you need is a simple change of scenery. Bring your work to the dining room table and get it done there. Or head to a nearby café to complete your report.

10. Talk to people who have overcome their procrastination problem.

If you have friends who consistently win the battle with procrastination, learn from their experience.

What was the turning point for them? What tips and strategies do they use? What keeps them motivated?

Find all this out, and then apply the information to your own situation.

11. Decide on a reward to give yourself after you complete your task.

“Planned” rewards are a great way to motivate yourself to do your homework.

The reward doesn’t have to be something huge.

For instance, you might decide that after you finish 10 questions of your math homework, you get to watch your favorite TV show.

Or you might decide that after reading one chapter of your history textbook, you get to spend 10 minutes on Facebook.

By giving yourself a reward, you’ll feel more motivated to get through the task at hand.

12. Decide on a consequence you’ll impose on yourself if you don’t meet the deadline.

It’s important that you decide on what the consequence will be before you start working toward your goal.

As an example, you could tell your younger brother that you’ll give him $1 for every deadline you don’t meet (see Point #6).

Or you could decide that you’ll delete one game from your phone for every late homework submission.

Those consequences would probably be painful enough to help you get down to work, right?

13. Visualize success.

Take 30 seconds and imagine how you’ll feel when you finish your work.

What positive emotions will you experience?

Will you feel a sense of satisfaction from getting all your work done?

Will you relish the extra time on your hands when you get your homework done fast and ahead of time?

This simple exercise of visualizing success may be enough to inspire you to start doing your assignment.

14. Visualize the process it will take to achieve that success.

Even more important than visualizing the outcome is visualizing the process it will take to achieve that outcome.

Research shows that focusing on the process is critical to success. If you’re procrastinating on a task, take a few moments to think about what you’ll need to do to complete it.

Visualize the following:

• What resources you’ll need
• Who you can turn to for help
• How long the task will take
• Where you’ll work on the task
• The joy you’ll experience as you make progress

This kind of visualization is like practice for your mind.

Once you understand what’s necessary to achieve your goal, you’ll find that it’s much easier to get down to work with real focus. This is key to doing well in school .

15. Write down why you want to complete the task.

You’ll be more motivated when you’re clear about why you want to accomplish something.

To motivate yourself to do your homework, think about all the ways in which it’s a meaningful task.

So take a couple of minutes to write down the reasons. Here are some possible ones:

• Learn useful information
• Master the topic
• Enjoy a sense of accomplishment when you’ve completed the task
• Become a more focused student
• Learn to embrace challenges
• Fulfill your responsibility as a student
• Get a good grade on the assignment

16. Write down the negative feelings you’ll have if you don’t complete the task.

If you don’t complete the assignment, you might feel disappointed or discouraged. You might even feel as if you’ve let your parents or your teacher – or even yourself – down.

It isn’t wise to dwell on these negative emotions for too long. But by imagining how you’ll feel if you don’t finish the task, you’ll realize how important it is that you get to work.

17. Do the hardest task first.

Most students will choose to do the easiest task first, rather than the hardest one. But this approach isn’t effective because it leaves the worst for last.

It’s more difficult to find motivation to do homework in less enjoyable subjects.

As Brian Tracy says , “Eat that frog!” By this, he means that you should always get your most difficult task out of the way at the beginning of the day.

If math is your least favorite subject, force yourself to complete your math homework first.

After doing so, you’ll feel a surge of motivation from knowing it’s finished. And you won’t procrastinate on your other homework because it will seem easier in comparison.

(On a separate note, check out these tips on how to get better at math if you’re struggling.)

18. Set a timer when doing your homework.

I recommend that you use a stopwatch for every homework session. (If you prefer, you could also use this online stopwatch or the Tomato Timer .)

Start the timer at the beginning of the session, and work in 30- to 45-minute blocks.

Using a timer creates a sense of urgency, which will help you fight off your urge to procrastinate.

When you know you only have to work for a short session, it will be easier to find motivation to complete your homework.

Tell yourself that you need to work hard until the timer goes off, and then you can take a break. (And then be sure to take that break!)

19. Eliminate distractions.

Here are some suggestions on how you can do this:

• Delete all the games and social media apps on your phone
• Turn off all notifications on your phone
• Mute your group chats
• Archive your inactive chats
• Turn off your phone, or put it on airplane mode
• Put your phone at least 10 feet away from you
• Turn off the Internet access on your computer
• Use an app like Freedom to restrict your Internet usage
• Put any other distractions (like food, magazines and books unrelated to your homework) at the other end of the room
• Unplug the TV
• Use earplugs if your surroundings are noisy

20. At the start of each day, write down the two to three Most Important Tasks (MITs) you want to accomplish.

This will enable you to prioritize your tasks. As Josh Kaufman explains , a Most Important Task (MIT) is a critical task that will help you to get significant results down the road.

Not all tasks are equally important. That’s why it’s vital that you identify your MITs, so that you can complete those as early in the day as possible.

What do you most need to get done today? That’s an MIT.

Get to work on it, then feel the satisfaction that comes from knowing it’s out of the way.

21. Focus on progress instead of perfection.

Perfectionism can destroy your motivation to do homework and keep you from starting important assignments.

Some students procrastinate because they’re waiting for the perfect time to start.

Others do so because they want to get their homework done perfectly. But they know this isn’t really possible – so they put off even getting started.

What’s the solution?

To focus on progress instead of perfection.

There’s never a perfect time for anything. Nor will you ever be able to complete your homework perfectly. But you can do your best, and that’s enough.

So concentrate on learning and improving, and turn this into a habit that you implement whenever you study .

22. Get organized.

Procrastination is common among students who are disorganized.

When you can’t remember which assignment is due when or which tests you have coming up, you’ll naturally feel confused. You’ll experience school- and test-related stress .

This, in turn, will lead to procrastination.

That’s why it’s crucial that you get organized. Here are some tips for doing this:

• Don’t rely on your memory ; write everything down
• Keep a to-do list
• Use a student planner
• Use a calendar and take note of important dates like exams, project due dates, school holidays , birthdays, and family events
• At the end of each day, plan for the following day
• Use one binder or folder for each subject or course
• Do weekly filing of your loose papers, notes, and old homework
• Throw away all the papers and notes you no longer need

23. Stop saying “I have to” and start saying “I choose to.”

When you say things like “I have to write my essay” or “I have to finish my science assignment,” you’ll probably feel annoyed. You might be tempted to complain about your teachers or your school .

What’s the alternative?

To use the phrase “I choose to.”

The truth is, you don’t “have” to do anything.

You can choose not to write your essay; you’ll just run the risk of failing the class.

You can choose not to do your science assignment; you’ll just need to deal with your angry teacher.

When you say “I choose to do my homework,” you’ll feel empowered. This means you’ll be more motivated to study and to do what you ought to.

24. Clear your desk once a week.

Clutter can be demotivating. It also causes stress , which is often at the root of procrastination.

Hard to believe? Give it a try and see for yourself.

By clearing your desk, you’ll reduce stress and make your workspace more organized.

So set a recurring appointment to organize your workspace once a week for just 10 minutes. You’ll receive huge benefits in the long run!

25. If a task takes two minutes or less to complete, do it now.

This is a principle from David Allen’s bestselling book, Getting Things Done .

You may notice that you tend to procrastinate when many tasks pile up. The way to prevent this from happening is to take care of the small but important tasks as soon as you have time.

Here are some examples of small two-minute tasks that you should do once you have a chance:

• Replying to your project group member’s email
• Picking up anything on the floor that doesn’t belong there
• Asking your parents to sign a consent form
• Filing a graded assignment
• Making a quick phone call
• Writing a checklist
• Sending a text to schedule a meeting
• Making an online purchase that doesn’t require further research

26. Finish one task before starting on the next.

You aren’t being productive when you switch between working on your literature essay, social studies report, and physics problem set – while also intermittently checking your phone.

Research shows that multitasking is less effective than doing one thing at a time. Multitasking may even damage your brain !

When it comes to overcoming procrastination, it’s better to stick with one task all the way through before starting on the next one.

You’ll get a sense of accomplishment when you finish the first assignment, which will give you a boost of inspiration as you move on to the next one.

27. Build your focus gradually.

You can’t win the battle against procrastination overnight; it takes time. This means that you need to build your focus progressively.

If you can only focus for 10 minutes at once, that’s fine. Start with three sessions of 10 minutes a day. After a week, increase it to three sessions of 15 minutes a day, and so on.

As the weeks go by, you’ll become far more focused than when you first started. And you’ll soon see how great that makes you feel.

28. Before you start work, write down three things you’re thankful for.

Gratitude improves your psychological health and increases your mental strength .

These factors are linked to motivation. The more you practice gratitude, the easier it will be to find motivation to do your homework. As such, it’s less likely that you’ll be a serial procrastinator.

Before you get down to work for the day, write down three things you’re thankful for. These could be simple things like good health, fine weather, or a loving family.

You could even do this in a “gratitude journal,” which you can then look back on whenever you need a shot of fresh appreciation for the good things in your life.

Either way, this short exercise will get you in the right mindset to be productive.

29. Get enough sleep.

For most people, this means getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. And teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night to function optimally.

What does sleep have to do with procrastination?

More than you might realize.

It’s almost impossible to feel motivated when you’re tired. And when you’re low on energy, your willpower is depleted too.

That’s why you give in to the temptation of Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube videos more easily when you’re sleep-deprived.

Here are ways to get more sleep , and sleep better too:

• Create a bedtime routine
• Go to sleep at around the same time every night
• Set a daily alarm as a reminder to go to bed
• Exercise regularly (but not within a few hours of bedtime)
• Make your bedroom as dark as possible
• Remove or switch off all electronic devices before bedtime
• Avoid caffeine at least six hours before bedtime
• Use an eye mask and earplugs

30. Schedule appointments with yourself to complete your homework.

These appointments are specific blocks of time reserved for working on a report, assignment, or project. Scheduling appointments is effective because it makes the task more “official,” so you’re more likely to keep the appointment.

For example, you could schedule appointments such as:

• Jan 25 th , 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Math assignment
• Jan 27 th , 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Online research for social studies project
• Jan 28 th , 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Write introduction for English essay

Transform homework procrastination into homework motivation

Procrastination is a problem we all face.

But given that you’ve read all the way to here, I know you’re committed to overcoming this problem.

And now that you’re armed with these tips, you have all the tools you need to become more disciplined and focused .

By the way, please don’t feel as if you need to implement all the tips at once, because that would be too overwhelming.

Instead, I recommend that you focus on just a couple of tips a week, and make gradual progress. No rush!

Over time, you’ll realize that your habit of procrastination has been replaced by the habit of getting things done.

Now’s the time to get started on that process of transformation. 🙂

Like this article? Please share it with your friends.

Images: Student and books , Homework , Group of students , Consequences , Why , Writing a list , Organized desk , Gratitude

January 19, 2016 at 11:53 am

Ur tips are rlly helpful. Thnkyou ! 🙂

January 19, 2016 at 1:43 pm

You’re welcome 🙂

August 29, 2018 at 11:21 am

Thanks very much

February 19, 2019 at 1:38 pm

The funny thing is while I was reading the first few steps of this article I was procrastinating on my homework….

November 12, 2019 at 12:44 pm

same here! but now I actually want to get my stuff done… huh

December 4, 2022 at 11:35 pm

May 30, 2023 at 6:26 am

October 25, 2023 at 11:35 am

fr tho i totally was but now I’m actually going to get started haha

June 6, 2020 at 6:04 am

I love your articles

January 21, 2016 at 7:07 pm

Thanks soo much. It’s almost like you could read my mind- when I felt so overwhelmed with the workload heap I had created for myself by procrastination, I know feel very motivated to tackle it out completely and replace that bad habit with the wonderful tips mentioned here! 🙂

January 21, 2016 at 8:04 pm

I’m glad to help 🙂

January 25, 2016 at 3:09 pm

You have shared great tips here. I especially like the point “Write down why you want to complete the task” because it is helpful to make us more motivated when we are clear about our goals

January 25, 2016 at 4:51 pm

Glad that you found the tips useful, John!

January 29, 2016 at 1:22 am

Thank you very much for your wonderful tips!!! ☺☺☺

January 29, 2016 at 10:41 am

It’s my joy to help, Kabir 🙂

February 3, 2016 at 12:57 pm

Always love your articles. Keep them up 🙂

February 3, 2016 at 1:21 pm

Thanks, Matthew 🙂

February 4, 2016 at 1:40 pm

There are quite a lot of things that you need to do in order to come out with flying colors while studying in a university away from your homeland. Procrastinating on homework is one of the major mistakes committed by students and these tips will help you to avoid them all and make yourself more efficient during your student life.

February 4, 2016 at 1:58 pm

Completely agreed, Leong Siew.

October 5, 2018 at 12:52 am

Wow! thank you very much, I love it .

November 2, 2018 at 10:45 am

You are helping me a lot.. thank you very much….😊

November 6, 2018 at 5:19 pm

I’m procrastinating by reading this

November 29, 2018 at 10:21 am

January 8, 2021 at 3:38 am

March 3, 2019 at 9:12 am

Daniel, your amazing information and advice, has been very useful! Please keep up your excellent work!

April 12, 2019 at 11:12 am

We should stop procrastinating.

September 28, 2019 at 5:19 pm

Thank you so much for the tips:) i’ve been procrastinating since i started high schools and my grades were really bad “F” but the tips have made me a straight A student again.

January 23, 2020 at 7:43 pm

Thanks for the tips, Daniel! They’re really useful! 😁

April 10, 2020 at 2:15 pm

I have always stood first in my class. But procrastination has always been a very bad habit of mine which is why I lost marks for late submission .As an excuse for finding motivation for studying I would spend hours on the phone and I would eventually procrastinate. So I tried your tips and tricks today and they really worked.i am so glad and thankful for your help. 🇮🇳Love from India🇮🇳

April 15, 2020 at 11:16 am

Well I’m gonna give this a shot it looks and sounds very helpful thank you guys I really needed this

April 16, 2020 at 9:48 pm

Daniel, your amazing information and advice, has been very useful! keep up your excellent work! May you give more useful content to us.

May 6, 2020 at 5:03 pm

nice article thanks for your sharing.

May 20, 2020 at 4:49 am

Thank you so much this helped me so much but I was wondering about like what if you just like being lazy and stuff and don’t feel like doing anything and you don’t want to tell anyone because you might annoy them and you just don’t want to add your problems and put another burden on theirs

July 12, 2020 at 1:55 am

I’ve read many short procrastination tip articles and always thought they were stupid or overlooking the actual problem. ‘do this and this’ or that and that, and I sit there thinking I CAN’T. This article had some nice original tips that I actually followed and really did make me feel a bit better. Cheers, diving into what will probably be a 3 hour case study.

August 22, 2020 at 10:14 pm

Nicely explain each tips and those are practical thanks for sharing. Dr.Achyut More

November 11, 2020 at 12:34 pm

Thanks a lot! It was very helpful!

November 15, 2020 at 9:11 am

I keep catching myself procrastinating today. I started reading this yesterday, but then I realized I was procrastinating, so I stopped to finish it today. Thank you for all the great tips.

November 30, 2020 at 5:15 pm

Woow this is so great. Thanks so much Daniel

December 3, 2020 at 3:13 am

These tips were very helpful!

December 18, 2020 at 11:54 am

Procrastination is a major problem of mine, and this, this is very helpful. It is very motivational, now I think I can complete my work.

December 28, 2020 at 2:44 pm

Daniel Wong: When you’re doing your homework, is your super-comfortable bed just two steps away? Me: Nope, my super-comfortable bed is one step away. (But I seriously can’t study anywhere else. If I go to the dining table, my mum would be right in front of me talking loudly on the phone with colleagues and other rooms is an absolute no. My mum doesn’t allow me to go outside. Please give me some suggestions. )

September 19, 2022 at 12:14 pm

I would try and find some noise cancelling headphones to play some classical music or get some earbuds to ignore you mum lol

March 1, 2021 at 5:46 pm

Thank you very much. I highly appreciate it.

May 12, 2023 at 3:38 am

This is great advice. My little niece is now six years old and I like to use those nice cheap child friendly workbooks with her. This is done in order to help her to learn things completely on her own. I however prefer to test her on her own knowledge however. After a rather quick demonstration in the lesson I then tend to give her two simple questions to start off with. And it works a treat. Seriously. I love it. She loves it. The exam questions are for her to answer on her own on a notepad. If she can, she will receive a gold medal and a box of sweets. If not she only gets a plastic toy. We do this all the time to help her understand. Once a week we spend up to thirty minutes in a math lesson on this technique for recalling the basic facts. I have had a lot of great success with this new age technique. So I’m going to carry on with it for now.

October 31, 2024 at 10:58 pm

Is it possible that our education system is failing to engage students in a way that inspires them to do their homework, leading to a lack of motivation?”, “refusal

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Solving Procrastination

Homework Procrastination: Why You Procrastinate on Homework and How to Stop

Homework procrastination involves unnecessarily postponing working on homework assignments. For example, if a student delays starting a homework assignment until right before its deadline for no good reason, even though it would have been better for them to start earlier, that student is engaging in homework procrastination.

Homework procrastination can take various forms, from wasting hours trying to bring yourself to start writing an essay, to putting off an important project until the end of the semester. This is a problem not only because it can harm your performance at school, and therefore cause you to receive lower grades , but also because it can cause you to suffer from various other issues , such as frustration, anxiety, and stress .

If you often procrastinate when it comes to doing homework, know that you’re not alone. Procrastination is a common problem among students ; in terms of statistics, studies show that approximately 80%–95% of college students engage in procrastination to some degree, approximately 75% consider themselves to be procrastinators, and approximately 50% say that they procrastinate in a consistent and problematic manner.

Fortunately, however, there are some things that you can do to solve this problem, as you will see in the following article. Specifically, you will first see an explanation about why students procrastinate on their homework, so you can understand your own behavior better. Then, you will see what you can do in order to stop procrastinating on your homework, so you can start getting them done on time.

Why you procrastinate on homework

You procrastinate on homework because issues such as exhaustion and anxiety outweigh your self-control and motivation. These issues include personal factors, like fear and perfectionism, and situational factors, like distractions and unclear instructions.

Specifically, when you need to get homework done, you rely primarily on your self-control in order to get yourself to do it. Furthermore, your self-control is sometimes supported by your motivation, which helps you complete your homework on time.

However, in some cases, you suffer from issues that interfere with or oppose your self-control and motivation, such as exhaustion and anxiety . When these issues are stronger than your self-control and motivation, you end up procrastinating, until you reach a point where the balance between them shifts in your favor, or until it’s too late.

This explains why you might end up procrastinating on your homework even when you have the necessary motivation and you truly wish that you could just get started. This also explains why you might end up procrastinating on your homework until right before deadlines , when the increased motivation, often in the form of stressful pressure, finally pushes you to get to work.

Accordingly, common reasons for procrastinating on homework include the following :

• Abstract goals , in terms of being vague about how and when you intend to do the homework.
• Feeling overwhelmed , often while being unsure of how to complete the homework.
• Perfectionism , in the form of refusing to create work that has any flaws.
• Fear of failure , often because of concerns over how such failure might reflect on you.
• Anxiety , often in light of potential negative feedback.
• Task aversion , especially in cases where you find the homework boring or unpleasant.
• Lack of motivation , often as a result of feeling disconnected from your future self or having rewards that are far in the future.
• Physical or mental exhaustion , often due to a combination of reasons, such as a high academic workload and associated stress .
• Resentment , generally toward the homework, toward its source, or toward something related, such as a parent pushing you to do well in a subject that you’re not interested in.
• Sensation seeking , generally in the form of enjoying working on things right before the deadline, when there’s intense time pressure.
• Problematic work environment , generally as a result of having many distractions or temptations around.
• Lack of sufficient communication from instructors, for example when it comes to not having clear directions and due dates for a certain class project.

In addition, other issues can also make you more likely to procrastinate on your homework. For example:

• Problematic behaviors like self-handicapping , which involves procrastinating so that if you fail you can blame your failure on procrastination rather than your abilities, and self-sabotaging , which involves procrastinating as a result of a tendency to sabotage your progress.
• Personality traits like distractibility and impulsivity .
• Underlying issues like lack of sleep , ADHD , and depression .

Finally, note that some of these issues can lead to problematic procrastination cycles . For example, this can happen if you’re anxious about your homework, so you procrastinate on it, which makes you even more anxious about your homework due to the added negative emotions that you now associate with it (e.g., guilt and shame), which in turn makes you more likely to keep procrastinating on your homework in the future.

Understanding why you procrastinate on your homework can help you learn how to overcome your procrastination. However, while understanding why you procrastinate can be helpful, in many cases you can reduce your procrastination even without figuring this out. As such, if you find that you’re struggling with this step, don’t worry, and don’t get stuck; simply move on to the next step, which involves trying out various anti-procrastination techniques, until you find the ones that work best for you.

How to stop procrastinating on homework

To stop procrastinating on your homework right now , you should identify the smallest possible thing you can do to make progress on it, and then modify your environment to make it as likely as possible that you will do it.

For example, if you need to write a paper for a university course, the smallest possible step that you can take toward finishing it might be opening the relevant document on your computer, and writing just a single opening line, even if it’s poorly phrased initially. Once you realize that this is all you need to do, you can start modifying your work environment to help yourself achieve that, for example by going to a room with no distractions, leaving your phone outside, and turning on airplane mode on your laptop to disable your access to online distractions .

There are many other anti-procrastination techniques that can help you stop procrastinating on your homework. You don’t need to use all of these techniques, since some won’t be relevant in your case, and since you will generally need only a few of them in order to make significant progress toward overcoming your procrastination. As such, try skimming through this list, and finding the techniques that you think will work best for you.

Improve your planning:

• Set concrete goals for yourself. For example, instead of a vague goal, such as “finish my psychology paper over the weekend”, set a concrete goal, such as “start writing an outline for the psychology paper on Thursday at 5 pm in the library, right after I finish the last class for the week”).
• Break your homework into small and manageable steps. For example, if you need to write a research paper, you can start with steps such as “(1) brainstorm three potential topics, (2) figure out which topic I like best, and (3) find five relevant sources”. If the project that you’re dealing with is large and will therefore require a large number of steps, don’t worry about outlining the whole thing from the start; simply identify the first few steps that you need to take, and add new ones as you go along, to avoid feeling overwhelmed or getting stuck.
• Set a series of milestones and deadlines for yourself. This will help you be accountable and plan ahead, and can also motivate you and give you a rewarding feeling of continuous progress.
• Identify your productivity cycles. Different people are more productive at different times, based on factors such as whether it’s morning, noon, or evening. To reduce procrastination, you should take your personal productivity patterns into account, and schedule your homework for times when you’re most likely to be able to actually work on it.

Improve your environment:

• Change your environment to make it easier for you to focus. For example, if you know that you work best when there are no distracting noises, go somewhere quiet, or put on some noise-blocking headphones.
• Change your environment to make it easier for yourself to get started. For example, if you know that you will need to write an essay tomorrow after you wake up, then leave the document open on your computer before you go to bed.
• Change your environment to make it harder for yourself to procrastinate. For example, if you tend to procrastinate by browsing apps on your phone , leave your phone outside the room where you plan to work.

Change your approach:

• Start with a tiny step. For example, if you need to write an essay, help yourself get started by committing to only write a single sentence at first. This can help you push yourself to get started on homework, and often, once you do so, you’ll find it easy to keep going.
• Start with the best or worst part first. Some people find that starting with the most enjoyable or easiest part of an assignment helps them get going, while others find that getting the worst part out of the way first helps them avoid procrastinating over time. Use either approach if you feel that it works for you.
• Add a time delay before you procrastinate. If you can’t avoid procrastinating entirely, try committing to having a time delay before you indulge your impulse to do so. For example, this can involve counting to 10 before you’re allowed to open a new tab on the social media website that you usually use to procrastinate.
• Use the Pomodoro technique. This involves alternating between scheduled periods of work and rest. For example, you can work on your homework for 25-minute long stretches, with 5-minute breaks in between, and a longer 30-minute break after every 4 work sets that you complete.

Increase your motivation:

• Make doing the homework feel more rewarding. For example, you can gamify your work, by marking down streaks of days on which you’ve managed to make sufficient progress on your assignments, and potentially also give yourself some reward once you reach a sufficiently long streak.
• Make doing the homework feel more enjoyable. For example, you can do your homework in a pleasant location, while listening to energizing music.
• Visualize your future self. For example, you can visualize yourself being able to relax after you finish working, visualize yourself being rewarded for getting a good grade in a course, or visualize yourself having to handle the issues associated with not finishing your homework on time.
• Focus on your goals instead of your assignments. Instead of focusing on the fact that you have an aversion to your homework, for whatever reason, try focusing on your end goals for completing the homework, such as getting a good grade in an important class so you can have a better application for grad school.

Change your mindset:

• Give yourself permission to make mistakes, and accept the fact that your work won’t be perfect, especially at first. This can be helpful, for example, when it comes to assignments that involve writing, where you can give yourself permission to write a bad first draft, and then edit it afterward.
• Address your fears. If you’re procrastinating because you’re afraid of something, try to identify your fears and resolve them. For example, if you’re afraid that your writing won’t be good enough, you can say to yourself that your goal is to just start by getting something written down, and that you can always improve it later.
• Develop self-compassion.   Self-compassion can help reduce your procrastination, as well as various issues that are associated with it, such as stress. It consists of three components that you should develop: self-kindness , which involves being nice to yourself, common humanity , which involves recognizing that everyone experiences challenges, and mindfulness , which involves accepting your emotions in a non-judgmental manner.
• Develop self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is the belief in your ability to carry out the actions that you need to achieve your goals, and it can help you reduce your procrastination. To develop self-efficacy, try to identify the various strategies that you can use to finish your homework, and think about your ability to execute those strategies successfully.

When deciding which approach to use in order to overcome your procrastination , keep in mind that anti-procrastination techniques are especially effective when they’re tailored to the specific causes of your procrastination. For example, if you procrastinate because you set abstract goals for yourself, you should focus on setting concrete goals instead. Similarly, if you procrastinate because of available distractions, you should remove those distractions from your study environment, or go work somewhere else instead.

In addition, note that if you suffer from an underlying issue that leads to procrastination, such as lack of sleep , depression , or ADHD , you will likely need to resolve that issue, using professional help if necessary, if you want to successfully overcome your procrastination.

Finally, keep in mind that most people need more than one technique in order to overcome their procrastination , and that different techniques work better for different people in different circumstances. Accordingly, don’t expect a single technique to solve all your problems, and don’t feel that if some technique works well for others then it will necessarily also work well for you. Instead, try out the various techniques that are available to you, until you figure out which ones work best for you, in your particular situation.

• NCERT Solutions

12 Ways to Stop Procrastinating on Homework

Many of us have procrastinated in some aspects of our lives, whether it was doing our schoolwork, completing a project, or preparing for an exam. It is not only typical in school that we procrastinate, but it is also prevalent among college students. You most likely understand what you should be doing, but you just do not want to do it. You may be tempted to put off complicated or time-consuming projects until the very end of the session, but doing so will likely result in you pulling a stress-induced all-nighter. It can be a challenge to break the procrastination habit, but it can be done. Here are some tips to stop procrastinating on homework:

1. Stop procrastinating on homework by removing distractions 

When you find yourself distracted from your homework, take a note of what your distractions are. Distractions can be divided into two categories: technology and people. To minimize in-person interruptions, hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door or on the chair back. 

It’s very easy to get sidetracked by checking social media feeds, watching videos, or even drinking a beverage. So, turn your phone off or keep it on silent mode. Even if you want to search for something related to your homework, make sure the notifications of your social media accounts are off.

2. Take short breaks

Count to 10 before starting your homework. If you feel tempted to procrastinate, count to 10 and then begin the task again. Try the Pomodoro Technique, which alternates between periods of work and rest. 

Try completing 25-minute stretches of work with five-minute breaks in between. Afterward, you can add a 30-minute break after four work sets. This way, you will not get bored of doing your homework. During the 5-minute break, you can walk a bit, stretch, and drink some water.

3. Change your physical work environment

Another way to stop procrastinating on your homework is to change your environment. Changing your physical work environment can help you focus on your tasks. Leaving your phone outside or unplugging from your computer can help. 

Changing your physical work environment may seem illogical, but it can help you get back on track and finish your homework faster. You should also remove temptations and other distractions, such as studying in bed, having a television in the room, etc.

Don’t Miss: What are the 10 benefits of reading books?

4. Schedule homework sessions when you’re effective

Make a list of your homework assignments, and schedule a homework session when you’re most effective. By scheduling a homework session when you’re most effective, you’ll be less likely to procrastinate.

To begin with, stay organized and keep all your study resources nearby. Before you start doing your homework, take a note of the topics you are supposed to write about so that you don’t end up doing extra work. Also, don’t multitask, i.e., focus on one subject at a time to be more effective. Also, scheduling homework sessions early in the day will give you more time to complete the tasks.

5. Make your homework schedule known to those around

If possible, discuss your homework plans with your family members. Asking for accountability or encouragement from someone else may keep you motivated to finish your work. Your friends who study the same subject as you can hold each other accountable for completing assignments. 

If you’re working on a large project or a lengthy assignment, you can even break it into small portions and give yourself a break. This will also make it easier to stay on track with your homework and will help you feel less overwhelmed

6. Stop procrastinating on homework by defining your goals clearly

Clearly defining your goals is the most important thing to do to stop procrastinating on your homework. You will have a much easier time staying motivated if you know exactly what you want to accomplish.

Whenever you feel like procrastinating, remind yourself why you started and what your goal is. Instead of focusing on completing the entire homework at a stretch, define your goal as, “I will write two pages by 5:30 PM.” In this way, your goals will feel attainable, and you won’t feel stressed.

7. From a study group

For bigger projects or challenging assignments, working in a study group is the most effective method of completing them since it allows you to be alert while also working through the difficulties that may be causing you to procrastinate.

In a study group, you can use peer pressure and a sense of responsibility to push yourself to complete your tasks as promised. You can also use this method to stay accountable and learn the course material. Keep in mind that working in a group might intensify procrastination for some of you, depending on your group members. 

8. Ask for help

Many times, we procrastinate on homework due to a lack of knowledge about the subject matter. To avoid this behavior, you can ask for help with the concepts you don’t understand and finish the required assignments quickly. 

Teachers can provide you with study tips as well as suggestions for how to complete homework. Alternatively, you can also ask your parents or friends to help you with concepts you aren’t able to understand.

9. Get organized to stop procrastinating on homework

If you don’t have a clear strategy or plan for how you’re going to finish your homework, you’re more likely to put it off. When you’re organized, you’ll be able to function in a more methodical manner. It’s a good idea to utilize organizational tools, whether they’re calendars or scheduling programs on your computer, or the traditional way of jotting things down.

Also Read: 12 Best Tips To Score More Than 90% Marks In Board

Consider making a list of homework and deadlines, calculating how long each task will take you to complete, and counting backward from the deadline period to ensure that you have enough time to complete your homework before the last date. 

10. Reassure yourself

For those who struggle to complete their homework on time, reassurance can be the most powerful tool. If the homework was not relevant to your class, it would not have been assigned. 

If you find yourself second-guessing yourself or having negative thoughts about your homework, it’s important to keep your attention on the bright side. Reassure yourself that you can complete your homework on time. While they will not guarantee success, they will prevent you from procrastinating in the future. 

11. Focus on one task at a time and let go of perfectionism

To overcome procrastination, you should make it a point to focus on just one task at a time. After all, completing one task will boost your self-esteem and motivate you to finish the next. 

Focus on progress rather than perfection, which is the reason why many students postpone their homework. Instead of focusing on perfection, focus on making progress, and you will soon be able to tackle any task.

12. Reward yourself for any progress to stop procrastinating on homework

Reward yourself for any progress made on homework. When we fail to complete a task, we feel frustrated and let down. Choose the most manageable homework first, then do the hardest one. This way, you are more likely to complete your homework, and it will boost your self-esteem. 

Write down the specific task and reward yourself every time you complete it. This way, you will start to regain your self-trust and begin to finish the task that you hate. 

Extra Tip: Get enough sleep

Good sleep habits are essential for maintaining persistent motivation and overcoming procrastination. Lack of sleep negatively impacts your ability to concentrate, be motivated, and comprehend information, among other things. This makes you less inclined to do your tasks, particularly more complicated ones and makes you more prone to procrastination.

By limiting your screen time before bed, adhering to a nighttime routine, and avoiding sugar or caffeine (such as soda) after a particular time each day, you can establish good sleep patterns.

Conclusion- Stop procrastinating on homework

Even though there is no single solution to the question of how to stop procrastinating on homework, there are a variety of behaviors and habits that you may adopt to help you overcome this frequent difficulty.

Everyone is different, and each person needs a different approach to overcoming procrastination. Experiment with the strategies mentioned above and make necessary adjustments to find which ones work best for you.

Keep in mind that this is not going to be an overnight transformation, so be patient! The outcomes you will notice as a consequence of overcoming procrastination will be a wonderful reward for your efforts.

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Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > School Life Balance > How To Stop Procrastinating? Helpful Tips for College Students!

School Life Balance , Tips for Online Students

How To Stop Procrastinating? Helpful Tips for College Students!

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: December 30, 2019

In this article

Your to-do list is piling up, but you’d rather do anything than start crossing items off your list. From procrastinating studying to procrastinating submitting that assignment, most college students wish they know how to stop procrastinating.

Did you know that there are actual reasons why you’re likely procrastinating? So, if you can overcome these barriers, it may get easier to know how to not procrastinate. We’ll share them so that you can maximize your time management skills and be your best self as a college student.

Why Do Students Procrastinate?

At any point in your student lift, you may find yourself taking longer to get things done than necessary. That will lead you to want to know how to not procrastinate on homework, studying, assignments, and chores.

Let’s first break down the common reasons why college students procrastinate in the first place. Some or all of these reasons may resonate with your own experience.

Unclear goals

If you have no clearly defined goals as to what you wish to accomplish, it could be harder to understand why you have to do certain things.

Fear of failure

An all too common occurrence is that those who procrastinate actually are just afraid to fail. So, they’d rather not start to avoid this potentially displeasing sentiment.

If there’s a lot going on in your school life and/or personal life, you may feel unsure how or where to even start.

You could feel worried or anxious about the potential outcomes of whatever you have to get done, be it a homework assignment or test results.

Perfectionism

Often in line with the fear of failure comes the idea of perfectionism. When you have the goal of everything being perfect, then you may never want to start something to avoid any flaws or mistakes (which are inevitable).

Lack of motivation

It could be possible you feel a lack of motivation because goals are too far out in the future or are unclearly defined

Perhaps, the most important thing to do is to ask yourself why you are procrastinating in the first place. This could prove to be a useful exercise because you may have to tackle the more deeply rooted issue and the shackles of procrastination will be released.

For example, you could fear that you don’t know how to do something, and to get started, you simply need to know a little more information or ask for help to understand a concept. Once you do that, you could find yourself easily finishing the required assignment.

How to Stop Procrastinating in College

Now that we’ve covered some of the reasons why students procrastinate in the first place, let’s take a look at some best practices to learn how to stop procrastinating.

Get Organized

To avoid the sense of overwhelm of having too much to do or not knowing where to start, organization proves to be crucial. It’s a great idea to use tools that help you stay organized, whether they are calendars or scheduling apps on your computer or the trusted old-school method of writing things down. Consider writing down upcoming assignments and deadlines, estimating how long the task will take you to perform, and counting backward from the due date to give yourself adequate time to get it done.

Of course, it still comes down to you having the motivation to start rather than procrastinate, but it’s easier to do when you have a clear idea of what you need to get done and by when.

Set Deadlines and Reasonable Goals

If you’re a person who procrastinates because your goals seem unattainable, then consider resetting your goals. While you can’t choose when assignments are due, you can choose when you want to have it ready by. In the same vein, you can’t choose when test dates are, but you can choose when to start studying. You can break down these items into smaller, achievable segments so that you can maintain momentum and feel accomplished. For example, if you have a 10-page research paper due, consider setting a goal to finish two pages per day so you can avoid having to write it fast. 

Remove Distractions

Sometimes, the only way to want to get things done is to have no other alternative. You can position yourself for this scenario by removing distractions. Put your phone in another room. Turn off the TV. Tell your friends that you’re busy. Then, you can free up your own time to get your to-do list crossed off.

Take Breaks

Getting things done doesn’t have to feel tiring or undesirable. Remember to relieve yourself of your efforts and give yourself breaks. This can also help to increase your motivation to get things done because you can look forward to the upcoming break. And, you can make your break as fun or as relaxing as you see fit. Some examples of break ideas you can try after you accomplish items on your list include: walking, cooking, calling a friend, scrolling through social media, playing with your dog, taking a nap, etc.

Reward Yourself

In the same way that breaks can serve as rewards and help to boost your motivation, so can actual rewards! Depending on what you enjoy, you can set rewards both big and small accordingly. Say you enjoy food and trying new eateries. Tell yourself that if you ace your next big exam, you’ll treat yourself to a dining experience at the restaurant you’ve always wanted to try. Or, if you like fashion, then buy yourself something new when you finish your semester with a good GPA. 

Ask for Help

If you’re struggling to hold yourself accountable, ask your peers or friends for help. You can help each other meet deadlines if you are unable to maintain your own self-control. Having people around you who will support you in reaching your goals and aspirations can help to manage your motivation levels as you are answerable to people besides yourself.

The Bottom Line

While there is no single answer as to how to stop procrastinating for college students, there are different behaviors and habits that you can try to overcome this common challenge.

So, if you’re a constant procrastinator or you find yourself stuck these days more than before, try to figure out why. Then, practice some of the above tips to overcome any mental hurdles.

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

How to Stop Procrastination (10 Tips for Students That Work)

• by Daniel Friedman
• 6 minute read

Waiting until the very last minute to complete your homework? Here are 10 tips for students on how to stop procrastination!

Over 80% of students have a habit of procrastinating. That’s a large chunk of people!

No one ever teaches us how to work on it or what the best practices are to avoid it. It’s time that those questions get answered!

Let’s get started with some basics…

What is Procrastination?

Procrastination is the action of delaying or postponing something,

In other words, you don’t want to do your work when you should be. Homework and studying sucks, I get it.

We’ve all been at a point where we say, “I’ll get it done tomorrow.” Tomorrow comes around and suddenly, you catch yourself saying the same thing.

Let’s take a look at a few reasons to stop now that you know what it means…

Why You Should Stop Procrastinating

If you’re reading this, you probably already want to stop. Pat yourself on the back because you’re on the right track!

Here are a few reasons you should stop procrastinating :

• You’re failing assignments
• You feel stressed out doing things so late
• You want to develop better habits
• You’re afraid you’ll procrastinate your whole life
• You find that procrastination just leads to more problems

If any of these feelings sound familiar to you, then you’re part of a massive pool of students who are also looking to better themselves.

Ready to get this procrastination out of your system? Hang in there, because it’s going to take a bit of effort!

Related Post: How to Get Back on Track in College

How to Stop Procrastination

Here are 10 tips for students who want to stop procrastinating and finish assignments on time…

1) Work on Your Stress

The #1 reason you procrastinate in the first place is because you’re stressed. It may not feel so intense when you’re in the middle of it, but it’s there.

It’s common to procrastinate out of stress that you’re going to fail a task or that the task is going to be too intense for you.

Our brain’s natural response is to keep us out of danger. That’s exactly what your brain is doing when you say “I’ll get it done later”.

Work on relaxing your thoughts and be realistic about what you actually have to get done. I promise it’s not as bad as it seems.

2) Have a Schedule

A goal is just a dream without a plan… and that plan is going to be a schedule.

At first, a schedule may seem daunting. As if you’re obligated to write out every little thing that comes to your head.

Without an organized day, it’s very hard to get anything done efficiently. 

Here’s an easy way to create a schedule :

• Write down your daily plans the night before (include time for homework)
• Create at least 3 things to do
• Categories them by time and priority
• Check things off as you complete them

That’s it! No elaborate plans or extra work.

You can write out your schedule for the next day in less than 5 minutes. Sticky notes are great for this. You can also get a planner and use that for more organization!

3) Set Reminders

Students have it hard enough as it is. That’s why you should take the load off of your mind to remember every little thing.

This is the best tool you can use when learning how to stop procrastination as a student!

Set reminders on your phone to keep you in check throughout your day. Even the smallest of tasks can be set into reminders.

Remind yourself to start studying at a certain hour or even to take breaks in the middle of homework!

Related Post: 10 Time Management Tips for Students

4) Use a Timer

Remember, the ultimate goal here is to reduce your overall stress when completing tasks such as studying and homework.

Using a timer during those tasks can help remind you when to take breaks so that you’re not overwhelmed with work.

There is a specially designed technique to help you work in the most efficient way possible. It’s called the Pomodoro Technique and here’s how it works :

• Work for 25 minutes
• Take a 5 minute break
• Repeat 4 times
• After the 4th cycle, take a longer 30 minute break

It’s quite simple, but WOW does it work!

I highly recommend that you try it the next time you work on a longer assignment and see how it makes you feel.

5) The 2 Minute Rule

If you’ve never heard of the 2-minute rule, here’s what it is…

If it takes less than 2 minutes to complete, do it now!

The more you remember this rule, the more it will start to work on you and take effect into your life.

Here are a few things that take less than 2 minutes to complete :

• Washing a few dishes
• Taking out the trash
• Getting a paper signed
• Writing a short paragraph
• Looking up something on Google
• Getting yourself a glass of water
• Getting dressed

You get the point. Procrastination can seep through all aspects of life; even the small ones mentioned above.

Use this rule until the day you day and you’ll already be WAY less lazy!

6) Create a Routine

Creating a routine is a super healthy way to get your work done on time. You might be wondering… how is this different from creating a schedule?

Well… a routine is a sum of daily habits that you perform throughout the day (no matter what you have to get done).

For example , you can develop a routine where you do your homework at the exact same time everyday. This will mentally rewire you to feel the need to complete it at that time after a while.

You can also work on following a similar pattern while you’re studying or make your schedule for the next day at the same time every night.

Related Post: How to Remember What You Study

7) Work with Friends

Sometimes, all it takes is a little push, and your friends can be that push.

You might all be procrastinators as individuals, but together, you can motivate each other to keep working on your assignments.

You don’t even have to be working on the same thing. Sitting next to someone else while studying is enough to keep you going.

Plus, being around friends will turn study time into an enjoyable experience.

Just make sure you’re doing it with the right friends (aka the ones that won’t make you procrastinate even more).

8) Start Small

It’s important that you divide up tasks into smaller, more digestible pieces to learn how to stop procrastination.

The point is that you start. Otherwise, nothing will ever get done.

Of course it’s hard to feel motivated to get anything done when you don’t care too much about what you’re doing.

However, you have to look at the end goal…

Do you want to graduate with good grades? Are you trying to go to a good college? Do you want to look back and say you could’ve done better in school?

All of these questions can help you find motivation to start with the smallest of tasks (like pulling out your homework).

9) Develop Useful Habits

Along with your daily routine comes your habits.

Your individual habits are what’s going to give you a little push into getting your work done.

Here are a few good habits to develop to stop procrastination :

• Take out your homework right when you get home
• Place it right in front of you at your desk
• Always complete 1 question/page before doing anything else
• Gather necessary tools before you start working

All of these habits can be enough to get you to start. That’s what matters!

Related Post: Daily Routine for Teenage Girls and Teenage Guys

10) Turn Work Into Fun

Once again, reducing that overall stress is the key to stop procrastination.

Here are a few ways to turn work into fun :

• Listen to music
• Reward yourself with a snack when you’ve completed a task
• Make studying a game
• Look forward to something exciting when you finish

Simple things like this will make or break your success when working on your laziness. 

The moment your brain makes the switch from boring to fun, it will also turn procrastination into productivity.

Hopefully these 10 tips have helped you start your journey to becoming more productive and reduce that laziness.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions leave them down below. Thanks for reading!

Daniel Friedman

Hey, I'm Daniel - The owner of Modern Teen! I love sharing everything I've experienced and learned through my teen and college years. I designed this blog to build a community of young adults from all around the world so we can grow together and share our knowledge! Enjoy and Welcome!

The Pomodoro technique works well. It’s like an ultimatum or a self-deal – 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of well-deserved rest. This way you can do even the work you don’t like, which you put off until the last moment. But procrastination as a thing is bad, an indication that there is something in your life that you are not happy with. And you need to rethink your routine and your goals and plans.

Well said Philippa! The only tough part about that is the thing that most students are unhappy with is the work itself. Take care!

i really appreciate these tips, as someone who struggles with procrastination! thank you for doing what you do!

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How to Stop Procrastinating Homework

Do you often find yourself putting off your homework until the last minute, only to feel overwhelmed and stressed out? You're not alone. Procrastination is a common challenge that many students face, but the good news is that there are effective strategies to help you overcome this habit. In this blog post, we will explore why we procrastinate on homework, the negative effects it can have on academic performance and mental health, and most importantly, practical tips and tools to stop procrastinating and become more productive in your studies. Whether you're a student struggling with procrastination or someone looking to improve their time management skills, this post is for you. Let's dive in and learn how to conquer homework procrastination once and for all.

Understanding Procrastination: Why Do We Put Off Homework?

Procrastination is a common behavior that many individuals experience when faced with tasks or responsibilities, such as homework. To effectively combat procrastination, it is crucial to understand why we engage in this behavior in the first place. By gaining insight into the underlying causes of procrastination, we can develop strategies to overcome it and become more productive in our academic pursuits.

The Fear of Failure or Perfectionism

One reason why we may procrastinate on homework is the fear of failure. The pressure to perform well academically can be daunting, leading to anxiety and a reluctance to start or complete assignments. Additionally, perfectionism can play a role in procrastination, as individuals may feel the need to produce flawless work, leading them to put off starting the task until they believe they can achieve perfection.

Lack of Interest or Motivation

Another factor contributing to homework procrastination is a lack of interest or motivation. If the subject matter or assignment does not capture our attention or align with our personal interests, it becomes easier to postpone the work. Without a sense of purpose or enthusiasm, completing homework can feel like a tedious chore, making it more likely to be delayed.

Overwhelm and Poor Time Management

Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of homework or having poor time management skills can also contribute to procrastination. When faced with multiple assignments or a tight deadline, it can be tempting to delay starting the work in favor of more immediate gratification or relaxation. Additionally, individuals who struggle with managing their time effectively may find it challenging to prioritize tasks and allocate sufficient time for homework, leading to procrastination.

Lack of Structure or Clear Goals

A lack of structure or clear goals can also contribute to procrastination. Without a defined plan or timeline for completing homework, it becomes easier to postpone the work. When there is no specific objective or deadline in place, it becomes more challenging to stay motivated and focused.

Understanding the reasons behind procrastination can help us develop targeted strategies to address and overcome this behavior. By acknowledging and addressing our fears, finding ways to increase motivation, improving time management skills, and establishing clear goals, we can effectively combat procrastination and become more productive in completing our homework assignments.

Recognizing the Effects of Procrastinating Homework

Procrastinating on homework can have various negative effects that can impact both our academic performance and mental well-being. It is essential to recognize these effects in order to understand the importance of overcoming procrastination and taking action to address it effectively. Let's explore the detrimental consequences of procrastinating on homework:

Impact on Academic Performance

One of the most significant effects of procrastination on homework is its negative impact on academic performance. When we continuously put off completing assignments, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to fully engage with the material, understand concepts, and develop critical thinking skills. This can lead to rushed and subpar work, resulting in lower grades and a lack of mastery in the subject matter. Procrastination can also lead to missed deadlines, incomplete assignments, and a general decline in academic achievement.

Detrimental Effects on Mental Health

Procrastination can take a toll on our mental well-being. The constant stress and anxiety that arise from leaving tasks until the last minute can have detrimental effects on our mental health. The looming pressure of unfinished homework can cause feelings of overwhelm, guilt, and self-doubt. These negative emotions can lead to increased levels of stress, decreased motivation, and a decreased sense of self-efficacy. Over time, chronic procrastination can contribute to a cycle of negative thoughts and emotions, impacting our overall mental well-being.

Long-Term Consequences of Habitual Procrastination

Habitual procrastination on homework can have long-term consequences that extend beyond our academic years. When we consistently delay completing assignments, we develop a habit of postponing tasks in other areas of our lives as well. This can hinder our ability to meet deadlines, manage responsibilities, and achieve our goals in various aspects of life, including our careers and personal relationships. Procrastination can become a pervasive habit that inhibits our personal growth and success.

Recognizing the effects of procrastinating on homework is crucial in motivating ourselves to break free from this habit. By understanding the negative impact on our academic performance, mental health, and long-term prospects, we can cultivate a desire for change and take proactive steps to address and overcome procrastination. In the following sections, we will explore strategies and techniques to help prevent homework procrastination and foster a more productive and fulfilling academic journey.

Strategies to Prevent Homework Procrastination

To overcome homework procrastination, it is essential to implement effective strategies that can help us stay on track and complete our assignments in a timely manner. By adopting these strategies, we can create a productive study routine and break free from the cycle of procrastination. Let's explore some practical techniques to prevent homework procrastination:

Setting a Regular Homework Schedule

Establishing a regular homework schedule is a fundamental strategy to combat procrastination. By allocating specific time slots for homework each day or week, we create a structured routine that helps us stay focused and accountable. Determine the most productive time for you to work on homework, considering factors such as energy levels and personal preferences. Create a schedule that aligns with your other commitments and ensure that you dedicate sufficient time for each assignment.

Creating a Conducive Study Environment

Creating a conducive study environment is crucial for minimizing distractions and promoting focus. Designate a specific area in your home or a quiet location outside where you can consistently work on your homework. Remove any potential distractions, such as electronic devices or noisy surroundings. Organize your study space with all the necessary materials and resources, ensuring that everything is easily accessible. A well-organized and distraction-free environment can help you maintain concentration and avoid the urge to procrastinate.

Breaking Down Tasks into Manageable Parts

Overwhelming tasks often contribute to procrastination. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, break down your homework assignments into smaller, more manageable parts. Create a to-do list or use a task management app to outline the specific steps required to complete each assignment. By focusing on one task at a time, you can make progress more easily and feel a sense of accomplishment as you check off each item on your list. Breaking down tasks into manageable parts increases motivation and reduces the likelihood of procrastination.

Utilizing Effective Time Management Techniques

Effective time management is instrumental in preventing procrastination. Explore different time management techniques to find what works best for you. One popular technique is the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for a focused period of time (typically 25 minutes) followed by a short break. This structured approach can help you maintain productivity and avoid burnout. Additionally, consider using time management apps or websites that can assist in tracking your work time and providing reminders for breaks.

Implementing Accountability Measures

Accountability can be a powerful tool in combating procrastination. Share your homework goals and progress with a trusted friend, family member, or study group. By involving others, you create a sense of external accountability, making it less likely for you to procrastinate. Consider setting up regular check-ins or study sessions with your accountability partner(s) to review your progress and provide support and encouragement along the way.

By implementing these strategies, you can establish a productive routine, create an optimal study environment, break down tasks into manageable parts, manage your time effectively, and leverage accountability to prevent homework procrastination. The key is to find the strategies that work best for you and consistently apply them to develop positive habits that promote productivity and success.

Tools and Techniques to Stay Motivated

Staying motivated is crucial in preventing homework procrastination and maintaining a consistent work ethic. Fortunately, there are various tools and techniques that can help you stay motivated throughout your homework journey. Let's explore some effective strategies to keep your motivation levels high:

Using Apps and Websites for Time Management

Technology can be a valuable ally in staying motivated and managing your time effectively. There are numerous apps and websites available that can assist you in organizing your homework tasks, setting reminders, and tracking your progress. Some popular options include Todoist, Trello, and Google Calendar. These tools can help you stay on top of your assignments, visualize your workload, and provide a sense of accomplishment as you complete tasks.

Employing the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique, mentioned earlier in the time management section, can also be an excellent tool for staying motivated. This technique involves breaking your work into focused intervals of typically 25 minutes, followed by short breaks. By working in these time blocks, you can maintain high levels of concentration and productivity. Use a timer or a Pomodoro app, such as Focus Keeper or Tomato Timer, to track your work and break intervals accurately.

Rewarding Yourself After Completing Tasks

Implementing a reward system can be a powerful motivator to overcome homework procrastination. Set specific milestones or goals for completing tasks, and reward yourself after achieving them. The rewards can be anything that brings you joy and serves as a positive reinforcement, such as taking a short break, enjoying a favorite snack, or engaging in an activity you love. By associating completing homework with a reward, you create a positive incentive that boosts motivation.

Seeking Inspiration and Support

Surrounding yourself with sources of inspiration and support can have a significant impact on your motivation levels. Seek out motivational quotes, articles, or videos that resonate with you and remind you of the importance of your academic pursuits. Engage with online communities or study groups where you can find like-minded individuals who share similar goals and challenges. Sharing experiences, supporting one another, and celebrating accomplishments together can provide a sense of camaraderie and reinforce your motivation.

Practicing Self-Care and Well-being

Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial for maintaining motivation and combating procrastination. Ensure that you are getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in regular physical activity. Prioritize self-care activities that help you relax and rejuvenate, such as meditation, journaling, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy. By nurturing your well-being, you create a solid foundation for maintaining motivation and focus on your homework tasks.

By utilizing these tools and techniques, you can stay motivated throughout your homework journey. Embrace technology to manage your time effectively, employ the Pomodoro Technique to enhance focus, reward yourself for completing tasks, seek inspiration and support from others, and prioritize self-care. Remember, motivation is not always constant, but by implementing these strategies, you can cultivate a resilient mindset and overcome procrastination more easily.

Maintaining Consistency: How to Make Non-Procrastination a Habit

Making non-procrastination a habit is essential for long-term success in overcoming homework procrastination. It requires consistent effort and dedication to break free from old habits and establish new ones. In this section, we will explore strategies to maintain consistency in your anti-procrastination journey:

Regularly Reflect on Your Progress

Take time to reflect on your progress and evaluate your efforts in combating procrastination. Regularly assess how well you are sticking to your schedule, following your strategies, and meeting your goals. Reflecting on your progress allows you to identify areas where you may need improvement or adjustment. Celebrate your successes and use any setbacks as learning opportunities to refine your approach.

Involve Peers or Family for Accountability

Accountability can be a powerful motivator in maintaining consistency. Share your goals and progress with trusted peers, friends, or family members who can provide support and hold you accountable. Consider forming study groups or finding a homework buddy with whom you can discuss your progress, share challenges, and hold each other accountable. Regular check-ins and discussions can help you stay on track and foster a sense of responsibility towards your homework commitments.

Stay Positive and Patient with Yourself

Breaking the habit of procrastination takes time, effort, and patience. It is important to maintain a positive mindset and be patient with yourself throughout the process. Acknowledge that setbacks and slip-ups are a normal part of the journey, and use them as opportunities for growth. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, focus on the present moment and the progress you have made. Cultivate self-compassion and remember that change takes time, but with perseverance, you can develop new habits and overcome procrastination.

Seek Support from Academic Resources

Many educational institutions offer resources and support for students struggling with procrastination. Take advantage of academic support services, such as tutoring, study skills workshops, or time management seminars. These resources can provide valuable guidance and strategies tailored to your specific academic needs. Additionally, consider reaching out to your teachers or professors for advice or clarification on assignments. Seeking support from academic resources can help you stay on track and reinforce your commitment to non-procrastination.

Reflect on the Benefits of Non-Procrastination

Regularly remind yourself of the benefits of non-procrastination. Reflect on the positive outcomes you have experienced, such as improved grades, reduced stress levels, and a sense of accomplishment. Visualize the future rewards and long-term success that come from consistent effort and dedication to your academic pursuits. By keeping the benefits in mind, you can stay motivated and committed to making non-procrastination a habit.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can maintain consistency in your efforts to combat procrastination. Regular reflection, accountability from peers or family, a positive mindset, seeking support from academic resources, and keeping the benefits in focus can help you establish new habits and make non-procrastination a natural part of your academic journey. Remember, consistency is key, and with persistence, you can overcome procrastination and achieve your academic goals.

How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework – Learn to Study Like a Pro

Everyone has experienced procrastination at some point in their lives.

It’s that feeling of dread when you think about a task that needs to be done, followed by a strong urge to do anything but that task.

Unfortunately, procrastination can have some serious consequences.

Not only does it lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety , but it can also interfere with work, school, and personal relationships.

In extreme cases, it can even lead to depression.

Procrastination – A Common Issue For Students

Many students find that they work better under pressure, but this often leads to last-minute scrambling and feeling overwhelmed.

Other students procrastinate because they feel like they can’t do the assignment perfectly, so they put it off until they can’t avoid it anymore.

Still, others might have difficulty getting started or may be bored by the task at hand. 

There are many causes of procrastination, but no matter the reason, procrastination can have negative consequences.

It can lead to lower grades, as well as increased stress and anxiety. 

Elusive Goals

Unclear or elusive goals are one of the common reasons why people procrastinate.

Students are often very curious as they always have an analytic approach to any given task.

So, it is common for them to want to know why they are performing an action before getting started.

And with uncertain goals, they are likely to delay work until they find a reason to complete it. 

Avolition Or The Lack Of Motivation  

There are many reasons why students procrastinate, but one of the most common is simply a lack of motivation.

When students don’t care about the task at hand or don’t see the point in doing it, they’re much more likely to put it off. 

For this reason, it’s vital to identify a deeper purpose behind a project and keep this vision front of mind.

Overwhelm and Fear of Failure

Everyone is built differently, with varying desires, goals and motivations.

Students are no exception to this and can easily become overwhelmed by impending deadlines or a heavy workload. 

This overwhelming feeling often develops in response to a fear of failure.

In a competitive society where performance is paramount, students may be worried about doing the assignment well or getting a bad grade.

Perfectionism

When we set a goal of everything being perfect, we often don’t want to start anything in order to avoid any mistakes and flaws.

Students may procrastinate out of perfectionism , feeling that the task is not worth doing unless it can be done right first time.

Anxiety 

There are various of reasons why people feel anxious day to day. In the case of students, anxiety can be very unhealthy if not handled carefully.

Perhaps the expectation of parents may place undue pressure on a student, or comparison with peers may force them to evaluate their own performance negatively.

Procrastination is a common side-effect of such stress. 

How To Stop Procrastinating on Homework

Procrastination is a common problem for students of all ages.

When faced with a difficult or boring homework assignment, it can be tempting to put it off until later.

However, this can often lead to even more problems, as the work builds up and becomes even more daunting. 

1. Getting Organized Can Help

One of the best ways to avoid procrastination is to stay organized.

Having a clear plan for what needs to be done and when will make it much less likely that we delay our work.

Additionally, keeping track of all of our assignments in one place will help us stay on top of everything that’s due. 

2. Be Reasonable When Setting Goals

Realistic goals are essential to avoiding procrastination for students.

By setting goals that are achievable, we are more likely to stay motivated and on track.

In contrast, when our goals are unrealistic, it is easy to become discouraged and give up. 

In addition, avoid setting goals that are too general.

For example, instead of saying we want to get better grades, set a specific outcome-orientated goal such as getting an A or process-related goal such as studying X number of hours.

This will help us make a plan of action and stay focused. 

3. Cut the Distractions

As a student, there are countless distractions that can keep us from completing our work.

Social media, streaming services, and even simply talking to friends can all prevent us from getting our assignments done on time. 

However, there are some steps that you can take in order to avoid these distractions.

One method is to create a schedule for ourselves and stick to it.

Dedicate specific times of day to working on schoolwork, and make sure to stick to those times. 

Additionally, try to find a quiet place to work where you won’t be interrupted by others.

If possible, turn off your phone or any other devices that might distract you.

By taking these steps, you can create an environment that is conducive to productivity and avoid the procrastination pitfalls that so many students fall into.

4. Recharge by Taking the Needed Breaks

One of the most important things for students to do in order to avoid procrastinating is to take breaks.

It may seem counterintuitive, but students who take breaks are actually more productive overall.

That’s because they’re giving their brains a chance to rest and recharge.

As a result, they’re able to come back to their work with fresh energy and new ideas. 

In addition, taking breaks can help to prevent burnout.

When students try to push themselves too hard, they often end up feeling overwhelmed and discouraged.

However, by taking regular rest, students can maintain their motivation and avoid fatigue. 

5. Rewarding Ourselves is Fulfilling

Completing work and then rewarding ourselves is a great way to avoid procrastinating.

It is important to find something we look forward to as a reward for completing small tasks, so that we’ll be motivated to keep going.

This could be something as simple as watching our favorite TV show, going for a walk, or taking a nap. 

The key is to engage in an activity to break up the monotony of work and find our flow again afterwards.

Whatever the reason, procrastination can have a major impact on a student’s academic success.

That’s why it’s important to learn how to overcome it .

Identifying the reasons for procrastination can be a helpful first step.

Once we know what’s causing our procrastination, we can start to find ways to deal with it.

Some students find that setting small goals and taking breaks throughout their work helps them stay on track.

Others find that listening to music or reading while they work helps them focus.

Whatever works for you, make sure to start today – don’t wait for tomorrow!

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10 Tips on How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework

• June 4, 2023
• | Author: Virtue Map Team

You do not like to tidy up, but you are happy to take on household chores as soon as you remember the importance of the homework deadline. I hate cooking more than anything, but I can spend hours cooking if you only have an important homework assignment for tomorrow.

Have you ever wondered why it happens ? Have you ever asked yourself why I can’t do my homework? These are the surprises of procrastinating homework, that are able to surprise us every time we have to do one or another task immediately.

Why is it hard for Some People is Hard to do Homework?

People may procrastinate because of various reasons , such as:

• Feeling anxiety and fear that they will not be capable to complete the homework assignment;
• Wrong order of priorities;
• The belief that the homework task is boring;
• Thinking that homework will take little time, so it can be done later;
• Lack of motivation and perseverance to do homework;;
• High expectations of teachers and parents;
• There is no understanding of why it is necessary to do homework;
• Lack of energy due to inappropriate daily routine or diet;
• It is difficult to concentrate due to personal problems or an unsuitable environment for doing homework;
• Perfectionism or the desire to complete a task perfectly.

How to Stop Procrastinating on Homework? 10 Tips to Push You Forward

1. be honest with yourself and admit that you procrastinate.

One of the most common reasons why people cannot get rid of procrastination is that they do not recognize that they are procrastinating homework. And when asked why they did not complete one or another task on time, they find many reasons to make excuses.

So, in order to get rid of a problem, you first need to acknowledge it. And consciously monitor your speech and actions in order to ensure that they do not lead to procrastination.

2. State very clearly the reasons that lead you to procrastinate

After you have acknowledged that procrastination is causing you discomfort, it is time to name the reasons. Ask yourself why is it so hard to do homework? What exactly makes you anxious or afraid?

Naming the reasons will allow you not to blindly surrender to emotions, but to assess the situation rationally. When you clearly name the reasons, you may find that most of them are just ridiculous and not worth looking into.

3. Set clear and motivating goals

Another tip that can help to do your homework more effectively is to be clear about why you need to do it. This reasoning should not be superficial, but essential and inspiring for the work.

It is possible that the goal of finishing the school year with excellent grades or passing well in exams will not be very inspiring. In this case, try to deceive yourself. Use homework as a way to accomplish other goals. For example, if I achieve the goal set this month – I will allow myself to go to a concert of my favorite music group with my friends. If not, I will have to skip it, etc.

4. Break big goals into small ones, they will seem easier to overcome

Large projects can be really intimidating. In fact, they often paralyze people before they even begin to complete the assignment. Therefore, it is important to divide the task into several performance stages, and if necessary – to divide these stages into separate tasks.

This way the studying will no longer seem insurmountable. Step by step, one task at a time, you will soon have completed the entire project. And all this is only because a set of small tasks seems easier to overcome than one big task for our brain.

5. Surround yourself with people who have set goals and are purposefully pursuing them

Such a company will not only encourage you when it is difficult or inspire you when you lack motivation, but will also testify by example that the set goals are achievable. Of course, only if you devote enough time and effort to it.

As it is said, if you want to reach your goal slowly, go for it alone, if you want to reach it quickly, invite at least a couple of people to help you.

6. Tell others about the assignments you have to do

This is one of the effective ways to stop procrastinating with your homework and not only talk about the homework to be done, but actually do it.

You probably wonder, how does it work? Actually, this is another psychological trick that shows that when we have spoken about our plans to others out loud, we do not want to disappoint them. Therefore it becomes an additional motivation that helps to keep studying easier and to avoid procrastination at the same time.

7. Improve your time management: plan your schedule and stick to it

This is almost the most important thing: developing the habit of planning and sticking to that plan. Today, there are many ways to choose from that can help you plan your time and use it effectively. While some people still use a paper must-do list, others write their tasks down in a productivity app .

It doesn’t really matter which way you choose. The thing that is really significant – to choose one of the most popular ways to organize your agenda. And after that to start putting it into practice in your daily life. You will soon be surprised how much planning can do.

8. One task at a time

We often hear praise for those who know how to do several things at once. But it clearly does not work. When doing several tasks at once, our brain keeps switching back and forth from one thing to another. That is why we get tired faster, make more mistakes, and work less efficiently.

Therefore, if you want to save time and do more tasks in a shorter period of time, always follow a consistent order: one task at a time.

9. Choose a place to do homework with as few distractions as possible

If you want to prepare your homework effectively, then you need to provide the right environment for it. Choose a place where you have enough space to sit down comfortably and place the necessary tools nearby. It should be a quiet place – silence helps you concentrate for studying better.

It is also recommended to put aside all devices that may distract you. Be strict with yourself – give yourself a limited amount of time for homework (this will help you focus) and during this time do not use smart watches, phones or the computer unless your homework assignment requires it or the technology is useful for productivity .

10.  Reward yourself for successfully completed assignments

Do not forget that doing homework should be fun! Therefore, always reward yourself after successfully completing tasks. This will lead to self-satisfaction and the work done, and will also provide motivation to perform other assignments.

What kind of reward could this be? Whether it’s an episode of a newly released series or ice cream – use your imagination! And you will get rid of such questions as how to not procrastinate on homework, etc.

How to Indicate that You are Procrastinating on Studying?

Here are some of the symptoms that indicate you are prone to homework procrastination:

• Even though you know you have to do a task right away, you keep putting it off;
• Accomplishing small tasks that require only a little time and concentration also take a lot of your time;
•  You keep postponing frustrating tasks or the ones that might be boring;
• You wait until the deadlines for the completion of the work start to really cause you to worry about not being able to make it;
• If you have the opportunity, you prefer to postpone work until tomorrow, even if you know that the amount of tasks the next day may not be manageable;
• You would describe your busyness as a waste of time.

Is it common to procrastinate on homework?

Of course. Every task that requires you to leave your comfort zone can cause fear, confusion, and reluctance to do it. The same emotions are caused by tasks that seem uninteresting or too difficult. Most people have to deal with these emotions in order to stop procrastinating.

Can procrastinating on homework indicate ADHD?

There is no direct relationship between procrastination and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The reasons why people with ADHD fail to complete tasks are different from those who succumb to procrastination.

People call me lazy. Is it true that laziness and procrastination are the same thing?

Not really. Laziness can be described as an unwillingness to do anything at all. Meanwhile, procrastination is characterized by active action, but paying attention to things that are not important. For example, knowing that there is only one day left to finish an important homework project, a person still chooses to first wash the floor of the room, download a long-watched movie, to clean and organize the computer desktop, etc.

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How to Stop Procrastinating Homework

Procrastination creates stress for students and can impact the production of quality work.  Putting things off, for all of us, creates an overall feeling of things hanging over our heads and never being free from responsibility.  

When students procrastinate, they can create a situation that makes it difficult to self-regulate .  When a student is not well-regulated – in other words, they’re experiencing a moderate to high level of anxiety related to homework –  it’s more difficult for their frontal lobe to be engaged in thinking and problem-solving.  

Want to help your student stop procrastinating homework and reach their full academic potential?  This article takes an objective view of homework procrastination to examine the root cause and provides some expert advice on how parents and educators can best help students.

Common Reasons for Procrastinating Homework

So, why is procrastination so common?  Contrary to what many might believe, the root cause has nothing to do with students being ‘lazy’ or dismissive about their schoolwork.  Rather, some of the most common reasons for homework procrastination include,  

• Students may underestimate the length or complexity of a project because they have not fully developed the concept.
• When students feel overwhelmed or become aware of the significance of the project/paper/essay etc, they can ‘freeze up’, rendering them incapable of completing any work at all.  
• Trying to accomplish homework with ADHD presents unique challenges for students; students with ADHD often need help further developing essential executive functioning skills .
• Some students may not be getting enough sleep and feel exhausted – both physically and mentally; an exhaustive state robs them of their natural ability to motivate. 
• The home environment where students typically complete homework may have too many distractions. 

The rule of thumb for parents: perspective is key for parents .  Motivating students from a place of shame is a non-starter.  Alternatively, parents will have more success when they objectively consider the root causes for procrastinating homework – anxiety, exhaustion, constant distractions, or living with ADHD – and look for ways to help alleviate these common factors. 

Homework Tips for Parents : A Word On Motivation

First, motivating students is a misnomer.  Students may want to do well, but really do not know how to do well.  Others may procrastinate because they’re afraid to fail or not be perfect.  

Try following these steps to help your student,  

• Begin by asking your student if they are open to help.  While students may say no, parents have the ability to respond by saying they respect their position but would kindly ask them to reconsider.  In other words, forcing students to comply simply compounds the stress and frustration the student is experiencing. 
• Recognize that your student may be more emotional with you than with a tutor.  It’s not personal – by keeping your emotions in check, you provide a great example of self-regulation for your student to model.  If you need to step away to get a break, do so.  
• Model, model, model!  Get involved by reading the assignment out loud with your student, and create a schedule of how to do a little each day so the student learns how to complete a little at a time 
• Perhaps the most important thing to do: empathize!  Kids, just like us, want to be understood and supported.  Even as adults, having to do what you don’t like to do stinks – we call it ‘adulting’. Want to shorten the proverbial gap between you and your student? Provide some real-life examples of how you have to do things you don’t like as an adult and acknowledge their feelings.  You will become instantly relatable. 

Additional Homework Tips for Students

• Start with something easy to help you get going – we call this behavioral momentum.  Format your paper, write your name at the top of the assignment, and answer the question you feel most comfortable with – just get the ball rolling. 
• After you establish behavioral momentum, tackle something more challenging – but set a timer (around 30 minutes) so you don’t feel like it will take all night. 
• Some research shows that individuals are more likely to perform better on an assessment when part of a group.  If you have the time and opportunity, join a study group of people who are all working like you.  
• Create a work/break schedule and definitely put distractions in another room (phone! Or games/Youtube or other streaming videos).  

Creating an Efficient Homework Schedule 

Okay, parents – you likely already know how important structure and routine can be for your kids. In helping your student learn how to stop procrastinating homework, creating a schedule can give them a greater sense of autonomy while helping them manage expectations.   

In a de-escalated environment, (when things are chill) ask your student to create a homework schedule that he/she would like to implement.  After they present it to you, you’ll have an opportunity to give feedback and set up a trial period.  

The proposal itself is a plan;  the student is evaluating their resources (time) and responsibilities (tasks) and formulating a plan.  Ask your student how they want to be held accountable and let them know you want to discuss it with them at the end of the week to evaluate their progress.  

With this approach, parents demonstrate trust in their students and give them an opportunity to practice being self-direct.  The key word here is practice – so, don’t expect it to be perfect!  Over time and with further practice, they will develop these skills.  

Academic Coaching with Effective Students

Fortunately, for parents and students who feel overwhelmed by homework or are frustrated trying to help their kids, there is help in the form of academic coaching from Effective Students. Our academic coaching services empower students who may be struggling to manage materials or assignments, apply what they’re learning, transition into a new academic environment (high school to college, for example), and procrastinate homework due to heightened feelings of anxiety, fear, and exhaustion. 

Learn how to help your child meet and exceed their academic goals – contact us today!

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