Ways to reduce procrastination during the application period
We’ve all been there. You have a big task, deadline, assignment, or project looming and you just can’t seem to get yourself motivated to start it because you need to clean the house, or Netflix seems like a more enjoyable idea, or you find something else that “needs” to be done instead. Then, suddenly that deadline is just around the corner and you’re scrambling to finish it on time. Now you’re feeling a lot more pressure than if you hadn’t procrastinated.
According to Psychology Today, procrastination can result in lower-quality work and a general reduction in well-being. Here are five ways to stop procrastinating and submit your application early, well ahead of the November 29, 2024 at 12:00 (noon) ET deadline.
Eliminate distractions
We live in a world where it’s very easy to get distracted. Whether it’s the people around us, social media, television and streaming, or our phones, distractions are everywhere. While working on your applications, try to remove yourself from distractions by finding a quiet place with no one around and limited access to the things you know would entice you to turn your attention elsewhere. Silence or turn off your phone and log out of your social media profiles. Listening to music or ambient sounds can also help drown out distractions and improve focus.
Set attainable goals
Setting attainable goals can make your task feel less daunting. Create an outline of all the things you need to do to submit your applications, then break it down into smaller tasks. Setting smaller goals for yourself can help you feel more productive and in control of your work.
Find an accountability buddy
Having a partner to help keep you accountable can give you another reason to complete your tasks on time. You can work with another student to keep each other accountable or enlist the help of a loved one. Share your task list with them and they can help keep you on track. If you don’t have someone to help keep you accountable, finding a system that you can use to keep yourself accountable is very helpful too. It can be as simple as crossing items off a daily to-do list.
Take breaks
It may feel like you don’t have enough time to take a break (or doing so may feel like procrastinating), but a well-timed, intentional break can actually help you be more productive. Use these breaks to make a snack or go for a walk. You’ll come back from your break feeling refreshed and ready to get back to work.
Reward yourself
Rewarding yourself after finishing a task or completing your to-do list for the day can help develop healthy productivity habits. Maybe you reward yourself with a sweet treat after you finish each of your tasks, or maybe it’s a nap or 30 minutes of your favourite tv show. Knowing there is a reward at the end of your current task can give you the motivation you need to complete it.
