QC
April 5, 2013 | Quebec
Taking Action Instead of Putting Things Off
An assignment due in a few days, readings to finish, an exam to prepare for: you know what you need to do, but you always seem to find a good reason to start later.
Procrastination while studying can quickly turn a manageable task into a source of pressure. The closer the deadline gets, the less time remains to complete the work, and the more difficult the task can seem.
Stopping procrastination, however, is not simply a matter of telling yourself to be more disciplined. One of the most useful strategies is to make it easier to take action.
Understand Why You Procrastinate
Putting off a task does not necessarily mean you lack motivation.
A task may be postponed because it seems:
- too long;
- too complicated;
- uninteresting;
- poorly defined;
- difficult to start;
- associated with a fear of not succeeding.
Identifying the reasons you postpone a task can help you choose a more appropriate strategy.
If the problem is the size of the assignment, breaking it into smaller parts may help. If distractions constantly take over, you can adjust your study environment. If you do not know where to begin, the first step needs to be clarified.
Understanding the obstacle helps you address its cause rather than only its consequences.
Make the First Goal Smaller
“Prepare for my exam” or “write my assignment” can sound overwhelming.
The first goal can be much simpler:
- review the instructions;
- open your notes;
- prepare the document;
- identify three main ideas;
- review one section of the course;
- write the first paragraph.
Once that first step is complete, the next one often becomes easier.
The goal is not always to find enough motivation to finish the entire task. The priority is to make the initial step manageable enough to begin.
Turn One Deadline Into Several Steps
A deadline that is still far away can create the impression that there is plenty of time left. Then the days pass, and a large part of the work has to be completed at the last minute.
To avoid this situation, it can be helpful to divide one major deadline into several smaller ones.
For an assignment due in two weeks, for example, you could schedule separate periods to:
- understand the instructions;
- gather the necessary information;
- structure the content;
- complete a first draft;
- review and correct the assignment.
This approach helps spread the effort over time instead of concentrating all the work immediately before the deadline.
Reduce Distractions Before You Begin
When a task already requires effort to start, every distraction can become an opportunity to put it off.
Phones, notifications, social media, videos, and other activities can easily pull your attention away.
Before a study session, it can, therefore, be useful to:
- turn off certain notifications;
- temporarily move your phone out of reach;
- close unnecessary applications and browser tabs;
- prepare the materials you need;
- decide exactly what you want to accomplish.
These simple steps reduce the number of decisions you need to make once you begin working.
👉 Learn more: How Can You Improve Your Concentration While Studying?
Don't Wait for Perfect Conditions
It is easy to postpone a task until you feel more motivated, more rested, or better prepared.
That ideal moment does not always arrive.
In some situations, starting with an imperfect first version is more effective than waiting until you are certain you can produce an excellent result immediately.
This approach is particularly important when perfectionism becomes a reason not to start.
A plan can be improved. A text can be revised. An answer can be corrected. But before something can be improved, it has to exist.
Use the Times When You Concentrate Best
Not every hour of the day is necessarily equally productive.
Some people find it easier to concentrate in the morning, while others work better later in the day.
When a task requires significant attention, it can be helpful to schedule it during a period when you generally feel more alert and focused.
Simpler tasks can then be reserved for other times.
This approach helps match the difficulty of the work with the energy you have available.
Know the Difference Between Procrastination and Needing Rest
Repeatedly postponing a task and taking a break because you are genuinely tired are not the same thing.
When fatigue builds up, continuing to work for several more hours does not necessarily make you more productive.
Rest should, therefore, be part of your study routine. The goal is to recognize the difference between a necessary break and a distraction that continually delays your return to work.
👉 Learn more: How Can You Manage Fatigue While Studying and Stay on Track?
Create a Routine That Makes It Easier to Start
The more a task depends on a decision made in the moment, the easier it can be to postpone.
A routine reduces that hesitation.
Scheduling study periods, using the same workspace regularly, and deciding on your priorities in advance can gradually make it easier to get started.
Good time management can also help prevent several important deadlines from piling up at once.
👉 Learn more: How Can You Manage Your Time Better While Studying?
Develop Independence During Your Training
Learning how to start a task, organize your work, and meet deadlines is part of developing effective habits during training.
At CDI College, programs emphasize practical learning and give students opportunities to apply what they learn in different contexts. Depending on the program, this approach may include end-of-studies projects or practicums in professional settings.
These experiences can also contribute to the development of organizational skills, independence, and time-management skills, all of which are useful both during your studies and in professional life.
Stopping procrastination does not mean never postponing a task again. It is more about learning to recognize what prevents you from starting and putting strategies in place to make it easier to take action.
FAQ
1. How can you stop procrastinating while studying?
Start by identifying what is causing you to put off the task, then reduce your first goal to a single, specific action.
2. Why do I procrastinate even when a task is important?
The importance of a task does not necessarily make it easier to begin. Its complexity, size, distractions, or fear of not succeeding can all contribute to procrastination.
3. How can you start an assignment that feels overwhelming?
Break it into smaller steps and focus only on the first one. A specific task, such as reviewing the instructions or preparing an outline, usually feels more manageable than the goal of “finish the assignment.”
4. Can perfectionism contribute to procrastination?
Yes. Wanting to produce a perfect result immediately can make it harder to begin. Accepting that the first version may be imperfect gives you something to improve gradually.
5. How can you avoid doing everything at the last minute?
Turn the final due date into several intermediate deadlines and add them to your schedule.
Explore Further
👉 A Guide to Succeeding in Your Training in Quebec
👉 How to Succeed in Assessments and Projects in a Hands-On Training Program
👉 How Can You Maintain Steady Progress Throughout Your Training?
