Most students have suffered the pain and perils of procrastination and yet, they continue to repeat this behavior. So, where does procrastination stem from and how can students beat it? Florida National University (FNU) decided to take a closer look at procrastination, while also considering a few tips to avoid it.
What is Procrastination?
Procrastination is the inability to find the motivation to complete tasks well before a deadline. In other words, individuals who procrastinate feel no pressure to complete their work until the last minute. They put off assignments, requirements, and responsibilities due to a lack of urgency, until there is little time to produce the work that needs completion. They live with a false sense of security in their ability to complete assignments.
How Does this Affect Work?
This type of practice results in rushed, forced work that is often found to be lower in quality than other work.
Who are the Culprits?
Edutopia states, “Estimates indicate that 80 to 95 percent of college students engage in procrastination, approximately 75 percent consider themselves procrastinators, and almost 50 percent procrastinate consistently and problematically.”
Understanding that students are procrastinating during a third of the school day brings this problem to a new level. Not only is there a large number of procrastinators, but they are also wasting a large chunk of their time each day, in and out of the classroom. This is concerning for universities — why should students waste what they are paying for?
Tips to avoid Procrastination
The first step to fighting procrastination is to recognize the problem. How can one fight something that he/she does not see or understand? Once one realizes their inability to become motivated about completing tasks, then they can actually do something about it. Here are a few more tips to avoid procrastination:
- Motivate Yourself: Students must find reasons to complete tasks. Whether it is a personal incentive (such as treating oneself to a movie night after the project is over) or uncovering the value behind the project (for example, a good grade means a better GPA), finding little motivations along the way will make the process a lot easier on students.
- Manage Your Time: This might be the last thing that procrastinators want to hear but managing one’s time is one of the most effective ways to fight procrastination. Grab a calendar or download a planning app to help schedule tasks and get more items completed.
- Get a Head Start: Whether that means researching a topic early on, or looking ahead on the syllabus, getting a head start on current and future projects is an excellent way to keep one’s head above water.
FNU: Learn More with Us
We are dedicated to seeing each of our students succeed. That is why we go out of our way to offer tips and services to help students be their best. If you are interested in becoming part of the FNU Family, check out our accredited programs offered by committed professors. See one you like? Apply today.
