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  7. Procrastination

Procrastination

Procrastination is one of the most common study-related problems that students raise with counsellors. It's not just you - many people struggle with staying focused on what they're meant to be doing and the good news is that there is something that you can do about it.

Procrastination can arise from fear of failure, anxiety around not being perfect or good enough, from avoidance of the discomfort of doing something tedious and challenging. And it is way too easy to turn to other forms of entertainment to ease this tension.

Image used with permission from and sincere thanks to www.anemonelost.com

So where to start?

There are some amazing resources to help with procrastination, and while you can come in and talk to one of the counsellors at the centre, you can begin by getting a bit of background information, and having a bit of an idea of where to start.

One of the most well known talks about procrastination uses a great analogy involving a monkey sailing a boat. No really - bear with me, this really makes sense, have a look:
 
Tim Urban - Inside the mind of a master procrastinator.

There are a few techniques that you can use to help battle procrastination, one of them being the Pomodoro Technique. You can download Pomodoro apps, or just use a timer. The idea is to agree with yourself to do a small chunk of work, and then take a short break - usually 25 minutes of work and a quick 5 minute break where you move, stretch, do something else, and then decide if you will do it again. This generates a surprising amount of energy. And it banks on the concept that most of us believe that you get motivated and then do stuff... but its actually the other way around! You start doing stuff, and then you get more motivated.

Pomodoro Technique by Luca Mascaro

Have a look at the Pomodoro Technique website for some information, and don't think you have to buy a tomato timer for it to work!

Finally, one of the most useful websites available for working longer term on procrastination is that of Dr David Nowell, who is an expert in helping people with ADHD, and focuses on motivation and building focus. His blog talks about procrastination and motivation, and gives many practical ideas for building focus.