Claris Kapinga’s five tips to avoid the dreaded “p word” (procrastination).
1. Diary
When you get your assignment due date make sure you write it down in your diary. This will keep you right and help you plan out your assignment in good time before it’s due. If in doubt about anything, read the module booklet as everything about the assignment is usually there. If you’re still unsure of anything you always ask your lecturer.
2. Social Media break
In this day and age it’s much more interesting to browse your Facebook timeline or rearrange your Pinterest board than pick up a textbook. Dr Piers Steel, author of The Procrastination Equation recommends “identifying your distractions and cleansing their accompanying cues from your life”.
So be honest with yourself, if Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest etc. is distracting you, then log yourself out for a while – it’s worth it.
3. Post-it Notes
This is very similar to using your dairy but the difference is that you can literally put post-it notes everywhere to remind you of that important assignment. Using post it notes may seem like a silly idea, but if it helps you then they’re worth it.
4. Just do it! Get it done!
My fourth tip is to just do it, begin your assignment and start your planning and research. Instead of compromising let’s learn from Nike and “just do it”.
Even if it’s bit by bit, it’s better than leaving it to the last minute.
5. Knowledge is Power
Whoever said knowledge is power was totally right. So whether you’re doing an essay, putting together a presentation, researching or simply reading a ridiculously long article, just remember that you’re adding to the knowledge that will help you later on in your career.
