Introduction: Procrastination—A Common Struggle
As a cram school instructor, I’ve observed a common trend among students.
Many exclaim, “I don’t have enough time before the test!” while few ever say, “I have plenty of time to prepare.”
From this, I’ve concluded:
- Very few students are good at time management.
- Humans naturally gravitate toward the easier path.
- In essence, procrastination is part of human nature.
Preparing early is crucial not just in academics but in life overall.
By addressing the root causes of procrastination, we can learn to manage it effectively.
Here are five common causes of procrastination and actionable strategies to tackle them.
Cause 1: Thinking “There’s Still Time”
This pattern is common among optimists.
Students who finish tasks early tend to think, “I only have this much time left.”
In contrast, procrastinators think, “I still have plenty of time!”—the classic tortoise-and-hare scenario.
Solution:
Set your personal deadline two days before the actual one.
Imagine catching the flu or facing an unexpected obstacle and prepare accordingly.
This mindset can be effective in school, work, or any task with a deadline.
Cause 2: Avoiding Things You Dislike
It’s natural to avoid tasks you find challenging or unpleasant.
However, ignoring these tasks won’t make them go away.
Solution:
Break the task into smaller, more manageable goals.
Start with something you feel confident you can handle.
Additionally, accept your limitations.
Acknowledge, “I’m not perfect, but I can improve,” and use failures as stepping stones for growth.
Cause 3: Feeling Overwhelmed by Too Many Tasks
For students, this often stems from having too many extracurricular activities or spending excessive time preparing for tasks.
This can lead to wasted time and constant postponement of essential responsibilities.
Solution:
Reassess your schedule.
If activities or habits are consuming too much time, consider cutting back.
Analyze why preparation takes so long—perhaps it’s due to disorganization or lack of focus—and address the root cause.
Cause 4: Prioritizing What You Want Over What You Should Do
It’s easy to prioritize short-term pleasure, such as social events, part-time jobs, or hobbies, over long-term goals.
This behavior often leaves little time for important tasks.
Solution:
Ask yourself, “What will happen if I don’t finish this task by the deadline date?”
This reflective practice shifts your focus from emotional to logical reasoning, helping you prioritize effectively.
Cause 5: Not Considering the Consequences of Inaction
Some procrastinators underestimate the consequences of delaying tasks because they have never experienced significant setbacks from procrastination.
Solution:
Reflect on potential outcomes: “If I don’t do this by the deadline date, what will happen?”
For chronic procrastinators, creating a situation where they have no choice but to act can be especially effective.
A Universal Strategy: “Just Start”
Sometimes, the simplest solution is to begin.
Humans have a natural aversion to leaving things unfinished. For example:
- If you’re studying, set up your workspace, grab your materials, and start with one task.
- If you’re working, open your calendar, break the task into smaller steps, and schedule them.
Once you start, the process often feels less daunting.
Creating Accountability: An Effective External Force
One of the most powerful ways to combat procrastination is by creating a “must-do” situation.
At my cram school, we implement this approach by setting earlier deadlines for students.
For instance, if a school assignment is due on May 10, we require submission by May 7.
This external deadline encourages students to act earlier, reducing stress and increasing their confidence.
Over time, they learn that starting early is less stressful and more rewarding.
Conclusion: Procrastination Is Manageable
Breaking the cycle of procrastination brings more balance and freedom to your life.
Experiment with these strategies and see which ones work best for you.
Overcoming procrastination is a journey, but each step forward is a victory worth celebrating!