17 Ideas To Stop Procrastination and Start Studying

Your study is important to you, but somehow you are distracted and get stuck in something unproductive. 

It’s procrastination playing that trick. 

But you can win the war, even when they come subtly.  

I’d have said you must fight it with all your strength, but no! 

After putting my strength into this article, all you need to do is sit, read, and implement—Yeah, easy-breezy!

This article takes you through 17 tips on how to stop procrastination and start studying.

Therefore, be ready to embrace a holistic approach to stopping procrastination and give your study the honor it deserves.

The final subheading will teach you how to kill procrastination once and for all! 

But, friend, why do you procrastinate? 

Why You Procrastinate Studying

The brain knows when it’s time for you to study, but your heart wants the merry instead of the dedicated hours of work. 

There are at least three reasons why you might find yourself procrastinating.

1. Annoying Tasks

When I was in school, I hated taking notes—especially those long boring lectures.

But I noticed that when I procrastinate, I only push the pain forward. 

The ugly part is that the pain will come eventually. 

It’s the same with most students.

When they don’t want something done, they either grab their phones or check something else. 

Well, it’s unhealthy. Eventually, these tasks stand at the other end and cause us more pain. 

Apart from unpleasant tasks, there’s more.  

2. Fear

Yeah, fear is undoubtedly one of the reasons why students procrastinate studying.  

I often push aside many courses back then because I think they are too complex. 

Don’t let me mention those revisions I never did because I’m afraid I won’t remember them when it’s time.

Then, here’s the third one:

3. Overloading

Which will be easier for you? 

• Write an essay of 5 pages
• Handle an assignment that will take you 3 hours  

Did I leave you saying: “these tasks are the same”? 

Yes, that’s it.

Most of the school work comes like this, and finding where to start can make you push it aside. 

But, how about this school work: “List out the six best hygiene and fitness tips.” Phew! That’s simple, right? 

It seems you now got my point!

The time required to complete the two previous tasks will likely overwhelm you. 

There you go—the three common demons that stop you from studying! 

Now, how do you win the war? 

What are some of the ideas on how to stop procrastination and be productive?

Below are 17 practical ways to stop procrastination and start studying right away. 

17 Tips To Help Stop Procrastination and Start Studying!

1. Eradicate Distractions

I don’t like reading with more than 1 person.

This tactic helped me ace the most challenging course I wrote in my finals.  

Preparing for exams with many friends will not take you far.  

Of course, it’s fun to have friends around to interact with. And in fact, their progress might be motivating. 

However, this is only good when you are revising and not studying to assimilate a point. 

To Eradicate Distractions, do These:

• Limit yourself to one serious and dedicated friend
• Turn off all social media tabs 
• Keep your phone on airplane mode if need be 
• Take your study to a clean and uncluttered space 

Taking a mess off your head welcomes you to a calm and willing mind.

2. Implement Your Strongest Sensation to Memorize

The more you know what learning styles work for you, the better.

What’s Your Learning Style? 

• Stickers 
• Listening to audio and video 
• Drawing maps 
• Writing a lengthy paragraph with hands  

If your style is not listed here, don’t be discouraged. You are unique!  

Personally, when I feel like pushing off a study session, I download the audio file and start listening.

When I listen to audio files, the motivation builds up, and eventually, I find myself working on the task.

Another winning style for me is writing. It keeps me on and on till my time is up.

Why am I relating this?

You might have more than one style. Just figure it out! 

Don’t follow what others say about what works best for them, not even mine.

If you haven’t figured out yours yet, try all these learning styles and stick with the one that works for you.

I remember recording my lectures while in college. It’s bliss! 

When you keep to the pattern that works for you, you will likely be propelled to stop procrastination and start studying. 

3. Set Deadlines

When I started my career as a writer, I would say things like, “I’ll write 150 articles before the month runs out.” 

While it’s lofty for a starter, I beckoned unproductivity.

I didn’t plan to track my progress, so there is no way to monitor where I am and where I should have been.

What’s the lesson for you? 

Break your tasks into bits. (Don’t be sad that you are doing little) 

When it’s small but regular, you will get more done.

So, stay off biting more than you can swallow!

Here’s a Simple Approach

• Approach your work realistically. 
• The less time, the more focused you will be. 

4. Pay Attention To Your Body Clock

When I’m studying and feeling sleepy, you will find me on the bed the next moment.

Listen to your body clock and pay attention to your efficiency and alertness.

Don’t imitate any of your friend’s study routines.

They have likely mastered what worked for them; find yours.

This isn’t the time to binge on red bulls so you can stay awake and alert.

You will likely get the work pushed aside later on. 

When you are a little less active, grab a nap for a few minutes or hours to help you stay alert for the day. 

It’s better to sleep with a feeling of getting back than to get overwhelmed and push it aside.

5. Avoid Stress

A little critical analysis wouldn’t hurt you here. 

Let’s say you are anxious or less motivated about a task; what should you do? 

Here are a Few Things to Do: 

• Be realistic and analyze likely outcomes for success or failure.
• Ask yourself, will it be the end of the world? 

Your honest answers to these questions aren’t an excuse to entertain failure.

However, you don’t have to die because you don’t want to fail.

Many students who failed exams while in school didn’t die.

So, take it slow, and be sure you are taking it slow when you really have to. 

6. Eat Healthily And Exercise

Take fish, berries, whole grains, and nuts. Stay off sugar content!  

This month, I’m entering the “no soda challenge.” You can join me too.

When it comes to exercise, choose sports.

Your body will be grateful for covering up those hours of sitting in a single location.  

Find a way to fix 30 minutes of exercise into your routine.

It’s a boost to help you avoid procrastination too. 

7. Ask for Help

If you want to be inspired, you must ask for help.

A day before an exam, I met a friend to explain a topic to me.

You’d not believe I wasn’t tired of picking more examples and working on them after understanding them.

It even took me past midnight; I enjoyed solving it. 

Although I didn’t have an A in the course, I got my B with excellence!

Therefore, seek students that you both offer this same course. 

Ask those who have had their assignments and demands for tips and notes on how to do it. 

Dubbing shouldn’t be your goal but use the resources you have intelligently. 

Before the exam, ask your lecturer questions. 

When they provide answers, take note and work on them. 

8. Visualize the Bigger Picture

This will always be your biggest motivation.

Let that guide you every morning. 

Do this by listing 3-5 possible consequences of procrastinating your study.

These consequences must be strong enough to kick you to work. 

So, don’t delay. Get started and push-off thinking about how you would start.

Do the actual work! 

9. Adopt and Implement the Pomodoro Techniques

The Pomodoro technique is an effective way to stop procrastination and start studying. 

How You Can Do It: 

• Study for 25 minutes with fewer distractions and no break. (Here, you won’t check your phone, social media, or even browse a website not related to your study) 
•  After, take a 5 minutes break. (This allows you to stretch, move around, and get snacks.) 

When you do these, you have completed a single Pomodoro. 

This 25 minutes will have to be done three times until you have a 15-30 minute break. 

You can set a reminder for the 5 minutes break. 

Tips

• If the timing doesn’t favor you, personalize it. Just ensure it’s consistent. (For example, you can have those 5 mins break every 1 hour or even every 20 minutes.)

• Start with what you find easier. 
• Pay attention to only one task for each Pomodoro. Say no to multitasking! 
• If you get it done early, check around and tidy your table. 
• Use the proper study method.

 Try this method; you’ll be glad you did.

10. Design an External Support

Drafting your tasks and writing down your goals can make what your desire real to you.

However, when you inform someone, you create a sense of accountability. 

Tell the person how grateful you will be if he checks up on you, especially on your due date.  

11. Give Room For Default Procrastination

This is one of my favorites! 

Sometimes, when I’m reading, some thoughts randomly pop into my head. 

When they do, it’s my brain searching for more exciting things to note.

Since it’s normal, I don’t ignore them. 

Instead, I keep a note close by and write them down. They’ll now make up my “to-do-later” list. 

Hence, during breaks, I will revisit what I have on that list and quickly run it. 

Before, my brain used to act like it’s receiving unending notifications for petty tasks. 

But it’s better now.

And that’s what will eventually happen to you.

As you learn and focus more, you will be less distracted.  

12. Set Up a Dedicated Study Space

Your desk should have all that is needed before you begin to study so you can limit distractions.

Here Are What You Should Keep In Mind:

• Tidy up your desk and get rid of things that are not needed
• Keep textbooks, stationery, and notes close.
• Grab snacks, hot drinks, and water
• During cold weather, keep blankets close.
• If you pair music well with your study, select an excellent playlist to keep you focused. 
• Keep a desk meant for studying alone. 
• Do not read, watch, and eat on this desk. (This helps your body agree that you are ready to study automatically. 

13. Never Beat Yourself

Forgive yourself if you procrastinate tasks you already vowed not to push aside.

It is simple! 

It has been verified that students who forgive themselves are more likely to win over procrastination.

Here Are Some Tips Some Adopt:

• After realizing they are off their plan or schedule, they simply start working on it.
• That isn’t the time to waste the whole day. 
• They shun that guilt and forgive themselves.
• They get themselves 30 minutes to get washed up and be set for study. 

 14. Celebrate Progress

Okay, maybe “grace.” lol.

Reflecting on days you had a great study will motivate you to keep up with your routine and even compel you to do more.

As you set up a study session, keep a notebook close by to list tasks you are sure you will complete.

Be proud of your achievement and be reminded that small tasks lead to success. 

When you have every small step in the right direction, you will win!

15. Say No To Perfectionism

You can edit a bad article, but you can’t edit a blank page.

If you have been pushing a task because you feel you don’t have the capacity to approach it perfectly, just do it! 

Here’s a small gist: I’ve revamped all the articles on this blog twice. 

I’m thrilled at the result. I’m glad I didn’t have to start writing fresh.

The result of that work is the rich article you are reading right now. 

Therefore, never wait until you have it all. 

16. Break Adrenaline-Fueled Panic Addiction

Some religiously believe that the last hour rush or panic offers excellent results.

It has undoubtedly helped me in the past with studying, but it has its damaging effect. 

It’s one of the easiest ways to procrastinate and not get out of it. 

There’s more: It’s damaging in two ways.

• An unforeseen occurrence can hinder you from completing the tasks. (It could be illness, emergency, or family issues) 
•  Some tasks do not come with a deadline.

Think for a moment:

Would it be relaxing to get your assignment and essay done before the actual day?

What about having your mind filled with guilt that you haven’t done it?

Which is better?

17. Change Your Methods Unafraid

Always have a date to reflect on your study habits and investigate what works well for you.

Very likely, you’ll find it.

Don’t limit yourself to one study tip, hack, or method. 

Also, do not get stuck implementing the same techniques over and over.

Check into one or two. Test-run, see what works for you, and see if you can take it up. 

Just ensure you are not restricting yourself to a model that isn’t working well for you. 

After these 17 tactics, you should be able to nip procrastination in the bud.

However, how can you kill procrastination once and for all?

The answers can be found in the last subheading. 

The following is supplementary information on how you can kill procrastination and get back your life.

How To Kill Procrastination and Be Finally Free 

Step 1:

If You Are a Procrastinator, Admit It

If you have valid reasons to put tasks off, that isn’t necessarily procrastination.

Sometimes, allowing time to pass on a project might give you time to think well. 

So, evaluate yourself to find out if you have been procrastinating. 

To Evaluate, Ask Yourself: 

• Do I fill my activity with low-priority tasks?
• Do I always leave an item on the to-do list for a long time, even when it’s important? 
• Do I Read emails a couple of times without taking a step? 
• Do I Start a high-level task and then move on to make tea or coffee? 
• Do I Fill my time with unimportant tasks?
• Do I always wait to be in the right mood?

If you can identify with these, you are a procrastinator. 

Now, after admitting, let’s move to step 2.  

Step 2: Identify Your Why

At the outset, I listed three outstanding reasons why students procrastinate.

Well, that’s not all that lead to procrastination.

Hence, you have to sit down and analyze why you procrastinate.

Ask Yourself:

• Do I easily get disorganized?
• Could it be that I’m overwhelmed?
• Is it due to poor decision-making?
• Am I fighting perfectionism?
• Do I doubt my ability?

Even if your reason isn’t on this list, find it!

Please note:

Some people’s procrastination is due to underlying conditions like OCD and ADHD, anxiety, and depression.

The last step is where the work begins. 

Step 3: Now work on It

Procrastination indeed is an ingrained pattern of attitude. 

Don’t expect to get off it overnight.

When you stop practicing it, it stops, and you can avoid it completely. 

Therefore, below are some excellent steps that will lead to success. 

1. Forgive Yourself. Always forgive yourself.

2. Stay Committed. Focus on executing these tasks and not avoiding them. Take note of the tasks and fix a time for them.

3. Promise Yourself A Reward. Each time you complete a task, reward yourself with a treat.

These could be coffee drinks, cake, or other snacks. Also, pay attention to how it feels when you finish a task. 

4. Have Someone Check Up On You. Find someone you can trust.

Since peer pressure works, it will be effective here too.

So, just ask them to check up on your progress. 

If they are fighting procrastination, it might be a good win for you. You both will work on it. 

5. Tackle Tasks as You Move On. As tasks develop, handle them immediately, and don’t let them wait around. 

6. Rephrase Internal Dialog. Rather than saying, “I need to do…” or “I have to….” Replace it with, “I have decided to…” 

This creates a sense of accountability. It will also make you feel comfortable with your tasks. 

7. Limit Distractions. Turn off emails and social media each time you handle a task and avoid being close to a television. 

8. Eat an Elephant Beetle. Every day, find tasks you find pleasant and do them very early.

It gives you time to concentrate on the work you love. 

Since staying organized can keep you from procrastination, too, here are five steps to stay organized. 

1. Keep a Todo list

2. Prioritize your to-do list 

3. Always schedule your tasks 

4. Handle toughest tasks at your prime 

5. Set yourself on deadline. 

6. Use tasks and management apps.

Final Thoughts

As a student, procrastination can limit your potential and hurt your results.   

Thus, it’s essential to take proactive steps to overcome it. 

All these points discussed on how to stop procrastination and start studying can help you out. 

It’s one of the most exhaustive lists you’ll find on the internet – and I’m not kidding!

The final subheading gave insight into how to eradicate procrastination and take charge of your life. 

So, this is the end of your worries about procrastination. You will no longer find it challenging to get your tasks done. 

Glad you can now eliminate procrastination to help you achieve goals and stay guilt-free!

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