Overcoming Procrastination: A Guide to Staying Motivated

Make Overcoming Procrastination Your New Year’s Resolution

January means new beginnings, the start of a new semester, and setting new yearly resolutions. What better goal to prioritize than one that can transform your academic journey? This year, make it your mission to conquer procrastination.

Procrastination is a common hurdle for many students throughout their academic journey that can elevate stress levels and negatively affect overall academic performance. It can also have a direct impact on your mental well-being and physical health. 

Let’s think about this a little further. Life is busier than ever, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s more important than ever to focus on working smarter, not harder. What is important to understand is overcoming procrastination does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process that can be challenging at times, and here are some tips to help stop procrastination in its tracks: 

Master Your Schedule: Time Management and Organization

Take control of your schedule by mastering time management and organization by doing the following: 

• Kickstart with Your Syllabi: Review your course syllabi on the first day of the new semester to get a clear picture what’s expected, including assignment deadlines, exam dates, and key course milestones.
• Plan Like a Pro: Enter all assignment due dates for each course (for the whole semester) into your outlook calendar or student planner so you are fully aware of deadlines and can plan adequate time to complete all work assignments. 
• Stay on Track: You can try mapping out a weekly schedule or a to-do list to stay focused and on topic. This will allow you to set achievable goals, and best of all, you'll avoid feeling overwhelmed and stay motivated throughout the semester.

By combining good planning with flexible strategies that can adapt to your evolving needs, you’ll position yourself for success, no matter what challenges the semester throws your way.

Break-up Large Projects into Smaller Tasks & Take Small Breaks

Taking on large projects can be overwhelming. Try breaking up course material into smaller parts and work in 20/25-minute intervals then take a short 5-minute break. This is referred to as the Pomodoro Method. Repeat this process 3 more times and make sure you take 5-minute breaks after each interval. After four Pomodoro's, you can allow yourself a longer 15/30-minute break. The Pomodoro Method is a time management tool to help reduce procrastination, increase productivity, and better concentration. 

Try using a Pomodoro Timer to boost your productivity

Consider doing yourself a huge favor by turning off your cell phone during this time as it is extremely important to be completely focused and have uninterrupted prep time. 

Produce Reasons to Keep Working

Finding personal reasons to stay motivated can be a powerful way to maintain focus and commitment to your studies! Reminding yourself of the bigger picture—why your education matters to you—can reignite your passion for learning and help push through tough times. Whether it’s the desire to pursue your dream career, the satisfaction of achieving academic success, or the pride in mastering a difficult subject, having clear reasons for your work can make each assignment feel more meaningful.

Achieving your academic goals can also help you build your confidence. When you reach a milestone, or finish a big project, or bring up your grade in a class, it reinforces your ability to succeed. This, in turn, helps boost your self-esteem and provides a profound sense of accomplishment. 

Do Not Fear Hard Topics, Welcome Them Instead

Embrace harder topics and welcome the challenge. This is how you learn and grow. If you do not understand something, get extra help by attending office hours or by setting up an individual appointment if you have conflicts with your professor’s office hours. Your professors want to engage with you even outside the classroom, so do not be afraid to speak up and seek extra help. Plus, it shows your instructor you are interested in the course and that you are working hard and want to do well. 

Looking for your professor's contact information? Check the Faculty Directory

Utilize FREE Tutoring Services

Widener offers extensive resources to help you succeed! You can take advantage of free tutoring services specific to the course you are in or by attending the Writing Center or Math Center. Use tutoring services to reinforce what you learned in the classroom, complete homework assignments, and prepare for quizzes and exams. Do not wait to use tutoring services right before a big exam as that can lead to unnecessary stress. 

Learn More About Academic Advising, Coaching & Tutoring Support

Accountability and Discipline

Meet your deadlines! Assignments will not go away; they will stockpile and create more stress. If you are struggling with getting any work completed, talk with your professor, and produce a plan to complete assignments. This will help you to cultivate responsibility and discipline. 

Making overcoming procrastination your New Year’s resolution is more than just a goal—it’s a commitment to yourself and your academic success. 

Stay focused on the long-term benefits of staying ahead of your studies and not waiting until it feels too late to turn things around. Widener University provides a tremendous amount of support for you to be successful; you just need to be brave enough to ask for help. Consider scheduling an appointment for academic coaching that will help make your college journey more enjoyable and less stressful. You got this!

Jill Gilbert, Associate Director Academic Enrichment, is dedicated to supporting students throughout their academic journey with individualized attention and expert guidance. With a passion for lifelong learning, she is inspired by the hard work and dedication students demonstrate in achieving their goals. Jill strives to be a trusted resource, helping students succeed academically with confidence and ease.