Procrastination is a common part of human behaviour and it is a problem experienced by most students at some point in their studies.  It involves putting important tasks off in favour of doing something else.

Procrastination activities, the things you do instead of the task or goal you need to achieve, include:

• Leisure interests like watching movies/television, reading, social media, surfing the net, playing video games etc.
• Lower priority tasks such as sorting, tidying, cleaning, checking emails, etc.
• Socialising and Distractions such as sleeping, shopping, cooking etc.
• Daydreaming

A little procrastination may not matter too much, but when it stresses you out, it’s time to take some action.

Some helpful strategies that can assist you with procrastination.

• Create a place where you can study without distractions.
• Break the task down into smaller parts.
• Encourage yourself by saying positive statements such as “I can do this”.
• Start with something easy.
• Plan – create a study schedule or a ‘to do’ list.
• Get started - spend just five minutes on the task.
• Breath and use relaxation techniques to help focus.
• Set realistic goals.
• Talk to someone else about what the task involves (you might get some “ahh hah” moments 😊).
• Give yourself a reward at the end of your completed task.

Not sure where to begin? Visit THE DESK for more helpful and insightful information.  Try a quiz or ‘mouse around’ the Getting Things Done module and check out ‘Beating Procrastination’.

Student Services are available Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.00pm.
Phone 1800 882 661, visit your local TAFE SA to make an appointment or click here.