Procrastination is a common challenge for students during application season. It can be a major obstacle to submitting your best work on time. Here’s a guide on how to understand the roots of your procrastination and strategies to overcome it effectively.
1. Identify the Cause of Your Procrastination
The first step in tackling procrastination is understanding why it happens. Are you anxious about the potential results or possible rejections? Do you fear not meeting your own high standards? Or perhaps you struggle with time management? Pinpointing the specific reasons can help you address the root cause and plan more effectively.
2. Strategies to Overcome Procrastination
a. Split Tasks: Large, vague tasks can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, more specific steps. Instead of setting "write personal statement" as a task, divide it into "brainstorm personal statement topics," "write the first draft," and "revise personal statement." This makes each step manageable and less daunting.
b. Set Deadlines for Each Task: Assign realistic deadlines to each smaller task. This helps you keep track of progress and prevents the entire process from piling up towards the end.
c. Stay Flexible: If you miss a deadline, don’t panic. Adjust your schedule as needed. It’s important to maintain control over your timetable and avoid self-blame, which can lead to further procrastination.
d. Reward Yourself: After completing each task, treat yourself with something special—maybe something you don’t normally allow yourself but have been craving. Rewards can make the application process more enjoyable and sustainable.
3. Tools to Aid Time Management
a. Notion: Consider using a tool like Notion to keep everything organized. You can find application templates within Notion that you can customize for your needs. Regularly checking your progress as if you were a project manager can keep you on track.
b. Things 3: This app is great for setting reminders for your deadlines and maintaining a daily to-do list. While specific tools like Notion or Things 3 are recommended, any task management software that helps you stay organized can be effective.
Additional Tips
Create a Conducive Work Environment: Your workspace should inspire productivity. Keep it clean and free of distractions.
Stay Connected with Peers: Sometimes discussing your progress with friends who are also applying can motivate you to keep up.
Consult Advisors: Don’t hesitate to reach out to counselors or mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement throughout the application process.
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