Procrastination is one of those things we all deal with but struggle to admit. Whether it’s scrolling through tik tok, doing random tasks around the house to waste time, or convincing yourself you’ll “feel more motivated later,” putting things off is way too easy. I struggle with this myself, starting feels like the hardest part, you feel like you’re stuck and can’t move. Over time, though, I’ve picked up a few strategies that make it a bit easier to tackle.
1. Break tasks into smaller pieces:
Big tasks can feel overwhelming, so instead of thinking about finishing the whole thing, focus on the first step. Writing an essay? Start with a quick outline or just jotting down ideas. Once you get going, it’s usually not as bad as it seemed.
2. Use a timer:
The Pomodoro Technique is great for this—work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. I find that its a manageable chunk of time and helps me to stay focused without burning out. Plus, those short breaks keep things from feeling endless. If 25 minutes feels too long, I will try shorter increments like 10 or 15 minutes to ease into it.
3. Tell someone your plan:
Accountability works wonders. If you tell a friend or family member what you’re working on, it’s harder to back out. Bonus: they might be working on something too, so you can keep each other on track. Even sending a quick “I’m starting now” message can help.
4. Reward yourself:
Sometimes, you just need a reason to finish. Whether it’s grabbing a snack, watching an episode of something, or taking a walk, giving yourself something to look forward to makes the process less painful.
Procrastination doesn’t mean you’re lazy—it’s usually just about feeling stuck. Once you start, it’s easier to keep going. Even a little progress can make a big difference.
Allegra Pezzullo
