No matter how organized you are, procrastination is something many individuals struggle with at some point in their life. From late-night math problems to last-minute essays, deadlines get the best of a lot of people. 

According to an article on the Oxford Learning website, “Students who procrastinate experience higher levels of frustration, guilt, stress, and anxiety—in some cases leading to serious issues like low self-esteem and depression.”

Studies done by Psychology Today also agree that procrastination leads to higher levels of stress and a lower quality of work. They stated that 80% of students admit to being chronic procrastinators. 

Breaking the never-ending cycle of procrastination can seem daunting, but here are a few tips to help you: 

• Break the project into smaller more manageable pieces.
• Make a do-to list or organize assignments. 
• Find a place where you can focus on the task without distractions.
• Take breaks when you are stressed, but try to take short 15-to-30 minute breaks to avoid hours away from the assignment.
• Work on the hardest tasks first so they are not hanging over you and making you want to procrastinate.
• Set personal due dates and goals and find a friend to hold you accountable to them. 
• Forget perfectionism, and just do your best.
• Believe in your abilities.

People procrastinate for different reasons, and part of what may help is trying to identify why you personally procrastinate. 

Whether it be fear of not being able to achieve perfection, lack of motivation, feeling overwhelmed or another of the many reasons why people procrastinate, recognizing why you struggle can help you figure out the best way to break this habit.  

A good work ethic is beneficial in life, and finding your rhythm now can save you from stress later. 

Even Charles Dickens, a writer from the 1800s, said, “My advice is to never do tomorrow what you can do today. Procrastination is the thief of time.”