Dear Ultimate Procrastinator,

As the queen of your people, I understand procrastinating like you would not believe. I am a full time student, have a part time job and I run the Viewpoint. I know how easy it is to skip the difficult projects and focus on the fun ones…until the day before it’s due. Here’s the thing, though. Deadlines will sneak up on you before you know it. Here are a few tips to help you with your predicament.

First of all make a list of all the things you have to do, and put them into a calendar. Prioritizing is a key element here. Decide which projects and assignments will take the most time or are worth the most points. Work on those first. Even if you just get a start on it, it will benefit you. Its easier to “finish up” a project later than having to do the whole thing at once. Break the project down into sections and work on it one piece at a time. Then reward yourself for each part you complete. For example, do the first ten problems of your math assignment before you take a snack break.

There’s always the issue of just how much work you put into your projects. The ultimate goal is to do your best on everything, but we know as busy college students, sometimes it’s just not that simple. We all have a class or two that doesn’t directly relate to our majors. Its harder to get the effort to work on those projects when you can’t see how it will help your future career. But buck up, pal. If nothing else you’ll learn the value of patience very well.

Also know that you’re not alone in this. According to Psychology Today, “Twenty percent of people chronically avoid difficult tasks and deliberately look for distractions.” Everyone procrastinates sometimes, but you don’t want this to become too much of a habit.

One last thing, when it comes down to crunch time turn off all distractions. That means no Netflix, no cat videos on Youtube, and no Trivia Crack! Just sit down, get comfortable and start working. Keep pushing yourself and you’ll get everything done.

Good luck battling procrastination, and if you discover some breakthrough in medicine that cures your condition, let me know! If you ever need  more help, remember that you can ask me anything.

Ask Angela