Having clear goals and priorities, as well as a detailed schedule and task list, does not assure success as a student. The best plans can be side-tracked because of procrastination (postponing) – especially when it comes to studying. The Web resources in this section help you understand why you might procrastinate and how to avoid it.
Procrastination Test by QueenDom.Com. After responding to 40 questions, you will receive feedback on "whether you are a procrastinator, and if so, why you procrastinate and what areas of your life are most affected."
Overcoming Procrastination by the Counseling Centre, Division of Student Affairs, State University of New York at Buffalo. A concise discussion of procrastination in three sections: "What is Procrastination?" "Why Do Students Procrastinate?" and "How to Overcome Procrastination"
Controlling Procrastination by the University of Guelph. Practical tips on how to minimize procrastination. For example, set realistic study goals. One goal would be to study 30-60 minutes/day of difficult material rather than expecting to cover 50 pages in one 5-6 hour sitting.
Procrastination: Ten Ways to Do It Now by the University Counselling Centre at Virginia Tech. This article starts out with an excellent perspective on why so many people procrastinate. Understanding the causes takes you a long way towards solving them. Then, 10 practical remedies for procrastination are presented.
- An example: "Design Clear Goals. Think about what you want and what needs to be done. Be specific. If it's getting that work project completed by the deadline, figure out a time table with realistic goals at each step. Keep your sights within reason. Having goals too big can scare you away from starting."
