How to Stop Your Procrastinating Ways in College

Do or Die...

Most people will probably tell you that if you're going to be successful in college you have to have that attitude.

I've known many people who flunked out or ended up on academic probation simply because they couldn't cut it in college. The sad thing was...they were intelligent individuals. They just had serious problems overcoming procrastination in order to study or go to class which, by the way, is essential to actually graduating college and being able to work in your chosen field.

This article will teach you how to stop your procrastinating ways in college so that someday you can actually graduate and start living life beyond the books.

I'm going to list some common reasons for procrastination along with some remedies which worked for me, several of my class mates, as well as individuals I've coached.

#1 - I Don't See What This Stupid Class Has to Do With My Field

Oh, this is a tough one to get past. Unfortunately, in the first two years of your college life you will be taking all kinds of just junk classes in the academic world's quest to ensure you receive a well - rounded education. (You can ask for a flatter one, but I don't think they'd agree...I know, I tried).

When you have no interest in the class it's hard to study for it. I know...I absolutely hated my art and music classes. Sometimes you'll enjoy the class but hate the book.

Solutions - Find what works for you whether that's spending one whole day devoted to studying for this one class and getting it out of the way or studying a set amount of time day by day. With the former, if you've built up any amount of momentum, so to speak, that may help you more than the stop and start of the latter method.

For instance, if you're already at a coffee shop, just got a refill, are comfortable, that's the only book you brought with you, and you aren't minding reading it as much as usual then why not go ahead and study as long as possible. You may surprise yourself. Alternately, you could just set a timer and tell yourself you only have to study for 30 minutes and you can stop.

Above all, just remember the class won't last forever.

#2 - Reading That Textbook Is Boring

Yep...it sure can be. But let me ask you this...Are you going to let that boring textbook keep you from graduating? Find some way to keep enough interest to at least get through the class.

Solutions - If it's that boring which, Lord knows, I've had some of them I'd just make myself read a set amount of time each day when I'm the freshest. Also, I'd give myself a pretty good reward for diligently studying.

#3 - The Environment Isn't Conducive To Studying

...it's too hot, too cold, too bright, not enough light, too noisy, too quiet and on, and on, and on. Many times we try to fit ourselves into our environment and, to a certain extent, we must because there are many things we simply can't control. But, there are many things we can control and those things are what I'm referring to here.

Solutions - Exercise control over those things you have some control over. Fix the temperature in the room or wear appropriate clothing. Fix lighting the best you can (3 - way bulbs work great for all studying moods). Fix loud sound levels with the use earplugs or headphones. Alternately, if you need some background noise use a ceiling or box fan or put on some soft music like the Weather channel.

Don't Forget the Biggest Motivator of All

Is remembering what you want to be when you grow up and, many times, that's all you'll need to stop procrastinating and start studying.

Want more tips on how to get your crazy life under control? If so, then download my free ebook about Time Management and Students where you'll find ideas for time management in several crucial areas where we all struggle. Also visit me at There Must Be A Better Way