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Tackling Assessments

What Causes Procrastination?

Work you way through the chart below to identify what is causing you to procrastinate. Then use the table below to identify strategies to help you get writing. 

Start here to find out why you procrastinate. 1. Do you often worry about not doing well and spend too much time trying to make your work perfect? Yes → Go to step 2 No → Go to step 3 2. Do you fear failing or think your work has to be perfect? Yes → Your reason is Fear of Failure and Perfectionism No → Go to step 3 3. Do you have a hard time starting tasks because they seem boring or don't really interest you? Yes → Your reason is Lack of Motivation No → Go to step 4 4. Do you get easily distracted by things like social media and often lose track of time, making it hard to meet deadlines? Yes → Go to step 5 No → Go to step 6 5. Do you find it hard to organize your time and often miss deadlines? Yes → Your reason is Poor Time Management and Getting Distracted No → Go to step 6 6. Do you feel overwhelmed by big tasks or sometimes not know where to start because you're confused about what to do? Yes → Your reason is Feeling Overwhelmed and Don't know what to do No → Go to step 7 7. Do you find yourself putting things off out of habit, even when you know you should be doing something important? Yes → Your reason is It's a Habit No → It looks like procrastination might not be a big issue for you!

Reason for Procrastination

Possible Strategy

Fear of Failure and Perfectionism

- Focus on one step at a time. 

- Set realistic expectations and goals.

- Remind yourself of what you are doing well.

- Schedule time for revisions separately from writing.

Lack of Motivation

- Connect the task to personal goals or interests.

- Work in a stimulating environment.

- Reward yourself for small achievements.

Poor Time Management and Getting Distracted

- Use tools like calendars and to-do lists.

- Eliminate distractions (e.g., block social media).

- Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance.

- Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique.

 - Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.

Feeling overwhelmed and don’t know what to do

- Divide the task into smaller, more manageable steps. Start with the easiest step to build momentum.

- Discuss the task with peers or teachers for support.

It’s a Habit

- Identify and alter routines that lead to procrastination.

- Build new habits gradually, starting with small tasks.

Further Resources

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