A Procrastinator’s Guide to Getting That Paper in on Time

Alright, so you’re probably wondering, “Why is someone who claims to be a procrastinator writing a guide on how get my assignments in on time?” I’ll tell you a little secret; if being a procrastinator has taught me anything, it’s how to use my time to the absolute fullest. Okay, maybe starting that five-page paper the night before it was due to learn Fortnite dances wasn’t really using my time to the fullest, but I’m talking about that sweet, narrow window of time when you actually decide to sit down and start working. Now, I wasn’t planning on this to be a ‘How to Not Procrastinate’ sort of article. I’ve read all of those. And trust me, I’ve tried just about every tip on Google to cure myself of this horrid habit, from using a planner, to starting my assignments the day they are assigned, to setting study alarms.

They usually do work- for a while. The problem for me is they never stick. I stopped using my planner in the first month of school, and who actually keeps up with starting their assignments early once the first couple weeks of school are over?

I mean, if you do, great for you, but most of us don’t, and that is the reason I’m writing this article- to help a sister out by sharing some tips that have helped me when I have found myself in those last-minute submission situations.

Tip #1: For if you have that paper due, but you have no idea how to start it.

There are many different techniques that work best from person to person, but I’ll be talking about the one that has helped me the most. Firstly, figure out a topic, if you haven’t already, and stick to it whatever it may be. Usually if I’m choosing my own topic, I tend to go to Google or ask around for some ideas. If you’ve already got your topic idea and have no idea how to start the actual paper, my tip for you is to just write. Often times when teachers assign papers, they make you write a rough draft first, so don’t worry if it’s perfect at this point. Just get your words on the paper, and don’t go back for spelling or worry if it’s grammatically correct or structured the exact way you want. Don’t even put too much thought into what you’re writing when you’re getting started- I find that when I just let myself type, it’s easier for me to get over that writer’s block quicker.

Tip #2: For getting rid of all those distractions.

If you’re working on a computer, close every. single. tab that could be a potential distraction to you. YouTube, Minecraft, Pinterest…they all have got to go, honey. As for your phone, you have got to put that away, lock it, or throw it to the other side of the room. Whatever works for you. Now, if you’re the kind of person, like myself, who favors listening to music while working or studying, I would suggest listening from your computer if possible. I find that when I listen to music on my phone I tend to reach for it more often. However, if you do listen to music on your computer, make sure it’s the only extra tab open while you work.

Tip #3: Give yourself a break.

According to science, giving yourself a 30-minute break every couple of hours of working has been proven to keep yourself working the most efficiently. So when you start to feel yourself getting burnt out, let yourself recharge for a little while. Take a nap, grab a snack, check your phone, all those fun things. Just make sure you don’t go over your break time limit.

Tip #4: Just Don’t Procrastinate

This one is very obvious and probably the least stressful way to get your assignments in. But let’s be real- you probably wouldn’t be here if you didn’t have a problem with this. But hey, at least there’s always a next time, right?

Now go turn that paper in!