How to End Exam Procrastination

**Focus on the Process, Not the End Result.**<br><br>Updated for Spring 2023.<br><br>Exam season is upon us. It is time to shut the door on time wastage and wasted potential and break down the barriers that are blocking our way.<br><br>Exam procrastination is a classic problem. Even the most organized students struggle with this problem sometimes.<br><br>Procrastination is like a mental disorder. The more time we have to complete a task, the more time we will waste. And the more time we waste, the more stressed we become.<br><br>Why is it that we still procrastinate even when we know the dire consequences of doing so?<br><br>The answer is simply that procrastination is not a productivity problem but a psychological one. It is our brain’s desperate attempt to avoid stress and discomfort.<br><br> **Why Do We Procrastinate?**<br><br>As humans, we have an inherent tendency to seek immediate gratification. We crave immediate pleasure and freedom from pain. Procrastination is our brain’s defense mechanism to avoid the emotional pain of performing a task we hate.<br><br>When we sit at our desk to study, we imagine the pain, boredom, and frustration that comes with studying. Our brain, trying to protect us from the upcoming pain, jumps into action by distracting us with something else.<br><br>We procrastinate because we attach negative emotions to studying. We imagine that studying is boring, frustrating, and painful – a chore we have to do.<br><br>Some people procrastinate because they are perfectionists. They give up because they want everything to be perfect. Some even use busyness as an excuse to avoid studying.<br><br> **Why We Should Stop Procrastinating**<br><br>Procrastination is a thief. It robs us of our time, profit, peace, and potential. Procrastination can cost us a lot.<br><br>Procrastination leads to lost opportunities. It robs us of our self-esteem. It leads to guilt, shame, and regret. Procrastination can even lead to lost relationships.<br><br>Procrastination is not a solution; it is a problem. It might solve the immediate problem, but it can lead to long-term problems.<br><br>**How to End Exam Procrastination**<br><br>**1. Identify Your Why.**<br><br>To stop procrastinating, we need to identify our why. Why are we studying? What will happen when we fail? What will happen if we succeed?<br><br>Attach emotions to your why. How will you feel when you pass your exams? How will failure affect your future?<br><br>**2. Break Down Your Goal**<br><br>Large goals look scary and impossible to achieve. Break down your goal into smaller tasks and deadlines.<br><br>Instead of saying “I have to finish studying for this exam in three months,” break it down into smaller chunks like “I will complete these 20 pages today.”<br><br>**3. Create an Exam Study Plan**<br><br>A plan helps you stay focused. It helps you avoid procrastination and stay on track.<br><br>You can create a study plan using the Pomodoro timer. It’s a simple yet effective technique that involves studying for 25 minutes and taking a five-minute break.<br><br>**4. Eliminate All Distractions**<br><br>The biggest obstacle to productivity is distractions.<br><br>Identify your distractions. Once you identify them, eliminate them. Turn off your phone. Shut the door. Remove any other obstacle that might prevent you from focusing on your exam.<br><br>**5. Focus on the Process, Not the End Result**<br><br>Most people procrastinate because they focus on the end result.<br><br>They think of the exam and how hard it will be. They worry about the consequences of failure.<br><br>When you focus on the end result, you will feel overwhelmed. You will feel like giving up.<br><br>Instead of focusing on the end result, focus on the process.<br><br>Focus on the present moment. Focus on the present task. Tell yourself, “I will only focus on this one task.”<br><br>Focus on the process, not the end result. Focus on doing the best you can each day. Once you adopt this mindset, you will feel motivated to study.<br><br>**6. Develop a Growth Mindset.**<br><br>Most people have a fixed mindset. They believe that intelligence is fixed. They believe that some people are smart and others are not.<br><br>People with a growth mindset believe that intelligence can be developed. They believe that they can become smarter by working hard.<br><br>When you develop a growth mindset, you will believe that you can learn anything.<br><br>**7. Get The Right Mindset.**<br><br>Most people procrastinate because they have the wrong mindset. They believe that studying is boring and frustrating.<br><br>You need to change your mindset if you want to stop procrastinating. You need to believe that studying is not a chore but a privilege.<br><br>Some people have to pay thousands of dollars to get an education. Some people cannot get an education because they are poor.<br><br>When you realize that studying is a privilege, you will stop procrastinating. You will stop wasting your time because you will realize that time is a gift.<br><br>**8. Seek Accountability.**<br><br>Accountability is a powerful motivator. When you are accountable to someone, you will feel motivated to take action.<br><br>Share your goals with others. Ask them to supervise your progress. Once you ask someone to supervise your progress, you will feel accountable.<br><br>**9. Develop a Routine.**<br><br>Most people procrastinate because they lack a routine. They lack structure.<br><br>Developing a routine can help you overcome procrastination. When you wake up at the same time each day, you will feel motivated to take action.<br><br>Exercise daily. Eat healthy food. Get enough sleep. All these activities can help you develop a routine.<br><br>When you develop a routine, you will feel motivated. You will stop procrastinating.<br><br>**10. Practice Self-Compassion**<br><br>We are human beings. We are not perfect. We will fail sometimes.<br><br>When you procrastinate, don’t beat yourself up. Don’t hate yourself. Practice self-compassion.<br><br>Learn from your mistakes. Ask yourself how you can improve.<br><br>When you practice self-compassion, you will heal. You will overcome procrastination.<br><br>**Conclusion**<br><br>Procrastination is a classic problem. It is a psychological problem. We procrastinate because we attach negative emotions to studying.<br><br>To stop procrastinating, we need to change our mindset. We need to focus on our why. We need to focus on the present moment.<br><br>Create an exam plan. Break down your goal into smaller tasks and deadlines. Seek accountability. Develop a routine.<br><br>Don’t focus on the end result; focus on the process. Once you adopt the right mindset, you will overcome procrastination.<br><br>You are capable of overcoming procrastination. You can achieve anything you set your mind to.