Sick of staying up late?...Then don’t procrastinate!

I have always been a procrastinator. I certainly am not a chronic procrastinator, but I do tend to put things off until the last minute. My level of procrastination depends on the assignment and how busy I am that week. I tend to have this cycle that I always repeat. This cycle includes waiting until the last minute, which is usually about 2 a.m. then I begin my homework which leaves me tired the next day, so I take a nap before I begin my work and I click the snooze bar many times and end up starting my work at 2 a.m. the next day also! I procrastinate in every class. I always feel that I cannot complete my assignemtns when I am tired and I sometimes try but end up falling asleep while doing them. I do procrastinate on everything but I always finish my work, therefore I spend some pretty late nights.

Since we have already discussed chunking the task and 10-minute technique, I decided to try a new technique.

I chose to use the Rewards method.

How do you use it?

Choose homework assignments that need to be completed then make a reward for when they are completed. This motivates people considering the reward is desired, It makes the goal seem more achievable, especially when it is split into steps with separate rewards. The reward must be something that you only allow yourself to have if you complete the task, otherwise the method is not working.

How did I use it?

I went to the library three nights in a row to complete two assignments. I used this to write my Phi 107 paper and to write my Human Sexuality (CFS 388) paper which were both due on Thursday. I made a chart and separated my chart into days and the assignments into small chunks and once each was completed I listed a reward that I would do before going back to the next portions of my assignments. I color coordinated the chart to show which class is which. I made charts because I am a visual learner and prefer to see things in this way.

How did I choose my rewards?

I use coffee to keep me focused and I love coffee, therefore it was a legitimate reward choice that I placed early in my evening so it would be desired as well as helpful for the rest of the evening. I go to the library with friends so I try not to get distracted by them, so I set aside some reward time for my friends, as well as the infamous distraction-Facebook! I also enjoy listening to my ipod, so my motivation to complete the entire assignment is to walk home listening to it.