Procrastination is a common challenge faced by many college students. This is especially true for students learning online. Whether it’s putting off assignments, delaying study sessions, or avoiding responsibilities altogether, procrastination can sneak in and derail even the most dedicated learner’s goals.

Fortunately, overcoming procrastination is possible. This guide explores procrastination, why it occurs, how to recognize it, and what you can do to overcome it.

Understanding Procrastination

Procrastination is defined as a “tendency to delay required tasks or assignments despite the negative effects of this postponement on the individuals and organizations.” For a student, this could mean scrolling on their phone instead of tackling an essay or avoiding starting a project until the last possible moment.

Chronic procrastination is particularly prevalent among college students, according to research in the International Journal of Educational Research (IJER). While about 20% of adults identify themselves as chronic procrastinators, that number rises to 70% among university students. These numbers highlight how widespread the issue is in higher education settings. Procrastination can interfere with a student’s academic success, especially when unaddressed.

What Causes Procrastination?

Procrastination tends to emerge when other factors outweigh self-control and motivation. Students often rely on self-control and motivation to complete their work on time; however, other circumstances can sometimes get in the way.

A college student who struggles with initiating or completing their work may be dealing with:

  • Feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to do the task
  • Perfectionism, a fear of producing work that could have flaws
  • Fear of failure or concern about how others might perceive their performance
  • Anxiety about receiving critical or negative feedback

In many cases, students don’t procrastinate out of laziness. Instead, they may be reacting to personal stress or self-doubt, causing them to delay action despite knowing the consequences.

Signs of Procrastination

Some signs of procrastination may include:

  • Saying “I’ll do it later” frequently
  • Avoiding tasks you dislike or find challenging
  • Feeling easily distracted
  • Waiting until the last possible moment to start assignments
  • Spending time on low-priority tasks instead of what really matters
  • Making excuses to justify delays or missed deadlines

How Procrastination Can Impact Academic Performance

While procrastination may seem harmless in small doses, when it becomes habitual or chronic, it can have significant long-term consequences for students.

Academically, procrastination can be detrimental. One study found that students who procrastinated more with their academic responsibilities often struggled with self-regulated learning, especially in online settings. This led to feelings that their education was ineffective or unproductive, further reducing motivation and performance.

While online learning comes with its challenges, there are myriad ways to prevent or conquer procrastination and stay on track academically.

11 Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination

With consistent, intentional effort, students can stop procrastinating and start making progress.

1. Break Work Into Smaller Tasks

Large assignments can feel daunting. Instead of focusing on the entire paper or project, break it into manageable pieces, such as outlining, researching, drafting, and editing. This can make the important task seem less overwhelming and easier to start.

2. Establish CANDO Goals

CANDO, an acronym for Clear, Appropriate, Numerical, Doable, and Obstacles considered, represents structured goals that can make intentions more concrete and actionable.

3. Manage Time Effectively

Using a planner or digital calendar for time management can help students stay ahead of deadlines and properly schedule each task.

4. Practice a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset views failure as part of the learning process. By reframing mistakes as opportunities to grow, students reduce anxiety and feel more empowered to start their work — even if it’s not perfect.

5. Create a To-Do List

Instead of working right up to the deadline, build a schedule with buffer time. If a task is estimated to take an hour, block off 90 minutes. This provides wiggle room and lowers pressure.

6. Recognize the Signs

Addressing procrastination before it really starts by spending even a few minutes working on something related to the task with focused effort can create momentum.

7. Eliminate Distractions

Create a workspace that minimizes distractions. Silence phones, close unnecessary browser tabs, turn social media off, and limit background noise. Productivity apps that block social media or websites for a set period are also useful.

8. Reward Progress

Whether it’s a snack break, an episode of a favorite show, or time with friends, small rewards can reinforce positive habits and keep motivation high.

9. Try the 5-Second Rule

Popularized by author Mel Robbins, the 5-second rule encourages quick action. When feeling an urge to do something important, count backward from five to one, and then act before indecision kicks in. This reduces hesitation caused by fear or overthinking and activates decision-making.

10. Share Goals With Others

Telling a friend, classmate, or instructor about academic goals creates social accountability that can motivate follow-through.

11. Connect Tasks to Long-Term Goals

Make assignments personally meaningful. When writing a paper, for example, consider how it relates to any career aspirations. When a task aligns with personal values or future plans, it can feel more relevant.

Focus on Your Studies at Purdue Global

Procrastination is a tough habit to break, but by recognizing personal tendencies and taking small, consistent steps to counter them, real academic progress is possible.

At Purdue Global, we understand the challenges students face — especially when balancing work, life, and school. That’s why we offer academic support resources, flexible learning options, and expert guidance to help students stay focused and on track.

Ready to build better habits and take control of your education? Request more information about our online degree programs today.

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About the Author

Purdue Global

Earn a degree you're proud of and employers respect at Purdue Global, Purdue's online university for working adults. Accredited and online, Purdue Global gives you the flexibility and support you need to come back and move your career forward. Choose from 175+ programs, all backed by the power of Purdue.

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