From Procrastination to Productivity: The Lazy Student's Guide to a Productive Day

You've probably seen the poster that says "the fact that I still get the job done is the reason I continue to procrastinate" but you'd agree with me that most times it's not always that straightforward. When you procrastinate, you end doing whatever you have to do with a lot of anxiety and stress, and then sometimes don't maximise your full potentials.

We’ve all been there. The clock strikes 9 AM, and you promise yourself, Today’s the day I conquer my to-do list! Fast forward four hours, and you’re still binge-watching that series, scrolling through Reels on Instagram and investing in gist on Twitter. But hey, it’s not your fault…sometimes. The weight of the tasks ahead may feel too much. But the good news is that you don’t need a completely change who you are to have a productive day.

 Here’s a lazy student’s guide to taking the leap from procrastination to productivity.

1. Start Small (Really Small)

If you’re feeling too lazy to even think about being productive, start with something ridiculously easy. Make your bed, grab a bottle of water, or clear one small corner of your desk. These tiny wins trick your brain into thinking, Hey, I’m on a roll! And you are, if you keep at it.

2.  Use the 5-Minute Rule

Convince yourself to start working on a task for just five minutes. That’s it, just five. More often than not, once you’ve started, you’ll keep going. It’s like tricking your brain into thinking, this isn’t so bad after all.

3.  Reward Yourself

Bribery works, especially when it’s self-bribery. Set mini rewards for completing tasks. Finished reading a chapter? Treat yourself to a short YouTube video. Submitted that life threatening assignment? Indulge in your favorite snacks or food. Rewards keep you motivated without overwhelming you.

4. Take Breaks 

Honestly, sitting down for hours straight is a productivity myth, our attention span does not last that long. However, the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break) is your best friend. Use those 5 minutes for something that's not scrolling through your phone, and you'll thank yourself later. You can download a pomodoro app.

5.  Create a Flexible To-Do List

Rigid plans kill productivity for the lazy student. Instead, jot down 2/3 tasks you 

absolutely need to get done today. Keep them realistic, don’t list “read a whole textbook” if you can barely muster the energy to open a book. As you tick things off, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that might inspire you to tackle more.

6.  Don’t Aim for Perfection

One of the biggest causes of procrastination is the fear of not doing something perfectly. Here’s a secret done is better than perfect. Instead of stressing over every detail, focus on finishing the task. You can always improve later.

Procrastination isn’t a character flaw; it’s a habit, and habits can be changed. By starting small, planning realistically, and allowing yourself room for breaks and rewards, you can transition from lazy to productive without breaking a sweat. 

Remember, productivity isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing something.

So, start small, celebrate the wins, and watch as those tiny steps lead to big progress.

Now go forth and conquer but don't forget to take your 5 minutes break!