How to Not Procrastinate With Homework

Co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.

Last Updated: August 9, 2022 References

Do you have a problem with procrastination when doing homework? If you nodded your head, you're not alone. Most people have the same problem from time to time. Lack of motivation, failure to utilize time effectively, zero structure, the causes of procrastination are nearly endless. It's time to stop procrastinating!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Removing Distractions and Temptations

1
Turn off social media updates. We are all plugged into the matrix today, whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or another way to connect. Regardless of the form of social media or game, turn off updates. If you can't resist temptation, there are software tools and router settings to limit internet usage.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- You can use the free app Moment on your iPhone or iPad to track and limit your usage of social media. The app will notify you if you go over your set limits.
- The free app Offtime tracks your social media usage on either an iPhone or Android. It also lets you set limits.
- Android users can use the free app QualityTime to track the time they spend on social media and set limits.
- For a small fee, you can use the app Freedom on either your phone or computer to limit the time you spend on social media. It can even block websites that distract you!^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
2
Don't check your email during your homework time. Just like social media, email can be a big distraction if you check it often. Make your homework time email-free to avoid this distraction. Instead, set aside time after you do your homework to check your email. This will keep you on track and remove any stress you have about leaving your email unattended.
- If your email automatically notifies you when you receive mail, you may want to change this setting if it distracts you. Turn off the notification feature so that you have to check to see if there's new mail.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Shut down the TV and radio. The allure of TV and radio is stronger than homework. Hearing the opening jingle of your favorite TV show, or a great quote from an intense movie, can lead to complete distraction. It's even possible the TV and radio are subliminally distracting you.
4
Wear noise-cancelling headphones. Isolate yourself completely from sound and distraction. Noise-cancelling headphones are perfect for 100% focus on the task at hand. Choose one you believe will help you really focus.^{[4]
X
Research source}
5
Change your physical work environment. Try to make it as much like a library as possible. Bright lights will help avoid sleepiness, which can hinder motivation. Working at a desk instead of your recliner, sofa, or bed will help you stay on task. Keep only homework related items near you. Clear off the desk or your work area so the only possible temptation is homework completion.
6
Schedule your homework sessions for when you're most efficient. Everyone has a time of day when they're best able to concentrate and get work done. Track yourself for a week to see what time of day work is easiest for you. Create a homework routine during this time so that it's easier to get your work done.
- Try to set aside specific time slots for different tasks. That way, there are no competing priorities.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ted Coopersmith, MBA
  Academic Tutor
  Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Encouraging Yourself to Act

1
Make your homework schedule known to those around you. Discuss your homework plans with your friends and household members so that they know that this goal is important to you. Ask them not to distract you during this time. They may also be willing to offer encouragement and accountability!
- Ask your family or roommates to respect your homework time. You could try using a "do not disturb sign" while you're doing your homework.
- Give a family member or roommate a bag of fun size pieces of your favorite candy. Ask them to give you one after you meet your homework goals.
- Tell friends that you won't join them until your homework is finished. This will make them less likely to distract you and give you an incentive to stay on track!
2
Form a study group. Ask a few friends who are studying the same subject to join you for homework sessions. You can help each other get your work done and hold yourselves accountable for doing your homework promptly. Schedule your sessions so that you are able to get to work on assignments as soon as you receive them.
- When you're working with a group, it's a good idea to allow more time for completing your assignments compared to when you're working alone.
- Although you and your friends can help each other better understand confusing topics, make sure that you do all of your own work. Do NOT copy someone else's work or split up assignments. This is cheating and comes with serious academic consequences.
3
Keep track of assignments in the moment. Write down on a piece of paper (or in a planner) what homework you have or what project needs to be finished while you are still in class. When you get home, start on it immediately! Touch the pencil to the paper or get your fingers on the home-keys. Getting started is the most difficult step.
4
Reassure yourself! The homework would not be assigned if not applicable to your class. If second-guessing or a negative thought pops into your head, it's important to focus on the positive. Imagine your future self engaging in your favorite activity, feet kicked in the air, completely relaxed because of how quickly and correctly homework was finished!
5
Reward yourself for any progress. Write a title for the report? High five yourself. Finish the first paragraph? Maybe some candy is in order. Solve a complicated math problem after several failed attempts? Pat yourself on the back and take a quick break. Positive reinforcement can be very effective if used properly.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Creating a To-Do List

1
Plan ahead and separate your task into smaller, identifiable tasks. Lists are a great way create structure and order to goals that appear chaotic or impossible.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Think of your list as an assembly line where each step reinforces your ability to complete the list, to focus on the importance of each task, and commit yourself to finishing the homework.
- If procrastination persists, make the tasks even smaller. Remember, every waterfall starts with a drop of water, and every marathon starts with the first step. If motivation eludes you, keep breaking things down until the first step is so simple you can't help but to succeed.
- It's okay if don't complete an entire task in 1 day. As long as you accomplish a little each day, you can reward yourself for continuously sticking with a task.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ted Coopersmith, MBA
  Academic Tutor
  Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.}
2
Do the small tasks first. Accomplishing even the most simple, mundane task is important. If you do a small task as you awaken, it's more likely to encourage further accomplishments. The same applies to homework. Writing your name or a title, highlighting something important, creating an outline, whatever it is, doing a small portion will instill pride and lead to lead to other tasks.
3
Associate a timeline with your tasks. Without a timeline, procrastination is possible until the homework is due, or until you are forced to cram. Put the timeline requirements on your list. Integrate a calendar into your timeline and assign specific work for each day remaining before the deadline.
- A 1000-word essay due at the end of the week could be 100 words every hour if you have a lot of time, or 500 words per hour if your homework is due sooner.
- Determine the number of days left on the homework and divide it into equal parts. For instance, five days means you have five equal parts on which to work.
- Math homework with 25 questions could easily be completed in an hour if each question were given two minutes.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I balance homework with my other interests?

Ted Coopersmith, MBA
Academic Tutor
Ted Coopersmith is an Academic Tutor for Manhattan Elite Prep, a test prep and academic tutoring company based in New York City. In addition to general academic advising, Ted has expertise in preparing for the ACT, SAT, SSAT, and ASVAB tests. He also has over 30 years of financial controller advising and consulting experience. He holds a BA from the City University of New York (CUNY) and an MBA from Pace University.

Ted Coopersmith, MBA

Academic Tutor

Expert Answer

Assign a specific task to a particular time of day. For instance, if you wanted to exercise more, you might set aside time between 7 and 8 AM for exercise only.
Question

What if I don't have homework, but I still want to get off social media?

Community Answer

Try going outside to exercise, or focus on spending time with your family instead of friends. If you enjoy showering your friends' posts with likes and comments, you could make them little appreciation gifts to give them in person instead.
Question

What if I have to use my computer for homework?

Hanna Cagwin

Community Answer

You probably should set boundaries on your computer. Many software settings allow this. Don't visit social media, play games, chat... don't even browse Wikihow. I've been ensnared while on my computer many times, even when I have really tried to get down to work. Don't even have an unnecessary blank page opened if you can help it, and email should be reserved for asking homework-related questions.

Warnings

Everyone procrastinates from time to time. Don't beat yourself up if everything doesn't work out perfectly the first time. It may take multiple efforts to overcome procrastination.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0