Conquering Procrastination: The PhD Student's Guide to Productivity and Success
Procrastination is a formidable adversary for anyone pursuing a PhD. Its siren call can divert even the most disciplined students from their academic pursuits. "It's okay; I'll do it next week, closer to the deadline. I work better under pressure," they tell themselves. Or, perhaps, they lament, "I am just not in the right headspace to do that today." Worst of all, the insidious thought, "Oh, I don't know where to begin, so I won't," can bring academic progress to a screeching halt!
In this blog post, we will explore the challenges of procrastination and offer a comprehensive guide to overcome it, tailored to the unique demands faced by PhD students.
Understanding Procrastination in PhD Students
Procrastination is the art of postponing important tasks in favor of more pleasurable or easier activities. It often leads to feelings of guilt, shame, and increased stress. Here are some tips on conquering it.
Procrastination Is Not Laziness
The first crucial realization is that procrastination does not make you lazy. Instead, it reflects a lack of motivation for a specific task.
PhD students, who are known for their commitment to academic rigor, often desire ideal conditions to begin their work. They want all the dials to be perfectly aligned, but the one condition that is frequently lacking is motivation. Procrastination is not about laziness; it's about not being prepared to face the task that doesn't fill you with joy.
Your Future Self Is a Challenge
Assume that your future self is a procrastinator and will be tempted to avoid the important task at hand. To prevent this, employ strategies that your present self can put in place. For example, if you anticipate future self-sabotage in the form of, “I can’t work on that now, I’ve received all these emails I need to reply to!”, set an auto-reply on your emails, signaling that you won't be available for the day. Managing other people's expectations can help protect your precious work time. You might also consider working away from your office to reduce interruptions.
Know Your "Why" and "If You Don't"
Connecting with your larger goals is essential. Understand that the task you're avoiding is part of a bigger objective, such as completing your PhD. Reminding yourself of this bigger picture can motivate you to act. On the flip side, think about what will happen if you continue to procrastinate. Visualize the stress, anxiety and the cancelled plans with loved ones and friends as you scramble to create time that will result from putting off essential tasks. Weigh the pleasure of procrastination against the pain of its consequences.
You Are the Person You're Striving to Become
Act like the person you aspire to be. If you're working towards becoming a successful researcher, behave accordingly. Talented, smart, accomplished researchers learn to efficiently handle boring administrative tasks to focus on the exciting parts of their work. Seek advice from mentors and colleagues who have mastered these skills, and emulate their behavior. Becoming the person you aspire to be requires you to act like them.
Done Is Better Than Perfect
Many PhD students grapple with perfectionism, starting tasks but struggling to finish them. Learn to settle for "good enough" and understand that a work in progress can be refined over time. Seek feedback from mentors, advisers, and colleagues before you;re ready. A rough draft that you have improved over several iterations is often a better approach than pursuing perfection and isolating yourself from valuable input and feedback.
Mastering Procrastination for PhD Success
In conclusion, procrastination is a formidable adversary for PhD students, but it can be conquered with the right strategies. Understanding that procrastination doesn't equate to laziness, anticipating your future self's procrastination tendencies, connecting with your larger goals, acting like the person you aspire to be, and prioritizing completion over perfection are key steps in overcoming this common challenge.
By implementing these strategies, you can make your PhD journey less stressful and more successful. Time management and overcoming procrastination are essential skills for every PhD student, ensuring that you can harness your potential to achieve your academic and research goals. So, let go of procrastination, embrace productivity, and work toward your well-deserved PhD success.
Grab your free Procrastination First Aid Worksheet
Are you procrastinating right now, or feel it creeping up on you? Use my worksheet to tackle it and minimise its disruptive impact!
