Are you ‘zone-out’ prone?

A common challenge for most of us in this fast-paced world is getting distracted – by anything and everything.

female-laying-on-top-of-table

When it comes to procrastination, it can sometimes be the result of fear or confusion—but more often than not, we procrastinate when we’re faced with something unfamiliar.

If procrastination is a thorn in your side, you’ll understand the struggle between immediate satisfaction competing with longer-term life goals. Watching Netflix tonight might be easier than getting stuck into your studies, but which activity will ultimately be more fulfilling? 

Interestingly, Lifehack went about quantifying the result of procrastination, claiming that we lose 55 days per year, and around 218 minutes every day doing unimportant ‘stuff’. All this lost time can add to our anxiety levels and regret, which makes our goals seem hopelessly out of reach.

What kind of procrastinator are you?

All is not lost! Understanding why you procrastinate is a step towards breaking the habit, and there are lots of articles and podcasts to help you waste less time and take charge (yes, we realise the irony). For starters, try watching Tim Urban’s TED talk, 'Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator', where he warns us of becoming a spectator in our own lives.

Procrastinators unite

If fear or confusion are holding you back from enjoying study time, don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Procrastination is a common human trait, so your fellow students will most likely be in the same boat. Throughout your studies your unit tutor can be contacted directly via email, or using the forums in your LMS. Like they’ve helped thousands of students before you, they can help you gain a better understanding of what’s required, deconstruct a topic, or address assignment/exams concerns. They want to see you succeed, so keep that in mind if you’re feeling a little isolated or stressed.

Active learning is not just about saving your sanity or getting a job done – it’s about ensuring you get the best outcome you’re capable of and being proud of your achievement. So embrace the unfamiliar and take pride in your studies – you might be surprised by the positive impact it has on other areas of your life.

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