Have you ever found yourself staring at your homework, wondering, “Why can’t I bring myself to start?” or “Why do I have no motivation to do this?” You try hard, but procrastination always seems to win. Sounds familiar?
Most of us hate homework — it feels like a boring obligation, not fun at all. But is there a way to break free from procrastination? What do the experts like the bestselling author of 'Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time,' Brian Tracy, say? How can you turn things around and become productive with your homework?
What is procrastination?
The word procrastination comes from the Latin words pro, meaning “forward,” and crastinus, meaning “of tomorrow.” So, it literally means “pushing something to tomorrow.”
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, this Latin term evolved into the English word procrastination. It was first recorded in the 1540s, signifying the act of delaying or postponing tasks.
Even Greek philosophers like Socrates and Aristotle were concerned about this problem. They called it akrasia to describe the weakness of will or a lack of self-control.
No matter what you call it — akrasia, crastinus, or something else — you might find yourself scrolling on TikTok or any other social media, listening to a playlist, binge-watching Netflix, or doing just about anything to avoid what matters. Does that sound like you sometimes? That’s procrastination.
So, it is procrastination, not “laziness,” that makes you do everything at the last minute or stops you from getting good grades at school. You are about to discover how to succeed with homework assignments, get better grades at school, and become a happier person.
How procrastination stops you from doing homework
There is a reason why you do not want to do your homework. It is in your brain. As described by Doctor Daniel G. Amen in his book "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life," there is a constant “fight” between two parts of your brain: the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex.
The limbic system
The limbic system is the older, emotional part of your brain that focuses on immediate pleasure or avoiding pain. It’s why you’d rather watch YouTube videos than do a demanding science project.
The prefrontal cortex
This is the more modern, rational part of your brain. It’s in charge of planning, decision-making, and self-control. It knows that doing your homework will help you succeed in the long run.
When you procrastinate, your limbic system overpowers your prefrontal cortex. Instead of focusing on long-term goals like finishing your homework or acing a test, your brain chooses something that feels good right now. This is why procrastination is so tempting and hard to beat.
Whether you are a high school or a university student, understanding this phenomenon can change your life. Dive deeper to get back on track, build the strategy to overcome procrastination, and live happier.
What happens in your brain when you procrastinate?
When you skip your homework, your brain “rewards” you. Let’s say you put off studying and decide to play video games instead or scroll on your phone. Your brain releases dopamine, a feel-good chemical that makes you happy.
Consequently, procrastination becomes addictive. Every time you delay a task and do something “fun” instead, your brain reinforces the habit! Unfortunately, this cycle gets worse over time.
The more you procrastinate, the harder it is to break free because your brain starts associating important tasks (like homework) with stress and avoidance. That is why even thinking about schoolwork can make you feel overwhelmed or anxious.
Good news: you can rewire your brain to beat procrastination. Scientists and psychologists have studied this problem for years, and their research has uncovered proven ways to take back control.
So, learn the five ways to stop procrastination and succeed academically.
Five effective strategies to stop procrastinating and achieve academic success
If procrastination is holding you back, don’t worry. These five strategies will help you overcome it and get motivated to do your homework. Each advice is backed by research and expert advice.
1. Break tasks into smaller chunks
Your assignment may feel so big or overwhelming that you would rather postpone it and replace it with something more pleasant. So, instead of saying, “I need to finish this entire essay,” break it into smaller chunks. For example:
Write the introduction.
Find three sources for research.
Focus on one paragraph at a time.
The problem is that creating chunks also requires effort. Is finding motivation a challenge? Most likely, yes. Focusing on achieving small goals, one step at a time can help.
Chunking not only makes big tasks feel less intimidating but also provides a sense of accomplishment with each completed step. This, in turn, gives your brain a hit of dopamine — a powerful motivator!
Angela Duckworth, author of ‘Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,’ emphasizes the importance of consistent effort. She warns,
“Without effort, your talent is nothing more than your unmet potential. Without effort, your skill is nothing more than what you could have done but didn’t.”
Breaking a complex assignment into smaller chunks requires less focus, making the entire assignment much easier to accomplish.
2. Use the two-minute rule
Productivity expert David Allen developed the two-minute rule. In ‘Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity,’ he suggests starting any task by doing it for just two minutes. The idea is simple: once you begin, it’s easier to keep going. For example, tell yourself, “I’ll just review my notes for two minutes.” Often, you’ll find that you naturally continue working beyond that.
Getting started is the hardest part. That is why the two-minute rule works. It tricks your brain into action, and momentum carries you forward once you're in motion.
3. Create a study-friendly environment
Your surroundings play a huge role in whether you procrastinate or stay focused. A messy, noisy, or distracting space makes working much harder. Set up a designated study environment where you can focus.
Keep your desk organized and free of clutter.
Turn off notifications or put your phone in another room.
Remove distractions from your workspace.
Carol S. Dweck, author of ‘Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,’ emphasizes how important it is to set yourself up for success. She explains,
“The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.”
A clean, organized space makes it easier to focus on your work.
4. Set rewards for yourself
You already learned about the “reward system” in your brain — portions of dopamine resulting from quick achievements. Make a U-turn, and use such rewards to your advantage.
For example, tell yourself that after completing your homework, you’ll watch an episode of your favorite show or enjoy a snack. Rewards help you stay motivated because they give you something to look forward to.
Make sure the reward matches the effort. For instance, finishing one math problem might earn you a five-minute break, while completing an entire assignment could mean a bigger reward, like a game night with friends.
Tip: Don’t let the reward become a distraction. Stick to the plan — no Netflix until the homework is done!
5. Build a consistent routine
Motivation can come and go, but habits stick. Which habits will help you build a productive routine?
Consistency. When you study at the same time every day, it becomes automatic (like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast.)
Set small goals. For example, commit to studying for 15 minutes at a specific time each day. Then you can gradually increase the time.
Use helpful tools: a planner or digital calendar to schedule your study sessions and track your progress.
Improve your time management. Use the Pomodoro technique, taking short breaks between each 25-minute interaction. The goal is to focus on a specific task until it is done. Then move to the next one.
Shape your task management skills. Make a to-do list — of all tasks and assignments. Prioritize them. Start with the most urgent. Ensure focus — apply the Pomodoro technique as described above. Take one step at a time.
These five steps will help you re-design your internal “reward system.” Moreover, they will improve your mental health significantly.
Expert insight: Brian Tracy, author of ‘Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time,’ explains,
"The more you discipline yourself to use your time well, the happier you will feel, and the better will be the quality of your life in every area."
A consistent routine builds discipline in a smooth, natural way, making it easier to stay on track even when you don’t feel motivated.
How to motivate yourself to start homework
Now that you understand procrastination and how your brain works, it’s time to take action. Instead of letting procrastination control you, apply these steps to cause the change:
Break your homework into smaller steps and focus on one task at a time.
Use the two-minute rule to trick your brain into starting.
Create a clean, organized study space where you can concentrate.
Set rewards for yourself to stay motivated.
Build a daily routine to make homework a habit.
Use the Pomodoro technique to improve your time management. Give a fair amount of time to priorities.
Shape your task management skills.
Be inspired by the best books
In ‘Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,’ Carol S. Dweck emphasizes the importance of effort in achieving success:
"Effort is one of those things that gives meaning to life. Effort means you care about something, that something is important to you and you are willing to work for it."
So, make an effort — one step at a time.
The famous psychologist Angela Duckworth emphasizes the significance of consistent effort in achieving success in her bestseller ‘Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance’:
"Without effort, your talent is nothing more than your unmet potential."
"It's rare that we can make good decisions in a vulnerable state," Martin Meadows warms in ‘Self-Discipline in Difficult Times: Pressing Ahead (or Not) When Your World Turns Upside Down.’
Check out these book reviews on the Headway app to develop the following skills:
Conquer procrastination and crush your goals with Headway
Procrastination might feel like a constant battle, but you can win it with the right tools and strategies. Remember, the key is to start small and stay consistent. Every small step you take brings you closer to your goals.
Want to stay motivated, build better habits, and finish your homework faster?
The Headway app has everything you need to succeed — from book summaries like ‘Mindset’ by Carol S. Dweck, ‘Grit’ by Angela Duckworth, and ‘Self-Discipline in Difficult Times’ by Martin Meadows.
Download the Headway app now and take the first step toward crushing procrastination and achieving your goals. Start small, stay consistent, and unlock your full potential today!
