Academic procrastination is the tendency to put off or delay completing academic tasks, such as assignments and studying. It may feel good at the moment, but in today's high-pressure academic environment, procrastinating can quickly cause you to fall behind, creating a cascading effect of additional stress and poor academic performance. And yet, academic procrastination is exceedingly common, even among so-called "good" students. (In fact, studies have shown that as many as 80-95 percent of college students procrastinate in their studies at some point!)

While it's easy to blame procrastination on laziness or lack of motivation, the root causes of academic procrastination are often more complicated than that. Understanding these causes can be the first step towards overcoming them. Let's take a look at some common reasons why you might find yourself procrastinating in your studies and what you can do about it. 

Fear of Failure 

Whether you're worried about failing your class or just fearful that you won't live up to your own or someone else's expectations, fear of failure is a real thing. It can keep us from starting tasks in the first place, especially if those tasks feel overwhelming. To overcome this fear, try breaking down larger assignments into smaller chunks instead of trying to tackle them all at once. This will make them seem less daunting and easier to approach.

Unclear Expectations 

Sometimes, it's difficult to get started on an assignment because you don't understand the assignment or it's unclear exactly what is expected of you. Although this happens with many students, it's easy to feel shy about reaching out for help for fear of looking silly. The truth is, there's no such thing as a stupid question if it's honestly being asked. Make sure you talk to your teacher or professor as soon as possible so that they can clarify any confusion or misunderstandings you have about what the assignment calls for. This will give you more confidence to complete the assignment on time.

Lack of Interest 

Let's face it: there's almost always something more interesting to do than study. If the subject matter doesn't pique your interest or if it doesn't relate to any long-term goals that you have for yourself, it's easy to lose motivation when faced with completing tasks related to that subject. One way to combat this type of procrastination is by finding ways to make learning more engaging for yourself. This could include incorporating real-world examples into your studying, studying in smaller chunks throughout the day instead of one long session each night, or forming study groups with friends so you can discuss concepts together and motivate each other when needed.

If you address these concerns and still struggle with procrastination—or if you've fallen behind as a result—consider seeking guidance from a tutor. Not only can a good tutor help you understand the material more clearly, but they can also help you develop better study habits and time management skills to stay on track with your studies. With a tutor's support, you can find the motivation to conquer academic procrastination and succeed in your studies.

At Vincent Pope Tutoring, we specialize in personalized tutoring to help students reach their goals. Call us today at (919) 593-1378 or visit us online to find out how we can help.