How to Stop Procrastinating and Actually Revise

Procrastination is not laziness. It is an emotion regulation problem. You are avoiding the negative feelings associated with studying. Here is how to fix it.

Start Stupidly Small

Do not aim to “revise Biology chapter 3.” Aim to “open the Biology textbook.” Once you start, momentum carries you. The 2-minute rule: if it takes less than 2 minutes, do it now.

Make It Easy

Remove friction. Have your study space ready. Keep your phone in another room. Use website blockers. The easier studying is, the more you will do it.

Use Temptation Bundling

Pair something you want to do with something you need to do. Only listen to your favourite podcast while revising. Only have coffee while doing flashcards.

Track Your Streak

Never break the chain. Mark an X on a calendar for every day you study. After 3 days, you will not want to break the streak. After 21 days, it becomes a habit.

Forgive Yourself

One bad day does not ruin everything. Guilt makes procrastination worse. Acknowledge the slip, learn from it, and start again tomorrow.