Procrastination is something we all do. It starts off with “I’ll do it in 5 minutes!” Then the next thing you know, two hours have gone by… Here are 4 tips to help you actually stop procrastinating.

Tackle the most difficult task first:

The biggest or hardest task may be discouraging, but once you get it over with, everything will feel so much easier.

Divide one task into smaller tasks:

When you don’t know where to start on an assignment, it can be overwhelming. Start by taking it one step at a time. For example, if you have to clean your room, start with one thing first. Focus on something like cleaning up your clothes first. Then move on to picking up papers and trash. Then, one by one your room will come together in no time.

Schedule your tasks on a calendar:

Create an agenda or a game plan for tasks. Write down what you need to get done. When you’re writing this down, be sure to write what you need to accomplish. For example, if you have an essay, do the research and prewriting at 2pm. Then, take a break. Then at 3pm, write most of the essay. Then after dinner, reread it and finish it. Scheduling things out task by task will help you get things done and stay focused.

Set timers throughout the day:

Set a twenty minute timer every few hours. During those twenty minutes, work on a certain task with no distractions. Even though it can be tempting, do nothing but what you’re supposed to for those twenty minutes.

Don’t wait to do it later. Do it now!