Chronicles of a Former Procrastinator: How High School Transformed My Habits

Before high school, procrastination was my middle name. I was the kind of student who would wait until the last minute to start any assignment, would thrive on the exhilarating adrenaline rush of the constantly impending deadlines, and would somehow manage to scrape by with somewhat decent grades. But as I transitioned to high school, the workload multiplied exponentially and my old procrastination-forward habits began to fail me. I found myself being buried alive under an ever-growing pile of my own work. This is the story of how I had to change my ways and adopt new work habits and strategies to keep up with the demands of high school and some helpful tips for fellow procrastinators who might find themselves in the same boat.

Elementary school was like a procrastinator’s dream. With assignments few and far apart, I easily cruised through deadlines, projects, and assignments. My evenings consisted of hanging with my friends, lounging, and playing endless games of Monopoly, blissfully ignoring the pile of work that lay waiting for me. The night before the due date I would stay up late and cram. Somehow, I always managed to submit my work on time, convincing myself that I worked best under pressure. Looking back, I realize this was an incredibly unhealthy habit I had. The constant last-minute rushes took a hard toll on my well-being. This pattern of procrastination stunted my ability to develop good time management and study skills.

Instead of learning to pace myself and absorb the material gradually with incremented study sessions, I relied mostly on stress-fueled bursts of energy, which only provided short-term successes on my part.

Still dependent on the unhealthy study habits I’d developed, the transition into high school hit me in the face like a ton of bricks. Suddenly, I was overrun with dozens of assignments, projects, and tests that required much more time and effort than before. My tried-and-true method of last-minute cramming wasn’t cutting it anymore. The first few months were a blur of stressful and sleep-deprived nights as I struggled to keep up with my peers. My grades began to slip fast, and I received my first 40%. This set off something in me and I realized that I couldn’t continue my blind stumble down this path if I truly wanted to succeed academically. Procrastination was no longer an option for me.

Here are some strategies I implemented to overcome procrastination:

1. Set realistic goals

My first step in overcoming procrastination was learning to set realistic goals for myself. I started breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Instead of viewing a 10-page research paper as one daunting task, I divided it into sections: research, outline, draft, and the final copy. This made the work seem less overwhelming and gave me a sense of accomplishment as I completed each part.

2. Create a schedule

Creating a study schedule was a real game-changer. I began using a digital planner (Notion) to map out my assignments and deadlines. By setting aside specific time slots for studying and working on projects, I could better manage my time for both academics and extracurriculars. I also included breaks in my schedule to avoid burnout. Sticking to this routine helped me stay on track and reduced the overwhelming temptation to procrastinate.

3. Minimize distractions

Distractions were my biggest enemy. I started by identifying my main distractions—TV, my phone, social media—and found ways to minimize them. I turned off notifications on my phone, used website blockers during study sessions (Freedom), and designated a quiet, clutter-free study space. This helped me stay focused and be more productive.

4. Prioritize tasks

Overcoming procrastination meant realizing that not all tasks are created equal. I learned to prioritize my assignments based on their importance and deadlines, instead of cramming them all in a miscellaneous order. I learned about the Eisenhower Matrix, which categorizes tasks into four quadrants (urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, neither urgent nor important). This way, I could focus on the most urgent and significant tasks first, ensuring that I met my deadlines without the daunting last-minute rush.

5. Reward yourself

Rewards are powerful motivators. I promised myself small rewards like my favourite snack, or an episode of one of my most beloved TV shows after completing important tasks. By rewarding myself regularly, I made the process of staying on top of my tasks enjoyable and sustainable. It wasn’t just about getting things done, it was about creating a balanced and rewarding routine that made me feel like all the hard work was worthwhile.

Breaking free from the cage of procrastination is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, persistence, and, of course, the willingness to change. High school forced me to confront my bad habits and adopt new, healthier ones. Needless to say, the transition wasn’t easy but it was completely worth it. Remember that one day doesn’t define you. A routine does require consistency but it only takes 21 days to form a new habit. Embrace each small victory along the way, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up on occasion. Change is a gradual process, and every step forward counts.