Procrastination & Concentration
Presented by: Dr Derek Richards
Student Learning Development
Learning Objectives
• Explore reasons for procrastination
• Review strategies for overcoming
procrastination
• Examine causes of distractions
• Consider ways to control concentration and
improve motivation
PROCRASTINATION
Is to delay needlessly something that
we believe would be to our benefit.
Some reasons for procrastination
• Emotional - perfectionism, self-judgement,
fear of failure
• Excuses and habit
The psychology of procrastination
Apathy
Success
Overcoming Procrastination
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Take action
Salami technique
Five minutes
Work on related tasks
Do the hardest bits first
Set goals
Reward yourself for achievement
Make commitments
CONCENTRATION
Is the act of focusing
our attention and abilities
Concentration
• Distractions as events which divert us
• Sources of Distraction
– External
– Internal
• Control Distractions
Controlling External Distractions
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Structure study environment
Establish a routine
Negotiate
Physical
– E.g. unplug TV!
Controlling Internal Distractions
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List of concerns
Worry time
Mind wandering/daydreaming
Mental rehearsal
More active in the study process
Improving Motivation
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Focus on effort
Alter expectations
Positive self-talk
Rewards
Goal setting
Positive language
Visualisation
Yes I can
Conclusion
• Know why you procrastinate
• Strategy or plan for overcoming
procrastination
• Identify your distractions
• Strategies for controlling concentration
• Strategies for increasing your motivation
Our details
• Website: http://student-learning.tcd.ie
• Email: student.learning@tcd.ie
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• Phone: 01-8961407