If I'm in a really bad phase of procrastinating, I make a list of things I have to do, and break them down into bits. Then I write when I'm going to do each bit in my diary,a nd try and change what I'm doing about every two hours. Then the time can't run away with you so much, and if you finish something early, you're allowed to procrastinate for a bit!

Hope that helps!

Procrastination is something everyone does - so start by accepting that it will happen. On the really bad days, I write a list of jobs that need doing. I then either spend a couple of hours sorting something on the list ,or I choose a job to do that needs doing.

I find the procrastination is really trying to bring order into your environment. It is easier to work if you don't have other tasks to think about.

Also, promise yourself that you will write something each day - even if its only a couple of hundred words. Keep connected to your work!

I agree with the list idea. when I'm experiencing an especially bad bout of procrastination I will create a list "to do's" which include both my research goals as well as other, more mundane things I need to accomplish. I will allot a limited time for each activity (i.e. one hour) and then move to the next item. The goal is not to necessarily complete the activity but rather to fully engage for a "limited" amount of time. I find I usually only need to do this for a day or so and then I get back on track.

I agree with each of you. It's all about achievable goals on our lists. In the beginning, I used to make very ambitious lists - then my brain would get optional paralysis as there were so many things on my list that were priorities, I couldn't decide what to do first. I took on outside projects and became swamped with an overwhelming load of 'things to do'.

So, I shortened my lists significantly and learned how to say "no" - nicely. To be frank, saying no was the hardest part but it was the most necessary.

The list idea is great, and I take it one step further. I actually make a schedule for myself. So, for instance, from 8-10 I will review X articles. From 10-12 I will sketch out the intro, then lunch, then work out, or whatever, etc.

Keeping the work in 2-hour blocks and mixing up the tasks makes it easier for me to stay on track and not get too bogged down in the "Oh my god I'll never get this done" mindset.

Well I am just starting with my research proposal and literature review. I find it very difficult. In particular that part of working independently and managing the time where no schedules are really set. Right now i don't really make a to do list... i just read and read most of the time. But I think I will have to get more serious on that now that i have to get started with the research document and finish writing my msc paper. Basically here in my institute I see every researcher has very different ideas on how to manage time.

Im the same, total list person! It is a good thing though because when you cross that item off you feel you have achieved something. Keep going i say!

I find that sometimes disconnecting from the internet helps. There's an almost infinite number of things which can use your time, and keep you from progress.

Hi,

If your really struggling with procrastination then you could try the AcademicWritingClub.com - all info is on the website.

Have tried it myself and it worked wonders.

It is also a good idea to take a look at your work environment. Working at home is not really a very good idea - there are too many ways to get distracted and do something else instead. I love to lock myself in my office with nothing but me and my work available to me. (no possibility of killing time by watching TV, chatting with roommates/family, cooking elaborate dishes, cleaning the apartment one more time, etc). It's better to take seriously the task of creating a non-distracting work environment.

Writing down a task list or even work schedule is also a good idea. I do that a lot.

There is no human being who can sit and efficiently work from 9-5 everyday (if there is please get in touch as i want to study your brain!). Procrastination is an indication of many things. Either you don't know where to start, you are scared to start in case you can't do the task, you may have other things on your mind, or you may be just little drained...amongst a myriad of other things. I never rate my productivity in terms of hours...this is a big mistake. I know people who spend an entire day in the office doing very little in the way of productive work. However, they don't feel guilty because they were in the office all day so they surely must have done lots of work!

Instead, work out what is causing your procrastination and tackle it. If it is starting that is the problem don't start at the beginning but write up something you can do (methodology or results or even just all the titles of the sections).

If it is self doubt (you may not even be aware of this!) then talk it through with a friend. Remember that doing a successful phd is not contingent on super intelligence, it just hard work and being pig headed about it!

If you are tired or have other things on your mind then don't persist with procrastination, take breaks, have a tea/coffee/(pint?...hmm perhaps not) even if you only had one half an hour ago. A 15 minute break followed by an 45 mins of work is better than half an hour of procrastination and half an hour of productive work.

Just sitting in your office, in front of your computer, wondering about what to cook for dinner is not work. But, cooking dinner while thinking about your phd is work (horray for academia!)

The last thing is to not feel bad if you feel like you didn't get anything done. Your mind still works away in the background thinking about things even when you are not aware of it. You will have productive days and nonproductive days, that is what makes us human.

Anybody got any ideas how to stop it?

Procrastination is such an integral part of doing a doctorate that there is a section on it on the Vitae website:

http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/1233/Procrastination-and-perfectionism.html

hope you find it useful- let me know!

For me, the key cause of procrastination these days is access to the internet. Yesterday, while I was working in a library I found myself out of range of WiFi and had a wonderfully productive 2 hours. It made me feel more relaxed for the rest of the day.

Obviously you need the internet for work a lot of the time, but when you don't I'd recommend getting out of range or turning off your home internet hub for a while and see if you notice a difference.

The most recent cartoon on Postgraduate Toolbox sums up the situation for many people quite nicely I think. http://www.postgraduatetoolbox.net/cartoons

I find that procrastination happens when you hit a wall/ have too much to do. I am a list writer but have also fallen fowl to setting unachievable goals which drives me to procrastinate, so I have taken to setting smaller more achievable targets with shorter time frames so I don't feel so overwhelmed - and try and spend less time writing extended lists with notes and more time working! Also I agree that talking through your work helps to improve confidence (even subconsciously) to get over the issue that's stopping you. I think a small amount of procrastination to beat those major procrastination phases is ok though. A little distraction for 10 minutes sometimes helps to clear my brain and let me start afresh!

I came across this while I was procrastinating on the internet....

I thought it was hilarious and very true.

http://phdblog.net/how-true/

I find that it is just sometimes hard to get started. Especially during your literature review, first year write-up, thesis write up etc. During the actually hands on research I find that have a clearer idea of the tasks that need to get done and therefore can just get on and start. But when I'm reading or actually need to start getting some word down on paper, it requires a lot of intense thought to actually get out my ideas into meaningful words and sentences. I end up checking e-mails, bbc news, maybe end up doing some more internet research, making a cup of tea or seeing if anyone around needs help. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one though!

Like the link to how true, thanks Esther!

I also often find myself doing more internet research to put off starting to write! There is so much out there that it is often a good excuse to read just one more article because it is the easy option compared to knuckling down and writing.

I also just found this blog post, which has some good advice on improving productivity: http://matt.might.net/articles/productivity-tips-hints-hacks-tricks-for-grad-students-academics/