Last updated on Jul 13, 2024

Here's how you can conquer procrastination and meet research project deadlines.

Procrastination is a common hurdle in research management, often leading to missed deadlines and increased stress. However, you can conquer this challenge by implementing effective strategies to stay on track. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a student embarking on a thesis, these tactics will help you maintain focus and ensure timely completion of your projects.

1 Set Goals

The first step in overcoming procrastination is to set clear, achievable goals for your research project. Break down your project into smaller tasks and set deadlines for each one. This will make the project seem less daunting and help you to focus on one step at a time. Ensure these mini-deadlines are realistic and account for potential setbacks. By ticking off these smaller tasks, you'll build momentum and a sense of accomplishment that propels you forward.

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Lucy Oiro

Program Associate at National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management/Peacebuilding and Conflict Management Directorate - Ministry of Interior and National Administration - Nairobi, KENYA
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1) Regular communication with research leads and other research team members/research assistants on securing of their research study deliverables. 2) Real-time preliminary analysis of data collated as the research study is on going vis-a-vis research questions/methodology and tools hypothesis against the playing contexts on the ground. 3) Making adjustments if allowing within the research scope and delivery timelines to manage risks encountered.

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2 Time Blocks

Allocating specific time blocks to work on your research can significantly improve productivity. Choose times of the day when you're most alert and least likely to be interrupted, then dedicate those periods exclusively to your project. During these time blocks, eliminate distractions by turning off notifications and setting a timer to keep you accountable. This technique, known as time-blocking, helps create a routine and conditions your mind for focused work sessions.

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3 Prioritize Tasks

Understanding the importance of each task within your research project is crucial for effective time management. Prioritize tasks based on their impact on the overall project and deadlines. Tackle high-priority tasks when your energy levels are highest. This approach ensures that even if procrastination strikes, the most critical aspects of your project are not compromised, safeguarding your progress towards meeting deadlines.

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4 Accountability Partner

Having an accountability partner can be a game-changer in combating procrastination. Share your project goals and deadlines with a colleague or mentor who will check in with you regularly. This external pressure can motivate you to stay on track, as you'll not only be answerable to yourself but also to someone else. Regular progress updates to your partner can also provide valuable feedback and keep you motivated.

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Adriana Z.

Especialista em Pesquisa Científica e Educação
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Talvez seja interessante também agregar ferramentas de gerenciamento de projetos, como aplicativos de acompanhamento de tarefas ou plataformas colaborativas online. Essas ferramentas podem facilitar a organização das metas e prazos do projeto, além de permitir uma comunicação mais eficiente com seu Parceiro de Prestação de Contas. Integrar essas tecnologias pode aumentar ainda mais a eficácia da colaboração e o sucesso na conclusão das etapas do projeto.

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5 Reward System

Incorporate a reward system to celebrate the completion of tasks and milestones. This could be as simple as taking a short break, enjoying a treat, or indulging in a leisure activity once a significant task is done. Rewards can boost your motivation and provide a tangible incentive to work through tasks you might otherwise put off. Just ensure that the rewards are proportionate to the effort and do not become a source of further procrastination.

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Ashish Kumar

Research Associate at jubilant Biosys limited
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To support the goals of the organisation by aligning the goals of employees with these. To ensure that the organisation is able to recruit and retain sufficient number of employees with the right skills. To motivate employees. To align the risk preferences of managers and employees with those of the organisation. To be ethical.

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6 Reflect Regularly

Regular reflection on your progress can help identify patterns of procrastination and trigger adjustments in your approach. At the end of each week, review what you've accomplished and what you've postponed. Ask yourself why certain tasks were delayed and what could be done differently. This self-analysis fosters self-awareness and can lead to the development of more effective personal strategies for managing procrastination.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Marie-Philippe Vanheems✔

✦ Senior Consultant, Change Agent & Keynote Speaker ✦ Passionate specialist in DEI, Lean, and Operational Excellence ✦ Making Change Pragmatic, Genuine & Fun!
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Ensure that you have pleasure and add a fun way to meet with your team when following up on the tasks. For instance start with ice-breaker your meeting. When you reach a first step - choose the way to celebrate ! Enjoy the journey even more than reaching the end goals! That is the key 😀

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Here's how you can conquer procrastination and meet research project deadlines.

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1 Set Goals

2 Time Blocks

3 Prioritize Tasks

4 Accountability Partner

5 Reward System

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Research Management

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