With finals coming up in less than two months, we need to talk about one of the greatest issues facing our college population: procrastination. Ah, the word that makes some of us cringe “procrastination, our oldest friend.” Luckily, after 13 years of school, I’ve mastered the art of beating procrastination, and I am here to share these helpful tips with you.

1. Envision an End Goal

This one always works best for me. When I say an end goal, I don’t mean a completed paper, or a 100 on a test. It’s much more personal. Envision a cheeseburger. Imagine the cheese, melted on a warm patty and soft bun. Pull up a picture in a new tab of this cheeseburger. Now work, work, work, until you’re done. Once finished, reward yourself with the cheeseburger. Celebrate on your way to Hopdoddy’s. Make it a hoagie, a brownie, even a walk outside. Reward yourself, and you’ll be much more motivated to finish your work.

2. Make a List of what you’re Purposely Avoiding

We’ve all heard about to-do lists. But, what about to-do-that-you-really-don’t-want-to-do lists? When you make this type of list, you’re forced to face what needs to be done. If you get the things you don’t want to do done first, you have more time to do some enjoyable things, like watch netflix for 6 hours straight.

3. Shia Labeouf

Watch Shia Labeouf’s famous video, “Just do it!” Play it on repeat until you’ve finished your task (or gone crazy). “Yesterday, you said tomorrow.”

4. Look out for Excuses

Excuses are the enemy, so beware. Psychologists have found excuses such as, “I am not in the mood to do it” and the belief that you work better under pressure are the top reasons for procrastination. Imagine your mother or grandmother listening to you say those excuses. Would she take them? Exactly, so give it up and get your work done.

5. Change your Environment.

Instead of working on your homework in front of the TV or with a group of friends lying around your room, try a more studious environment. For me, I hate the library. It’s dark and boring. That is exactly why I do my work there! The more boring of an environment, the more motivated I am to get my work done and break free. Other people may find themselves more motivated when working outside in the fresh Austin air, or in the study lounges, or secluded at their desk with no distractions.

6. Fight against Resistance

Think about how you will feel once this task has been tackled. Realize you will go to bed feeling much better if you know you’ve accomplished or produced something that day. Get past the initial dread of completing whatever it is, and go for it full force. You’ll thank yourself when it’s over.

Procrastination can be considered “chronic” or an “addiction.” Some feel it is just a personality trait that they cannot release themselves from. Procrastination can be more than just a laziness issue. It can be a fear of not accomplishing a goal, or not producing the end result you want. Figure out what it is that is driving you to procrastinate, look it in the face, and change it. Fear is not constant, but life requiring work and effort is. A clear mind can set you free from the jail that is procrastination.