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It’s not surprising that students constantly ask me how to overcome procrastination during IBDP. The IB Diploma Program is very hard. It can feel like there is always more work to do with the extended essay, Internal Assessments, Theory of Knowledge, and your six subject classes. Even students who do really well tend to put off doing their work, especially when they want to be perfect.
To be clear right away, procrastination during IBDP does not imply laziness. If you avoid tasks that make you feel stressed, your brain is trying to keep you from getting overwhelmed. The good news? Without a doubt, you can break this habit. I’ll show you how.
What Is Procrastination During IBDP?
During the IBDP, procrastination is the habit of putting off important academic tasks, even when you know the cons could be upsetting or detrimental to your end grades. It usually shows up when IB students put off working on the extended essay, avoid writing for the Internal Assessment, or wait until the last minute to study for an HL exam. It’s not laziness; it’s avoiding things because you’re too busy, want to be great, or don’t have enough discipline.
It’s easy to feel stuck when there are so many courses, core requirements, and due dates all the time. Students often put things off because they care too much, not because they don’t care. They want to do well, but they are afraid of making a mistake, which keeps them from taking the first step.
This is how procrastination usually looks during IBDP:
- “I’ll begin my EE as soon as I finish this other task.”
- “I need the ideal thought before I begin writing my IA.”
- “I work best when I’m rushed, so I’ll do it the night before.”
- “I’m too tired to do it now, but I’ll do it tomorrow.”
- “Let me first clean my desk, watch a video, and check Instagram.”
See a pattern? These are just mental tricks your brain uses to put off feeling bad. Unfortunately, it gets harder to keep up with your IB duties the more you give in.
The first step to eliminating procrastination during IBDP is to know what it looks like. You can change things by creating better schedules, developing healthier routines, and having the proper attitude.
What Is the Main Cause of Procrastination in IB?
Procrastination is primarily caused by fear, not laziness or lack of interest, in my years of working with IB students. It’s the fear of starting something that might not be good enough, to be exact.
As a rule, IB students do very well in school and have very high standards for themselves. But that need to be perfect comes at a price. It can be hard to work because you’re afraid of making something that doesn’t meet their standards. Many students wait for the “right time” or the “perfect idea” before starting on a draft that isn’t quite good enough. Of course, that time never really comes.
I call this the IB procrastination loop:
High hopes ➡️ fear of failing ➡️ avoidance ➡️ stress at the last minute ➡️ repeat
Also, because there aren’t as many instant penalties as in regular schools, it’s easier to put things off. Teenagers’ brains often want quick fixes, but IB teaches them to think about the long run. Social media and chats give you what you want right now, but the unfinished extended essay merely looks back in quiet.
To get out of this loop, you need methods that make things less overwhelming and habits that focus on progress instead of perfection. Putting things off works best when plans aren’t clear and standards are too high. Get rid of the doubt, and you’ll be in charge again.
Tips to Overcome Procrastination During IBDP
We’ve discussed what procrastination is and why IB students feel it. Now, let’s talk about how to stop it. The goal is not to become a robot that always gets things done, but to make a method that helps you work steadily without getting too tired.
Here are my go-to suggestions for how to overcome procrastination during the IBDP.
1. Break It Down (Way Down)
Often, IB students set down too broad goals, like “finish the Internal Assessment” or “work on an extended essay.” These tasks may look like they’ll get things done, but they’re actually too much to handle. It’s a whole project. That’s why your brain wants to put it off.
Instead, it’s better to break up each project into micro-steps, which are clear, small tasks that you can finish in 10–15 minutes or less. Starting something small is much less scary than looking at a blank page for two hours, so this method lowers stress and builds momentum.
For example, here is a list of mini-tasks:
- Write the title and candidate number.
- Paste in the prescribed title and prompt.
- Create a rough structure with paragraph headings.
- Draft possible knowledge questions.
- Choose one real-life situation for each argument.
- Write the first paragraph without editing it.
- Add one counterclaim and a short response.
Once your brain sees that the first step is simple, starting becomes less intimidating.
2. Use the 5-Minute Rule
This is one of my favorite techniques to share because it works so well and is so easy to do. Make a five-minute timer and tell yourself that’s all the time you have to study. That’s all, five minutes.
It’s amazing how often five minutes turn into fifteen or even fifty. Why? Because the hardest part is starting. When your mind is “in,” energy begins to build on its own. This method is exceptionally good when you can’t think of anything to write or are dreading the boring Internal Assessment part. It has worked really well for me, even with students who were months behind on their extended essays.
3. Choose Several MITs Each Day
MITs, or “Most Important Tasks,” are a simple way to keep your attention on the things that matter the most. Before you study every morning, make a list of three things you need to do that day. Not more and not less.
Cutting down your list makes it easier to make decisions and gives you a clear path to follow. You will stop switching between tasks and finish what you’re working on. For example, your MITs might be:
- Finish the references for your extended essay.
- Finish the set of math problems.
- Watch 20 minutes of lessons that help you speak French fluently.
It is better to finish three well-chosen jobs than to start ten and not finish any of them. Every time, order beats chaos.
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4. Group Together Similar Tasks
Batching is how I stay organized when I’m going over IA papers or making plans for material for several IB students at once. Simple: put tasks that are similar together and do them all at once.
When you change themes or forms, it’s easier on your brain because it stays in the same thinking mode. For instance, read all of your research materials in one sitting, make outlines for several essays in another, and type your Internal Assessment analysis part in a third.
This makes it easier to switch between tasks and gets you into a flow state faster, which is very important when you have six IB subjects to cover.
5. Plan Short, Clear Study Times
Let’s be honest: no one truly studies well for three hours in a row. You normally get 30 minutes of work done, then you spend 2.5 hours checking your phone and viewing “study motivation” videos. Try this easy method instead:
- Work for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Take a rest for five minutes.
- Do it again.
- Take a longer pause of 15 to 20 minutes after four rounds.
This approach helps you stay focused and makes extended sessions easier to handle. In my experience, students who move to this routine are more productive and have more energy throughout the day.
6. Use Your Environment to Your Advantage
The things around you have a direct effect on your ability to concentrate. Your brain gets confused if you try to write your TOK essay on the same bed where you watch a series. It connects that spot with relaxation rather than deep thought.
Set aside a place to study, even if it’s just a small table or area with few other things going on. Get rid of opportunities as well. Consider using app blockers, turning off notifications, and keeping your phone in a different room.
How quickly you can start and maintain focus is greatly impacted by these small changes.
7. Don’t Reward Perfection, but Progress
Working with hundreds of IB students has taught me that delaying gratification until something is perfect only leads to more pressure, stress, and procrastination.
If you show up and move forward, give yourself a prize instead. Did you finish all three MITs today? Have fun. Did you write 150 words for your Internal Assessment on Math? That’s important. It’s progress to have even half-done drafts.
To Sum It Up
So, procrastination during IBDP doesn’t necessarily mean you’re lazy; rather, it usually means your setup isn’t working. There’s nothing wrong with you. Just know that it’s normal to feel stressed when you’re in a tough program like the IB.
The good news? You don’t have to change everything about your life to fix it. There are only a few smarter habits and easy-to-follow steps you need to take to start. Seriously, something as simple as opening your extended essay doc or setting a timer for 5 minutes will change the way you think about studying for the rest of the day.
Also, don’t attempt to solve the problem on your own if you’re stuck. We created our IB Student Help service specifically for situations like these. There are real experts to help you get through the IB grind, whether you need writing advice, subject assistance, or just someone to guide you.
Nick Radlinsky
Nick Radlinsky is a devoted educator, marketing specialist, and management expert with more than 15 years of experience in the education sector. After obtaining his business degree in 2016, Nick embarked on a quest to achieve his PhD, driven by his commitment to enhancing education for students worldwide. His vast experience, starting in 2008, has established him as a reputable authority in the field.
Nick's article, featured in Routledge's "Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization," highlights his sharp insights and unwavering dedication to advancing the educational landscape. Inspired by his personal motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to streamline students' lives and foster efficient learning. His inventive ideas and leadership have contributed to the transformation of numerous educational experiences, distinguishing him as a true innovator in his field.
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