6 Ways You’re Sabotaging Yourself In College & How to Stop

Ahh, self-sabotage. We all do it. We all hate that we do it. We continue to do it. It’s an endless cycle and it’s among many endless, terrible cycles we have throughout college. Self-sabotage is inevitable. Sometimes you just need to eat a hot pocket at two in the morning while writing an essay that’s due in six hours. That being said, if you’re more aware of how you’re sabotaging yourself and you know of ways to stop doing so, it can help you down the line.

I created a 10 Ways You’re Sabotaging Yourself + How To Stop post a few weeks ago and decided to make a college edition. So, my fellow college students, here are some ways you’re sabotaging yourself in college and how to stop.

1. Sleeping in

Sleeping in might feel great, but when you sleep in you totally throw off your sleeping schedule. This is especially detrimental if you had been waking up early during the week. While it’s tempting to “catch up” on sleep during the weekend, it’s screwing you over.

Plus, you’re wasting a lot of your day. Some people can sleep until 2 PM, but I know if I slept in past even 10: 30 AM, I’d feel like I wasted my whole day.

Solution: Try to keep a fairly consistent sleep schedule. If you’re waking up at around 9 AM during the week, try setting your alarms for around 10 AM or 10:30 AM during the weekends. You’re waking up a little bit closer to what your body is used to so your sleep schedule will be less thrown off. Plus, waking up early often leads to productivity. In fact, by stopping this self-sabotaging habit you could potentially cure unproductivity and late assignments. Magical.

2. Not taking advantage of the free resources

Tuition is expensive so you need to seriously take advantage of anything “free” your college offers. Most colleges have plenty of free services and events (and even food), so seize the day and get your fill of freebies. The best things in life are free, right? With that being said, do channel your inner minimalist and don’t take a bunch of crap you don’t need. Like, if you have ten free pens from Student Activities you don’t need to take another just out of spite.

Solution: Research free opportunities or services on your campus. Check your college’s calendar and club newsletters often. Bring your resume to the career advisory center, use the equipment at the campus gym, and attend those free concerts or comedian performances.

P.S. This totally ties into 8 Ways to Get The Most Out of College! Don’t forget to use that student discount.

3. Waiting until the night before to do assignments

The problem is we know this is a horrible idea and, yet, we constantly do this regardless. Oftentimes, completing something the night before leads to sloppy work and work completed under the “I’m DONE!” attitude. Every assignment I’ve submitted the night before has often not been proofread or double-checked because of my attitude and time restrictions. Not great.

Solution: First of all, hold yourself accountable and make a plan. Create a self-imposed deadline a day or two before the project is really due and stick to it. You’ll be done a little bit early and won’t have to worry about rushing. Plus, you’ll be able to check over your work. Win-win.

4. Not being open and forward with your housemates/roommates

Almost every roomie conflict can be solved through talking about it. Even if it can’t be solved you can now justifiedly bitch about your problems knowing you at least tried to fix them, right? Even though you may not think of this as a way you’re sabotaging yourself in college, having unresolved roomie issues can weigh you down emotionally and mentally.

Solution: If something is bothering you, say something. Avoid the passive aggressive route and get to the root of the problem. Keep in mind that not everyone thinks the same way as you do and not everything bothers people the way it bothers you. If your housemate’s door slamming is driving you nuts, kindly ask her to be aware of it. If your housemates keep leaving the trash until it overflows, create a take out the trash schedule.When confronting your housemate, go in with a neutral attitude and avoid aggressive attacking at all costs.

Also check out Common Roomie Problems & Solutions for some more advice and tips for dealing with your issues.

5. Not eating breakfast

I’m not the first one to tell you this and I’m not the first to tell you I’m not the first to tell you this. We all know how bad this is. Everyone’s guilty of doing this at one point or another, but it’s awful for you. Breakfast gives you energy and keeps you fueled and all of that jazz. Even if you’re not into typical breakfast foods, at least opt for some crackers or string cheese.

Solution: Pinpoint the reason you don’t eat breakfast. Do you skip breakfast because you have “no time”? Load up on grab-and-go breakfasts, like a granola bar. Do you hate eating in the morning? Bring breakfast with you to eat a little bit later in the morning. Do you just drink coffee? Pair something small with your coffee, like a piece of toast or fruit, so you have some sustenance.

6. Constantly consuming caffeine

There’s something about college that just sparks the caffeine addiction, am I right? I’ve recently begun drinking coffee/tea every day which is a horrible idea because now if I forgo caffeine I go into withdrawals and end up getting a headache and being grumpy. Being addicted to anything is not great.

Solution: If you’re already pretty addicted it might be tough to break the addiction but it’s definitely possible. Treat your morning cup of coffee or boost of caffeine as a treat rather than a necessity. This will help you drink caffeine less often and you’ll appreciate it more. You can also swap out your caffeinated drinks for decaf. If you’re drinking caffeine for that extra energy boost try eating an apple or dancing to your favorite song, both can help boost your energy.

How are you sabotaging yourself in college? What are your plans (if any) to stop?