College success isn’t just about hard work—it’s about knowing how to start. And if your student doesn’t learn that skill before August, procrastination is going to win the fall semester.

We often blame phones, friends, or even laziness for poor follow-through. But more often than not, the real villain is this: students don’t know how to begin. They stare at the assignment, the blank page, the calendar full of readings and think, “I’ll do it later.” That pause—filled with uncertainty—quickly turns into paralysis.

As an academic coach and professor, I’ve seen it a hundred times. And as a mom, I’ve lived it too.

When My Son Didn’t Know Where to Begin

My son is smart. Capable. Funny. But when he hit that pre-calculus wall his junior year, he stalled out. Not because he didn’t care—but because he had no idea where to start.

He’d sit at the table, books open, mind closed.

He didn’t need motivation. He needed momentum. He needed a nudge to break the ice.

That’s what task initiation is: the ability to begin a task—especially when it feels big, overwhelming, or unfamiliar.

Procrastination isn’t a character flaw—it’s a skills gap. And summer is the perfect time to close it.

Let’s talk about three simple ways your student can practice task initiation right now—no textbooks required.

1. Plan a Mini Project (and Actually Start It)

Whether it’s reorganizing their closet, painting their room, or creating a budget for their summer earnings—let your student plan a project from scratch.

But here’s the twist: they must start it within 24 hours of choosing it.

That small window trains their brain to take action before perfectionism creeps in. The win isn’t the outcome—it’s getting into motion.

Parents, your role: Don’t hover or take over. Instead, ask, “What’s your first step?” and let them figure it out. Offer praise for progress, not perfection.

2. Try a Timed Challenge

If your student struggles to get started, the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes on, 5 minutes off) is your new best friend.

Have them pick a summer task they’ve been putting off—cleaning their inbox, starting a scholarship essay, even washing the car. Set a timer. Go.

Once they start, momentum usually carries them further than they thought.

Parents, your role: Join them! Set a timer and do a parallel task (like organizing the pantry). When you model what follow-through looks like, it sticks.

3. Take on a Research Challenge (Together)

College students don’t always know what support is available to them—and that lack of awareness leads to overwhelm.

This summer, have your student research campus resources like:

• The Writing Center ✍️

• Math or STEM Tutoring 💡

• Library research help 📚

• Counseling or mental health support 🧠

Make it a group challenge: who can find the most helpful resources in 30 minutes? This builds task initiation and college readiness.

Parents, your role: Ask open-ended questions like, “What would you do if you were stuck on a writing assignment?” and guide them toward self-advocacy.

A Skill That Sticks

Task initiation doesn’t magically appear on the first day of classes. It’s built through practice, just like lifting weights or learning to drive.

The good news? It only takes a few intentional reps each week to build this muscle before move-in day.

When students learn how to start, everything else becomes easier.

They stop waiting for motivation. They stop defaulting to distraction. They start making progress—and confidence and motivation follows.

Ready to See Where Your Student Stands?

Help your student take the first step toward a semester they can actually handle—with structure, not stress.

🧭 Take the College Systems Assessment to see where they stand with study skills, time management, and daily routines.

🎯 Enroll in the College Success System and give them the step-by-step structure to succeed—even when motivation fades.

Because college isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters—on purpose.