As finals are quickly approaching I sit here, procrastinating at my best. I made a list of all the things I have to do in the next two weeks before graduation. I also rewrote that list and categorized it by class, day, importance and I even color coded it. Have I started anything on said list? Well... that depends on our definitions of starting being the same. Here's my current thought process to the mountain of things I have to do, that I probably created from the molehill reality that they are.

1. Look at the list, open and create the appropriate amount of Words documents for all the papers I have to write between now and my last final.

Why open so many? Because then I can't forget about them because the open file will be a constant nagging reminder that I still have to do that paper or assignment yet. For someone who can't stand notifications and unneeded applications open this alone can be a motivator to get things done.

2. Stock up in coffee supplies

If I'm supposed to write three large papers, do two presentations, take two exams all due or scheduled within a timespan of 72 hours the need for coffee is going to be outrageously real. This tactic might be another excuse to stop working on that list I mentioned, but when it's 1 a.m. and the energy is slipping out of me coffee will help find a purpose to continue on. Most likely I will forget that I even made coffee, but the aroma from the other side of the room will boost concentration enough to chug on. And then the following morning in my sleepy haze I'll repeat the process, except I'll wish my thermos was able to hold more than a couple cups of my liquid finals surviving method.

3. Gather all study supplies.

Grab all the fun pens, pencils, markers, highlighters and put them all in one place at an ease for the high-stress moments of studying. I prefer to put mine in this over-sized coffee cup an old roommate gave me that is a constant reminder, it says "With enough coffee I can do anything". I also grab headphones, mints, a stapler, and put them close by. When I study in my room I'll have all of that, and I'll make sure to put a blanket close by because it's no fun to try and type your fingers off when you're chilled.

4. Create the study playlist.

Spotify is wonderful with its playlist creation ability. I could spend WAY too much time putting all the songs I like onto playlists, but I'll give myself a time limit and create two or three for different moods. One for paper writing, one for background noise when I'm talking to myself in Spanish, and one for textbook reading/review.

5. Sit down and start hacking that list down to nothing.

With there being only one week left of classes, quaintly referred to as "Hell Week," the crunch is here to finish this week and next. The motivation, at least for me, is that once I finish that list and have deprived myself of the amount of sleep I really desire (and need to function normally) is that I get to sleep and relax up until graduation.