Now that the semester is slowly winding down, my motivation is slowly winding down, too. My roommates and I are finding it harder and harder to be productive and get our work done. There’s either so much left to do per week, or everything is spaced out that you procrastinate doing it until the very last moment.
This is usually the time where students freak out about their lowest grades, claiming they thought they had more time to bring it up. It happens to the best of us. But it’s not a good thing when we’d rather binge-watch a TV show or sleep all day, instead of doing our homework to finish out the semester strong.
One thing that always helps me stay organized and on top of assignments, is to make a weekly to-do list. Every Monday, I write down the things I need to get done by Sunday night. And as the week goes on, I keep adding things to the list. I even write things I’ve already accomplished on the list to make myself feel better. Whatever you have left on your list, add it to next week’s list and get it done next week. This, however, only works if those things are not due until later in the semester or can be done at a later time.
Another way to stay motivated is to take frequent breaks. You’ve been working hard for months, it’s okay to reward the little things.
You got out of bed for that 8 a.m.? Treat yourself to some Starbucks.
You read a chapter of your textbook? Take a power nap.
You went to a teacher’s office hours? Here, have some Chipotle.
Allowing yourself these little things will give you an extra boost to finish the things you’ve been putting off because you know you’re going to get a little prize after each one. It’ll keep you on track.
Setting deadlines for yourself is another way to stay on top of your assignments. If you try to get everything done in a week, you’re going to become overwhelmed and put it off even longer. But if you set daily or weekly deadlines, you’re more likely to accomplish more. Trying to write four papers and read a textbook in a week is a lot of work. But starting two papers and reading a few chapters a day is more reasonable.
Get a friend to accompany you to the library or the dorm lounge. If someone is working on their own stuff, they’re more likely to motivate you to get your own assignments done. Plus, it’ll be a quiet workplace where you can focus and get your best work done. And if you need any help with your work, ask the librarians and tutors at the library. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Keeping your liquid and food intake up will also provide you the energy to be productive. A lot of people forget to eat when they’re engrossed in their studying. That’s not a good idea. You need to keep your strength up and drinking water is a great way to wake yourself up. Eating fruits and vegetables will give you the push you need to keep the momentum flowing. Drinking sugary pops or energy drinks and eating candy and chips will ruin your motivation and make you even more tired. Try to stay away from those unhealthy foods and opt for something healthier.
Motivation can be a hard thing to find when you’re this close to finishing the year. But it is vital to staying on top of the things that still need to be completed. Now is not the time to slack off and take it easy, it’s time to grab a book and start studying. Finals will be here before you know it.