We've all done it. You feel like you have all the time in the world, and then as slowly and surely as the clock ticks, your sense of eternal time fades. You keep denying it until you're left with no other choice but to confront what's in front of you: a five-page paper due in less than 12 hours. But you'll probably do it again. And again. How do you stop this vicious cycle?
1. Set aside a specific time to do work every day.
If you predetermine a certain time every day for doing your work, it will be a lot more likely that you’ll be in a mindset that’s prepared to focus on the single task of homework when that time arrives.
2. Put all distractions away – literally. Anything that could distract you, put it out of your line of sight.
Seeing your phone light up or a notification pop up on your laptop will likely take your attention away from your work, and it’s hard to determine how long it’ll take to shift your focus back from whatever caught your attention. You might think that you’re just quickly checking a text message from a friend – and what’s the harm in that? – but then suddenly it’s 2 hours later and you’ve been browsing random YouTube videos from the original link she had texted you. Whoops.
3. Choose an environment that’s relaxing and lightens your mood.
If you’re doing your homework in your dorm room, it’s going to be a lot harder to focus because your attention is going to shift more easily to something lighter and more enjoyable (say, your phone or social media) due to the suffocating atmosphere of your room. Do your work in an open, visually refreshing space – you’ll feel a lot better and be able to be more productive.
4. Stop putting smaller, irrelevant tasks before your work and justifying it because “they have to get done too.”
So your laundry needs to be washed and your floor definitely should be swept ASAP. In some cases, it might make your mind feel clearer and more prepared to focus on work if you get these things done first. But if you’re really pressed for time, just forget about these things for the time being and start your work. There will be time for that stuff afterwards.
5. Watch a 30-minute show, listen to music, or go for a walk.
If you say, “OK, I can watch this 30-minute show on Netflix, but then I’m really going to start my work,” you might feel more motivated to start because you gave yourself a little “treat” beforehand. This could work oppositely too – do 2 hours of work, and then promise yourself a 30-minute break doing something mentally non-demanding.
6. Just start your work.
For me, starting is the hardest part. Once I actually start, I’m usually wondering why I didn’t just start it three hours earlier, when I initially said I would. Just start it. Just sit down and do it. Once the ball gets rolling, it’s a lot easier to get other things done and feel accomplished about it.
