We all know that procrastination is dangerous. We also know that this is certainly not the best way to accomplish things or to receive an A on that homework assignment. Nobody likes to study but it is a necessary step to succeed. So how do you motivate yourself and get things done in a reasonable amount of time? What exactly is the key to success?
1. A Planner
Get one. Use it. As soon as you are given an assignment, make sure to write it down under the day it is due in your planner. You could also make note of the assignment on days prior to the due date so that you don’t forget about it. For example, if you have a paper due in two weeks, write yourself a reminder in this week’s section AND next week’s section so that you know it is coming up. The more times you see it, the more likely you are to get it done. It is also much easier to plan accordingly when you can visually picture all of your tasks at once. If you notice that you have three things to accomplish by next Monday, don't wait until Sunday night to do all of them. Work on one each day until they are completed.
2. Colors, Colors, Colors
3. Reward Yourself
Positive reinforcement is amazing. After completing an assignment or task, give yourself a small reward. Whether that is allowing yourself to catch up on the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy or eating a nice bowl of ice cream, make sure that you give yourself something to look forward to. This will help to stay on task and get your assignment done in a timely fashion. Although it is important to reward yourself, make sure to limit your break time in between tasks so that one episode doesn't turn into one season. Set a guideline to your break (one episode, or fifteen minutes of social media, etc.) and follow it. During this break, don't climb into bed. You won't get back up, I promise.
4. Organization
Whether you use notebooks, folders, or binders, you should get a separate one for each class. This will help you to keep everything in one spot and not misplace notes or papers that you have been given. When it comes time to study, you have everything you need in one place and don't have to waste all of your energy searching underneath your bed for that piece of paper with the instructions for your English project.
5. Put Your Phone On Airplane Mode or Turn It Off
We all know that our phone lighting up or even being in eyesight is temptation to text your friend back or see what everyone is up to on Twitter. Put your phone on a setting in which it won’t vibrate, ding, or light up and remove it from your work space. Remind yourself that after this paper you can go check your phone and that no one will be mad at you for not answering them right away. It's a great way to break the separation anxiety as well.
6. Don't Study In Bed
You'll fall asleep. End of discussion.
7. Quizlet.com
This website is seriously awesome. This website allows you to create digital flashcards to take with you wherever you go on any device. You save so much time by typing instead of writing. It can also be shared among all devices so you can type them on your computer and while waiting in line at a store or on a long car ride, you can pull out your phone and flip through those note cards quickly. If you don't use flashcards, you should consider doing so. Repetition is key.
8. Studying Alone Is Better Than Studying With Friends
Sometimes it is a great thing, but more often than not you'll spend the majority of the time talking about the latest thing that happened on campus and will get no studying done. It's better to just say no to the temptation and study in seclusion. I promise you that it will be worth it. You'll get so much more done by yourself.
9. Make Tasks Less Intimidating
If you have 30 math problems to do, accomplish ten at a time. If you have a 5,000 word essay to write and 5 days to get it done, make it your goal to write approximately 1,000 a day. What may seem too hard to accomplish will slowly become easier as you divide it amongst different days.
10. Fill In Gaps With Information From Your Textbook
We all understand the struggle of your teacher talking too fast and missing what they say. When you read through the textbook, look for the section of the notes that you are lacking and fill it into the gap in your class notes. This will also allow you to create a "master copy" of your notes by combining class notes and textbook information which will (make it easier to keep track of and provide the most amount of information as possible so that you can better prepare for the information needed on your tests.
You want this school year to be YOUR year, and armed with a pen and planner you will be able to win the fight against laziness. Your teachers will be left stunned by the way you meet deadlines, and color-coordinate your notes. No one would ever guess that, despite all the newly acquired organization skills, you are still the queen/king of Procrasti Nation. Long may you reign..
