Many students end up at one point or another with a big project that's worth 99.7654% of their grade. Because I am a perfect example of procrastination and terrible timing, I have experienced the stressful internal (and external) crying a few too many times. I then came up with a list of a few things that I think everybody should do when confronted with the terrible thing that is a project. Here it is for all of you that trust me.
1. Make a game plan.
This is one of the most important things that I can't stress enough. It is so so SO crucial to at least have a general idea of what you want to do and how you are going to accomplish it. It's so easy to put it off and end up doing everything last minute just because you didn't know what you were going to do.
2. Start early.
Don't be one of those people that waits until the night before the due date to do everything. That never works out perfectly. If you start out early, you're prepared for possible issues and you have more time to perfect everything for the better grade! Always start earlier than you want to, it will come back to be a huge benefit!
3. Save a little room for procrastination.
We all know that this is bound to happen. Putting thing off is often the answer than we think we want... until the night before the assignment is due that is. So, if you save yourself a few specific days where you don't have to do anything for the project and you can just relax, it will prevent you from procrastinating too much.
4. Have a friend in the same class.
If you have someone enduring the same pain as you, it makes everything 10 times easier, I promise. Friends work as a comforter and motivator in your time of stress. They will push you to be better and to get everything done. Another huge plus to this is that you have a study buddy! How fun is that?
5. Prioritize.
This one is a little difficult to really do, but if you put your needs in front of your wants and really push to get it all done, it will help you a ton. Learning to prioritize your project- and all of your schoolwork in general- before sitting on the couch and having your alone time with Netflix will benefit your grades and lifestyle a bunch!
6. Track your progress.
Use checklists, paper chains, calendars and more to show that you are actually getting somewhere! This is important for your motivation to stay up and your procrastination to stay down!
7. Have specific details.
When creating a calendar or something to keep track of your progress, make sure to save specific days only dedicated to your project. If you do this and make sure the days are spread enough to also give you a breather, you're bound to succeed!
8. Reward yourself.
If you do a strict week where all you do is work on your project, promise yourself the next week free! Treat yo-self and do something that makes it not totally awful.
9. Do NOT wait until the very last second.
I know that I've pretty much already said this 25,908,547 times in this article, but i don't think that one more time will hurt. It really will overall affect your entire project and show that you are not a dedicated student or person in general.
10. Leave time for revision.
Never think that your work is perfect the first time. Always go back through at least twice before turning it in.
11. Always be open for second opinions.
Before turning in your awesome project, make sure you have a trusted friend or parent look at it and give you their thoughts. Having second opinions will help you think from other perspectives and see new things within what you're doing.
