It’s the week before your final exam. But instead of studying, you’ve decided to wash the entire neighbourhood’s dogs and spring clean your house. Now it’s the night before and you’re stressed out! “Why didn’t I start studying sooner”, you ask yourself. Procrastination is a very common problem, especially among students. With our advice, you’ll learn how to stop procrastinating and focus on studying.
How to Stop Procrastinating and Focus on Studying
Procrastination can seriously affect your academic performance. And when you get those results, you know that it isn’t a true reflection of your abilities. Don’t panic, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Here are some tips on how to stop procrastinating and focus on studying.
Be Smart about Your Study Schedule
By now we all know how important it is to have a study schedule. But you should be smart and realistic about it. Don’t plan early morning study sessions if you know you’re a night owl. You’ll be spending most of that time fast asleep.
Remember why You’re Studying
What does this qualification mean to you? Maybe you want to upskill to get a promotion at work. Or perhaps you want to pass matric so you can go to university. The bigger picture will motivate you to keep studying.
Concentrate on one Thing at a Time
You won’t be able to study 12 chapters, go grocery shopping and clean the house in a few hours. Just the thought of it probably makes you exhausted. Be reasonable about what you can do in one day. Plan a schedule to help you determine what is most important for that day.
Have More Than one Deadline for Yourself
Having only one deadline that seems far away is one of the main ingredients for procrastination. This is because you think there is lots of time, which leads to you delaying your studies. Break your work up into chunks, and set deadlines for each section.
Create a Positive Study Space
Choose a quiet space and keep it clean. Make sure your seat is comfortable – but not too cosy otherwise you’ll fall asleep! Have some of your favourite snacks nearby. Creating an organised, positive space will help you look forward to your study sessions.
Reward Yourself
Plan a reward as an incentive for each section you study. You’ve been working hard, so why not? Just be careful with the type of reward. Watching your favourite TV show could lead to clicking “next episode” for hours. Do something with a clear end, like eating your favourite meal.
Get Rid of Distractions
Yes, this means you have to put your cell phone away. We know studying online makes concentrating a lot more difficult. But luckily there are apps that temporarily block websites so you can focus. Find one that works for you and say goodbye to five hour YouTube rabbit holes!
Share Your Goals
Sharing your study goals with a friend or family member might motivate you to follow through with it. Ask them to check up on you every now and then to make sure you’re staying on track. You can even ask your friends and family to quiz you on your work at the end of the day.
Don’t be Scared to Change Your Study Routine
You could be procrastinating because your current study routine is not working. This is your sign to make a change. You could go for a walk and listen to music to help clear your head before each study session. Try something different for a few days to see how you’ve improved.
Let go of Perfectionism
Perfectionists are more likely to procrastinate. This is because you are scared to fail, so you’d rather not even start. If this sounds familiar, try lowering the bar a bit to take the pressure off yourself. Don’t wait for the perfect conditions to start studying, just go for it.
Ask for Help
If you’re procrastinating, there is a chance that you’re confused or overwhelmed with the work you have to complete. If so, ask your teacher, tutor or classmate for help. Remember to ask specific questions so that you can get accurate answers.
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