If you have mountains of tasks before you, getting started may seem like an impossible thing. However, dividing your study obligations into small objectives will allow you to work on them one by one more easily. Before you start studying, you need to put yourself in the right frame of mind and establish a plan for success. Don't follow a study system that you don't like but instead think creatively about what works best for you and approach the material that way. Start studying early enough so you don't get overwhelmed, though you shouldn't punish yourself for procrastinating.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Staying Responsible
Step 1. Be kind to yourself despite your procrastination habits
In the event that you are chronically procrastinating or just can't seem to get started, punishing yourself about it will only make things worse. Avoid blaming yourself or trying to punish yourself as a way to motivate yourself, as behavior like this can be exhausting and distracting. Instead, you should be kind to yourself when you have difficulties. Acknowledge the problem but remind yourself that it is okay and that you are working to improve.
Don't compare yourself to other classmates who seem to be doing well. Everyone learns and works differently and therefore you should focus on your own needs and abilities without worrying about how everyone else is doing
Step 2. Let go of your worries and feelings of resistance to get them out of the way
Try practicing free writing or journaling as a way to explore your anxieties about your studies or the specific factors that are keeping you from starting. As another option, unburden yourself with a friend or classmate. After you get these stressors out of your system, put your negative feelings aside. Take a deep breath and tell yourself that it's time to change your state of mind so that you can get to work.
If it helps to vent to a friend, just make sure that they are willing to listen to you and that you are not distracting them from their own studies
Step 3. Communicate your action plan to someone else
After you've established a study plan, discuss it with a friend, classmate, or relative. Let them know that you just want to quickly go over your plan and resolve challenges or obstacles ahead of time. Ask him to be your accountability partner and monitor your progress from time to time or just let him know that you will contact him when you have achieved some goals.
- Studying is a personal and lonely task, but being accountable to someone else can be an excellent motivation.
- Pair up with a roommate or classmate so that both of you can be accountable to the other for their studies.
- As another option, you can tell a friend that you can meet him only if you finish your goals by 9 p.m. m. You don't want to disappoint your friend and miss out on the fun, so use your desire to avoid this consequence as fuel for your studies.
Step 4. Work with a study group or tutor in a way that you are accountable to someone else
Unless working with other people is more of a distraction, find a partner or study group with whom you can collaborate. Make sure you talk to each other about your learning styles and study preferences before you begin to ensure that you are compatible as study partners. Then, agree on a series of goals together and determine how and when you will achieve them. In case studying in a group doesn't help you, you can get a tutor who can help you work on your assignments. Schedule appointments in advance and use them as progress deadlines towards which you need to work.
- You can find a tutor at your school or check with a private tutoring agency.
- Each person in a study group could volunteer to take on a different subtopic and then everyone could share their study materials with each other.
- Reserve a study room, bring snacks, or turn studying into a game to make work more enjoyable.
- Start working well in advance in case your peers fail to meet the group's goals and to make sure you have time to go over certain topics independently.
Method 2 of 4: Establish a Study Schedule
Step 1. Evaluate which study habits you are most successful with
Consider environmental factors and study skills that are helpful to you in retaining information and doing your best on tests. Determine if you prefer to work alone in a quiet space or if a public place (such as a library or coffee shop) helps you stay focused. Reflect on whether you remember facts better when reviewing your own notes from a class or skimming through the textbook and previous class assignments. Determine what combination of factors will bring out the most positive, productive, and focused version of yourself so that you can implement this system in all study sessions in the future.
- Reflect on previous study sessions that went particularly well and others that have not gone well at all, and assess which factors are contributing to your progress and which are hindering it.
- Studying will be much less stressful if you can develop a personalized study system.
Step 2. Focus on your long-term goals and what you will accomplish with study
While studying day after day can be exhausting, don't focus on the negatives but instead put yourself in a positive frame of mind by visualizing all the good you will get from your hard work. Imagine that you get a good grade on an exam, that you receive praise from your teacher, or that you are proud of your grades at the end of the academic term. Let these good feelings wash over you as you rethink your perspective on studying.
- If you're hoping to go to college or get a scholarship, consider how each short study session will bring you one step closer to your dreams.
- Use your long-term goals as motivation to keep pushing yourself.
Step 3. Divide your studies into smaller tasks or goals
Set concrete goals for your study session. Break your larger study goals into small, manageable steps. Identify specific and achievable goals that you can work on one by one. This will allow you to make good progress, and achieving each goal will leave you feeling accomplished at the end of your study session.
- While it's easy to get overwhelmed with an enormous amount of tasks and seemingly endless jobs, you don't need to worry about "How will I ever finish this task?" Instead, ask yourself "How much of this task can I accomplish in 2 hours?"
- Don't try to read an entire book at once, but instead set a goal of reading one chapter or 50 pages at a time.
- When preparing for an exam, review your class notes for the first week of the semester that day only, and then focus on your notes for the second week the next day.
Step 4. Order your tasks from easiest to hardest or shortest to longest
You can choose a system for ordering them that reduces stress and allows you to keep moving forward, although this will depend on the amount of resistance you experience or how difficult your subjects are. Try to work from the shortest task to the longest, work from the easiest project to the hardest, or start tackling the hardest task so that things get easier as you progress. As another option, you can approach your subjects in the order of your class schedule.
If you've chosen to follow a logical system, this will help reduce decision fatigue and make it easier for you to move from one task to another
Step 5. Give each task a time limit or space in your schedule
After dividing your study load into small goals, it's time to fit them into a schedule that works for you. Those who prefer a more rigid schedule may assign each task a start and end time, while those who prefer a bit of flexibility may want to assign a time limit to each activity and determine the order based on how they feel. Regardless of which method you choose, you must set aside a specific period of time each day for the study.
- If you say to yourself "I will have to study sometime this week", this will stimulate procrastination, while saying "I will study from 6 to 9 pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday" will help you stick to your plan..
- Try to stick to a regular schedule, although feel free to step out of your regular routine in case you need to change things up a bit. For example, you can get a good night's sleep and set your alarm for 5:00 a.m. m. to study on Sunday morning. It may be easier for you to get up and get started right away, since you will have planned in advance.
- The more specifically and intentionally you can schedule your study assignments, the more successful you will be with your studies and time management.
Method 3 of 4: Prepare and Prepare Your Workspace
Step 1. Take a walk or move to get into a positive state of mind
You can do a simple physical activity for a few minutes to shake off a moody slump. Get outside and take a 10-minute walk to get some fresh air. Try to loosen up by doing a round of jumping jacks or dancing around your bedroom to your favorite song.
- These activities will give you a burst of energy and improve your mood, as well as help your brain enter a receptive state, which will make the study work more effective.
- If you can do this, you will start to build momentum, and this will result in a productive study session.
Step 2. Cool off and put on comfortable clothes
In case you feel groggy and unmotivated, you can start by taking a cold shower or washing your face to wake up. Dress in soft fabrics that feel good against your skin, and don't wear clothing that has itchy tags or too-tight waistbands that are distracting. Go for clothes that are familiar to you and fit you well. Be careful to be dressed appropriately for the weather and bring an extra layer if necessary. If you have long hair, tie it up so that it does not fall into your eyes.
Be careful that your study clothes don't feel too similar to your pajamas. Otherwise, you could start to head off
Step 3. Tidy up your workspace and arrange all your study materials
Whether you are going to work at your college dorm desk or the corner table in a coffee shop, you should first get rid of all the trash, if any, to clear the area. Remove from your workspace everything that has nothing to do with your study assignments. If necessary, put everything else aside, as you can deal with the clutter later. When you have a clear surface to work on, arrange all the books, worksheets, notebooks, pens, highlighters, sticky notes, and other supplies you'll need.
- When choosing a workspace, you should eliminate as many distractions as possible. Look away from the refrigerator or window in case these things catch your eye. Sit at a table where your friend is not so they don't bother each other too much.
- Consider making your study space warm and inviting so that you are eager to spend time there. Decorate the walls with pictures of you and your friends, place a cheerful indoor plant on your desk, and choose a comfortable chair to sit on.
Step 4. Plug in your computer and close all unnecessary tabs before starting
In case you are going to work on a computer, close all the windows or tabs that have no relevance to your studies. Then, log in to your online learning account and open all your readings in PDF so that everything is ready. Sit by an electrical outlet and plug in your computer before you begin so you don't have to interrupt your concentration when the battery runs low.
- If you are easily distracted but need to use a computer as a reading or research tool, you could print the material to help you stay focused.
- If you need to use your computer solely as a word processor or to view PDF files, disconnect it from the wireless network or move to an area where there is no wireless network so you won't be tempted to connect.
- When you don't need to use a computer for your studies, turn yours off and put it away.
Step 5. Put your cell phone on silent mode or turn it off to get rid of distractions
You don't want to be receiving group text messages from your friends or calls from your family when you're trying to study. If necessary, let others know in advance that you will be studying and that you will need to disappear for a while to concentrate. Then set your device to "Do Not Disturb" mode or, better yet, turn it off completely.
Keep your phone out of sight so you're not tempted to constantly glance at it
Step 6. Stay hydrated and have a snack on hand
Drink plenty of water and keep a bottle of water with you so you don't feel thirsty while you work. Keep a small supply of peanuts, granola bars, or fresh fruit on hand to prevent stomach grunting and keep you energized while you study.
- Don't study right after eating a big meal, as you'll just feel sleepy and want to relax.
- Avoid putting off a meal as a reward, as your aching stomach will be a distraction. Make sure you have a snack on hand to ward off hunger.
- Do not eat sugary snacks from a vending machine, fast food, or puff pastry, as these foods will give you a short energy rush that will quickly turn to sleep.
Step 7. Listen to a playlist to make studying more enjoyable
Opt for music that doesn't have lyrics or songs whose lyrics you know so well that they just get lost in the background so the music doesn't become a distraction. Try repeating the same album or choosing a radio-style playlist so you don't waste time putting songs into a list.
- The right music will help you relax your mind and sharpen your focus.
- Try modern performances of classical piano or guitar solos, or play the soundtrack of your favorite movie.
- You can speed things up with an electro-swing playlist or kick back with a mix of lo-fi beats.
- In your favorite music app, find playlists designed to help you focus on your work (for example, "Study songs" or "Study rhythms").
Method 4 of 4: Tackling the Material
Step 1. Force yourself to start working for just a few minutes to ease your anxiety
In case you start to panic about how much you need to study, keep in mind that it will be a lot less stressful if you can just get started. Commit to working on a very simple and quick task just to get things going. For example, to get started, you could spend 5 minutes skimming your vocabulary list or try the Pomodoro Technique. This involves setting a 25 minute timer for each task. Time will pass quickly and you will end up with a sense of accomplishment.
- When about 5 minutes have passed, the pain centers in your brain that sound an alarm when you are not ready to start will calm down.
- With the Pomodoro Technique, each 25 minute block is referred to as a "pomodoro" and you can set another 5 minute timer to have a short break between each "pomodoro".
- In case 25 minutes seems like too little, feel free to keep working after the timer expires. The goal is to get you started.
Step 2. Develop a personalized study guide for each subject
This can be helpful when your teacher doesn't share a study guide or if the existing guide doesn't work very well with your learning style. Design a study guide that makes the most sense to you. Try making flashcards, making a bulleted list of each topic you need to know, or making a list of all the questions you think might be on your test. Consult your textbook for review questions, or turn the heading of each section into a question.
- In case the section heading of the textbook is "Anthropomorphic themes in fairy tales", your study question might be "Can I describe the use of anthropomorphic themes in fairy tales?"
- Look online for study guide templates and examples as a starting point.
Step 3. Create something visual that helps you connect and remember ideas
If you are a visual learner, you could create a mind map or Venn diagram to organize the topics you need to study. Draw a map and use colors, arrows, and icons as a way to help you visualize the concepts that are presented in the textbook. As another option, you can color-code your notes to help you associate themes and ideas.
Rather than skim through vocabulary words from a PDF file or textbook, rewriting the words and definitions in your own handwriting using a fun colored pen could help you better retain information
Step 4. Use mnemonics to help you memorize facts
Mnemonics are simple word-based tricks that can be used to jog your memory. Try to come up with an acronym to help you remember a list of words or ideas. Write a publicity song or rap song to help you memorize important names and dates from the story or plot of a novel that you have been assigned to read. Search online for "how to remember [topic]" for some ideas, or feel free to create your own mnemonics.
- Try popular mnemonics, such as "My Neighbor Has Many Jewels Only One Does Not Lend" to help you remember the order of the planets in the solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
- You can also use a simple phrase like "Long live Queen Elizabeth" to help you remember the formula for Ohm's law (Voltage equals Resistance times Intensity).
Step 5. Check out YouTube podcasts or videos to learn more about the topic
When dealing with a complex subject that you don't fully understand, look online for resources that can supplement your course. Take 20 minutes to watch an informational video that breaks the topic down in simpler terms or fill your cell phone with biology podcasts that relate to your curriculum. Each presenter will explain the topic differently, so be sure to explore until you find a method that works for you.
Set time limits to help stay on track, and reward yourself by exploring interesting tangents after meeting your study goals
Step 6. Reward yourself for achieving your or your study goals
Think of a small way to reward yourself after achieving your goal. In case you're in the middle of a study session, you can take a brisk walk, eat a granola bar, or listen to one of your favorite songs. If you need a longer break, you can watch a YouTube video or a chapter from your favorite TV show, or spend 20-30 minutes practicing a hobby. In case your study session is over, feel free to relax by playing a video game, hitting social media to connect with your friends, or going out somewhere.
- Food can be a good recommendation, but avoid consuming too many sugary snacks early in your study session, as you will experience a sugar crash in the long run. Save the sugary snacks for the last leg of your study marathon so they give you a boost.
- In case you make the decision to reward yourself with a quick break from study, don't forget that you will eventually have to go back to work. Set a time limit for your break and avoid hearing the voice in your head begging you for "just a few more minutes."
Advice
- In case you need help, don't be afraid to ask your teacher for it. Go to him during his office hours, or ask if you can schedule a time to talk to him about it. Be careful to ask questions in class as well, as asking questions will show that you are motivated and want to do well in class.
- Make sure you get a good night's sleep to help you retain the information you have studied. You should aim to sleep at least 8 hours a day.
- Strive to take good notes during class and keep them in an organized notebook or filing cabinet. Use them to help you with your upcoming tests, assignments, and projects.