Isn’t it easier just to watch one more episode of your favorite TV series or scroll through your Instagram feed, than to invest your time into studying? Of course, it is. Unfortunately your exams are approaching, and there is no way to pass them if you don’t do the necessary work.
Such distractions demand self-discipline and perhaps some of the strategies listed below to help guide one in the direction of getting the job done is what we all need to take time out to address. Listed below are a few tips for one to wrap their mind around as we explore our weaknesses and strengths.
#1 Understand the Root of Your Procrastination.
Some of the most common causes of procrastination are generally built upon how one feels physically, emotionally and/or mentally. Notice the short list below.
- • Fatigue can lead to a lack of interest in the subject.
- • Don’t know where to start.
- • The time to start hasn’t come yet.
- • Homework is too hard for me to handle.
To address procrastination one should consider the opposite of procrastination. We believe the opposite of procrastination is our hero and all-time undefeated reigning champion, “proactive mentality”. Proactice mentality is the person who takes control of his or her situation by causing something to happen positively rather than responding to it negatively after it has happened. Simply stated procrastination has consequences and proactive mentality has rewards. Having said that, correcting the root cause will require each person putting in some work in the area of self reflection on one’s goals and purpose to avoid the consequences. Because no one likes to fail, it is extremely important to understand that in order to move towards becoming a better version of one’s self, one has to self-correct their behavior with action steps.
#2 Break the Task into Small Pieces
Occasionally, when a task seems overwhelming, it is necessary for one to divide the task into smaller pieces or action steps. By focusing the mind on one target area at a time, it allows the mind to absorb even the smallest of the details and master the information. It also allows one to gather a more meaningful understanding of the content and deepen their knowledge base. Each day is day of opportunity to self-improve and self-improvement starts with wanting to do better.
#3 The Power and Importance of Rest
As a student enrolled in the “School of Life”, we learn there certain rules we cannot disobey. One of those rules is the brain and body needs rest. By listening to our body, we learn there are a number of advantages in giving the mind time to rest and recuperate. There is power in getting rest on a regular basis. The brain cells aren’t designed to go on forever. Just like battery cells wear down, we are no different. Regular resting periods and deep sleeps are the difference maker in succeeding with confidence versus just getting by.
#4 Establish a Routine
A routine is defined as a sequence of actions regularly followed or a set program that is done repeatedly. Good routines are the basis of good habits. The more one participates in their routine, the better their habits or muscle memory develops. Practically any subject can be mastered if studied in bite sizes within the daily routine. Gradually the bite sizes of information grows into chunks of digested information. Ultimately this is the direction a student in the “School of Life” should be aiming towards. There’s power in repetition. For example, when you are low on motivation and high on excuses, your habits will keep you going. Set up a study schedule and stick with it for at least 30 days. It takes time to form a habit, but all the hard work will pay off.
#5 Make It Interesting
The idea of making a subject interesting sounds like forcing oneself to get through the drudgery or dull work. Why is it considered drudgery or dull work is because this is how one perceives the task. When the subject is perceived as “boring”, it can be really hard to focus on it for long periods of time. To overcome this hurdle, one will have to become creative. Using today’s technology, one can find other ways of gathering an understanding of the concept through video searching, reading articles and short summaries. During this process, one will discover a lot of repetitive language saying the same thing over and over in similar ways. It is through this constant searching that clarity sets in and the task is no longer perceived as “boring” The subject matter actually has some relevance.
#6 The Promodoro Technique
In the late 1980s, Francesco Cirillo a great mentor for students in the “School of Life”, also as author and businessman created what he called The Pomodoro Technique. The Promodoro Technique is a program he developed to help students understand a powerful time management method. The technique uses a timer to break down the total work time into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. His method has been practiced by millions of subscribers to his teaching. The goal is to make learning productive and rewarding. His method teaches one to work with time and lessen the struggle in racing against time.
Conclusion
Organizing your time and work are key for getting motivated to study. These tips will help you achieve your goals and forget about procrastination. Knowing how to use your time and mind wisely is the foundation of your success in every sphere of life. Take time to practice these tips and let us know how it helped.