by Claire Biggerstaff
From elementary to graduate school, students are told that the key to academic success is not procrastinating; however, when you have friends, family, and a Netflix account, it can be hard to put your academics first. I am a self-diagnosed chronic procrastinator, and over the years, I have developed some pretty eclectic ways of getting myself motivated. Whether you are trying to learn to plan ahead or you just need some motivation for a late-night cram session, these are the methods I have found most useful.
1. Create a reward system
If you are trying to break your habit of procrastination, this is a great way to make yourself get something done every day. Start by writing out a list of homework or studying you want to get ahead on, then think of a reward for accomplishing each task. That could be anything from one episode of Friends, to calling your mom, to going and getting a coffee from Starbucks. This breaks up the work so it does not seem so overwhelming and gives you motivation to work efficiently.
2. Write a note to your future self
This is my favorite tip! It sounds silly, but it has always worked for me. The idea is that you write a note to yourself later in the day. Thank your future self for getting work done so you can enjoy other things (and specifically list those things you would like to enjoy later). Whenever you feel like taking an unnecessary break or giving up, read the note and do not let your future self down!
3. Listen to movie soundtracks
I have been doing this for a long time and it has never failed me! I only listen to movie soundtracks when I am in absolute crunch mode. Making a playlist with the background music of your favorite movies is a great way to inspire yourself while studying without the distraction of music with words. It makes you feel like you’re in a montage of your life movie, and movie montages always end in someone overcoming the odds.
4. Write down why each class matters
I did this at the beginning of last semester and it was so helpful. The idea is that you remember how each class contributes to you being a better person in your schoolwork, career, and life. For example, I might write for EDHE, “this class will help me maintain my writing skills and be a better student throughout my four years.” Whenever I did not want to study, I would simply look back at the reasons I had written stating why each class was important. Believe me, it was hard for me to think of reasons for some of them, but there is always someway each class will make you a better person!
5. Learn about women’s education globally on https://girlup.org
I want to use this tip more this semester! An estimated 130 Million girls around the world are out of school. Remembering how blessed you are by your education is a great way to motivate yourself. I am not saying that this makes studying any easier or less painful, but when you think of your academics as a blessing not a burden, it is easier to suffer through the boredom of studying because you know the opportunities it is providing you with. Additionally, the better educated you are, the better equipped you will be to help girls around the world. Empowered women empower women.
There is no getting around the fact that studying is tough and time consuming. The most important thing is keeping your goals in mind and believing in yourself. When you do that, you can accomplish anything, even if it’s pulling an all-nighter.