Procrastination is by far one of the biggest challenges a student will face during their academic career. And in a world of emerging technology, constant social distractions and the ever-so-enticing “naptime,” it’s not hard to see why. So what can you do to keep yourself focused and on task? Follow these few simple steps to rejuvenate your study habits.
Step 1: Study in a quiet place.
While many will argue that their studies are more effective with a little background noise, cafés, dorm rooms, and fraternity/sorority houses are teeming with potential distractions (although with the Keg closed, Monday nights will be significantly more productive). Find somewhere low-key where you’re more likely to push yourself to actually do your work— the library is a great option. And if the silence is killing you, simply turn on some quiet music to get your fix.
Step 2: Eliminate obvious distractions.
Even without other people around to distract us, we’ve still got ourselves to worry about. When it comes to schoolwork, most of us have a low tolerance and little self-control. So before hitting the books, use a self-control you can depend on: your computer’s (LeechBlock now available in Firefox on PC’s too). Self-control will block the websites you most often visit for a given amount of time. And if that isn’t trustworthy enough, try to do as much work as you can on paper.
“I try not to even bring my computer with me when I study,” said sophomore Nick Klohonatz. “If I’m going to the library, I leave it at home.” If you absolutely need to access the internet, the library has its own computers (shocking, I know), where you’ll be less likely to waste aimless hours on Facebook or YouTube.
Step 3: Come prepared.
Make sure you have everything you need before hunkering down for an all-night study sesh: highlighters, paper, books, a nearby snack, etc. If you have to get up to get something, you’re more likely to get distracted by some other task.
Step 4: Make a checklist.
As simple as it sounds, being able to visibly see what you have to do is surprisingly helpful. And as you check more and more items off the list, the sense of accomplishment will motivate you to get the rest done.
Step 5: Get the worst out of the way.
Have a looming deadline for that ten-page paper you haven’t started? Good, do that first. You’re probably going to have the highest power for concentration when you first start studying. If you start with the easier tasks, you’ll feel more tempted to avoid the daunting ones when you reach them.
Step 6: Reward yourself.
After a solid 30 minutes to an hour of glorious work, reward yourself with a short five to fifteen minute break. Giving yourself incentives will improve your motivation, and the break will be a wonderful release of stress before tackling the next task.