When one is having mountains of homework, starting the assignment can seem too overwhelming to begin. This will help you break down your study obligations into smaller goals, and you will be able to work on them in smaller, more manageable chunks. Be in a positive frame of mind before you start reading and be sure to organize your study plans ahead of time. Instead of choosing a study system you do not like and fitting it to the material, think creatively about what works for you and approach the material that way. Start studying well in advance and don't procrastinate, but don't beat yourself up if you have trouble starting.
Keeping Yourselves Accountable
1. Be kind to yourself despite your procrastination tendencies.
If you are a chronic procrastinator or experience an overall lack of motivation, don't give yourself negative feedback. Don't look to yourself to blame yourself as a means of motivation. These kinds of behaviours can be mentally and emotionally stressful. Instead, try to take it easy when you struggle with troubles. Acknowledge the problem and remind yourself that it is ok and things will get better.
Do not compare yourself to other classmates and stay focused on your own progress. Everyone learns and works differently, so create opportunities to learn and work that fit into your own personal needs and capabilities.
2. Let out your worries and start the process of overcoming your resistance.
Freewriting or journaling to explore your concerns about your studies or specific difficulties that are impeding you. Or vent some steam with a friend or classmate. Once you manage your negative feelings, set your emotions aside. Take a deep breath and try to think of all the reasons you should get to work.
If venting to a friend is helpful, make sure that they're willing to listen without interrupting their own studies.
3. Discuss an action plan with someone else.
Once you've established a study plan, discuss it with your friend or relative. Let them know that you would like to get a general overview of your plan and identify potential roadblocks. Please ask them to be your accountability partner, and then let them know that you'll be in touch as soon as you've completed a few goals. Despite the private nature of studying, accountability to someone else can be a tremendous boost to motivation. Working with a classmate to make sure you both always achieve your educational goals. Or say you'll have the chance to meet with a friend only if you accomplish your goals by a certain time. You'll avoid disappointing your friend and miss out on the fun if you choose to continue your studies.
4. Work with a study group or tutor so you have someone to hold you accountable.
Unless working in a collaborative setting creates more of a distraction, find a study buddy or group you can work with. Be sure to discuss your study habits, style and learning preferences thoroughly with one another before beginning study. You should establish a series of goals and decide when and how you are going to accomplish them. Otherwise, you should find a tutor who can help you complete your homework. Give yourself scheduled tasks and make a progress deadline for completion. Consider a private tutor or consult a private tutoring agency. In a study group, people could volunteer to tackle a different sub-topic, and then all participants could then share their study materials with each other. Reserve a study room, have snacks for students or gamify any work that is tedious for students. Start working well ahead of time in case your peers fail to meet the group goals and to make sure you have time to brush up on certain subjects independently.
