Having trouble focusing on your homework? Check out these helpful tips from San Diego tutor Natalie S…
Procrastination. We’re all guilty of it, and we’ve all experienced moments where we’d rather be doing anything but the actual task in front of us. Sometimes an assignment seems so daunting that it’s much easier to pretend it doesn’t even exist. But the fact is we all have commitments and due dates to deliver on, and procrastinating just makes it more difficult to reach our goals. Check out the five tips below on beating procrastination and getting more work accomplished in a shorter amount of time.
1) Work with a tutor.
Academic tutors are great options for one-on-one additional assistance in any subject, from math to science to languages. Your tutor can also teach you various methods and study skills to help you finish your work quickly and more efficiently. You’ll learn how to allocate your time appropriately, and you will be on your way to beating procrastination.
2) Start with something you know.
It’s quite difficult to actually start working when there are so many more tantalizing things you could be doing! By reviewing material that you already know first, you’re easing your brain — and mindset — into studying, and you’ll be less likely to procrastinate. Plus, you’ll give yourself a nice confidence boost!
3) Set a time limit.
If you really want to watch TV or play a video game, then set some manageable time limits for yourself. Set a timer and commit to studying for 40 minutes non-stop, and then reward yourself with a 20-minute study break to do whatever you’d like to do. Using a timer will ensure that you stay productive and on task.
4) Break down your assignment into steps.
Don’t think of the whole big picture for your assignment — this can make it feel overwhelming. Instead, divert your attention to breaking down the assignment into manageable pieces. If you’re studying for a World History midterm, for example, study one culture (like the US) one day and another (Africa) on the next day. By breaking it down into smaller pieces, the challenge at hand will seem less scary, and you’ll be less likely to succumb to procrastination.
5) Plan a study schedule with a reward system.
If you have trouble with beating procrastination, then reward yourself for each and every hour of work in which you stay on task. If you have a tangible reward waiting for you at the end, you will be more motivated to work harder and faster to earn your prize. If you don’t trust yourself to stick with the program, have a parent, tutor, or trusted friend dish out your reward. If someone else holds you accountable, this can also help you succeed.
Implementing these five tips into your daily study routine will help you become more productive, successful, and procrastination-free in no time!
Natalie S. tutors in English, ESL, History, Phonics, Reading, and Test Prep in San Diego, as well as through online lessons. She received her BA in English Education at the University of Delaware, and her MA in English Literature at San Diego State University. Learn more about Natalie here!
Photo by mrehan
Suzy S.