Plan and Organize
Even the smartest college student won't get anywhere without being organized and having a plan. Trust me, having things pulled together makes ALL the difference!
Anti-Procrastination
- Most of the time, we procrastinate out of fear of failure, or fearing the difficulty of the task.
- Dismantle fear of failure by affirming: "my efforts are good enough no matter what."
- Dismantle fear of difficulty by attempting a very small piece of the assignment. Then try another, and another...
- Break large difficult tasks into very small, specific chunks so that they feel doable.
- List these task chunks in sequential order.
- Set yourself mini-deadlines for each chunk to be done (i.e., "by 3:00 pm, have 1 page of big literature paper written.")
- Aim to complete at least 3 tasks on your to-do list every day.
Organization
- Use a reminder app on your phone for class assignments.
- Set assignment reminders to go off 3 days before each assignment is actually due (good mental trick).
- Have a separate folder or binder for each class' papers.
- Put completed assignments into the appropriate class folder right away.
- Submit electronic assignments as soon as possible.
- Create digital folders on your hard drive for each class' electronic files (this helps SO MUCH).
- Keep your study materials close to where you will ACTUALLY study (desk, bed, etc.).