What Is Procrastination

Procrastination is continually putting off the important stuff. It often leads to a cycle of stress and guilt and can
prevent students from succeeding in their studies. So, if this is a problem for you, ask yourself:

• Do you have difficulty with time management and feel overwhelmed that you can’t get everything done?
• Is concentration difficult, or do you feel bored or tired when studying?
• Do you put off starting studies because you worry you will fail, or expect yourself to achieve to a perfect (impossible) standard? If so, Examine your standards, and allow yourself to do your best, given the limits on your time and energy available.
• Do you worry about failing and have ‘unrealistic’ thoughts (eg: “It will be a disaster if I fail”?) If so, try replacing them with more encouraging statements: “If I make a good go of it, I will have a better chance of passing.”

Motivation & Goal Setting Study Skills

To get motivated and inspired about your study, think about where it will get you (qualifications, career etc.)
Take the time now to write down your study, career and personal goals – what do you want to achieve in six
months and in two years time? Keep the following ‘SMART’ principles in mind when
identifying your goals:
Simple Keep your goals short
Measurable Write the goals in a way that enables you to know when you have achieved them.
Achievable Make sure you can practically achieve them, given the resources that you have available
Realistic Are your goals realistic, given your time constraints and responsibilities?
Timed Set realistic time deadlines

Study Skils: Concentration & Focus

Effective studying requires focus and optimum use of the time you have available. If you are finding it difficult
to concentrate and notice yourself getting distracted, try these ideas.

• Review your long and medium term goals and take a moment to see yourself having achieved them.
• Have clear goals every time you sit down to study (eg. I will write three pages of my assignment)
• Keep your study space quiet, clutter-free and have everything you need at hand (stationery, computer, study notes and books etc).
• Are you struggling to understand a topic? Be sure to seek help from teachers.
• Keep yourself interested – do you prefer to alternate your reading between different topics, or to focus on one subject at a time?
• Energy – are you a night or a morning person? Study when you’re able to concentrate best and have the least distractions. Remember to have regular mini-breaks during your study, to keep you fresh and focussed (eg. a five minute walk after one hour of study).

Study Skills: Rewarding Yourself

Every time you accomplish a step towards your study goals, you deserve a reward. This will also keep you
feeling positive and motivated to continue your work.

• Reward yourself only after you have completed your daily study goals (eg. watch TV, call a friend, or have a cup of tea after study).
• Think of how you can reward yourself after completing your assignment and write it on your timetable. (reward examples may include: outings with friends, pampering or buying something for yourself, playing or listening to music).
• Make sure you do carry out the reward too!