LPN to RN

Good Study Habits for Students - Don't Procrastinate!

One of the factors that can affect a student's overall school performance, as well as morale, is procrastination. Procrastination is usually defined as an inability to get started on a project or to get bogged down on a project or task, making it much more difficult and time consuming to complete. When a student procrastinates on a task or project it can detrimentally affect their grades and learning potential. Here are some tips to fight procrastination.

One of the many reasons we find it easy to procrastinate is when we either reach an obstacle in our assignment or are confused about a project or task in general. For instance, you might have a test, but are unclear on exactly what is on the test, so you decide to brush it aside and not to study for it until the last minute.

Another example might be that you are half way through a writing assignment, but are unclear on how to cite your sources. This may stop you cold in your tracks from continuing to write your paper, not only will you stop writing your paper, you will have little enthusiasm to restart your writing. To avoid these common procrastination problems a common strategy is to be prepared. In order to be prepared, make sure you have as much information on the project or task as possible. If you are unclear about a project or task, ask questions before you start it. It is also a good idea to keep a list of contacts such as students or even your teacher's email address to quickly ask them a question so that you can continue with your work without a major break.

Another common reason that people find they procrastinate is that they lack motivation. Motivation is a big force in helping a student complete an assignment or to study for a test. A great way to remain motivated and disciplined is to write down your goals for why you want to succeed. Although school may take years to achieve, you must remind yourself that you are on a journey and taking small but sizable steps towards your ultimate goal. Never lose sight of your goals and the ultimate reward.

When setting a goal, many people make the mistake of setting a large goal that eventually will appear unattainable. Instead, break down your goal into smaller goals. For example, let's say a student wishes to obtain a masters degree. Rather than just focusing on the end result, focus on smaller goals. Your first goal might be to obtain your associates degree. Once that is complete then focus on obtaining your bachelors degree. Then you can focus on your masters. This allows the student to see a goal that is obtainable. A student can get frustrated and fear they will never get that six year master degree and eventually give up. By focusing on an associates and bachelors degree first then you will see results and recognition after each is obtained.

Another great way to avoid procrastination is to focus on small blocks of work. For instance, if you need to read 350 pages of a text book in a week, try to say to yourself, that you only need to read 50 pages per day or only 25 pages in the morning and 25 pages in the evening. Don't create mental obstacles, break big loads of work into tiny manageable chunks that can be accomplished easily.

Most importantly, never give up. Resign yourself to complete the task at hand. Procrastination only prolongs the inevitable and makes you miserable with unwanted anticipation. Get the task done and be free to enjoy your time without worrying about what you should be doing.