How to Stop Procrastinating and Start Studying

I don't know about you, but when I was in college it seemed the majority of my time was spent studying. And, honestly, sometimes it was really hard to find the motivation to even begin studying...especially if I didn't like the course I had to study.

Through my many years in college and graduate school I picked up a lot of tips and techniques and in this article I will teach you how to stop procrastinating and start studying.

First, Remove All Distractions

That you can identify. Is there any noise that's making you not in the mood to study? Shut the door. Is the sunshine outside beckoning you? Close the drapes or blinds. Is your child in a whiny clingy mood? Get them doing something constructive.

Make sure you're physically comfortable. Are you too hot or too cold? Put on heat or air. Are you wearing tight clothes that you'll be rearranging constantly? I always wore sweats while studying. Are you thirsty or in need of a nap? Get a drink and then take a 20 minute nap. Try to make sure you're as comfortable physically as possible.

Let's just say you want to remove the possibility of physical discomfort from being a potential distraction...ergo, a reason for procrastinating.

Second, Try To Get Into the Right Mindset

You know...one that is conducive to putting your time and energy into this thing you're really not in the mood to do. Remember what you're working toward. Consider the job market without the degree you're trying to earn. Get the kids to help you find the motivation to study.

I'll never forget in my junior year of college my younger daughter was 6. I'd stayed up the night before studying and was sleeping in just a little (the little booger always woke before 7 am). She came in to wake me and I asked her to fix me a drink of tea (I really just wanted a few more minutes). She said, "Momma, hello...today is Tuesday, test on Wednesday...you gotta get up and study!" She wouldn't let me procrastinate...unless I hid it from her.

Third, Remember How to Eat an Elephant

Yep...one little bite at a time. If you're procrastinating because you don't like the course you could plan studying for one of two ways. One, you could study all at once...even if it's several hours' worth...and be done with it. Or, two, you could study half an hour here and there.

If it were me I'd rather get it out of the way even if it took a whole day devoted to nothing but that one class. The work would be done and out of the way.

As with anything having to do with time management...especially time management and students who, of course, face their own unique challenges...you have to find what works for you.

Want to learn more about time management while being a student? If so, then download my free ebook about Time Management and Students to get a jumpstart on a less stressful more productive life. Also visit me at There Must Be A Better Way