We’ve all been there, staring at a blank page, feeling overwhelmed, and just wanting to avoid the task at hand. Whether it’s an essay, a presentation, or even cleaning your room, procrastination can creep in. But fear not! In this post, we’ll share our top tips to help you overcome one of the most common procrastination struggles, getting started.
Grab a Cuppa and Chill
Sounds crazy, right? But hear us out! Sometimes, the hardest part of an assignment is just beginning. A warm drink, a quiet space, and a blank sheet of paper can work wonders for clearing your mind and focusing your thoughts. If you live in a Mezzino location, take advantage of those private, quiet study spaces.
Instead of diving straight into the textbooks, start by jotting down the key questions your task needs to answer. Aim for about five to seven questions that will guide your research. For example you could think about:
- What are the important facts?
- When did key events happen?
- How have things been approached in the past?
- Why does change need to happen?
- What are the possible solutions?
By the time you’ve finished your tea, you’ll likely have a solid roadmap to get you started!
Create a Colourful Plan
Visual plans can be super motivating! Start by listing the tasks you need to complete for your assignment, breaking them down into smaller steps. Then, draw a box next to each task. Ticking off those boxes as you go can be incredibly satisfying. Make your plan even more fun by adding colours, drawings, or images. You can even stick it on your wall as a daily reminder!
Just Start Somewhere
It’s okay if starting at the beginning feels overwhelming. If you’re struggling, try starting with a section you feel confident about. If you are writing an essay, you might already know the arguments for your conclusion, or there’s a particular question you can easily answer. Just get some words on the page!
Bonus Tip: You Don’t Have To Go It Alone
You don’t have to tackle procrastination solo. Your lecturers are there to guide you, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. And if you’re living in Mezzino accommodation, take advantage of the group study areas. Collaborating with your course mates can keep you motivated and on track.
