Speaking from experience as a secondary school student, I understand that it can be particularly challenging to feel motivated in terms of completing work for academic purposes. However - here are some tips and tricks that I have picked up that maximise productivity:
1.Start your work as soon as possible:
As soon as you get home from school, work or classes, start your work. This is because you have been most productive at work or school and as soon as you relax, you begin to fade from a productive mindset to procrastination. Therefore staring work as soon as possible allows you to get everything done quickly and relax for the rest of the day.
2.Make a list:
Make a list of all of the tasks that you want to complete within that day and estimate how long each individual task will take. Making a to-do list will allow you to visually see what work needs to be done. Adding the duration of the task next to it leads me on to my next tip:
3.Time your tasks:
Use your phone or any other form of timer that you have to time each task that you do a task. This almost pressures you into completing the task quickly and efficiently so you typically will focus a lot better on the task.
4.Eliminate distractions:
It is very difficult to focus on a task when your phone is within reach. So put your phone at the other end of the room, whether its under a blanket or in a drawer. “Out of sight, out of mind”. Putting distracting objects out of reach allows you to stop looking for ways to procrastinate.
5. Do your worst task first:
whether it is a lengthy essay, or a homework assignment from your least favourite subject, get it done first. Getting the worst task out of the way first allows you to feel more achieved and motivated to start on your next task.
6. Schedule short breaks:
It is pretty much impossible to work efficiently if you do not take at least one short break. Once you have done around an hour or so of working, take a small 5 to 10 minute break. This will allow you to refresh your mind. However be careful when taking your break. Try to keep away from your phone still ensuring that you have a snack and drink plenty. This acts as a reward, which could motivate you to complete more of your tasks.
7. Ensure you keep up with tasks:
Do not leave everything to the last minute. For example, if you have homework to complete, try to do it on the day you get it if that is possible. This allows you to be a lot calmer as it can be very stressful knowing that you have a lot of tasks complete all for the next day.
Hopefully these tips will help you abolish procrastination and help you to become as productive and motivated to get your tasks completed.
