This is the time of the year when papersare due before Christmas and for most of you this means 2 or 3 deadlines in thenext month.
Sometimes having to do all that studying and catching up withreading from previous weeks feels like a drag.
It can be overwhelming because togetherwith the studying can come a wave of questions where you doubt yourself on apersonal level with thoughts such as:
'Do I even understand these readings?'…'Am I going to be able to write something interesting and relevant?'…'Am I going to do the right thing?'… 'Am I good enough to do this?'…'Others seem to be more on top of things than I am'… 'What if I dobadly?'
These thoughts are subtle but can leadto difficult feelings that interfere with motivation.So to generate thatmotivation you could try some of the following:
1. Acknowledge your resistance anddifficult feelings with motivation
It may be helpful towrite thesefeelings or thoughts down and then leave these on the side so you can thenstudy.
2. Do not run away
Avoiding work can makeyou feel deflated. This is emotionally more draining than having to go throughthe frustration of reading for your paper.
3. Do not blame yourself forprocrastinating now and then
Try to become aware of the habit and gently makeyourself to go back to the task sooner rather than later.
4. Try to understand your studying stylebetter
What will make it easier for you to work? We are all prone to pleasantexperiences and it is natural that we tend to avoid uncomfortable, dry choresand duties.So try to make your study experience as interesting aspossible.
5. Don't question your abilities
Don't putyourself down by comparing yourself to others.
6. Visualise yourself starting
Makeyourself sit down and work even if this is for just 20 minutes.See startingas a parallel process like a plane on a runway. You may start slow but you willstill take off!
7. Focus on the task at hand
Prioritisethe most important tasks and avoid multitasking.
8. Communicate to others any difficulties and/orwhat you intend to do
This can help you engage with the process and identifythe important tasks. Communication / externalisation can help you to commitwith immediate goals and you could also find out others points of view andtips.
9. Take a time limited approach in whichyou schedule your tasks
Ask yourself 'how much can I achieve in the next 2 hours?'instead of 'Can I complete all tasks?' In this way you do not get aseasily overwhelmed by the volume of study you need to do.
10. Rememberthat studying can be challenging and take you out of your comfort zone
Thinkabout the hiking of MountainKilimanjaro; it is not easy and can even be uncomfortable but the pleasurecomes when you begin to see the view from height, feel the fresh air and whenyou reach the destination you get a sense of achievement and satisfaction.Focus on the outcome and not the struggle to get there!
Zoi Kontakou,Counselling Psychologist, UCLStudent Psychological Services
