Procastination

Hi @Tay100 👋

Procrastination is the worst and I TOTALLY get where you're coming from!! I had a lot of issues with it this year during my degree and it's never fun!! 

My levels reached an all time high where I ended up needing help from academic advisors and psychologists and ended up needing to request extensions. So my advice is to try and not let it get to that stage because it just pushes you back further with other tasks!! 

By the sounds of it you're doing great already considering it isn't due for a few months yet you're already thinking about it!! So welldone, that's an achievement in itself 😊

For me I found the hardest thing was getting started and knowing where to even begin.. here's a couple of suggestions that I worked through with my supports that might help you too:

- Read over the task sheet and highlight/underline any key words which need addressing and may assist when researching journal articles etc.

- Read over the marking rubric and highlight key points so you have a comprehensive understanding of what needs to be covered to get the grades 

- Break down the thesis into smaller sections so it is less overwhealming to look at

- Take time to think about each section separately and linking back to the marking rubric plan what you would like to address in each section to help keep you on track 

- Use the key words to find research to support what you are saying and don't forget to save the reference!!!

- Do your reference list as you go rather than leaving it all till the very last minute 

- Print research if it's easier so you can physically write and highlight all over it and select the parts you want to use 

- Work section by section and don't overwhealm yourself, set realistic goals

- Start with whatever section you are going to find the easiest to write about so that it builds your confidence to continue with other sections, you don't always have to start at the beginning!! (I never knew this... and it totally helped me)

- Set yourself a word limit for each section so that you aren't running out of words

- Take breaks and don't force yourself to sit there and write, if nothing is coming to you take a break and do something else for 30min. If nothing comes to you after that then maybe you need a day or two away from it.. 

- Keep your phone away from you or switched off and social media tabs closed 

- Make sure your study area is set up so it best suits you and your needs

- Treat yourself with snacks or little rewards once you complete a section or get a certain amount of words down etc.

- Have someone else read over what you've written to see if it flows correctly and makes sense 

- Don't be afraid to ask for help!!!! 

I hope some of these help.. and the last one I find is especially important. I am quite a perfectionist when it comes to assessments and grades and really put pressure on myself to get the top marks. I refuse to ask for and accept help and often don't let others know how much I'm struggling. It wasn't until I started seeing my psych this semester that I was able to start reaching out for some of the help I needed. I really didn't want to see an academic advisor because I was so embarrassed about it but my psych called and made me the appointment during our session so I was kinda forced into it. And I'm so glad I was because it really helped!! She sat with me and helped me break the entire assignment down and plan it all out. I had to do the work obviously, but just having her there to guide me really helped with my anxiety and kind of prevented me from procrastinating because she was keeping me on track and we could bounce ideas off each other. Like I said, I refused to accept any help at the start but soon came to realise that that is what they are there for and without her help there is no way I would have handed that assignment in. So never be afraid to ask for help!! University studies are not easy!!