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The Secret to Conquering Study Procrastination

June 21, 2014 By Leah4sci 47 Comments

secret to conquering study procrastinationPicture this scenario. You know you have to study for a big exam, but you're not confident with the material. You open your book to study, find yourself getting more and more frustrated, and just give up.

You know you need to study, but keep finding good reasons to procrastinate until the day before the exam. Suddenly there’s no time to procrastinate, so you cram and cram until you're exhausted, frustrated, and more confused than ever.

Your exam does NOT turn out as planned.

Does this sound familiar?

I was a huge procrastinator in college, and as a tutor I work with many students who regularly procrastinate. It's a big issue for college students. You know there's work to be done, but something keeps holding you back.

Although I have no official scientific proof to validate this, as I experimented on, or rather, coached my many students, I discovered that they had the same problem I did.

It's Human Nature To Avoid Pain

I don't like pain. While I have a high tolerance for physical pain, I still I don't like to feel sad or hurt. It's human nature. In studying for an exam that I knew I'd ace, I had no problem opening my books and getting on with it.

But when I found myself studying to the point of frustration, I’d end up feeling bad; and then ‘avoiding emotional pain’ became my really good excuse to not study.

Forcing yourself to study through this emotional pain doesn’t work. To eliminate fear-induced procrastination you have to mentally change your attitude about studying – by taking away the fear.

How? By starting and ending every study session with a win.

Starting with a Win

For me, the hardest part about studying was the getting-started portion because I knew that ‘starting’ might lead to pain; once my books were open, though, I would find the motivation to keep going, and going, and going.

The key to getting started?

Start with something that is not painful. Something easy.

If you know you have 3 hours to study, use that first half hour to review something that you already know you know. For example, if you're working on alkene reactions in organic chemistry, use the first half hour to review naming of alkenes and nucleophile/electrophile concepts. These are important, yet easier compared to more difficult reactions.

If you're studying MCAT Forces and Motion, start with a quick review of trigonometry, or perhaps spend 15-30 minutes on Active Writing for the kinematic equations to ensure you have them properly memorized.

By starting with something you know, you'll feel confident and motivated to keep going. It's not new or difficult material, so you won't get stuck.

This 30-minute confidence booster will provide you with a review of must-know concepts, and put you in a positive mindset so that you can keep studying and tackling material that is potentially difficult.

Ending with a Win

With most of your study session devoted to the difficult material, you've hopefully made progress and mastered the material intended. Perhaps you are still shaky in some concepts, and maybe even a bit frustrated; that's fine, because at least you've made progress.

With just 30-45 minutes remaining, put the difficult material aside, take a short break, then devote the final 30 minutes to again reviewing something that you know you know. Use this segment to end your studies on a confident note, to review basics, strengthen your foundation, and end with a positive feeling of this study session.

Study Block Suggestion for MCAT Students

Another option, especially for MCAT students covering 3 years worth of undergrad science, is to break up your study blocks accordingly:

  • 30 minutes review of past content within this subject
  • short break then work on new material for most of your study block
  • short break then Active Writing on this subject for the last 15-20 minutes

In using the ‘start-and-end-with-a-win’ method, you're accomplishing the following:

You feel positive about your study experience. You hopefully now view the new material as at least ‘interesting’ so you will be less likely to sabotage your efforts tomorrow when it comes time to open your notes again.

Starting with something simple, you open with positivity, reinforce the can-do, lack-of-fear in your brain, and make the session easier to get into.

By ending with a win, you're telling your brain “this studying wasn't so bad”, thus not fearing tomorrow's session (and dare I say looking forward to it).

By starting the next session with a win, you're telling your brain “see, this is easy, let's do this”.

I'd like to hear from you. Do you find yourself procrastinating in your studies? If so, do you think it has to do with that inner voice of fear trying to save you from the pain? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Filed Under: Study Tips Blog, Time Hacks Tagged With: procrastination, study tips

Comments

  1. Lise says

    March 25, 2019 at 1:37 pm

    This is some of the best study tips I’ve ever seen! I will be applying it from today onwards. I often get caught in the emotional pain wheel, and I did not truly realize it before I read your post today. Procrastination is the easy way out, but it will always bite you in the butt in the end. Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge on our common enemy; procrastination.

    Reply
  2. Laoyang Paulu says

    May 30, 2018 at 1:29 am

    Oh my! This is exactly what I need. Although I’ve been progressing quite well with my Organic Chemistry (thanks to you ), I just somehow procrastinate with my other courses. It’s like I just don’t know where to start and when I do, either I give up due to frustration or I just find an excuse .
    Thanks Leah for sharing this ,

    Tina,
    PapuaNew Guinea

    Reply
  3. Innocent Muwaya says

    May 13, 2018 at 2:14 pm

    I really thought i was the only one that hated the fear of ending up depressed stressed, aftet every session. This is so helpful thanks Leah

    Reply
  4. Opua Dikeli Blessing says

    May 12, 2018 at 3:04 pm

    Thanks leah . I always feel reluctant to study and turn to procrastinate

    Reply
  5. Opua Dikeli Blessing says

    May 12, 2018 at 3:00 pm

    Thanks leah. I have trouble in getting started with studies.i always feel reluctant and turn to postpone my studies

    Reply
  6. Srinivas says

    September 9, 2017 at 7:41 am

    I am pretty sure that I put the pro in procrastination. This is very helpful. Thank you

    Reply
  7. Chika Okonya says

    November 27, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    I want to know that you have a new fan on your team. I admire the encouragement that you are spreading to all of us. With working and finding ways to study and prepare for this excruciatingly painful exam, you give me hope. I do appreciate that and I want you to know that you are appreciated. Excited for this work shop later tonight!

    Reply
  8. Jessica Nalumansi says

    November 5, 2016 at 1:39 pm

    Very true, after a long day of multi-tasking, time to study is swept away with Dr. Procrastination

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      December 29, 2016 at 5:20 pm

      Good personification, Jessica 🙂

      Reply
  9. harshita says

    October 28, 2016 at 7:37 pm

    do you know abt an exam called iit jee

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      December 29, 2016 at 5:31 pm

      Sorry, I only have experience with material and exams in the U.S. and Canada.

      Reply
  10. Lorella says

    October 8, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    Thank you so much for this Leah… This exactly what I’ve been going through. I just get so fustrated barely 30 mins into studying. But you gave great advice and I’ll be applying it. I’ll let you know how it goes.

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      October 19, 2016 at 12:44 pm

      Wonderful! Glad to help, Lorella!

      Reply
  11. Christabel says

    July 7, 2016 at 1:05 pm

    Actually,I do read but can’t comprehend

    Reply
  12. Hernando Cadet says

    June 9, 2016 at 10:59 am

    Thank you for the read Leah, I tackled this obstacle in college, and during my masters I had mastered this problem, but it cam back, do you know what to do when the problem comes back. This article definitely helped though, as I am going to use the techniques mentioned here to tackle a problem, which is coming back into my life.

    Reply
  13. Iram92 says

    May 6, 2016 at 1:45 am

    I really procrastinate especially when it comes to hard exam like MCAT. Where to start and there are diverse topics to be covered , usually end up just overthinking and learning less than I could , I think.

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      September 2, 2016 at 11:31 am

      This is common! Set a plan! If you want more guidance, check out maybe setting up a strategy session with me: https://leah4sci.com/strategy/

      Reply
  14. Albert Hoffman says

    March 11, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    You’re a super star at University of North Texas! This was really useful 🙂 thanks and I can’t wait for the mcat workshop

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      April 4, 2016 at 5:40 pm

      Thanks Albert!

      Reply
  15. michellepunsamie says

    March 4, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    This is me exactly. I always wondered why I find it so hard to get started studying. I delay and procrastinate for days, sometimes weeks at a time! But the opposite was true for subjects that came easy to me–for example, English and History were always strong subjects for me, and since studying was a breeze, I actually enjoyed it and never procrastinated to get work in those subjects done. I didn’t FEAR English or History.

    But when it comes to the challenge of the MCATs, I feel fear and a lack of confidence in my abilities to ace it. So I just avoid the pain as you said.

    Thank you for the “win” method. Studying for the MCATs truly does require you to change the way you think and to abandon your fear of failure.

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      April 4, 2016 at 5:38 pm

      Michellepunsamie: If English is your strong point, perhaps start every study session with a CARS passage. This will ensure you are motivated to transition to the more difficult topics

      Reply
  16. Alex says

    February 24, 2016 at 10:30 am

    I’m pretty sure I’m the king of procrastination. I will definitely try this strategy. In a way I already do because I have stuff like labs to finish writing, chapter problems, and just studying for the current test but I usually end up watching one of your videos on a more basic concept that I should have already learned. problem is I never get to the hard stuff lol. I’m gonna make an effort to do that today though.

    POWER OF HABIT.—The diminutive chain of habit is scarcely heavy enough to be felt, till it is too strong to be broken.—Dr. Johnson

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      April 4, 2016 at 5:31 pm

      Sounds like you have the basic idea Alex, now put it into practice. Just make sure you don’t allow a ‘distraction’ to act as a pretend ‘fun starting topic’

      Reply
  17. Jordon says

    December 2, 2015 at 5:18 pm

    I procrastinate not solely because of the fear and frustration to come, but also, because, I’m still trying to find the best way for me to study. Recently, I took the VARK test, and I just learned that I am a highly visual and kinstetic learner, so now, I’m trying to find ways that best work for these kinds of learners… I’m not the best studier….. and any suggestions would be more than welcome….. I’m a Junior at a University, and I still don’t know how to study correctly…

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      September 2, 2016 at 11:53 am

      What degree and profession are you pursuing?

      Reply
  18. Ying says

    November 22, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    This is quite true (well accurate to me). I start off studying with something I’m familiar with. Things start clicking and it makes me feel more confident about myself and the materials! 🙂

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      November 23, 2015 at 2:35 pm

      That’s the best way to get through the material

      Reply
  19. Chau Huynh says

    November 21, 2015 at 8:00 pm

    Can I look at you workshop from youtube? What is the call in number.

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      November 23, 2015 at 2:36 pm

      I don’t post workshops on Youtube

      Reply
  20. Jason says

    October 10, 2015 at 11:35 am

    I am always distracted by my tablet while studing even though it isn’t in the same room… what do i do to stop this?

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      October 10, 2015 at 1:25 pm

      Instead of putting in another room where you keep thinking of it, try having it in the SAME ROOM right next to you, but turn it OFF. Remind yourself you can only use it on breaks!

      Reply
    • Stan says

      November 30, 2015 at 9:41 pm

      Break the tablet

      Reply
      • Leah4sci says

        December 6, 2015 at 5:55 pm

        I don’t understand your comment on breaking the tablet

        Reply
  21. jessica depetroJessica says

    September 25, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    I’m procrastinating right now by reading this entry on procrastination! Very good ideas though, I will try to implement them. Something that works for me *sometimes* is setting a timer, knowing I only have to study for about an hour helps get me in to zone. Breaking it into smaller chunks somehow seems more manageable.

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      September 28, 2015 at 6:31 pm

      timers are great, especially to remind you a break is coming. But don’t keep looking at the timer or you’ll be distracted.

      Reply
  22. Tia says

    April 1, 2015 at 3:50 pm

    This is so true. Thanks. I think the confidence building is key to getting started. This happens every semester.

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      April 1, 2015 at 8:43 pm

      Glad you found it helpful. Boosting your own ability to believe in yourself is key to studying harder and scoring higher

      Reply
  23. Carolyn says

    October 22, 2014 at 3:01 pm

    Thank you!!!! This is my life right now!

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      October 22, 2014 at 4:01 pm

      Awesome Carolyn. Now that you understand it, what will you do differently?

      Reply
  24. hootie017 says

    June 23, 2014 at 3:35 pm

    Very Well Said – thank you so much

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      June 23, 2014 at 9:17 pm

      You are very welcome

      Reply
  25. Leah4sci says

    June 22, 2014 at 11:07 am

    Everyone has a different study method. This one is simply about learning to stop procrastinating

    Reply
  26. Kino says

    June 21, 2014 at 8:54 pm

    That literally tells my story. Thank you for the great advice 🙂

    Reply
  27. Shalvin says

    June 21, 2014 at 6:56 pm

    If there was an award of being a procrastinator, I’d be the top contestant. I’m a person who passes his exams without studying much….but I know I can do better and achieve excellence hence my biggest problem is procrastinating. It has nothing to do with fear of the pain, I get distracted easily eg: video games, t.v shows etc. my worst problem is the nice – cold weather, it makes me fall asleep easily therefore usually no studies are done. Do give me some helpful tips and suggestions and thanks for the emails and feed backs

    Kind regards
    Shalvin
    Year 13 student

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      June 21, 2014 at 9:18 pm

      LMAO on the award for procrastination. That used to be me, especially with ADHD. Here are some tips that have worked for me. Turn off all means of distraction. Study in a room without TV or video games, leave your phone in the other room too. But… reward yourself for good behavior. Study for an hour, reward yourself by going on Facebook, do this again a few times, then reward yourself with a video game and so on

      Reply
  28. Solanol says

    June 21, 2014 at 6:53 pm

    Leah, I like the idea of starting with a concept that you feel is ‘manageable’. I used something similar. By starting with a topic I felt more comfortable with ( say ‘the nervous system’ ), it became easier to open the books, and gave me an opportunity to build up confidence before attacking topics that I might have avoided. In my case, it was not necessarily by fear that I avoided the difficult topics but more about building up a momentum.

    Reply
    • Leah4sci says

      June 21, 2014 at 9:16 pm

      You are absolutely correct. I think for me is was fear, but confidence is very close. The more confident you are about tackling your books the more likely you will study. It’s a cycle that feeds on itself

      Reply

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