If you know me, I do everything last minute.
It drives everyone around me crazy, but I only begin when the adrenaline rush hits me to get my work done by a certain time. Part of me thought I just had poor time management skills and another part thought that accomplishing something under pressure was another achievement all on its own.
And then, I started doing things on time; sometimes even way before the due date. At first, it was a weird transition. Not feeling that pressure, not experiencing an adrenaline rush, or having that sigh of relief when I finish something with only minutes to spare.
But of course, life gets in the way. You try to attend certain events, start a new program, or catch up with an old friend... And once you're face-to-face with your responsibilities again, you start to feel that panic build up and you know it's go-time.
I've been able to experience both sides of the spectrum. Though I completely understand how those "procrastinators" think and feel, especially being considered one myself, I still advise those to get it done without just minutes to spare.
For me, I feel that finishing something ahead of the game is another achievement of its own. And as a "procrastinator," it's nice to see your competition's faces when you finish before them. Plus, you get to relax without having to worry about the assignment that is due soon.
Here are five tips that could help you be more productive and hand in your work on-time:
1. Block out all distractions.
This might mean turning your phone off, going to a quiet place, or turning down a chance to "work" with your friends. This is the best thing to do to ensure that you stay focused on your assignment and get it done.
2. Clean your work area.
Organizing your work area can keep you focused on what's important instead of stressing over where you put your stapler. Personally, I can't work in a cluttered environment and a clean work space helps me concentrate on getting my work done rather than being disorganized.
3. Get a snack and/or drink beforehand.
You need to keep yourself energized while studying. Grab healthy snacks and water (coffee if necessary) before you start working to prevent you from getting up and getting distracted.
4. Reward yourself.
They say for every 40 minutes of concentrated work, you should take a 10 minute break. This allows you to relax a bit and get back to work re-energized. This also helps you remember important information.
5. Set goals.
No matter how small, set goals in order to motivate yourself to be the best that you can be. In all honesty, accomplishing a small, daily goal can drive you to work even harder and push your limits.
