How to motivate yourself when essays become demons
How to motivate yourself when essays become demons
As a student, finding the motivation to write essays can be hard. Lecturers set assignments at the beginning of the term with the deadlines falling months later, so finding the drive to write these essays can sometimes feel like a drag. However, there are ways to make the process a lot easier and less stressful for you when the time comes to hand in your work.
Tip One - Create a plan
By setting out a plan of what you need to do (not only for your essay but for each module within the semester) it can make your tasks a lot less daunting. By breaking down the topic in question you’re able to tackle the module or essay in sections and manage your time adequately. It’s less overwhelming and really helps when you can visually see what you need to do step by step.
Tip Two – Group study session
If you’re close with some of the people on your course, then finding a break in your timetable for a study session each week is a great way to learn and expand your knowledge. You can then use this time to break down assessments, bounce ideas off each other as to what to include or find additional readings. I find this genuinely makes studying more fun than being on your own.
Tip Three – Fuel your brain
I find that going to the library with your favourite drink (for me it’s an iced latte from Starbucks), a meal deal and some snacks is the best way to write assignments. Whether you go with your group of friends or on your own, writing assignments in a library with these three things honestly gives you the energy boost and brain food you need to get the job done.
Tip Four – Plan out breaks
If you’ve left your assignment writing to the last minute and find yourself with 48 hours before the deadline with nothing written, make sure that you take regular breaks. Changing your surroundings can help form ideas and relieve some stress. Setting yourself ‘assignment markers’, means that you can work to a point before allowing yourself a break, making progress within your assignment without stressing and running yourself into the ground.
All in all, motivation to write assignments change depending on each student, so if you do find that writing assignments the day before submission works for you don’t be put off by students who have written them weeks in advance. Find what works for you as a student, I found that the above points helped me throughout the last three years, and I hope that by sharing these with you will help you when it comes to writing your all-important essays.
