If you feel like procrastination is getting in the way of your studies, you’re not alone. Procrastination is widespread, especially since, in our increasingly connected world, various devices, websites, and applications are constantly demanding our attention.
However, overcoming procrastination is possible! As you complete your community service worker training, you’ll need to ensure you have the tools you need to succeed. Here are 3 ways you can beat study procrastination and thrive during your studies.
1. Eliminate Distractions So That You Can Focus on Your Community Service Worker Program
The first step to beating procrastination is to identify the things that are most likely to distract you and eliminate them from your study space. If you’re typically inclined to send text messages to your friends while you study, for example, try switching your phone to airplane mode during this time. If social media is your guilty pleasure, there are apps you can download that will block your access to social media sites for predetermined periods of time.
Remove distractions from your study space, including by setting your phone to airplane mode
You should also have a dedicated study space that is clean and tidy. Make sure it’s stocked with everything you need before you begin; this way, you’re not tempted to get up in the middle of your studies. If you can’t find a quiet, distraction-free place to study in your home, try heading to a library or café, instead.
2. Setting Small, Achievable Tasks Will Help You Accomplish Big Goals
It can sometimes feel overwhelming when you are assigned a large task or set out to achieve a large goal. To overcome this, try breaking that goal into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, to avoid being overwhelmed by the many modules you’ll learn about in your community service worker diploma, set aside an hour or two each night to review a new skill you’ve covered in class, such as non-violent crisis intervention skills, managing family dynamics, and working with high-risk populations.
Another way you can separate big goals—such as finishing your diploma program—into small, more digestible ones, is by using the “Pomodoro Technique”—a popular time management method. Using this method, you will need to set a timer for 25 minutes, during which you do nothing but focus on studying. Once the 25 minutes are up, you record your progress and take a 5-minute break. You then repeat the process 3 more times, after which you take a longer 30-minute break. Since you’re breaking down your study time into 25-minute increments, you’re much more likely to focus on completing the tasks that you have set for yourself, which will result in you making significant progress towards completing your diploma.
Setting a timer for 25-minute intervals helps break down big tasks into manageable chunks
3. Persistence is Key, So Don’t Get Discouraged If You Stumble a Few Times
Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself if you end up giving in to the temptation to browse YouTube or follow the latest Twitter feud. Procrastination can be difficult to overcome, but one thing that doesn’t help is feeling guilty when you stumble. In fact, one study found that students who forgave themselves for their earlier procrastination were more likely to overcome procrastination compared to students who exhibited low levels of self-forgiveness.
Beating procrastination requires building new habits, which can only be done through persistence. What you don’t want to do is to think that because you failed before that you’re doomed to fail every time. Instead, if you’ve said you’re going to study for an hour everyday at 6:00, then do it, even if you failed to do so before. Believing in yourself and your ability to complete your community service worker program is a huge step to actually beating procrastination and achieving your goals.
Are you ready to pursue a new career?
Contact Oxford College to learn more about our community service worker course.