Classic FM’s Revision Hour: 7 steps to beating procrastination

10 May 2019, 17:04

Everyone struggles to motivate themselves to study and maintain their focus, so here are the seven main steps you can follow to beat that pesky procrastination.

So you know you’re meant to be revising. But there are just so many other important things to be getting on with and, hey, those YouTube videos about skateboarding cats aren’t going to watch themselves…

Procrastination hits the best of us – but it can be beaten. Here’s how to put the brakes on the time-wasting train and get your head properly back in study mode.

1. Motivate yourself to work by visualising where you want to be at the end of your exams

   Start by picturing yourself collecting your results in August. What grades do you want to be looking at?

   Imagine reaching that goal and keep reminding yourself of how good it will feel to get there. Doing this will help you develop a positive attitude to the work you need to do now.

   10 ways to kickstart your revision >

2. Break your tasks down into achievable chunks

   It’s easy to set yourself grandiose targets, but by doing so you’re setting yourself up to fail. Start your study sessions by breaking it down into a series of achievable tasks. Tick each one off as you do it; this will give you a sense of achievement and make you eager to get onto the next.

3. Liven up your study schedule

   Revising doesn’t have to be about reading notes; think of other ways to remember the information. Look for creative working methods that align with how you like to learn.

   Maybe you like making yourself quizzes to test yourself; maybe you work best by inviting your best friend over to work together. Keep mixing things up so your brain doesn’t slip into boredom and procrastination.

   The revision timetable you'll actually stick to >

4. Make a list of things that distract you and get rid of them

   If you’re not using your phone as a revision tool, switch it off and put it away somewhere out of sight. Getting rid of distractions in this way will help you commit to your study. Keep distractions away from your study space and use them as a reward for sticking to your task.

5. Find a study timetable that works for you

   Revising for 12 hours straight doesn’t work for anyone. You need to build breaks into your study plan and they need to be designed in a way that helps you continue to focus. You might find it works to study for 25 minutes, then take a five minute break. Or you might want to study in longer blocks. Figure out what works for you.

6. Prepare your study space

   It’s doubly difficult to concentrate if you’re uncomfortable, so spend some time making your study space into a lovely place to be.

   Make sure snacks and water are on hand, so you don’t have to break your concentration by going to the kitchen. If you’re working away from home, make sure you take everything you need with you.

7. Keep your focus on yourself

   It’s easy to compare your progress to that of others, but doing so is a quick way to demotivate yourself.

   What you end up doing in your exams comes down to you alone. It really, really doesn’t matter how much revision your classmates say they have been doing - the only thing that matters is that your own study schedule is working for you. Keep focusing on your own progress and ensuring it’s going in the right direction.

Classic FM's Revision Hour aims to help students of all ages to focus and stay calm during the busy revision and exam period.

On Saturday 11 May, guest presenter Lewis Capaldi will explore the best ways to beat procrastination in episode three of Classic FM's Revision Hour. Join him for an hour of music and tips on Classic FM from 9pm.

Got a question about revision? Ask The Student Room