Discover these useful tips to reach those dreaded deadlines. Plus learn how to set smart goals with our downloadable gaols templete.
It’s perfectly natural to feel stressed, especially when you’re preparing for a tricky test or a huge project. But while stress or pressure can often encourage you to work harder and try your very best, sometimes it can cause you to feel muddled and less able to concentrate.
Getting organised and breaking things down into small segments can make it much easier to whizz through your workload, plus you’re more likely to retain bite-sized pieces of information. The difficult bit? Getting started. Luckily for you, we’ve found an expert to help you get ahead of your schedule: time management and productivity coach Clare Evans. Here are her tips on reducing panic and hitting those dreaded deadlines.
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SET YOURSELF GOALS
‘Work out what you want, then plan how you’re going to achieve it,’ says Clare. It’s positive for both your motivation and mindset if you can remember why your work is important in the first place. Do you want to get a great mark so you can pick certain subjects for your Year 12 final exams? Will getting your homework done early mean you’ll be free to have fun when the weekend comes? Whether your aim is big or small, important for your future or just enabling you to enjoy a day trip with friends, remembering your goal should help you kickstart your assignment.
PLAN YOUR TIME
‘Write down everything you need to do and plan when you’re going to do it,’ explains Clare. It’s not just today or tomorrow that needs organising – the best way to combat deadline dread is to plan for the future. ‘Make sure to look a week or two ahead so you know what’s coming. Use a diary, online calendar, or smartphone to plan out exactly when you’re going to tackle your work. Electronic or handwritten events, appointments and reminders help keep homework front of mind, avoiding that last-minute rush.’
LEARN TO PRIORITISE
All work and no play, right? Yeah… no. It’s important to switch off and relax sometimes. Feeling in control of coursework and revision can help with this, as well as reducing overall anxiety. Switching off from work and doing something you love can help prevent burnout. Learning how to prioritise is a great life lesson, too, but where to start when there’s so much to do? ‘List all your tasks and activities, work out how long each will take, then decide which are important and when you’re going to do them,’ says Clare. ‘If you plan and prioritise your time, you can still have time for fun, just make sure you’ve done the important tasks first.’
START A SCHEDULE
‘Get into the habit of doing certain things at the same time every day or week,’ says Clare. When you get home, block out an hour to write a few paragraphs of an essay or complete a challenging assignment. Having this extra structure outside of school will encourage you to set up a solid and smart routine. ‘You’ll get more done through using your time more efficiently. Tasks become easier and you’ll be less distracted as you know what you should be doing, when.’ Apply this to all work and you’ll likely learn faster and feel more in control of looming due dates.
BITE-SIZED TIPS
1. SNAPPY SESSIONS
Try studying or writing in 25-minute blocks with short breaks in between to boost brain power.
2. CREATIVE AIDS
Make colourful flashcards if you have a test coming up or draw arty mind maps and posters.
3. MEMORY TESTS
Use sticky notes and felt-tip pens to plaster your bedroom, bathroom, and even the fridge with facts.
4. TICK LISTS
Create a timetable, then set goals, make a list, and tick them off when they’re done for maximum satisfaction.
5. SMALL STEPS
Tackle your work one step at a time. If you only manage a small chunk per day, it’s still progress. Just make sure you start well in advance.
WORDS FROM THE WISE
JAMIE, 12
For my English exam, I could barely sleep because of stress. I studied in 30-minute chunks to make it feel more manageable. I also walked around in the park to get fresh air in between study sessions.
WAI, 12
When I have a lot of homework to do, I use a focus-keeping app and start my essays way before they are due.
GEORGINA, 13
I had a family trip planned and didn’t have much time to study for a history test, so I prepared some portable flashcards and brought them with me. I made my sister test me in the car, which really helped.
AMBER, 13
I try to study little and often using online resources and apps. I struggle to focus for hours at a time, so I do shorter sessions of 15 to 20 minutes.
SCOTT, 14
I make a timetable so I know what I’m doing. I also make sure I plan in time to play sport as this helps me when I’m stressed.
KANE, 12
I get worried when I have tests or big deadlines at school. When I do start my work, I make sure to take frequent breaks. This makes me more focused.
All names changed
Learn how to set SMART goals – click for tips!
Learn how to set SMART goals – click for tips!
