Quote Originally Posted by Frivolous248
My B, I didn't realize you didn't have any bud.

Try going into another room with no distractions. Maybe go to the kitchen to work on it, instead of in your room on the computer (assuming thats where you are).
That's good advice right there. Limit your distractions. If you're in front of the computer you will be temped to go somewhere like here.

For papers, it's hard when you don't know where to start. But try outlining, or coming up with a thesis and topic sentences for the paragraphs. If you can't do that, the best thing you can do is to just write. And if you can't type it up in the kitchen or wherever because there's no computer there, then just write it out on paper.

Just start writing something and work from there. You now have your first rough draft. Just revise it until you feel it's good. It's just getting something down that is the trick.

You say it's a history paper? If it's a research type one, then that's easy. All you have to do is research. Find the general summary of who/whatever, note the part(s) that make that who/whatever relevant or important. Then you can focus on those parts specifically and beef up your paper.


But really, being motivated is a mindset. If you never do your work and procrastinate a lot, then you're in an unmotivated mindset and it becomes a habit. Just try and change it. It might not be a complete 180 at the snap of a finger, but give it some time and you'll see a change. Once you get in that motivated mindset, it will become habit to get your work done.

Being organized is a huge part of that. Why would you want to go refer to your notes or anything if they're out of order, unlabeled, in a bunch of different places, and x amount are missing? You won't, and it won't be much of a help for you to even take notes if that's how it is.

So instead, take good notes. Find a format you like for labeling, and follow it for all your classes. The class and the date at least should be at the top. Try and label in the margins different chapters/sections those current notes are referring to. Space out your notes; it's easier to read, understand, and much easier to try and find something. Underline or highlight key terms or topics or definitions, or whatever based on the type of classes you're taking. Try writing in pencil (mechanicals work great) so you can erase things. It will keep your notes neat and clear.

Have a binder that you can put notes in. Put tests/quizzes/homework/schedules/syllabuses (sp?) in there too. Give each of those they're own section. It's organized and easy to reference. Trust me this will help a lot. If you ever miss a class, get notes from someone. Even if you can't understand it, it's good to have something for that day that you can reference from somewhere else (like the book). Also at the end of the day, or at least end of the week, organize everything. Put it in its proper place, you may need a 3 hole puncher.

Enough of notes. Try getting a calender and/or a dry erase board. Put down when you have tests, quizzes, homework, papers, labs, anything due. It will be a good reminder and it is very useful because you can map your time nicely. You can see when things are coming up and how much time you can spend for each. If see you have a paper and 2 back to back tests, it is easy to spot it in advance and figure when you should spend time for each, how much, and when.

Write your grades on the wall. You get an A or a B put it up on the wall. You can see results on the wall it will help you keep your motivation. If it was a really hard test or something and you got a C put that up. It may not seem like a great grade, but it was tough, you worked hard on it, in that case, a C is a fucking good grade. Let it show.

Have your work area free from as many distractions as possible. Have it clean, spacious, and well lit. Have tools you will need nearby: paper, ruler, pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters, markers, etc.

When you come home, just try to do your homework right away. If it's heavier work, do a decent or better chunk of it. Plan out when you will work on it. If you work for a long time, take a break. Get some exercise, relax, get some fresh air, get some water whatever you need. If you get something assigned in advance, try and take a stab at it early, work on it a little at a time and regularly. Some people like to just do it all at once, but in any case, DON'T wait till the last minute to do it. For anything else, DON'T wait till the last minute to do it. That is the unmotivated habit, keep from doing those to stay motivated.

There's more I'm sure, but that's a lot to take it. So I hope it helps. It's all a mindset and it's all about habits. Try and and eventually you'll see results. And you might never be perfect about being motivated, but that's ok, it's still better to be motivated most of the time.

In anycase, good luck I hope this helps you.