12 tips that can teach you to stop procrastinating:

1. Accept the difficult emotions:

Learning a new subject can be a demanding and difficult process. You can feel frustration, hopelessness and little faith in your own coping, but don’t run away. Accept that it can be difficult and practice tolerating the discomfort that arises when you read something difficult. Get used to the silence at the reading room or at home. Expand this tolerance.

2. Don’t forget why you chose to study this subject:

Remember what motivated you to choose this and what you want to achieve. Can you use this as a driving force?

3. Think more about what it will be like to succeed:

Imagine what it will be like to achieve the grade you want. What’s preventing you from succeeding? That will tell you what you have to do to achieve your goals.

4. Make intermediate goals:

Split your tasks into several smaller goals and deal with one at a time. This prevents you from feeling too overwhelmed. Baby steps are better than no steps.

5. Practice patience and paying attention:

Accept that it may be necessary to train your own patience and paying attention when reading. Look at this as part of studying. Also remember this if you’re trying to change your own habits/bad habits.

6. Get started!

Getting started gives you a good feeling of coping and will likely reduce your concerns. Maybe the task will seem easier once you’ve started?

7. Plan your day:

Create a good structure that suits you. Work when you’re supposed to work, and enjoy the breaks you have planned!

8. Get rid of distractions:

You can switch off the Internet, put your mobile phone and other distractions away. Instead, reward yourself with these during your planned breaks.

9. Vary your learning methods:

Have a discussion, make mind maps, think of what you have learned while taking a walk, repeat to yourself, tell someone else, test yourself with questions, listen to a podcast on the subject. There are numerous possibilities. Find the variation that suits you!

10. Focus on your own learning curve:

Be careful who you compare yourself to. Don’t make it more difficult for yourself by comparing yourself to the best in your class or your cleverest friend. Everyone has their own starting point.

11. Are you tired or low in energy:

Get your energy up! Bite a lemon, take a quick, short walk, dance or sing – anything to shake yourself out of a low-energy state. Always remember to get enough sleep.

12. Do you think you can manage the course?

If you’re struggling with your belief that you can cope, our psychologists and therapists can help you!