Monday, February 8, 2010

SENIORS: HOW IT GETS DONE

I read Study Hacks, a blog by a (now graduated) college student who strategized his college career more efficiently than I certainly did. I wish I had his advice then........... your mission? respond to this post with your own "scatter shot" attack to the really tough stuff. How do you get it done? I need to know by March 5, 2010.
 from Study Hacks..................

The Scatter Shot Attack
As I explained in my original post on hard focus, learning to concentrate when you don’t want to is a practiced art. A lot of students, however, are so turned off by hard work that they can’t even muster the small blocks of hard focus needed to start building toward something more substantial.

I have a time-tested solution to this issue. I call it the scatter shot attack because it’s comprised of a large number of small tactics — not one magic bullet.

For example, here was my advice to Ron:

* Use Your Autopilot: Make sure your dreaded work is tackled within a trusted autopilot schedule. Having to decide each week when to do this work is an extra hurdle that you want to avoid.
* Use Location: Identify a unique isolated location for each type of dreaded work. When in that location all you’re allowed to do is work. Absolutely no Internet will be tolerated. If you want to go online, or otherwise change mental gears, you have to physically leave the location. No exceptions.
* Be Reasonable: Make sure that you’re scheduling more than enough time for each dreaded task. If your schedule is unreasonably tight your mind will recognize this reality and summon intense resistance.
* Embrace Specificity: Throw out your vague plans to “do reading” or “work on a problem set.” If you want your mind to cooperate, you need to reduce your work to a set of unambiguous and specific actions that will clearly fit into the time set aside.
* (Wo)Man Up: Finally, you need to recognize that throughout life you’re going to have to do work that you don’t want to do. This is perhaps the defining trait of being an adult. College is as good a time as any to recognize this fact, man up (or woman up, as the case may be), and just do it, even if you don’t want to. You’re not sixteen and living at home anymore…

59 comments:

  1. ariggins (supertrooper)March 3, 2010 at 10:28 AM

    As I read this blog, I found many of his tactics relate to my own study and research habits. I always organize specified times to do my work, almost always before any other extra curricular activities. I also set deadlines for certain work to be done. I find over the years this process had been very efficient and helps me focus on my work.

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  2. The use of a reward system helps me to tackle difficult projects. I divide a project into manageable units. When I finish each unit, I reward myself by taking a break from work and spending time with my friends. This time allows me to rest and recharge. After this time out, I am ready to complete the next unit along the path toward completion of a project always making sure that I reward myself for each job well done.

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  3. For my scatter shot attack, I find that it is best to use a student planner to write down a work schedule. Do not set an unrealistically high goal, or you will find it daunting, thus semiconsciously discouraging you from accomplishing any work at all. Know what nights are busiest for you (for example, if you have practice on certain nights throughout the week), and plan the least amount of work on these days, compensating for it by adding a small amount on to the other days' work. Actually follow your plan; do not put things off, saying, "Oh, I'll do it tomorrow morning." This will cause a domino effect of procrastination. Also, it is vital to your success to find a suitable work area, preferably well-lit, quiet, and void of distraction. The most devastating distraction is the internet, so, if possible, avoid it. I know from personal experience that Facebook can turn what should be two hours of homework into four or five hours. Do yourself a favor and avoid the temptation!

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  4. BHaley Supertroopers
    For me, i usually set a date that I know I can work on the assignment. Recently it has been sunday night after work, but I haven't always procrastinated that much. If I have more than one assignment I make a list in my head as to when I can do each thing. It could be in my long free period or in another class, but I always get the work done.

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  5. mlemon supertroopersMarch 4, 2010 at 5:43 AM

    I usually reward myself when I am trying to accomplish a difficult project. For example, for every hour of studying or doing work, I then will take a ten minute break. I have also learned that if you are tired and unmotivated, you should not work on your project. This will result in bad work. It is better to wait until you are motivated so that you will do a better job. To be honest, I usually wait until the last minute to do all my work. I wish I was more like the person who wrote this blog so that I could accomplish parts of a project bit by bit and not be extremely overwhelmed. However, I do find that my habit of taking small breaks after a good amount of work helps me to stay on track.

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  6. NTolton SupertroopersMarch 4, 2010 at 5:43 AM

    The key to completing my work is time management. I make a schedule of what needs to be done at what time. Not to say that the work is easier this way, but it does open up time slots for other activities. Throughout your working career, you will be faced with deadlines and it's up to you to meet them. I aim to get my work done as early as possible, leaving plenty of time for corrections to better my work.

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  7. JHynson Supertroopers

    To get hard work done, I need to be able to focus, so I get rid of all the distractions. After I work for about an hour or so, I take a small break. This helps give my mind a break so I can focus better when I resume my work.Then with get rid of all my distractions again and start working. I do this until I finish my work.

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  8. ejobst (supertroopers)March 4, 2010 at 5:46 AM

    I think this blog gives good advice on getting homework and projects in college. He addresses some of the same issues that I have trouble with. I have to set up times for when I am going to get homework done, if I don't I will not do it. I also find that taking a 15 minute break in between homework helps me relax. I have a few minutes to myself that I don't have to focus on school work. Also, I have to remind myself all the time that I will always have to do things I don't want to do, but it must get done. Doing work is not fun, but if I set a time and place and tell my self the work must get done, it will be done.

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  9. JHuynhba SupertroopersMarch 4, 2010 at 5:47 AM

    I set goals and provide time to finish each one. It is important not to try and tackle big tasks all in one sitting. It will make things very stressful and it is less efficient. Make sure to figure out what time you have to study including the time allotted for your extra-curricular activities. When you learn how to manage your time and study efficiently you will succeed.

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  10. MLano SupertroopersMarch 4, 2010 at 5:47 AM

    I try to get my work done right when I get home. If I put it off I'll end up waiting til 10 to start it. To keep myself from being distracted I put on music to cancel out all the sounds in my house Just doing a little at a time and then taking small breaks helps me get my work done.

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  11. The way I get my work done is by thinking about the reward. I think about college and the grades I will receive if I work hard. Managing my time is also a good strategy for completing work. I do homework and study for a while and then take a break. It makes studying not as much of a burden and I have more time to do things that I actually want to do.

    KAR

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  12. L.P. SupertroopersMarch 4, 2010 at 5:49 AM

    In my own case I usually study right before the test, often the night before. This works for me because I am better at retaining information in the short term then in the long term. For assignments I also do them right before their due only because I'm easily preoccupied by other things. While I wouldn't advise this, I do complete my work. One tip from the paragraph that I am familiar with though is the use of a unique study areas. They help with not becoming distracted and making it easier to complete work.

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  13. This blog explains a lot of what I do when i need to get a large school project or any project done. As in the blog by Study Hack, I believe you need to set certain areas to study where you will not be distracted by anything else. This helps me stay focused, and it lets me know that I have to get my work done where I am. This also helps me to not procrastinate in my work. There are many places students to go that will help them focus and get their needed work done.

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  14. N Cole SupertroopersMarch 4, 2010 at 5:49 AM

    I have trouble studying. So to aid me in this task i read over the material and have one of my parents ask me questions. This helps because you never know what kinds of questions you will be asked so if it is asked differently then you would think about it, it helps to look at it from a different point of view. With all the points of view you have from studying it helps when you receive the test to add more incite in your answers.

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  15. I use the man up method. If it is something that needs to get done i usually get it done. I also use a practical approach. I try very hard to get it done but if i have too much to do and no time... rest and health is more important; a bad grade is not the end of the world. As long as you are satisfied with the grades you earn, then its all good. I think that also if there is something important to do it is best not to procrastinate.

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  16. The hardest part of doing something is starting. First, I isolate myself from every possible source of distraction. Then I put my emotions aside and force myself to start. Once I started, I can usually finish the assignment in one setting. If it is a big assignment, then I would divide it into two or three parts and do them separately.

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  17. Jstringham SupertroopersMarch 4, 2010 at 5:51 AM

    Make study groups - Often times I find it hard to study alone and tackle the material all by myself. It's almost always more helpful to form a group of three or four, or even just call a friend on the phone, to study together. If you don't understand a problem, someone else in the clan probably will. This way, you can cover and fully understand all the material from several perspectives. Even in tests involving memorization, friends can contribute some pretty clever mnemonic devices to help you pass the test and ace the course.

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  18. Tom V Supertroopers

    -When I know I have a big paper due I always plan ahead and try not to procrastinate.
    -I try to pick a topic I actually know something about so I can add to the paper and have a clue what I'm writing about.
    -However I have trouble spreading the work out through a period of time so I tend to do everything in one or two nights way ahead of schedule.
    -Turn it in for review to see if it meets the teachers standards.
    -Get it back and revise any mistakes
    -Then turn it in as early as possible to maybe get an extra point or two.

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  19. MH Supertroopers:

    When I know I have a major paper due I want to keep putting it off until the last second, but procrastination is not the key. The answer is to spread out the work evenly throughout the due date time. You can use something called the reward method. This is to accomplish a step in your process and take a break to do something that you like. Once you return you are refreshed are ready to keep indulging yourself into work. You need to just tell yourself that you can get through it and push through. When there is a big paper always evenly spread out your work and keep working swiftly. Also, once you are done a good idea would be to turn it in early so that the teacher can check it over and tell you what to fix. Then your paper will be full-proof.

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  20. BHoag! (Supertroopers)March 4, 2010 at 5:56 AM

    I think that this blog provides excellent advice for how to get things done, especially when you do not want to. I have always worked better under pressure... a procrastinator of some sort. But, although I am a senior, the work still continues to pile up. I have reached the conclusion that procrastination is not the answer because in the end, you stress your self out way more than necessary. So, I devised a new plan where I stay as organized as possible. I try to write everything down that needs to be completed within the day, and I come up with a schedule of when exactly it can be completed. You never want to overload your schedule with simply work, so I always add a bit of 'play' time, that way it doesn't seem like all I'm doing is something I really do not want to. In the end, a huge weight is lifted off your shoulder when you've completed everything you wanted to accomplish in the day. And for that, I can exhale and rest easy.

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  21. I believe being a student today is much harder then being a student in the past. We have so many things to do that we have to multi-task. Everything kids need to do in one day adds up to 26.5 hours. I feel that because the economy is so bad today many kids need to work outside of not just college but high school too. We also have to keep up with writing all of our papers, handing in homework on time, and studying. Without technology there is no way I would be able to even type this blog as fast as I am now. Technology is an important aspect in many kids lives and we may soon have to rely on just that in order to survive school.
    The way I survive school is to manage my time. I never take breaks. I get to school at 7:30 every day rather then 8:10 to get my work done. Since I have math homework almost every day, I bring my math to my free period and do it then so I don't have to worry about that. When I get home I usually have to do things such as write papers or go to Blue and Gold. Sometimes I find myself up until one in the morning finishing my work. This is a hard task but needs to be done in order to get a good grade. In order to reward myself I usually watch a movie with a friend once a week just to relax and recharge. So this is my secret. The only thing I'm worried about is just getting things done. No matter how inconvenient or stressful it may be I just dp it whenever I have any time.

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  22. jkwiecinska supertroopersMarch 4, 2010 at 5:59 AM

    I despise hard work, like most people, but I always know that I HAVE to get it done if I don't want to fail, like this blog. I do not practice the most healthy way of getting my work done, but it works for me. I love procrastinating so every night I don't start working until a very late hour. Besides procrastination, I get very easily distracted. However, I think that working so late is best for me, because I don't start to focus until I am really tired. Then I am motivated as well to get everything done simply because I'm dying to go to bed. Earlier in the day, I have the energy to be distracted by and do other things, so it's usually really hard to get myself to work.It depends what I have to do whether I do it at night. If it's studying for a test, I study the morning before because it's fresh in my mind and I know I won't remember any of it if I study in the late night. If it's a project or paper I honestly try to spend two nights on it at least because I know it will be torture to do it all on one night. Getting started is definitely the hardest part, but once you get going, don't stop!! You'll be done before you know it.

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  23. I find it hard to do much of anything until I know that the pressure is on. Often I find too many distractions or better ways to spend my time as opposed to working on something or studying. I find that I need the pressure to motivate me to get the job done, often buckling down for “crunch time.” Although the cram method is often looked upon poorly, I like it. Only study if you need it, the more headaches you cause yourself, the more stress you submit yourself to.

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  24. MaggieL SupertrooperMarch 4, 2010 at 5:59 AM

    When I have a lot of stuff going on at the dame time, I usually make an agenda and split thing into little pieces. For example, I might write my introduction of the research paper in one night and finish another body paragraph on the other night. When I get started for one thing, I felt like I can easily keep doing that until I finished it. And at the same time when I am doing the research paper, I can also have some square time for studying other stuffs like Science Olympiad and doing some math problems. And when I have all these things going on, I won’t sit beside the computer using the Internet or listen to the music because that will distract me.

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  25. I find it hard to do much of anything until I know that the pressure is on. Often I find too many distractions or better ways to spend my time as opposed to working on something or studying. I find that I need the pressure to motivate me to get the job done, often buckling down for “crunch time.” Although the cram method is often looked upon poorly, I like it. Only study if you need it, the more headaches you cause yourself, the more stress you submit yourself to.

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  26. The author of all these ideas seems to know what he is talking about. He sets down rules that should help anyone’s study habits if they follow them as described. I think students today have a lot of opportunities to be distracted and have to try to focus more, which can be difficult, especially for seniors in high school who just want to graduate. The way I think students should study is to set a schedule and stick to it. I am the type of person who needs breaks once in a while, so I plan on working for a certain amount of time and then a short break. It helps make the work at hand a lot easier that just trying to do everything at once. I also find it helpful to not work near my computer, or turn off the Internet if I don’t need it. This eliminates any distractions that could come from the Internet. Once I have focus on the homework and not anything else, the work goes by much quicker and easier.

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  27. For me, music helps a lot when I have to focus on work. Nothing too loud and irritating but something in the background to keep me relaxed. I also prefer to be alone because I get easily distracted when I am around other people. Even being around food is a distraction for me because I am become more focused on eating rather than finishing the work. It is also comforting to know that I have plenty of time to get the work done. Like the advice given by Study Hacks, I am more calm and productive when I am not fighting against time to study pages upon pages of notes or having to type a research paper. Also, if I am particularly in a distracted mood, it is extremely helpful to turn my phone on silent and not to have any communication with anybody. When I have distractions around me, it is almost impossible to get the work done in a timely manner. Therefore, it is best for me to be in my quiet room alone so that I do not procrastinate.

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  28. Being able to manage my time well is something that I practice in my everyday life. Since I have many activities that take up hours of my time, I am used to organizing my list of things to do. Also, when I am given assignments I start them right away with whatever time I have. When given many assignments, I first look to the due date for each assignment and then work on the assignments that have the earliest due date. If I have multiple assignments due on the same day, I work on the ones that are the easiest and fastest to get done. This then gives me the rest of my time to focus on the things that may be a bit harder or take up more time. When I am done these early assignments I start to work on the others that are due later. Though if I am only given assignments that are due a little later, I still start to work on them right away. I do a little bit of all them each day just to get them started because it's best to have some started then having all of it to do at once. This system makes me a little more calm than I would otherwise be. I have a stressful life with many activities and tackling things this way makes me feel I somewhat accomplished.

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  29. I usually don't study at all. If I do any studying, it's in the 10 minutes before the test. Usually speed reading and cramming is best for me, since it's all in my short term memory.

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  30. nfarrell skeeter vMarch 4, 2010 at 6:45 AM

    My scatter shock effect is simply discipline. My schedule is extremely tight and I have multiple obligations. Sometimes I leave the house at 7:15 a.m. and do not get home until 9:00 p.m. Then, I have to start my mountain of homework, scholarship applications, laundry, and try to fit in some sleep. The only way I manage to keep going is discipline. I force myself to keep awake and study. I log out of facebook so it is harder to go online and waste time. To decrease distractions, I study upstairs without the television on. I am exhausted after practice and there are times when I feel I'm unable to finish everything. Another key tool to success is not being afraid to ask for help. If I need help, I will call friends who can tutor me. Pride will only impede you. If I feel overwhelmed, I ask my mom to do my laundry or photocopy an agenda for a meeting I have the next day. Asking others for help can take a tremendous weight off your shoulders and you are more likely to finish everything you have to do. Lastly, I talk to people when I'm overwhelmed or upset. Keeping all your stress and emotions bottled up inside of you will not help the situation at all.

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  31. In my case, I study for about an hour for the subject that I have a test in 3 days before the test. I do not need to study for long periods of time because I have a great memory. I also just reread my notes over and over again until it is engraved in my head. I find doing note cards for vocab works well. In some cases I like to study with friends, it really helps when you study in groups.

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  32. One of my tricks to getting work done is to wake up early and do it in the morning. In my opinion, it is very hard to do an entire load of homework in one sitting. When I have a lot of work to do, I will do half of it that night, and then get to school early and do the rest in the library. It splits it up which relives most of the stress and it makes it easier to focus. Another thing that I almost always do while studying/doing homework is to listen to music. It distracts some people but it helps me focusing by blocking out everything else around me. The third and final thing is that I always wait to do my homework after dinner. I'm much more relaxed after being home for a few hours and I can usual get it done faster that way rather than forcing myself to do it right after I get home from school.

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  33. When I have a project that's due date is many weeks away, I plan week by week what I want to have done. This helps me manage the work load so I don't get stressed out. When I plan week by week, I know that even though the end product seems so over whelming, I'll be able to manage just fine if I do it a little at a time. When I have little homework assignments or projects, I plan out what I want to get done day by day. This helps me accomplish what needs to be done in a timely manner. On days when I can't focus, I usually don't force myself to do something. I feel like it is a waste of time to sit and stare at a paper when I could be doing something more productive. An donce I take a break form doing something, I feel refreshed enough to jump right back into it at a later time.

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  34. nschuck Skeeter V'sMarch 4, 2010 at 7:17 AM

    In order to get all my hard work done, I conduct my own scatter shock effect. I simply estimate how long the work will take me and will set a time and place of where and when I will get the work done. I also accept the fact that I can have absolutely no distractions. For example, if I have a research paper due, since I need the computer I will discipline myself not to go on FaceBook, Skype, etc. I will also study in an isolated room where there is no TV or noise. The room has two couches and a desk. Although sometimes I might procrastinate the work, I WILL get it done (no matter what).

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  35. -Sit and do it- there is no better way to study than studying, it just makes sense. You can try and avoid it but the test is still going to come
    -make time for you- studying is important but if you never take time for yourself you are bound to go insane. Working nonstop will only make you tired.
    -Study in new ways-use all of your resources to study to your best ability. There are new tools like internet sources, flashcards, and videos that may open your mind to a new perceptive ability. The key to studying is diversifying to find what is best for you.
    -Groups- nothing too large but studying together often finds new views on the topic. It seems as though when people come together most new ideas are formed. Throughout history the best work of man has been as a collective.

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  36. amatsanka skeeter vMarch 4, 2010 at 7:19 AM

    I do all my work up in my room with music on. The music helps me block out all other distractions including complete silence, which I hate. I study for a test a little bit every night, and for a long amount of time the night before. When working on an assignment like a paper I do some work for an hour or so, take a break or move on to something else, and come back to it later. I sometimes put off my final editing of an assignment till the night before it's due and sometimes I do my best writing while under such pressure. I found that it is important to take breaks and switch topics while studying so you don't feel overwhelmed and lose your sanity.

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  37. The "(Wo)Man Up" method is the method that works best for me. Homework is always the one thing i dread, but its something that has to be done. I go to my room, lock my door, and work very hard in complete silence for a good hour or two until I complete all the work I need to get done. This way there are no distractions (I'm not allowed to have a TV or computer in my room) and the quiet helps me to focus much better than the busy dining room would. Also, between assignments I like to take fifteen minute breaks and reward myself for the progress I make. During these breaks I get something to drink, watch a little TV, or just go on the internet to get my mind off school for a bit. In this way, I can start the next task with full focus and a rejuvenated attitude. Also, its important to manage your time wisely. For someone like me who is constantly on the run, I NEED a schedule of when I will complete what assignments. Between school, and work, and rehearsals, and fundraisers, its important for me to set a schedule and stick with it. My study habits help me to not only do well in school, but also help me feel accomplished and productive.

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  38. The key to my success is proper time distribution due to my busy schedule. I try to do the things I don't like to do first to avoid procrastination. Once I get all my work done, I am free to do whatever I want. This is my best motivator because I like to relax, watch TV, and occasionally play video games.

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  39. While this tactic seems like an extremely easy-to-follow, straight forward plan; it is unusually difficult for me to get into that mindset. I tend to find things more interesting to do with my time and completely ignore my assignments until the last minute. Over the past year I have gotten better at my time management ability and have succeeded in getting my work done a few days ahead of time. With much surprise to my friends, I finished all 100 of my note cards on the Saturday before they were due. I realized that I needed to get my work done and completed a small amount each day to get it done on time.

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  40. There are many strategies that I use when coming across studying. One of my strategies that I use most of the time is to have a set time. An example might be directly after class or school, go and study for an hour or two. Once this process happens after about two weeks you start to get in the habit and feel bad about yourself if you don't follow your strategy. Another way I study has to be somewhere quiet. I find it very difficult to study with any noise around me and find that if you go to a library, or somewhere quiet you are there to study, and nothing else. Really it is all about dedication, it is much easier to study something that you want to learn but that is not always the case. There are going to be those classes that you are not interested at all about and just don't care. You can't dig yourself in a ditch and not study for that particular subject because it will just lead to a habit.
    CWM - SKEETERS

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  41. tscarborough skeeter VMarch 4, 2010 at 7:24 AM

    I think the most important thing to do when you are trying to get work done is to eliminate all the distractions and possible excuses to procrastinate. I find i cant have my internet or t.v. on while doing work or I will get to distracted. Also having a certain spot where you do most of your work is very helpful. When you go to this spot to do your work it makes it much easier because you associate that particular spot with working hard on schoolwork. Attempting to do work lying in bed or lying on a couch often makes you much less focused on the work at hand. The last thing I try to do is start something I know will be to tough to complete well in advance of its due date. While I am often unsuccessful in actually doing this I always plan to start early because it makes completing the project much easier.

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  42. Honestly, I have no tactics. I put most things before school work unless it's due the first period the next day or if I have more than one thing I have to do. I get everything done in my 41 minute free. Recently i base how much work i do around who's on Xbox live and whether or not I want to play with them. I actually did my note cards in between games on call of duty, an online modern warfare multi-player game, for seven straight hours last
    Sunday. I just rely on last minute cramming and hope to get a 'B' or high 'C'

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  43. mrapposelli skeeter vMarch 4, 2010 at 7:25 AM

    MRapposelli skeeter V
    As I read this blog I realized that I don't have any tactics to help me get my work done. Usually I wait for the last minute to get things done. I like to use homeroom and any time before that to get my homework done. Sometimes when I get a worksheet someone will do one half and I'll do the other and we'll switch papers to make it easier on us. I've also been working and started track not long ago so I have been doing a lot of procrastinating lately. Also, since I found out that I got into Delaware I feel more laid back and I'm not as motivated to do work anymore. I still want to get good grades but I'm not worried about getting everything done right away.

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  44. anna lupton skeeter vsMarch 4, 2010 at 7:26 AM

    When I have a long term project or paper, I try to avoid procrastination by planning out what I want to complete every week leading up to the due date. I usually complete shorter assignments and homework during my free time at school, or when I get home. I try not to stress out over school work, and, instead, try my best to complete my work. I also try to organize my schedule by writing a "to-do" list so I won't forget anything. However, the strategy that helps me the most is prioritizing. When I have several things that I need to do, I spend the majority of my time and effort working on the most important, crucial tasks. I find this to be useful because it helps me manage my time more efficiently.

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  45. i have a serious procrastination problem. and i don't have a method of getting my work done, unless scrounging for answers and just putting something random down counts(which it doesn't). if i absolutely need to get something i tend to wait until 10:30ish the night before then start on it and write the first thing that comes to my mind. this list seems like a good starting point to finally begin to get some work done and becoming more productive.

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  46. Throughout life, you are going to have to have many difficult tasks to accomplish. You need to make sure that you use your time effectively. The worst thing to do is to procrastinate. A lot of the time I tend to do this, but I am learning that I need to prepare my time better. Also, start researching early in the process. You will be very overwhelmed in you had to look for 6 books and 4 internet sources in one night. Take a few hours out of your Saturday to head to the library and do some research. Another great idea is to seek advice. Don't be afraid to go to another student/colleague/teacher to ask for their advice and insight before the task needs to be due. Lastly, I need there to be no distractions. I know some people need there to be music or the tv on, but I can only concentrate in silence. Once that is done, I don't give up until everything is finished. These are a few things that should be done in order to accomplish your difficulties.

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  47. CMcKeever Skeeter VMarch 4, 2010 at 7:31 AM

    I agree with this scatter shot when it comes to studying and getting things done.When it comes to getting things done such as a project or a paper I need to have a deadline. I would never get anything done if I did not have a deadline or a due date. I like to have a deadline for a paper or project so I can divide my time evenly so I get everything done. I also need to have complete quiet when I study or write. I like to be alone in my room. By being alone in my room I know that I will get work done. If I were around other people I would never get anything done.

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  48. grobinson- skeeterMarch 4, 2010 at 7:37 AM

    I am pretty good and buckling down to get my work done. I always dread it, but once I sit myself down with the work in front of me I can do it. I like to get it done in one setting if possible. I think it’s always easier to just work on it hard and get it over with. I usually do it when I don’t have anything that will get in the way of my concentration. I sometimes will make myself notes whenever I think of an idea for something I know I will have to work on later. Then I have some ideas ready for my papers that I can take and expand off of. I now do well with turning in all my work on time, but I think in college it will be harder to get everything done because there will be many things to distract me from my work. I think that if I keep on it and work on my homework whenever I can I will do well.

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  49. After about ten years of perfecting my study techniques, my tactics correlate to the Scatter Shot Attack. Although my study habits are not perfect, I can relate to the fact that location really makes a difference. Where I do my work directly affects the accuracy and originality. I have found that I need a place that is very quiet, well lit, and that has few distractions. Without these, I tend to have problems focusing on the task at hand. Although I recognize the importance of planning my time, I have found that doing some things the night before helps me with my finished product. I do better under pressure and this may be from my years of playing sports. This is not true for my long-term projects though. I have to plan my time well in advance to complete these. Just as I am experiencing with doing my current research paper, I have to plan ahead so I can gather sufficient information, which allows me see what more information I need when writing the final paper. I have been testing many study tactics throughout my school career and I have to say that what I am doing right now seems to be working just fine. I just hope that when I get to college I don’t get a rude awakening.

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  50. The way I study is in many of the same ways described. I think the most important thing for me is to set the time aside to get my work done. Also, if I like the teacher and I am actually interested in the subject of school. So getting through the work of the class is really easy if I choose classes I would enjoy. The stress of the work is only a small price to pay for the reward of knowledge. This philosophy keeps me determined in my studies. Also, I find it beneficial if I take study breaks every so often and get something to eat or go on the computer. Although this takes more time, it decreases the intensity of mental strain. Also, I like music when I study because it gives me energy and motivates me to finish my work. Study and doing the work of a class is just a part of life in the society of today and in order to have an enjoyable life, one must learn. Society is based on knowledge and money, so you have to learn to get ahead.

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  51. I get works done the most efficiently when I am with friends and we are all doing our own work. When I'm working alone I'm more likely to daydream or go on the Internet to chat(type) with friends. When I'm doing work with friends, I feel energetic and motivated, because it's like a competition of "who can get it done first". And peculiarly, I work more efficiently when I'm doing "multitask". For example talking while doing homework, or watching TV while reading a book.

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  52. My ways of studying vary as the subject changes. Some days ill look over courses with more subjective goals for close to 3 hours and still be doubtful about the test the day. Other days i won't even lift a finger to open my calculus book because i feel math comes naturally to me. When i do study for classes I need to have a cup of tea and light alternative rock playing in the background. This seems to be my ideal conditions in which i can absorb the information.

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  53. The only way to get things done and have time for fun is to work ahead, this is not the time to try to hide doing a paper until 5 hours before it's due. One must create a schedule/syllabus of all the classes and assignments in order of importance/due date/how long it will take. You should put cellphones/computers/anyway to get on facebook aside because trying to get an assignment done while being distracted will take at least three times as long, which will in turn make yourself dread doing papers/assignments even more. Pace yourself, trying to get four hours of work done non-stop will fry your brain. So take breaks every two hours: eat something, exercise, take a shower, anything to clear your mind for awhile. Instead of watching Grey's Anatomy or Lost, get your work done FIRST (right after you get home, anytime before night when you're falling asleep) so you can enjoy the weekend and then thoroughly absorb the TIVoed season finale of Lost.

    DJacoby Supertroupers

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  54. It is difficult for me to get focused when I am trying to accomplish a big task. Like the author, I use the autopilot method and I choose a day when I am going to complete the different assignments I get. I also use the method of location by going in my room when I have to write a paper or study. Everyday, I use the reward method. If I am studying for a test, I always set a time limit for myself and if I work for the entire time I allow myself to take a break for a half an hour.

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  55. My personal scatter shot attack is very straight forward, requiring almost all of my spare time and effort. The most important element of my scatter shot attack is organization. I write everything down in my agenda, allotting more time for my most tedious tasks. As an athlete, I have to be aware of my time restrictions; it is essential that I start my homework the second I get through the door. Time management now comes into play as I have to complete my tasks efficiently and quickly. I usually begin with all of my written work and end with subjects I need to study for so I can encode the information before I go to bed. Since I have four siblings, I am used to constant noise, making me able to do my work under almost all conditions. In order to successfully complete all of my work, I cannot succomb to daily distractions such as facebook and television. These sources of entertainment are my reward at the end of the day after all of my work is finished.

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  56. I agree with what the author said that learning to concentrate when you don't want to is a practiced art. For my Scatter Shot Attack, generally I find that using a planner to show various due dates and upcoming projects helps me decide how to lay out my time. On week nights for me time is limited! Generally I do not get home from practice until 7 o'clock and am usually exhausted. Being extremely tired makes it hard to concentrate. What I have found that works best for me is if I set aside a personal area away from the TV, computer, and all other distractions to do my homework. I set limits as to how much time i should spend on each subject or each assignment and try to finish within that time limit. When everything is done i reward myself with time to myself.

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  57. Bearing down to do work that is extremely opposed to is something that requires a plan. You can't just go about your work off the top of your head with no cause, you'll get nothing done. Honestly, I have very good qualities and very bad qualities that explain my success in this process. First, don't be lazy. That is the worst quality I own and its pretty severe unless its sports I am a very lazy person I don't put much effort into anything I don't care much about no matter what its significance. Procrastinating is another bad quality. This is something that can be fixed of course a project or paper due a month from when you receive it your not gonna think about for three weeks. Well a better idea is to schedule out certain checkpoints and accomplish parts of your project. Its much more efficient and is certainly much easier on you. Of course it is easy to understand all this and even believe it yourself, but the hardest part is putting it into action.

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  58. I don't really have a scatter shot attack. I wish I was more like the person who wrote about this. I think his techniques would be really helpful and make any project a lot less stressful. I usually wait until last minute to do any type of work or I don't even start it until after the work is due. I really need to be more organized with my projects and I think his scatter shot attempt will help me.

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  59. MCampbell Skeeter VMarch 9, 2010 at 9:17 AM

    When I have something important to accomplish, such as a paper or project for school, I like to make a list in my head of how much time I'll need, what I need to do, and find an appropriate time to do it. Procrastination is a terrible habit of mine, so that's usually my biggest challenge. I usually complete my work a couple days before its due date and spend the next few days tweaking it, fixing any mistakes or making any changes I feel my work needs. To accomplish anything, you need to get in the mindset, like the author stated above, and just do it.

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