You're beating yourself for not finishing your essay assignment ahead of schedule. You have made a New Year's resolution on not to resort to procrastination, yet you wonder if resolutions are meant to be broken. You pride yourself on being an achiever during your high school days, but you wonder if you've been a fluke all along. Cheer up.
The first thing to do is to distract yourself from the coursework. You need a long sleep. You haven't heard a good joke for quite some time. (You really need a good laugh.) You must watch a movie. (You might be one of those few students who hasn't seen "Black Panther.") Do a self-evaluation after a good rest. You might be struggling with self discipline, but it doesn't mean that you're lagging behind your coursemates. You've been told about positive thinking, but you can only think about rewarding yourself after those long hours in paper writing. It's time for a change.
You have a good plan, and you're eager to show that you can do well. A certain mindset is needed to meet your goals. You're tempted to exceed it, even feel impatient at certain moments. It's better to be grounded at the moment, but it doesn't mean that you can strive to be an outstanding paper writer. You're a work in progress, which takes time. Practice makes perfect, which starts with how you approach the coursework. You must do it right. It may be now or never.
Doing It Slowly yet Surely
You must believe that you can do it. Your professors won't expect you to write a long essay easily on your first attempt. Don't be afraid to ask about extension. On the other hand, don't expect consideration on your second assignment. If you want to finish it, then start it right away. Paperwork can be an exhausting venture, so allot days for its completion. If you can do it, then there's no reason why you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Show your sense of urgency. This is very important because you won't finish a task right away without this trait. Think about the succession of assignments, not to mention the examinations you must prepare between papers. It might affect your behavior, which your roommate (or dorm mate) might notice immediately. If it's unsettling them, assure them that you're channeling your inner superhero. A sense of humor can ease off the pressure.
Don't think too hard, not even force it. Your thinking reflects on your writing, so write your essay carefully and deliberately. A frantic approach may yield a better outcome, but it's not for everyone. You don't need to try it if you don't thrive on time pressure.
Keep an upbeat attitude. This will keep you from getting discouraged if you think you haven't made progress in your paper writing. If you don't have faith in yourself, then get in touch with any member of your family. It can lift your spirit. You might have a new vision (about your homework) afterward.
You have nothing to lose, so take a leap of faith. It's a universal truth that younger people are more audacious, even more determined to succeed in anything. You can't be hesitant in this exercise, as literary criticism demands freedom and an objective approach to a written text. You must not be afraid of letting others know your thoughts, and you must not be terrified of criticism. You may need a thick skin, but look at it constructively.
Let your surrounding inspire you. Tidying your study table can keep your focus. You might need to fill your wall (or computer screen) with Post-It notes, where you have written your favorite (inspirational) thoughts. An image of your favorite place should motivate you. (It can be your warm bed, also a place you like to visit one day.)
Make sure that you have a good night's sleep. Eight hours of sleep will make you feel good. Think about the domino effect, as nothing will go wrong if you have a razor-sharp thinking and boundless energy.
Eat properly. You won't be able to do well if you skip a meal. It might be better to have a light breakfast and a heavy lunch. If you want a switch, then make sure that you have engaged in cardiovascular activity for thirty minutes or more. You must have your fill of caffeine, as the extra calories might make you sleepy during lecture hours.
There's always time for exercising. There are no excuses for not missing it. A sedentary lifestyle, which is brought by long hours of paper writing and studying, should be an eye-opener. If you can't do it by yourself, then tag your roommate (or dorm mate).
Your coursemates will inspire you. You must not compare yourself with other students, not even reveal your bouts of insecurity. There's a huge support group, where you try to bring out the best out of each other. You need it now, more than ever.
Let the Sunshine In
Springtime signifies new beginnings. It means a change of habits, also a resolve to turn a new page. You must spend more time outdoors, basking in the sunshine as you walk to the lecture room(s). This can change your mood, even make you feel better. There's no reason for you not to finish your essay assignment.
Start now.
