I Need Some Motivation

kellyo, LPN · Jan 23, 2005

Sue - I felt like I was reading my own post!!!

I, too, have a tendency to procrastinate. For me, I tend to work best under pressure, and that pressure is created by me at the last minute!

This semester, I've decided that I need to stay on campus after classes to review, because I know it won't get done at home. I usually stay with a group of students and we review together. Study groups do make a difference!!!

As for reading... When I get home (about 4pm) it's my time to relax until the kids go to bed (8pm). The key is to STAY AWAY FROM THE TV. I know it's hard. I'm a TV junkie. I then go into my room and read, or at least, skim the readings. Don't try to take it all in, just read the points you went over in class if you don't understand them, and then read ahead for the next day's class.

I hope some of this can work for you!!!

peaceful · Jan 23, 2005

Hi All, Sorry for the length of this...
I really need some motivation (or a kick in my behind)!!! When I started last semester (the 1st of 5 semesters) - I had been out of school for 20 years, so I was already anxious and stressed the first day, but being slightly on-edge seemed to work for me and I ended the semester with really good grades. I'm a terrible procrastinator, seem to work better and harder under pressure, so I'd often wait until a test was coming up to really buckle down and read, read, read.
That wasn't the best way to study and caused a lot of needless stress, so I decided this semester I'd be much more organized and start studying for tests - day one of class. We all really needed that break at Christmas to relax a little, but I got a little too relaxed and let's just say "bonded with my couch, more than the kids". I had a huge wake-up call when one of my Sons said - Mom, the couch is like the "soil" and you are the "tree" growing out of it. Good grief, nothing like being put in your place by a 12 year old!!! The only good thing that happened was I got my house totally clean and finally got to the bottom of the laundry pile (it was a miracle)...
I honestly wish we hadn't had the break, because a few weeks away from school and studying totally threw me and after being back for a few weeks, I just can't get back into the swing of things. I took a class in "studying/test prep." last semester and know the best way to study is go over your lecture notes and chapters each night to keep up with everything. My brain knows this, but my body is not cooperating - I'm in class and clinicals many more hours this semester (and have to get up much earlier) and I come home totally exhausted and the last thing I want to do is hit the books. I make dinner for the family, help the kids with their homework and tell myself I'll just sit down for a minute, watch the news and then spend the rest of the night studying. Then something fascinating comes on the discovery health channel - I decide it's "educational" and I should watch it and before I know it, it's time for bed.
I'm the type that if someones says - you MUST be here at 6am, I'll be there at 5:30am because I hate to be late for anything I'm scheduled to be at and will do everything humanly possible to get there. My "procrastination" has never been a problem with any job I've had - I always bust my behind to get the job done well and on time because I have this terrible fear of not doing everything perfect and perhaps letting someone down. Unfortunately when it comes to things like "studying" on my own time - I'll think of 1,000 other things to do and keep putting it off. I can't figure out why I'm so willing to do things for others in a timely manner, but don't do the same for myself.
Any advice, suggestions, etc. for getting myself back on track would be appreciated. Thanks, Sue

Also could relate to your message. I graduated a yr ago but remember how difficult to come home and take care of children, catch up on chores and then try to study. It is dam hard. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Find your best study times. Mine was early 4:30am while kids still sleeping. Also would take kids places where i sat and study while they played, like a playground or Fun Factory (i would sit in the car and study). Let us know how this semester is going for you. Don't foget that you have already made the goal of nursing school. Don't let talk yourself out of the goal!

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Jan 23, 2005

This looked soooo familiar to me too--even getting someplace 30 minutes early because I hate to be late, although I'm not to successful at that (too easily distracted).

You definitely need a break each day, but it sounds like it can take over. Therefore, I'd set aside a couple of hours away from home to do the studying, etc. you need to do, then when you go home, you can focus on the kids, laundry and the discovery channel.

You can do the same heavy duty prepping before exams--maybe go in the wee hours, or if school isn't open then, go to a Denny's to study.

My hat is off to you, going back to school with kids. Sounds like you are well bonded to them, they speak, you listen, etc. I hope they help out.

You do sound motivated already though--you still want to do this, you just needed some method.

See how it goes if you study more at school and less at home. And don't do guilt for not following through--that just eats up energy you need for other, productive activities.

Good luck!

loriangel14, RN · Jan 23, 2005

Your post could have been written by me as well!:rotfl: I am in the same boat, back at school after 20 years away. I use the same method as one of the previous posters, go somewhere other than home to study. The library is great, no TV and no allnurses.com lol Try to remember how stressful it was the last time you had to do homework at the last minute to motivate you to do it sooner.

Congrats on going back to school, only those of us juggling families and school know how hard it is. :)

kellyo, LPN · Jan 23, 2005

Your post could have been written by me as well!:rotfl: I am in the same boat, back at school after 20 years away. I use the same method as one of the previous posters, go somewhere other than home to study. The library is great, no TV and no allnurses.com lol Try to remember how stressful it was the last time you had to do homework at the last minute to motivate you to do it sooner.
Congrats on going back to school, only those of us juggling families and school know how hard it is. :)

My goodness, you're right--this website is one of my biggest procrastination places!!

lisamc1RN, LPN · Jan 23, 2005

I totally understand what you are saying. I find myself often tempted to stray away from my studies. I find that what works for me is giving myself "rewards". If I promise to do 1 chapter of reading, or all of my vocabulary, or my workbook pages, I will reward myself with 15-30 minutes on the computer. Then I'll set up another goal and reward for more computer time. That is my addiction. :) If there is a show I really want to watch, I will make sure that I set it up as a reward for studying. It does work because I know that there is an end in sight for my studies and I will get something I really want because of it. Good luck finding what works for you!