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How to Get Homework Done when You Don't Want To
Last Updated: October 15, 2024 Fact Checked
This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden . Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 253,785 times.
Homework can be a drag, but it's got to be done to keep your grades up and stay on track during school. Going somewhere quiet, making a plan, and giving yourself breaks can all help you stay focused and on task to get your work done quickly. Try to keep your assignments organized and give yourself credit for completing hard or boring work, even if you didn’t want to.
Getting Motivated
- Keep a list of your assignments and check them off as you finish them. This can give you a sense of accomplishment that can motivate you to keep going.
- Make it the rule that you work for a certain amount of time, or until a certain amount of work has been accomplished. Afterward, you can hang out. Stick to this schedule.
- Try this out and see if it works. If you're too distracted by having friends around, make a date to hang out after homework instead.
- Make sure you keep the competition to yourself. Competing with your friends isn’t fun, especially over homework assignments and grades.
- Learning something that will probably help with future assignments, even if you don't know what they are yet.
- Proving to your teacher that you understand the homework so that they don’t keep assigning it over and over.
- Improving your GPA.
- Getting a good grade.
- Try not to reward yourself with food, as that can lead to snacking when you aren’t really hungry.
Staying Focused
- For instance, tell yourself that if you finish your first assignment in 20 minutes, you can go on your phone for 5 minutes.
- Make sure you stand up and do something when it's your break, or you won't get your wiggles out.
- Set a timer on your phone or use a kitchen timer to let yourself know when it's time to switch tasks.
- If you don't have control over the subject, try to find connections between the topic and something you care about. Find aspects of the subject that interest you.
- For instance, if you have to study History but you care the most about fashion, investigate the styles of the times and places you are studying. Learn how political and economical developments changed the way people dressed.
- You can find playlists on Spotify and YouTube that are made for studying and doing homework.
- When you're struggling to focus, sign out of your email and all social media so you don't check them as a reflex.
Creating Good Study Habits
- If you have many textbooks and worksheets, stack them and put them to the side.
- Get things like pencils, erasers, calculators, rulers, and paper.
- Having a planner will make it less tempting to procrastinate, as long as you have broken up your studying into manageable chunks.
- Your planner can be paper, or you can get one on your phone. Just make sure it has space for task lists as well as events.
- Once you have completed a task, cross it off or put a check next to it. Seeing that you're getting your work done will make you feel better, which in turn will motivate you to keep up the good work.
- Don't put more than you can do in one day on a list! Split up your week's work so that every day has a manageable amount.
- If you have a job or extracurricular activities that change your daily schedule, determine a weekly schedule that you stick to as much as possible.
- Sometimes just explaining what you have to do will help you understand it better.
- Talking to another person is a great way to brainstorm ideas. They may ask you questions or provide comments that can help you organize your ideas.
- Other times, the person you are talking to will notice something about the prompt that you overlooked.
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- Try asking a family member to help you remember when to start your assignments so you don’t forget. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
- If you’re really struggling with a topic, consider going to a tutor for extra help. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
- Getting motivated can be tough. Just try your best, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
Tips from our Readers
- Set up a dedicated study area at home with your needed supplies, to establish a consistent homework routine. Having everything in one prepared place helps minimize distractions.
- Use a planner to schedule out all your assignments. Break them into small, manageable pieces so it's less overwhelming. Checking tasks off as you finish motivates you along.
- If completely stuck on an assignment, reach out and talk it through with someone. Verbalizing it can provide new insights to move forward.
- Take short activity breaks every 45 minutes. Get up, stretch, grab some water. It refreshes your mental focus so you stay engaged.
- Incorporate a fun personal interest into an assignment when possible. Writing about something you care about keeps you absorbed.
- When you really need to concentrate, eliminate enticing distractions like your phone. Logging out keeps you on track.
You Might Also Like
- ↑ https://hwpi.harvard.edu/files/comm/files/smarttalk_staff_guide.pdf
- ↑ http://www.wcsu.edu/housing/wp-content/uploads/sites/55/2018/05/Handout-V6N6.pdf
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/worry-wise/201410/how-prevent-homework-procrastination
- ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. Academic & School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
- ↑ http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/organize-focus.html?WT.ac=p-ra#
- ↑ https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/sites/default/files/homework_tips.pdf
- ↑ https://childmind.org/article/strategies-to-make-homework-go-more-smoothly/
- ↑ http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html#
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Study Right
Online Study Skills Training
Setting Realistic Expectations for Doing Homework
Setting realistic expectations for doing homework is essential for maintaining a healthy balance between school, extracurricular activities, and personal time. By establishing achievable goals, students can avoid feeling overwhelmed and improve their overall academic performance.
Tips for Setting Realistic Expectations
Establish a routine.
Creating a consistent study schedule can help you allocate dedicated time for homework each day.
Break Down Tasks
Divide larger assignments into smaller, manageable tasks to prevent procrastination and maintain focus.
Prioritize Assignments
Identify high-priority assignments and tackle them first to ensure they are completed on time.
Set Achievable Goals
Be realistic about the amount of work you can accomplish in a given timeframe to avoid setting yourself up for failure.
Seek Support
Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, parents, or peers for help when needed. Asking for assistance can aid in completing assignments more efficiently.
When setting expectations for completing homework , it’s important to consider the complexity of the assignments, your availability, and any potential distractions. By being honest with yourself about what you can realistically achieve, you can avoid unnecessary stress and frustration .
Frequently Asked Questions
How can i estimate the time required to complete my homework.
Estimate the time needed for each assignment based on its difficulty level and your past experiences. Keep a log of how long it takes you to complete different types of tasks to help with future planning .
What should I do if I have too much homework to handle?
Prioritize your assignments based on deadlines and importance. Consider seeking help from teachers or classmates if you feel overwhelmed .
Is it okay to take breaks while doing homework?
Yes, taking short breaks can help improve focus and productivity. Set a timer for focused work intervals followed by brief breaks to recharge.
How can I stay motivated to complete my homework?
Set small rewards for yourself upon completing tasks , such as a short break or a treat. Visualize the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel once your homework is done.
Should I study alone or with friends?
It depends on your learning style. Some students prefer studying alone for better concentration, while others find group study sessions helpful for collaboration and motivation .
What should I do if I consistently struggle to meet my homework expectations?
Reassess your study habits and time management skills. Consider seeking guidance from a teacher or academic counselor for personalized support.
In conclusion, setting realistic expectations for homework completion is a fundamental aspect of effective time management and academic success. By following the tips outlined in this article and seeking help when needed, students can develop a productive homework routine that leads to improved performance and reduced stress levels. Remember, it’s essential to be honest with yourself about what you can realistically achieve to maintain a healthy balance between school work and personal well-being.
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