zero motivation...

Please keep anon, as my friends check this site.

It's almost as though i've given up on my degree. I've got 3 essays due in just over 2 weeks and i haven't started them. I've read all the primary material and some secondary stuff, but i'm finding it impossible to sit down and actually start writing. I'm in my final year, studying English Literature, and had previously really enjoyed the subject, which is why i'm so frustrated with myself.

I'm a perfectionist at heart, and spend literally hours dwelling on each sentence to make sure it's exactly how i want it to sound. This really paid off for me last year, as i came out with very high grades, but at the same time i think i burnt all my energy and enthusiasm in the process. Just staring at the screen now fulls me with despair and panick. I don't know if it's a case of caring too much, or not caring enough, but i simply can't motivate myself. I started taking antidepressants in November, and although my general mood improved, my motivation is still incredibly low. I honestly don't know what to do, as i can't envisage myself changing drastically in the next 2 weeks. I know i could just write 3 really poor essays and take the grade hit, but it's either all or nothing with me. If i can't give it my best, then what's the point in doing it? I'm sorry for the vent, i just feel so hopeless at the moment.

Reply 1

Number 10

Im the same as you, I always have to have things perfect, even if the work is late in. But Im not at uni yet, so its probably a different ball game. I think its that youre caring too much from the sounds of it. You've come through the whole course bar the first year, dont't mess it up! This is the final hurdle so you'll have to knuckle down and work solidly for now.

Good luck!

Reply 2

MSB

2 weeks is enough time. Don't worry about it. All you have to do is make the first little effort, and then the next little effort, and then the next one...and you'll be off.

You've done it before, and you know what you have to do, and you can do it well.

Get on and get it done!

Reply 3

*stars and stripes*

I know the feeling very well. I find that once I start, I can't actually stop until it's finished, but it's the initial starting that is the problem!

I find that it's easier to put a basic framework of a plan into place i.e. the main point of each paragraph (completely ignoring the introduction and conclusion) and then to start to furnish each point with extra info/ quotes etc in the relevant places. Before I know it I'm scribbling away and it's all over with!

Don't worry, 2 weeks is lots of time and anyway, worrying inhibits creativity so you'll just be going backwards! Hope this helps xxxxx

Reply 4

Edamame

This may help: http://sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl/procrastination.html

Reply 5

chriztina27

Edamame

This may help: http://sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl/procrastination.html

wow, what a useful site! it actually totally describes how i approach tasks/work.. especially the bit about convincing yourself that you dont actually need to do your work to the very last minute coz you do it all the time and your grade ends up being good anyway..it totally attacks the thought pattern i use all the time lol .. im actually in the mood to now go and do the revision ive been putting off for 7 hours today :smile:

Reply 6

Rokit

I was just about to post the same thing

I have loads of work to do, exams in May.

Deep down I am worried as hell but for the past week I have used every single excuse, christmas, new years, visiting family

I got up extra early today to get the work done but believe it or not I have not done a single bit of work and it is 6 in the evening now

Will check out that link actually

Reply 7

matthias

Looks like you and me are not the only people with this problem.
I wanted to do a lot for college in the last days but haven't done anything. First thing that helps me is to build a detailled plan. Divide your essays into steps, like "tomorrow I will write the introductory part".
It also helps me to do my work in a different climate. Back in school I used to do all my stuff while chatting and listening to music. Today I am most effective in the library where nothing draws off my attention.

Regarding your perfectionism, my advice is just to start with a solid version and later change some passages that can be better.

Reply 8

amz016

It looks like the above posters' are perfectionists as well, it's mutual and doesn't matter if you are a perfectionist. I'm one myself and I gave up at college this year because it wasn't going well. I just fell behind in a lot of things throughout the past couple of months and couldnt catch up, so dropped out and will return next year hoping that I will not be making the same mistake again.

Two weeks gives you plenty of time to complete three essays. I'm sure if you just stick your head at it that you'll get it done. You should be glad! This is your final year, don't waste it, after this you're done and dusted with uni.

Reply 9

Kathryn128

This is so me.

I put off writing my classics coursework all xmas hols, but a couple of days ago, had to mentally force myself to sit down and do it. I had to do it over 2 days, but done it was, and I felt so much better for doing it.

It does feel almost self-destructive, and it's definately a remnant from a belligerence/pride thing (my mum used to really really push me to do the exact assignment she said when she said to do it :rolleyes:

), I'd say no, and not do it till the very last second, or not at all. She doesn't do this nearly as much anymore, but with the big assignments, I still don't do it out of sheer stubbornness.

Anyways, off my self-absorbed trolley, and to let you know the 2 weeks is enough time, if you just do a bit every day. If you divide each essay up into sections, as in making plans (you might find this SO much easier to face doing than writing the essay itself), just do a section every day. Or two sections a day. Divide it up however you like, the key is not to overdo it.

Best of luck :smile:

Reply 10

Anonymous #2

you have just put exactly how ive been feeling atm. i failed my driving test recently and especialy since then i seem to have no motivation whatsoever to revise for my exams. i have always done well in exams and at school and stuff but this year (last year of alevels) its like i just cant push myself anymore. it annoys me cos i do try to work but i sit down to do it and end up so distracted. people think i am a perfectionist too. its stupid i know ive only got a little bit left of school but its like i cant make the effort

Reply 11

luke88

Does anyone think your attitude to work can change?

I get distracted very easily whether it's MSN, Facebook, the internet, music, even starring out of my window seems more fun than doing my work.
I do have a huge interest in my subjects but I just can't get my self motivated for it.
What if i literally force my self every single time and try my best to avoid distractions. Does anyone think that you will get used to this and hopefully be able to get stuck in with your work easier?
I want to get into really good habits.

I have a problem with perfectionism as well. If I don't understand all of the stuff I was revising for, I get demotivated and just want to give up.

Reply 12

geetar

I always find excercise is good if I can't motivate myself to do something.

Reply 13

Anonymous #1

Wow, there are lots of perfectionists here!

Thank you so much for all the kind words of motivation. I managed to get an introduction sorted today and started the next paragraph. It's not fantastic, but i can't afford to dither anymore. I'm going to work my socks off tomorrow and i'll get back to you guys to let you know how i've done. I just wish i had started writing earlier, as im a naturally slow writing when it comes down to it. :frown:

I hope everyone else manages to do something productive tomorrow!

Reply 14

dave3663

hmmm ive got 2 2500 word essays to do for 2 weeks time and havnt started yet, o yeh and a dissertation to write for february :s-smilie:

basically im not gonna leave the house again till i go bk to uni in a week or so, im getting proper lonely aswell with the lack of social interaction thanks to this bloody wrk ive gotta do, and the distraction thing, when im on my own its youtube/facebook which is bad enough, but if theres ppl around theres no chance of me ever doing anything productive, (im not very good on my own) much rather be having fun.

Reply 15

Hedger

I'm the Kaka of procrastination. I should be in the Dream Team. I have an exam a week today, in a subject which is on pure facts and no way of blagging it. I'll most probabally start next Tuesday. I'm hoping on doing it sooner though.

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