How to NOT procrastinate when studying

These days I can take a certification book to bed like other people take a novel to read - and I can become engrossed in it.

But, years ago, the though of having to go through a big, fat certification book, instantly made me bored (even before opening the front cover).

It wasn't that I wasn't interested in what I was reading, it was more the fact that because technology was still new to me, there was a lot I didn't know which made me feel overwhelmed.

There are two major reasons why we procrastinate:

1. We feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work we need to do (and can't see the finish line)

2. We prefer to do something else (aren't interested in it)

Here are the cures of procrastination:

1. We feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work we need to do (and can't see the finish line)

To get to the finish line, there are many steps we have to take to lead us there. Each step is important. Try to concentrate on each step and have fun with it.

You see, when we are studying our certifications books, all we see is the end result. The certification in our hands. And it's great to visualize having that end result but unless you try to have fun while you are in the process of getting it, it will be a struggle.

Success isn't an destination, its a process.

What I have found that helps is to create a schedule of when I want to finish each chapter. This helps me keep on track as I look forward to marking off each chapter I have completed. Or you can try something else which has also helped me... You can try teaching someone each new thing you have learned. I know of many people that have created blogs or post their notes on certification forums. They get motivated to finish each section of the book by helping others. Find something that helps you.

2. We prefer to do something else (aren't interested in it)

Although you love being in IT and love working with technology... learning it is another matter. Sometimes you will get bored. In this case, what has helped me is that I switch study methods when I find one method is boring me. Instead of reading that certificaiton book, I may do some practice exams (you know, get my mind working again).

Or I may sit on my sofa with a cup of coffee and watch a CBT. Really, there are more than one ways of getting that information to sink in your head. Just switch study methods to enable your mind to continue being interested.

So if you are still at that stage where you prefer to read your playboy (I know you read it for the articles. Liar) instead of your certification book, sometimes you may become bored. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t half heartedly read something that won't sink in. Switch study methods.