Get Ready!

Here are some tips for gearing up to study or write a paper:

• Get your supplies! I love coloured gel pens, I have hundreds of them :) I get 5 or 6 of these, lay them out, get my paper, sharpened pencils and any other supplies I need and then organize them on my desk. I do this an hour or two before I actually start studying. I find that having the area set up can let me really think about how to get started. I do this before moving onto the next step, which is removing distractions. This way I can focus on the studying in the back of my mind, as a goal, while I'm doing chores.

• Remove Distractions! This can be your entire apartment or just your work area. I personally get distracted by things I "have to do." Once I sit down, I'll realize that I didn't do the dishes or that I have to put laundry in. Try to eliminate this distraction beforehand; a clean workspace also helps me think clearer and feel prepared to work on something bigger.

The above is a photo of my desk. This is how I lay it out before I even think about the work to come! :)