Procrastination and Motivation - Frequently Asked Questions

I had an essay that was due 4 days ago. I have started, but I’m nowhere near finishing...
I would like some help with getting motivated to study...
I am 2 subjects from completion... more interested in finding a job...

Q. I had an essay that was due 4 days ago. I have started, but I’m nowhere near finishing. It's a really hard essay and every time I read reference papers for it, I get overwhelmed and look away.
All my friends are really smart and handed up their essays on the due date. There is another friend in my course however, who is also in the same situation. We always ring each other up and email each other to stress about the essay.

Lately I feel like we've been stressing over it more than actually working on it, and I feel that the fact we are both always late with handing up stuff, encourages each other to not do it. How do I get out of this situation....????

A. It sounds like you are really stressed and having a tough time with this essay. It would be a good idea for you to speak to your lecturers for some help in your course. You could also encourage your friend to seek help with you so that you both could motivate and help each other.

As for your essay that is already due, it would be a good idea for you to apply for 'Special Consideration' as soon as possible. You can do this by going to the administration office of your faculty and asking for a 'Special Consideration' form. Then make an appointment with one of the counsellors at Swinburne because the counsellor will need to sign the 'Special Consideration' form and provide you with a letter. In this way, you will be able to discuss with someone face to face about your study problems, which may enable you to cope better with your studies. Furthermore, by applying for this 'Special Consideration', your lecturers will be informed that you are going through a difficult period and may be more understanding when marking your tests and examination papers

Q. I would like some help with getting motivated to study, write essays, complete readings, and generally do classwork. I am having a fair amount of trouble engaging with course content that has no real application to the world outside of uni.

A. It seems that you are having trouble coping in your studies. You may want to see a counsellor at Swinburne, who could help you find ways to motivate yourself in your studies. There is also some relevant information regarding study workload and stress on the e-counselling resources section under Grades and Stress.

Swinburne Student Services also conducts an Academic Success Program (ASP) with workshops to assist students to be proactive and manage their academic progress effectively. It may be helpful to attend some of these workshops, which you can register for online at www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/workshops

Q. I am 2 subjects from the completion of my degree. I seem to be more interested in finding a job, yet can’t get through the door as I haven’t completed my degree yet, where can I get help with this?

A. Dear Student,
It sounds like you feel quite frustrated by the prospect of having to wait until you finish your degree before you are able to work and start to earn money and support yourself. I am not sure what type of work you are looking for, but it may be possible for you to find some part-time work while you complete your studies. Swinburne's Careers & Employment service can assist you in finding part-time work in your area of interest, as well as developing an attractive resume that will show the value of your existing experience and completed studies and help you find the right job.

A range of information and an explanation of the services provided by the Careers & Employment service can be found on their website.

I am also wondering whether you may be experiencing some study concerns as it sounds like you may have expected to finish your degree already. If you would like any assistance with study techniques the Student Development & Counselling service may be able to help you, either through their Academic Success Program or through individual consultation.

As you said that you only have two subjects before you complete your degree, I think it would be helpful to discuss with a counsellor motivation issues regarding finishing your degree. For example, sometimes we lose our motivation due to other factors in our lives that might be preventing us from doing things and it can help to discuss these issues with a counsellor.