There’s honestly nothing worse than sitting there, staring at your laptop, and realising the essay you thought you’d finish two hours ago still looks exactly the same. Remember that SpongeBob episode where he’s supposed to do an essay, and just procrastinates and draws blanks the whole time? Yeah, that probably hits way more than you’ve probably ever expected, right?
Even if you’re a creative in college, well, writing can be pretty challenging. Like some people use background music to help, and sure, it might help with the mood, and yeah, for some, it really does the trick. But you’re still looking at your document, and it’s just one lonely sentence and a blinking cursor, oh, and you. For a lot of people, this is probably the time when they’re ready to just kind of throw the whole degree away for a nap. Like, seriously, why do assignments always feel like they’re working against you?
Well, this is something that basically everyone deals with at least one point in time. Sometimes it’s not even the topic that’s hard. It’s just… finishing. Okay, maybe that and just getting started. So, how can you finish up what you started?
Take the Pressure Down a Notch
If your brain’s like, “This must be perfect or nothing,” you’ll get nothing. It’s way easier to start small. So, just pick a random part that doesn’t feel intimidating, like one part that actually sounds fun for you. But yeah, in that section that you like, just write what’s relevant, anything you’re going to enjoy writing about said topic.Even if it’s just a messy couple of sentences. You’ve started. It doesn’t have to be genius yet, just… there. That’s all you need now, it’s about “revving up your engine,” as cheesy as that might sound.
Just Talk it Out First
If the thoughts are in your head but your fingers won’t type them, try saying them out loud. Yeah, it sounds horribly generic, and maybe you could even label it as “low-hanging fruit” in terms of advice, but no, really, just try it! Think of it like this, like you’re explaining the topic to a friend who definitely didn’t read the assignment sheet.
Some people use indiction, so it transcribes what they’re saying, so that helps too. Yeah, it’s really all about talking, simplifying things. Then you just type what you already said. In a way, it feels a bit less stifling, which helps.
Don’t Edit While You Write
Well, in the middle of your work, it helps not to edit it. Sure, when you’re done, feel free to clean it up and maybe even use academic proofreading services to help you out, but it’s best to just wait. Actually, go ahead and think of your writing like clay; it doesn’t look like anything until you shape it after the messy part. Basically, wait for perfection later, just deal with all the red squiggly lines.
Just Walk Away from Time to Time
Well, your average student does it last minute, not all, but a lot do. So, if you did it last minute, you’re probably better off taking very short breaks, but if you have time, then yes, feel free to just walk away and take plenty of breaks. So, just go touch some grass, eat some snacks, you name it, but your brain stills to rest. But yes, even if you’re in a rush, you’ll still need some short breaks.
