I am NEVER going to finish this assignment

[threelittlebangers]

Am on 2nd yr of PGCE, but have just had a year off on maternity leave, so it has been 18m since I last wrote an essay.
dh took the kids out today for me to get some work. Not only did I not get much done, but when I read it back I had repeated myself so have to cut a big chunk out
Anyone got any tips for motivating me to get this essay done? I've tried but been distracted by marking, cleaning the bathroom, Mumsnet and the fact that what I have written is crap!

How about setting a time - tomorrow? - to do some study but tell yourself you are only working for 10 minutes. I find tricking myself with strategies like that often gets me over a major procrastination bout

Tomorrow... go to the local greasy spoon with your assignment. Order a cup of tea. After you have written the introduction you can order bacon and eggs and toast. By the time it arrives you should be 1/3 of the way through your assignment. Reward yourself with another cup of tea. Eat bacon, eggs and toast, drink tea. Write the next 1/3. Flirt with local builders. Write final third! Job done

Write a very detailed essay plan - keep adding to it and soon you will have written essay.

HOw many words? Is it split up into sections or do you need to divide it into points yourself.

I'm history student so do it differently probably, but mine go like this for 3000 word essay.

Intro - 500 words, conclusion 500 words (knocked 1000 words off main body already) - leave them till end.

2000 words left = 4 points.
point 1 - intro, argument, evidence, conclusion.
point2 etc.

Jot notes down under each one as to what you want to say. Keep breaking it down into smaller and smaller categories. Soon it will be written.

HTH

I think I'll use your idea in future Marsy!!

What's the essay about? How many words? When's the deadline?

Have you got a timer? Set it for 15 mins and for that 15 mins just write - no reviewing, no editing, just writing. Stop when the timer goes!

californi..... problem with the library is that the totty isn't up to much and a girl needs her rewards! lol

lol at Mars's suggestion! Sounds very good, and has made me hungry

Problem is I don't have anyone for the children, all my childcare is for when I am at work or at college. They are going to my mum's house on Saturday so hope I can get the majority done then.

It's on Contemporary Issues in Post Compulsory Education which I am not sure I understand
It's 3000 words and due in on Wednesday- think I may just about have 500 words, if I am lucky
that was me screaming.

Am liking the timer idea and the detailed plan, will give it a go, ta very much

i agree you should defintely leave the house. There are so many demands on your time at home , so many little bjobs that will "only take 5 minutes". It might help to factor yourself a reward at the end followed by little rewards for while you're doing the essay, like tea and choccy hobnobs...

Why Cali?

Set the alarm really early and get up with your coffee and work away at it. The only way I can get anything done. If you are not a morning person, do it at night when the kids go to bed.