5 tips to overcome procrastination

1. Divide your large or difficult work into small managable unit. Then work on one at a time. Concentrate only on this small task until its complete.

2. Set a time limit or deadline for each task. Remember that each project expands to the time allotted to it.

3. Don't set your expectations too high. If the first task is very hard or difficult, then you are more likely to defer that task. Start with something real simple. It will boost your self-confidence.

4. Take some time to set goals for the next day. You will be amazed to see how much clarity it will give when working for those goals. See in mind the long term benefits of achieving each goal and think how achievement of these goals is important to me.

5. Reward yourself. Short term benefits is a strong motivator to keep you in track. Reward yourself with a cup of coffee or call a friend of yours. It does't matter whether the reward is small or big.

Prioritize your activites: 80/20 rule

Many people will try to do everything that they could do to succeed. The sad thing is that most thing they do will not contribute much in achieving their goals. Here is the importance of prioritizing your activities. According to the Pareto principle or 80-20 principle, the 20% of your activities will produce the 80% of results. The reverse of this rule is also true. The 80% of activities will account for only 20% of results. This principle is true for almost all areas such as business, companies etc. In sales 80% of sales will come from 20% of sales people. Your first goal is to identify your most valued activities, that is the top 20% activities that will contribute more to your life. If you concentrate also on those low valued tasks, you will waste your life's significant part.

Study tips for students

1. Set clear goals before you begin. Write down a plan before you start learning. Set realistic goals for each learning session, such as number of pages or number of chapters to be learnt. Note that each goal should have a specific timeline.

2. Learn with a clear mind. Be relaxed when you are learning. You can learn more when you are in a relaxed state of mind. Deep breathing is a way for relaxation of mind. Try to take at least five slow deep breaths before you begin learning. This will dramatically improve your brain's absorbing power.

3. Make learning an active process. Instead of mere reading of material, make learning more active by taking notes, memorizing, teaching someone etc.

4. Summarize what you have read in your own words. Make a short note on it. Ask some questions based on what you have read and try to answer those questions.

5. Use your imagination. Imagination keeps you interested in learning and improve retention. Visualize what you are reading about. Make these mental picture more vivid and clear. The more clear, the image the chances are high that you will remember the information on required time.

6. Be truly focused. When you take in the information you must fully attend to what you are doing. How much time you study does not matter most, but what matters is that how efficiently you study in that time. Be where you are.

7. Take short breaks. Take short breaks to refresh your mind. Walk around, drink some water in the break time. This will restore your attention. A five minute break for every twenty five minutes is a good guideline.

8. Review: Everyday start by reviewing the main points you have learnt the previous day. Review helps to move an information from your short term memory to long term memory.

9. Sleep well: Good sleeping habits can aid memory. Try to get at least six hours of sleep. This time varies according to each individual.

10. Exercise daily: Regular exercise can improve concentration and thus the learning capacity. Besides regular exercise will boost your self esteem and self confidence.

11. Stay away from distractions. Your learning environment should be calm and positive. Stay away from distractions such as television, computer games, radio, telephone etc. It is often helpful to study in a library.

12. Don't Procrastinate. Study it on the available time even if it is not urgent. Set clear goals and start studying. Once you have started studying, never rearrange the learning session. Procrastinating studying will decrease the zeal and interest to study those things. The only time completely in our control in now.