45 Time Management Tips for Students (Advice From a Lifelong Straight-A Student)

Updated on January 6, 2026 By Daniel Wong 48 Comments

Everyone gets the same 24 hours each day.

Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa, Isaac Newton, Eleanor Roosevelt, Leonardo da Vinci – they all had 24 hours a day, just like you and me.

What enabled them to lead such significant lives?

They managed their time well.

This article is all about effective time management tips for students.

As a student, I got straight A’s while sleeping eight hours a night, and graduated from Duke University with a GPA of 3.98/4.0.

(I don’t say this to boast, because education definitely isn’t only about getting straight A’s!)

But given that so many students ask me to share time management tips with them, I decided to compile the best ones I know.

By putting the tips in this article into practice, you’ll become more focused and less stressed.

You’ll have more time to do meaningful things outside of school too!

So let’s take a look at the 45 tips.

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1. Take a study break every 40 to 50 minutes

Research shows that working in blocks of 40 to 50 minutes is optimal for productivity.

If you feel as if you can’t focus for that long, try out the Pomodoro Technique for a start.

2. If you’re feeling unmotivated, set a timer for two minutes

If you don’t feel like doing work, set a timer for two minutes. Then tell yourself that you just need to focus for that amount of time.

Chances are that once you’ve started work, you’ll continue even after the two minutes are up.

3. Make good use of your travel time

It’s tempting to use your commute time to surf the Internet or go through your social media feeds.

But you can use the time to think about a concept you haven’t grasped, write in your gratitude journal, or listen to an audiobook.

This is a simple time management tip that goes a long way in helping you become a successful student!

4. Keep a time log for a few days

Do you feel as if you’ve been unproductive, but you’re not sure where all your time has been going?

If so, I recommend that you keep a time log for three to four days.

Keep track of everything you do during those few days. You’ll then have a much better idea as to how you can manage your time more effectively.

5. If you don’t understand a new concept, speak to your teacher right away

If you do this, you’ll save a lot of time in the long run, because you’ll be clarifying your doubts as they arise.

6. Keep an ongoing list of every single thing you have to do

Don’t rely on your brain as a storage device.

Instead, write down every single thing you need to do: assignments, projects, errands, etc.

Review the list daily to ensure that you’re working on the most important task at any given time.

By doing this, you’ll become a far more organised student.

7. Unfollow everyone on social media, except the people you really care about

I did this a year ago, and it’s saved me hundreds of hours!

Not only that, I realise that I don’t even miss not getting updates from most of those people I’d been following.

8. Turn off notifications on your tablet and phone

Do this and say goodbye to all the interruptions you’ve been getting when you were supposed to be focusing on your schoolwork.

This tip alone will make you a much more productive student.

9. Unsubscribe from all YouTube channels

This tip is similar to Tip #7. If you unsubscribe from all YouTube channels, you’ll discover that there are only a few channels whose videos you really enjoy.

These are the channels that you’ll intentionally visit so you can watch the latest videos they’ve posted.

Which means you don’t actually need to subscribe to these channels!

10. Mute your group chats on your phone

In most group chats, there’s a lot of “noise” – messages that are neither urgent nor important.

Mute your group chats, and look through them once a day to ensure that you haven’t missed out anything important.

11. Use a very long password for your tablet and phone

Set a password that’s 15 to 20 characters long.

By doing this, you’ll become more conscious about when and how you use your tablet and phone.

You won’t use these devices mindlessly, which means that you’ll become a more focused and effective student.

12. Delete all social media apps on your tablet and phone

Once again, this tip will empower you to use your tablet and phone more intentionally.

If you want to check your social media feeds, you can still do so through the Internet browser.

But you’re less likely to do so as often because of the slight inconvenience, as compared to opening the social media app directly.

13. Before you start a study session, put your tablet and phone in another room

This is a simple way to ensure that these electronic devices don’t distract you.

By maximising the effectiveness of each study session, you’ll manage your time better.

14. At the beginning of each study session, write down the task you’re going to work on

It’s easy to get sidetracked during a work session, which is where this study tip comes in handy.

On a rough sheet of paper, write down the specific task you’re going to work on (e.g. Science assignment, Question #1 to 5) and put it on your study table.

This will remind you to maintain your focus on that task as you’re working on it.

15. Create a rough schedule for each day of the week

Every successful person I know follows a daily routine. So do these famous people.

To be a master of time management, create a schedule for each day of the week, e.g. when you’ll exercise, relax, study, spend time with family.

It’s impossible to follow the schedule to the minute. But you’ll be far more productive if you use the schedule as a rough framework, rather than not using a schedule at all.

16. Be realistic about what you can accomplish each day

Many students overestimate what they can accomplish each day. When they don’t manage to complete everything they intended to, they get discouraged. As a result, they lose the motivation to study.

So be realistic when you plan your day, and assume that there will be a few unforeseen interruptions.

17. Make time to reflect on a weekly basis

Once a week, take ten minutes to think about the week gone by.

Think about what went well and what didn’t go so well.

Decide what changes you’ll make in the coming week, and write them down.

18. For every homework assignment you receive, decide when you’re going to start working on it

Be as specific as possible, e.g. “I’m going to start working on the English essay this coming Wednesday at 4 p.m.”

This is far better than saying to yourself, “I’m going to start working on the English essay as soon as possible.”

(On a related note, you might be wondering: “When is the best time to study?” To answer that question, you can click that link and read an article I’ve written on the topic.)

19. Finish every homework assignment at least one to two days before it’s due

In this way, you’ll have time to check through your work thoroughly.

And just in case something urgent pops up at the last minute, you’ll still be able to complete the assignment on time.

20. Learn to say no

There’s an endless list of ways that you could spend your time.

This means that you must learn to say no to the things that aren’t aligned with your priorities.

Get in the habit of saying no more often. If you need ideas as to how you can say no both politely and firmly, check out this article.

21. Determine when you’re most productive, and work on your hardest assignments during that time

Do you work best in the afternoon? Or are you most productive at night?

Work on your hardest assignments and projects during your most productive hours of the day. This is a powerful way to make the most of your time.

22. In your calendar, block out time for homework and studying

As the saying goes, “If it doesn’t get scheduled, it doesn’t get done.”

If you’re serious about effective time management, then block out time in your schedule for homework and studying.

23. Remove all distractions from your study table

If there are magazines, books, souvenirs, toys, etc. on or near your study table, which distract you while you’re studying, then remove them.

Put them at the other end of the room, or move them to another room.

(Go ahead, do it right now!)

24. Get eight hours of sleep every night

Research has proven that a lack of sleep affects your concentration, memory, mood, and overall health.

Do you want to learn how to study productively? Then make sure that you get at least eight hours of sleep every night.

(Students always tell me that it’s impossible to get eight hours of sleep a night. But if you apply all the tips in this article, I’m sure you’ll be able to!)

25. Prepare for class every day

Every day, think about the classes you’ll be attending in school the following day.

Take a few minutes to skim through the notes from the previous class, as well as the notes for the upcoming class (assuming you already have them).

This way, you’ll be well prepared for each class, which means that you’ll gain more from what is taught.

26. Exercise at least three times a week

Exercise boosts your memory and brain function.

So make it a priority to exercise at least three times a week or more.

By ensuring that your brain is functioning optimally, you’ll be able to concentrate better and manage your time better too.

27. Write down all your test dates and assignment due dates in your calendar

As mentioned in Point #6, don’t rely on your brain as a storage device.

Write down all important dates in your calendar, e.g. tests, exams, assignment and project due dates.

When you do this consistently, you won’t be caught off-guard a day before an assignment is due.

28. Set reminders for when to start studying for tests

It’s a good idea to set a reminder or make a note in your calendar as to when you’ll start preparing for an upcoming test.

This makes it more likely that you’ll start studying for the test early. As a result, you’ll experience less test-related stress.

29. Review new information you’ve learned within 24 hours

This is crucial if you want to move the information to your long-term memory.

Furthermore, by reviewing the new information within 24 hours, you’ll also be able to identify which concepts you don’t fully understand. You can then apply Tip #5.

30. For projects and big assignments, always be clear about what the next step is

One of the main reasons that students procrastinate is that they aren’t clear what exactly they should do next for a project or assignment.

I recommend that you keep a list of “next actions” for each project or big assignment, so that you always know what you ought to do next.

31. Never skip classes

I know… when the teacher is boring or the material is uninteresting to you, it’s so tempting to skip class.

But resist the temptation.

If you skip classes, you’ll need to spend more time in the long run catching up. In addition, during class your teacher will highlight the key concepts. This will make it easier for you to understand the material.

32. If you’re feeling unmotivated, change your studying environment

There’s no harm in mixing it up once in a while to give you a boost in productivity.

On weekdays, you might decide to do all of your homework and studying at home. While on weekends, you might decide to go to a nearby library or café for a change in environment.

33. If a task takes less than three minutes to complete, do it right away

Many tasks fall in this category: sending a file to your classmate via email, asking your parents to sign a consent form, clearing the clothes off of your room floor.

Once you get a chance to perform the task, do it immediately. This will ensure that these small tasks don’t pile up and become overwhelming.

34. Create a study plan for every test and exam

Don’t just tell yourself that you’ll study hard for an upcoming test.

After all, studying hard isn’t the same as studying intelligently.

I recommend that you create a study plan where you list specifically what you’ll do to prepare for the test. Create a rough timeline to go along with the plan as well.

35. Put a clock on your study table

Students often lose track of time while they’re studying or doing their homework.

I recommend that you put a clock on your study table so that you’re always aware of the time.

Being aware of the time is vital if you want to become a student who’s an expert at time management.

36. Eliminate any perfectionist tendencies

Students who are perfectionists are also the ones who are most likely to procrastinate on schoolwork.

If you’re a perfectionist, set a rule for yourself that you can only work on one task at a time, and that you must complete the task before moving on to another task.

This way, you won’t jump from one task to another, while making little progress overall.

37. Clear your study table at least once every two days

Scientists have found that physical clutter makes it harder for you to concentrate.

My own experiences tell me that this is true too, which is why I do my best to keep my desk free of clutter.

I recommend that you clear your study table at least once every two days – once a day is even more ideal.

This will help you to be more focused and productive!

38. Write down your priorities and review them weekly

Take ten minutes to write down your priorities in life. (Don’t list more than four or five.)

Think about whether the way you spend your time is in line with these priorities.

Repeat this review process once a week to ensure that you stay on track.

39. Check your email and text messages just three to four times a day

For most students, checking and replying to text messages and emails takes an hour or two each day.

To become a more efficient student, make it a point to check your email and text messages just a few times each day.

40. Eat a healthy breakfast every single day

Eating a healthy breakfast has been linked to enhanced focus and mental performance.

This explains why successful students never skip breakfast!

41. Do deep breathing exercises for two to three minutes a day

Deep breathing improves focus and reduces stress.

Start with a couple of minutes of deep breathing a day, and increase gradually from there.

Read this article for the specifics on how to perform deep breathing exercises.

42. List your main distractions and time wasters, and eliminate them

Students often aren’t even aware what their main distractions and time wasters are.

So take a few minutes and think about what your biggest distractions are. Write them down on a sheet of paper, and come up with an action plan to eliminate – or at least reduce – them.

43. Set a fixed time to stop work each day

For example, you might decide that you’ll stop work at 9 p.m. every day.

Once you start keeping to this, you’ll notice that your time management has improved.

This is because having a fixed “stop time” every day keeps you focused on the tasks you need to complete. You won’t find yourself thinking that there’s still plenty of time to get the work done.

44. Hang out with motivated and productive people

As Jim Rohn once said, “You’re the average of the five people you spend most of your time with.”

Make it a point to hang out with motivated, passionate and productive people. You’ll become more like them over time.

You’ll also begin to say more positive things to yourself that will help you to be successful too.

45. Listen to Baroque music while you’re studying

Studies have shown that listening to certain kinds of Baroque music has a beneficial effect on learning.

I listen to Baroque music every time I do work, and I’ve found that it helps me to concentrate.

You can start by listening to the Baroque music found here.

Conclusion

“Time management” sounds like a simple concept, but it isn’t.

There are so many distractions in this digital age we live in. As such, it’s becoming harder and harder for students to master the art of time management.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to be a productive student. It just means that it’ll require effort on your part.

Effort to get rid of old studying-related habits.

Effort to form new studying-related habits.

Effort to keep on trying, even when you feel like you’ll never be a focused student.

This article is close to 3,000 words long. You’ve made it to the end, so I know you’re committed to putting in the necessary effort.

Apply the tips in this article one day at a time, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful student.

More than that, you would have developed the skills and habits that will enable you to make a greater contribution to society over the long run.

I wish you all the best on this meaningful journey!

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30 Organisational Tips for School (Finally Become an Organised Student!)

Updated on January 6, 2026 By Daniel Wong 41 Comments

Life as a student is busy.

So when you’re in school, applying organisational tips can have a big impact on how you perform.

If you’re not organised and you feel like you’re not on top of things, you’ll be stressed.

You might end up working late and sleeping less, but this isn’t a good idea.

Getting organised for school is all about developing good study habits and systems.

Through my experiences, I’ve come up with these 30 simple tips that will help students to become structured, productive, and effective.

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How to be organised in school (and outside of school, too)

These school-related organisational tips are all about using systems and routines to stay on track.

Implementing these tips will enable you to get your work done on time, be fully prepared for tests, and still have time to relax.

1. Develop a routine

Consistency is the key to student success. So write down your general weekly schedule and create a routine.

Include things like when you’ll do your homework, when you’ll review the things you’ve learned, when you’ll exercise, and so on.

It’s not possible to stick to a routine 100% of the time, but at least set up the framework to keep you focused and on track.

2. Set rules for yourself

Set some very specific rules for yourself. These could be things like “complete all projects and assignments at least two days before they are due” or “start studying for tests at least one week in advance”.

Review your rules once a month and adjust them if necessary.

3. Write everything down

No one has a perfect memory, and trying to remember everything is stressful. So make a habit of writing down all your events, meetings, ideas, and things you need to do.

Use a notebook or planner, or try an app like Google Keep or Any.do that you can use on your phone and computer.

To be organised in school, choose the method you’ll use most consistently.

When you write everything down, you’ll be less anxious because you won’t be relying on your brain as a storage device.

4. Create your own deadline that is before the actual deadline

Create your own deadlines and put them in your planner or calendar. Having your own deadline reduces stress for you as a student. You’ll also be more likely to submit your best work.

Don’t treat the actual deadline as the deadline. Set your own deadline one or two days before, and plan accordingly.

This will help you because you probably already experience enough stress related to taking tests and exams!

5. Work on one task at a time; don’t multitask

One of the most important organisational tips for students is to focus on one task at a time.

Multitasking seems like a good idea because you can pretend that you’re working twice as hard.

We all get bored of the tasks we’re working on, so jumping about seems more fun.

The problem is that it doesn’t result in the best outcomes.

Here’s what I recommend: Take a scrap piece of paper and write down the task you’re working on right now, e.g. Math assignment, questions 1 to 5.

Put that scrap piece of paper on your study table, to serve as a reminder for you to stay focused on the task at hand.

6. Use the following websites and apps . . .

Test out the following websites and apps to make studying fun, keep you organised, and remove distractions.

Habitica

Habitica is an app that turns your goals into a fun game. It makes it more likely that you’ll stick to your goals and enjoy the process too.

MyStudyLife

This app replaces a planner and helps you organise your schedule, tasks and exam preparation. It also sends you reminders of upcoming events.

7. Use a planner

I recommend that you put the planner on your desk once you get to class and leave it there throughout the school day. This makes it more likely that you’ll use it because it’s right in front of you.

If you leave your planner in your backpack, you may feel like it’s too troublesome to take it out to use.

Put everything in your planner: homework, test and exam dates, family events, social events, etc. This way, you’ll be far more organised.

If you’re allowed to use your phone or computer in class, then you can use Google Calendar, Google Keep, or MyStudyLife instead of a hard copy planner.

8. Declutter once a week

Your physical space should be organised for things to do with school, including your notes and assignments.

At the end of each week, look through all the papers, notes, brochures, and other things you’ve accumulated. Recycle or throw away all the things you don’t need.

Clutter attracts clutter. So if you declutter once a week, you’ll be more likely to stay organised in general. You’ll also find it easier to stay focused.

9. Put sticky notes on the front door to help you remember things

You can use this organisational tip for school-related things you don’t want to forget, such as bringing an extra T-shirt or asking your parents to sign a consent form.

Put a sticky note on the front door. The note can have just the key word written on it, like “T-shirt” or “Form”. This will make it almost guaranteed that you’ll remember.

10. Keep one notebook and one binder for each subject

Take all your notes for one subject in one notebook. When you run out of space, start a new notebook. Label each notebook clearly, e.g. History Notebook 1, History Notebook 2. This will make it easy for you to find the information you need in the future.

Doing this will help you stay organised in school.

I discourage you from taking notes on loose sheets of paper. I also discourage you from using only one notebook, in which you take notes across all your different subjects.

Make a habit of keeping one binder for each subject and filing your assignments and printed notes according to type. File all your assignments together in sequential order, followed by your printed notes, which should also be filed together in sequential order.

(Here are some tips on how to properly take notes.)

11. Bring an accordion folder to school every day

This accordion folder is for your daily use.

Create one section of the accordion folder for each subject, and label each section clearly.

I recommend reserving the front section for incomplete homework, so the homework will be easy to find.

12. Do filing once a week

At the end of each week, transfer all the printed notes, assignments, etc. from the accordion folder to the respective subject’s binder.

Doing this weekly is a good practice, to ensure that your accordion folder doesn’t get too full or messy.

13. Do five minutes of daily planning each day

Before you start doing your homework or studying for a test, look at your planner first. Take note of all upcoming deadlines, and think about your schedule for the rest of the day.

Then you can decide what specific tasks to work on for the day. Doing daily planning will ensure that you’re always working on the most important tasks, and that you don’t leave anything out.

14. Learn to say no

Organisational tips can help you balance your school life with other activities, but only up to a point.

If you want to be an organised, effective student, you can’t say yes to everything – there will always be trade-offs you’ll need to make.

So decide on the boundaries you want to set for yourself. Decide how many times you’ll go out with your friends each week, how many days each week you’ll devote to extracurricular activities, and what your priorities are.

Then practise saying no to protect these boundaries. And don’t feel guilty when you say no! Remember, it’s not about being a busy student; it’s about being an effective student.

15. Block out time in your schedule for the things that matter most

Blocking out time in your schedule is a critical time management strategy for students.

If you don’t do this, other things which are less important will fill your schedule.

In your calendar or planner, block out time for things like family events, religious activities, volunteering, and studying.

Then honour these commitments and stick to your schedule as much as possible.

16. Break down big tasks into smaller tasks

Breaking down big tasks and projects makes them seem less overwhelming and more manageable.

Doing this also makes it clearer what your specific next step is, so you’ll be less likely to procrastinate on your assignments.

Here’s an example. Rather than telling yourself that you need to write your paper fast, break it down into smaller tasks like:

Read 10 articles on the topic for research
Write outline
Write introduction
Write main point #1
Write main point #2
Write main point #3
Write conclusion
Proofread the paper
Adjust the formatting, layout, etc. of the paper
Submit paper

17. Once a week, review the upcoming events in your planner/calendar

Each week, take a few minutes to see what important events and deadlines are coming up over the next month. This will help to ensure that you don’t overlook any important projects, tests, or assignments.

Reviewing your schedule helps you to stay on top of things. It also keeps you calm and in control, and allows you to adjust your daily and weekly priorities.

18. If a task takes two minutes or less to do, do it immediately

The “two-minute rule” was popularised by productivity expert David Allen. When you follow this rule, small tasks don’t pile up and become overwhelming.

Things like texting a friend, sending your classmate some information via email, or asking your parents to sign a consent form are all quick tasks that take less than two minutes to complete.

When you do these tasks immediately, you’ll feel a sense of achievement too.

19. Clear your desk at the end of each day

This organisational tip only takes a minute to do and prevents clutter from building up. I recommend doing this when you’re done with your homework or studying for the day.

It will make it easier for you to find what you need when you next sit down to work.

In addition, when you have a neat desk, you’ll concentrate better and feel more motivated to study.

20. Develop a specific plan for every upcoming test and exam

Don’t just tell yourself that you’ll study hard for the test or exam.

That’s too vague, and you may feel as if you’re never prepared enough.

Instead, develop a plan. Write down what resources you’re going to use, how many practice questions or exam papers you intend to do, how many times you plan to read the notes, what study tips you’ll put into practice, etc.

Write all the steps down on a sheet of paper and create a rough timeline as well.

When you’ve completed everything on your plan, you’ll know that you’re well prepared. By always having a plan, you’ll learn faster and be more efficient.

21. Create a conducive environment at home for studying

To be an effective and organised student, set up a dedicated study area at home.

You need to have the right environment to work. You need all the necessary materials, stationery, paper and study tools. You also need a suitable table and lamp.

And if you want to be productive, you definitely shouldn’t study on your bed! That’s one of the most common reasons for feeling sleepy while studying.

22. Before you start work, eliminate all distractions

Take a moment and think about the distractions you typically face when you’re trying to study. Common ones include text messages, notifications on your phone, social media, YouTube, books, and magazines.

Remove these distractions before you get to work. Put your phone in another room, turn off Internet access on your computer, and put the books and magazines at the other end of the room.

23. Use a stopwatch or timer

School organisational tips include making the most of your time.

When you want to have a productive study session, use a timer to help you focus. Using a timer adds a sense of urgency.

Try working in blocks of 30 to 40 minutes, followed by a short break. If you’re up for it, set a timer for your breaks too, so that you don’t take a 45-minute break when you only intended to take a 10-minute break.

24. Double-check that you’ve completed all the homework that’s due the next day

Set a recurring reminder so that you’ll do this every school day in the mid-afternoon.

This will prevent you from scrambling at the last minute or pulling an all-nighter just to get the assignment done.

25. Every day, review all the new information you learned in school earlier that day

A quick review of the key concepts should only take you about 20 minutes.

Doing this helps to ensure understanding, so you stay on top of the material.

If you really can’t do this review on the same day, do it the following day while the information is still fresh in your mind.

26. Keep an ongoing list of the questions you have about the class material

As you read your notes and the textbook, keep a list of the things you don’t understand and the questions you have. As soon as you’re able to, ask your teachers about the items on your list.

If you do this consistently, you won’t need to spend so much time studying for tests and exams, because you already understand the information.

27. Every school night, pack your backpack for the following day

This way, you won’t have to scramble in the morning to pack. Set a reminder on your phone or put a Post-It note on your desk to ensure that you do this every school night.

Create a checklist for the things you need to remember to bring to school, and put the checklist somewhere accessible.

28. Wake up a little bit earlier each morning so you don’t have to rush

For most students, waking up 5 to 10 minutes earlier is enough to avoid the unnecessary stress of rushing in the morning.

When you rush, you often forget things – which means that your day doesn’t start well. Top students go to bed early, get at least eight hours of sleep every night, and set their alarm so they wake up a bit earlier.

I recommend that you put the alarm clock at the other end of the room, so you won’t be tempted to snooze. I also recommend using the Alarmy app if you use your phone as an alarm clock. It’s the best alarm clock app I’ve ever used!

You can get Alarmy for your Android or iOS device.

29. Every school night, pick out the clothes you’re going to wear the following day

If you wear a school uniform to go to school, then this organisational tip is easy to apply. But it still saves you time.

Take your school uniform or the clothes you’ll wear the following day, and hang them somewhere easily accessible, like on the door knob of your room door.

This only takes you a minute to do, but makes the morning that much less stressful.

30. Make your bed every morning

This is a small victory to start the day.

It sets the tone for the day and will help you to be more productive overall.

Even this US Navy admiral recommends this simple tip as a way of improving your motivation and focus!

Get organised for school, one step at a time

This is a long article that might leave you feeling overwhelmed, especially if you’re not already an organised student.

So take one step at a time.

Start by identifying which areas you need to work on, and then prioritise them.

Adopt one new habit in the coming week. Once you’re comfortable with that habit, adopt one more.

Remember that no one is perfect. Your journey as a student – and in life, too – is always about progress, not perfection.

Start making progress toward becoming an organised and focused student today!

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Top 22 Useful Websites for Students

Updated on January 6, 2026 By Daniel Wong 1 Comment

The Internet.

Is there a better gift for students?

It allows you to keep in touch with friends, and it also gives you something to do when you’ve completed your schoolwork.

Without the Internet, life would be more dull.

You might love the Internet as a way to relax, but there’s also a lot that it can do to help you improve your study habits and make you more successful.

The following list contains the top useful websites to enable you to get organized, develop new skills, and plan for the future.

So the next time you take a break, check out some of these websites!

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Scheduling, Organization, and Personal Effectiveness

1. MyStudyLife

MyStudyLife is a free app that lets you coordinate your calendar and to-do list.

Designed especially for schools, this is a planner that can be customized for rotating schedules and long-term assignments.

You can even set up reminders about your homework due dates and store assignments in the cloud, so they’re always accessible.

2. Habitica

Habitica is a free app that turns your focused study goals into a game.

Do you want to study a certain number of minutes each day?

Or do you want to finally get down to writing that English essay?

Add it as a goal to Habitica, and it turns into a monster to be slain in the game.

You’ll also get to work with groups of like-minded students, which will make your schoolwork more fun.

3. Todoist

Todoist is my favorite app for organizing my to-do list.

Its clean look keeps you focused, and the app allows you to organize tasks into categories like household chores, reading lists, and long-term projects.

You can access Todoist from any device, so you’ll always have your to-do list with you.

4. Google Calendar

In addition to an ongoing list of assignments, you also need to keep track of your busy schedule of extracurricular activities, family commitments, etc.

Google Calendar is an easy way to do that.

You can even set up alerts and reminders so that you’re always on top of things.

5. Dropbox

If you’re in love with Microsoft Word and don’t want to be limited by Google Docs, Dropbox is the perfect solution for you.

Once you set up a Dropbox account, you can access your work from any computer or device, so you can always get your work done.

You can also share documents with friends or group members — their edits show up instantly for convenient group work.

6. Slack

Speaking of group work, Slack is the app for getting projects done when you and your group members can’t all be together 24 hours a day.

Slack allows you to set up a dedicated space for group texts and document sharing, so you have everything you need in one place.

The app allows you to get your projects done without worrying about being able to coordinate schedules — which is nearly impossible when your friends are just as busy as you are.

Acquiring Knowledge and Skills

7. UnplugTheTV

If you need a break, you don’t have to watch mindless TV shows filled with commercials.

Instead, head over to UnplugTheTV.com, where you’ll find an informative and entertaining featured video explaining one of the world’s great mysteries.

There are at least two new videos added every day, so you’ll never get bored.

8. EdX

Want to take free college courses from some of the best universities in the world?

EdX makes it possible.

From music theory to computer programming, you can pursue your passions and get a head start on college skills from professors at Harvard, MIT, and Berkeley, to name just a few of the universities involved in the program.

9. Coursera

Like EdX, Coursera offers online classes taught by university professors and designed to give you a head start on college.

Though some lectures are available for free, full courses with feedback from professors carry a fee — but financial aid is available.

10. Udacity

If you love technology and want to be a maker, Udacity’s courses in coding and tech are for you.

The courses are designed for real-life work in the tech world.

Your school probably doesn’t offer any courses similar to these, so taking a Udacity course is an excellent way to get a jump on industry knowledge.

11. Academic Earth

Academic Earth is another website that offers plenty of online courses, with classes available in everything from accounting to sociology.

Academic Earth also provides an entertaining “Video Electives” section, as well as information on what to expect from a degree course in any subject.

This can help you to plan what you might want to study further down the road.

12. Codecademy

Codecademy has just one mission: to teach you to code.

Their interactive online courses are broken down into bite-sized lessons and cover topics such as building a web page and learning to code in different computer languages.

If you’ve ever wanted to create your own app or website, this is the perfect way to get started.

13. Lynda

Lynda is an online video library packed with instructional material on various topics.

A good deal of the content is aimed at entrepreneurs and businesspeople, but there are also computer literacy courses and creative options like Photoshop tutorials.

14. Udemy

Like many of these online course websites, Udemy offers a wide range of subjects in its library for a relatively small fee.

What sets Udemy apart is its easy-to-use app, which makes keeping coursework in your pocket a breeze.

They also have a good selection of personal development courses to teach you everything from speed-reading to leadership skills.

15. Instructables

Sometimes you just want to make something, whether it’s related to craft, food, or electronics.

Instructables are detailed, step-by-step directions to help you build just about anything.

It’s an especially good place to learn basic skills like cooking, sewing, and carpentry.

Resources for School

16. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is such a useful resource that your teachers may have already recommended it as a way of getting extra help with your academics.

They offer free online courses and videos. Because the videos are broken down by specific topics, it’s easy to get information on that grammar rule or complex science topic with just a quick search.

17. Koofers

Koofers has an incredible database of practice tests, flashcards, and study guides to help you prepare for exams.

Although it’s geared toward undergraduates, younger students can access the material to study for their own classes and get a taste of what to expect in the future.

18. SparkNotes

When you need help understanding that Shakespeare play or another work of literature assigned in class, SparkNotes is your go-to website.

They have detailed study guides to break down the plot, characters, and themes of just about anything your English teacher might assign.

SparkNotes also has guides for other subjects too.

Improving Writing

19. The Online Writing Lab (OWL)

This is a fantastic resource for everything you need to know about grammar, punctuation, and writing papers.

At the OWL, you’ll find in-depth descriptions and samples of works-cited formatting, as well as explanations of why certain grammar rules are important.

Free Books

20. The Online Books Page

This enormous database of free online books covers centuries of fiction and non-fiction, with new titles added regularly.

It’s a good place to begin in-depth research or browse for a new book by your favourite author. (If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s my list of the top 20 best books for students.)

Planning for Your Future Career

21. MyMajors

If you’re not sure what path to take in your future studies, MyMajors will help you figure it out.

Based on your answers to an aptitude test to determine your strengths and interests, you’ll get recommendations for courses of study and access to a database of universities.

22. ASVAB Career Exploration Program

When you’re totally focused on academics, it can be easy to forget that one day you’ll need to translate your knowledge and interests into a practical career.

This is where the ASVAB Career Exploration Program comes in.

It provides an interest inventory to take stock of how you like to spend your time, which will point you in the direction of careers that you’ll find enjoyable and engaging.

Conclusion

With all of these websites at your fingertips, it’s easier than ever to put your time on the Internet to good use. As a student, this is an important part of managing your time well.

Whether you plan to focus on doing well in the classes you’re taking or would rather explore a new topic of interest, there’s something on this list for everyone.

So the next time you have some free time, check out a few of these websites.

Turn this into part of your personal development plan, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a more organized, knowledgeable, and successful student!

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40 Good Habits for Students to Practise Every Day

Updated on September 30, 2024 By Daniel Wong 56 Comments

Why are some students more successful than others?

While there are many possible reasons, it often comes down to one thing…

They know the good habits for students they ought to practise.

Students with good habits achieve the most success. These habits give them the structure they need to reach their goals.

So I’ve created a list of 40 good habits for students to practise every day.

As you develop these habits, you’ll become a happier, healthier and more successful student.

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Here are the best habits for students

Good habits for students are ones that will serve you well in all areas of your life, not just in school.

The following list includes habits to improve your physical health, motivation, self-discipline, and more.

1. Write down the three to five most important tasks to accomplish for the day.

Without a written list to help you stay on track, it’s easy to overlook and put off important tasks.

By writing down your three to five most important tasks for the day, you’ll focus on the critical tasks, not just the urgent ones.

If you want to study smart and become more productive, start cultivating this habit today.

2. Update your calendar with key dates and events.

A calendar is a great way to stay on schedule, day after day, while also planning for the future.

Using a calendar for things related to school is one of the most important habits for students to stay organised.

You can use a physical calendar or an online one like Google Calendar to record test dates, project submission deadlines, term breaks, etc.

This way, you’ll be on top of things at all times.

3. Work on your most challenging task during your most productive time of day.

Tackle your most challenging task when your mind and body are fresh.

This will ensure that you have the energy to complete the task most efficiently. It’ll make the rest of your day more productive too!

4. Write down at least one thing you’re thankful for.

Are you thankful for your friends? How about your family? What about your education?

Gratitude is a good habit for students to practise daily. It only takes a couple of minutes to write down something you’re thankful for.

But this useful habit will help you find long-term success and happiness.

5. Perform focused deep breathing for two minutes.

Stress can negatively impact academic performance, but there’s a quick solution to this.

Deep breathing is scientifically proven to reduce stress and even increase willpower.

So take just two minutes and perform focused deep breathing every day.

I recommend that you do these deep breathing exercises right before tests and exams to relieve stress as well.

6. Read your favourite inspirational quote.

For a quick boost of motivation to study, read your favourite inspirational quote.

My personal favourite is this one by Jim Rohn: “Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.” If you don’t have a favourite, here is a list for you to refer to.

7. Perform a random act of kindness.

You’ll feel better about yourself, as well as life in general, when you get into the excellent habit of performing a random act of kindness at least once a day.

This good habit for students to cultivate doesn’t require a lot of time.

It could be something as simple as giving someone a genuine compliment or giving up your seat on the bus.

8. Get five minutes of sun.

Be sure to include going outside in your list of healthy habits to practise.

There are many benefits of getting some sun every day.

For example, it improves brain function, enhances sleep quality, and reduces the risk of certain cancers.

So don’t spend your entire day cooped up inside!

9. Do something that scares you.

This is the best way to build courage and develop confidence.

Yes, it’s scary to face your fears, so I encourage you to start small. List your fears and decide on a tiny action you can take today to overcome just one of those fears.

10. Spend time with like-minded people whom you want to learn from.

As a student, you come in contact with many people throughout your day.

Spend time with like-minded individuals whom you want to learn from.

These people will change the way you think, while giving you advice about how to improve your life.

11. Eat breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up.

Eating breakfast is a healthy habit for students that you shouldn’t overlook.

It’s easy to find a reason to skip breakfast, but this is a mistake.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and you should eat it within 30 minutes of rising.

This will give you the energy you need to take on the day.

12. Drink at least eight glasses of water.

The health benefits of drinking water are tremendous. Everyone knows they should drink eight glasses of water a day, but few people actually do this.

Make this a habit and your body will thank you down the road.

13. Exercise for at least 15 minutes.

You may not have time to hit the gym for an hour or two, but a short burst of daily exercise is an essential healthy habit for students.

Everyone can find 15 minutes in their day to exercise.

This can be as simple as going for a brisk walk or doing some calisthenics.

Over time, you’ll find that you’re more energetic and that you fall sick less often too.

14. Go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every day.

It’s hard to be well-rested when your sleep schedule is all over the place.

You might find it hard to go to bed and wake up at exactly the same time every day, but try to stay within a 30-minute window.

15. Get at least eight hours of sleep every night.

Getting enough sleep is a healthy habit that many students struggle to incorporate in their lives.

Most people need at least eight hours of sleep every night in order to function optimally.

So set your schedule to ensure that you’re working toward this goal.

(Learn how getting eight hours of sleep a night helped me to become a better – and happier – student.)

16. Follow a bedtime routine.

If you lack a bedtime routine, you may find it difficult to wind down and enter “sleep mode”.

Establish a routine that you can follow, night in and night out. This can be as simple as:

Take a shower
Dim the lights
Put on some relaxing music
Read a few pages of your favourite book
Journal for a few minutes
Turn off the lights

17. Set up your phone so that you receive reminders for things you have to do.

With a reminder or task app like Todoist, you can turn your phone into your personal assistant.

Set up your device to remind you of things you have to do, a meeting you have scheduled with your advisor, or a phone call you need to make.

18. If you’re trying to change a bad habit, set up a reward and punishment system.

Bad habits are hard to break. To give yourself an extra incentive, set up a reward and punishment system.

When you make progress, reward yourself. But when you take a step back, enforce a punishment. This holds you accountable, allowing you to change the habit sooner rather than later.

19. If you don’t understand something that was taught in school, clarify your doubts on that same day.

Even the best students don’t understand everything at first.

If you don’t understand a particular concept that your teacher talked about in class, clarify your doubts that same day. This good habit will ensure that you keep up with the material.

20. Create a study plan for any upcoming tests or exams.

Without a study plan to enable you to concentrate, you’ll lack the structure you need to best prepare for an upcoming test or exam.

Make your plan clear and specific, and add in timelines too.

If there’s one study tip you should implement, it’s this one!

21. Be at least five minutes early for every appointment.

Arriving late for an appointment is never a good idea.

It’s a good habit for students to arrive five minutes early for every appointment, as this will ease your stress and show the other person how much you care about the appointment.

22. Review your homework list.

There’s nothing worse than finding out you have an assignment due the next day that you haven’t even started on.

Guard against this by keeping your homework list current and combining it with reminders on your phone (see Point #17 above).

23. Before you start work, make sure you have all the materials and resources you need.

Organisation is essential to reaching your goals.

Before you start any task, make sure you have everything you need, e.g., notes, stationery, textbook, calculator.

Not only will this keep you organised for school-related tasks, it will also help you avoid unnecessary distractions and interruptions.

24. When memorising information, use mnemonic devices whenever possible.

For example, if you’re trying to memorise the electromagnetic spectrum, you might use this mnemonic device:

Ricky (Radio)
Martin (Microwaves)
Is (Infrared)
Very (Visible)
Unique (Ultraviolet) and
eXtremely (X-rays)
Glamorous (Gamma rays)

Such mnemonic devices help you to learn information faster, while aiding in recall too.

25. Focus on one task at a time; don’t multitask.

Research shows that multitasking negatively affects productivity. If you think you’re more productive by multitasking, you’re just tricking yourself.

So choose one task to work on and stick with it until you’re done. This study habit alone will make you a much better student!

26. Before you get down to work, remove all distractions.

There are many things you can do to avoid distractions while studying.

Before you begin your study session, remove as many distractions as possible, e.g., phone, Internet, games, unnecessary notes on your study table.

27. Break down a big task into several smaller ones.

A big task, such as a 10-page report, can be intimidating. But if you break that task down into 10 writing sessions of one page each, you’ll find it much easier to complete the report.

Adopt this approach and you’ll gradually overcome your habit of procrastination.

28. Whenever possible, do your regular homework at the same time and place every day.

Just as you should establish a sleep routine, you should also establish a homework routine to ensure that you don’t procrastinate.

Have a time and place for completing your regular homework, as this will improve your overall productivity and allow you to get your homework done faster.

29. Check through your homework after you’ve completed it.

As you reach the end of a homework assignment, you’ll probably begin to think about what you’re going to do during your break.

But don’t mark the assignment as “complete” until you’ve checked through it for mistakes.

This little bit of extra effort will pay off in the long run!

30. Take regular breaks – at least one every hour.

Research shows that taking regular breaks improves attention and productivity.

Taking one break an hour will keep you fresh, allowing you to work at your peak concentration for a longer period of time.

31. Give yourself a small reward after you complete each major task.

Reward systems don’t just work for young children.

Students benefit from such systems as well, as it gives you the incentive to work through a task in a timely manner.

32. Organise your notes and assignments.

Being organised is essential to succeeding in school, so establish good habits for staying on top of your schoolwork.

Take just 5 to 10 minutes every day to organise your notes and assignments.

When it’s time to prepare for your next test or exam, you won’t find yourself looking all over the place just to find the resources you need.

33. Clear your study table at the end of each day.

When your day comes to an end, clear your study table so that you’ll have a fresh start the following day.

You don’t want your day to start with a desk full of clutter, because this will likely make you feel unmotivated.

34. Read for at least 10 minutes a day.

With so many benefits of reading – from reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease to lowering stress levels – it’s something you should do every day.

I recommend that you include reading as part of your bedtime routine (see Point #16).

35. Whenever you face a problem, ask yourself: “What is one thing I can do right now to make the situation better?”

This is a difficult habit to get into, as many people instinctively shy away from a problem or try to think past it.

Don’t do this. Instead, find the one thing you can do right now to make the situation better.

This may not solve your problem immediately, but it will put you on the road to doing so.

36. Ask for help, if necessary.

This doesn’t mean you should always rely on others for answers, but there’s nothing wrong with reaching out for help when you’re stuck.

Furthermore, research shows that asking for advice makes a good impression on others.

37. Learn something outside the syllabus.

School has a syllabus, but life doesn’t. Learning for the sake of learning is an excellent habit for students to cultivate that will last a lifetime.

Every day, strive to learn something outside the school syllabus. I encourage you to read a book, take an online course, or learn a new skill.

There are so many resources available on the Internet, so the information is really just a click away.

38. Spend a few minutes reflecting on the day gone by.

At the end of each day, take the time to look back and reflect on what happened during the day.

Did you make progress toward your goals? What were your successes and failures? What good (and not-so-good) decisions did you make?

This simple habit of reflection will help you to get better, day by day.

39. Spend at least 15 minutes talking to your family.

You probably already know you should do this.

Family is one of the most important things in the world, so don’t take it for granted.

40. Spend 20 minutes doing something relaxing.

Maybe you enjoy listening to music to relax your mind and body. Or maybe you enjoy reading.

Whatever you prefer, give yourself 20 minutes a day to do something relaxing. This will help you to be a calm, relaxed, and positive person.

Start with just one new good habit

As you review this list of good habits for students to practise daily, remember that you’re always in a position to make a change.

It takes 21 days or more to develop a new habit, so there’s no such thing as overnight success.

But the process will be worth it.

Just make sure you don’t pick up any bad study habits along the way, which will hold your progress back.

As you develop good habits, you’ll experience positive changes. You’ll become a healthier, more productive, and more successful student. So get started today! 🙂

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Top Students Who Sleep 8 Hours a Night Use These 10 Principles

Updated on January 6, 2026 By Daniel Wong 68 Comments

Students who want to be top students are busy.

You’ve got homework to do, projects to complete, extra classes to attend, and responsibilities to fulfill.

It’s not easy to lead a balanced life and get excellent grades, too. No wonder you’re sleep-deprived!

Want to hear some good news?

It doesn’t have to be this way.

You can become a top student and sleep eight hours a night. I know because I was that student.

I’ve since completed my formal education. But, if you’re curious, here are some of my academic achievements:

I got 9 A1s for the GCE O-Levels.
I got 4 As and 2 “Special” Paper distinctions for the GCE A-Levels.
I received a full academic scholarship to study at Duke University in the USA.
I did a double major at Duke and graduated summa cum laude (First Class Honours). My GPA was 3.98/4.0.
I was inducted into three academic honour societies at Duke.

I don’t say all of this to brag — and I certainly don’t think these achievements make me a super-impressive person.

Neither do I believe the main aim of education is to become a top student.

However, by becoming a better student, you’ll learn to become more organised, focused, disciplined, and meticulous — valuable skills and qualities for lifelong success.

If you continually feel overwhelmed, you’re probably sleep-deprived, spending too much time on urgent tasks. Top students know this, so they focus on getting assignments done before they become urgent.

Apply the 10 principles outlined in this article, and I guarantee that you’ll study more effectively, feel less stressed, and have more time for the things you love outside of school — including sleep.

(Don’t forget to download your free quick action guide below.)

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“I want to sleep, but I have homework”

I’ve worked with thousands of students around the world, and many are quick to say:

“I want to sleep, but I have homework. There just aren’t enough hours in the day!”

I get it. You’re a busy student who wants to have an excellent GPA, so you sacrifice sleep. And you’re not alone. Studies show that some 85% of students are sleep deprived.

So, the only way to become a top student is to go to bed later and wake up earlier, right?

Well, not exactly…

Here’s the truth: If you want to do better in school, you must get enough sleep. In fact, if you’ve ever wondered how to avoid sleepiness while studying, that’s probably because you don’t get enough sleep in the first place.

Sleep is crucial to physical health, brain function, and learning.

Eight hours of sleep a night is ideal, but some students need closer to nine. Plus, it’s not just how much you sleep — how well you sleep matters, too.

I know some of you are thinking: “Eight hours of sleep sounds incredible… but also impossible.”

The secret to enjoying a good night’s sleep and academic success is studying smarter, not harder.

Top students prioritise their sleep and adjust their study routines accordingly.

So how do you study smarter? Here are just a few tips to start with:

Space out your studying. Don’t wait until the last moment to cram for exams or finish assignments.
Find a study space that works for you — ideally one where you won’t be distracted.
Remember that reading isn’t studying. Reading is a good first step, but you must actively engage with the material to learn it.

What do top students do differently?

You now know it’s possible to get eight hours of sleep a night and still do well in school.

What do top students do differently to make this possible? Here are some typical traits of straight-A students:

1. Top students are disciplined

Top students don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to get started. Instead, they create a study schedule and stick to it — even when they don’t feel like it.

You’ve got a lot competing for your attention. If you find it challenging to stay focused, these strategies will help you become a disciplined student.

2. Top students value delayed gratification

Delayed gratification means putting off something fun now so you can gain something even more rewarding later.

Sure, you could watch TV or play video games for hours every day. But that will only make you feel good for a while.

How about committing to a study schedule and learning test-taking strategies? That’s going to have long-lasting benefits.

3. Top students have good study habits

Creating a weekly routine is one of the best ways to make good study habits a way of life. Without structure, maximum productivity is impossible — and will likely lead to bad grades.

Remember, we want to study smarter, not harder. I’ll explain how to create a foolproof study routine later in this article.

4. Top students know how to motivate themselves

Does it sometimes seem impossible to start studying? Like you’re dragging a sack of heavy stones as you shuffle to your desk?

We all have days when we make excuses that prevent us from succeeding or excuses for not doing homework. These are moments when we struggle with our lack of willpower. That’s why you can’t wait for inspiration to strike.

Instead, you must learn how to motivate yourself to study, no matter how you feel.

I suggest writing down all of the reasons why you want to study hard, which may include reasons such as:

I want to do my best.
I want to develop a better work ethic.
I want to prepare for my future.
I want to learn as much as I can.
I want to be equipped to contribute more in the future.

Put the list somewhere you can see it. When you’re having trouble finding the willpower to open that textbook, read your list. It’ll motivate you to study when you need it the most.

In Principle #6 below, I share more practical ways to motivate yourself when you need encouragement.

How to be a top student

Now that you know what top students do differently, let’s explore the 10 principles I used to get straight A’s and still sleep eight hours a night.

Principle #1: Stick to a routine

Spontaneity is a good thing. But if you want to achieve maximum productivity and your academic goals, you’ve got to have structure.

Create a weekly routine. It’s one of the most important steps to becoming a top student with a school-life balance.

Here’s how to create a weekly routine that works for you:

1. Take out your calendar. (I use Google Calendar, but a hard-copy agenda also works.)
2. Create events in your calendar for all your fixed, recurring commitments — things like classes, extracurriculars, family events, and religious activities.
3. Set aside time daily for homework and studying. (Read my article about when is the best time to study.)
4. Schedule time each day for leisure, relaxation, going out with friends, and so on.

These “fixed” appointments in your calendar will serve as a helpful guide.

Sure, these appointments might change now and then. But instead of wasting valuable time wondering what to do next, you’ll have a structure to your week. You’ll get more done — and likely have more free time, too.

Principle #2: Write everything down

When I say “everything”, I mean it.

Productivity expert David Allen says, “Your brain is a thinking tool, not a storage device.”

Don’t trust your brain to recall information like:

Homework assignments
Project due dates
Test or exam dates
Family events
Project meeting dates/times
Miscellaneous tasks
Ideas that pop into your head

Have you ever forgotten a deadline or meeting? Of course — we all have! That’s because your brain doesn’t always remember such information perfectly.

So write it down in an “everything” list. You can use a notebook or an app like Google Keep. Then, follow this system:

1. Once a day, review your “everything” list.

Review your list after school. Keep your calendar handy. Depending on the item, do one of the following:

If it’s a date you need to keep track of, mark it down in your calendar.
If it’s a task that will take three minutes or less to complete, do it immediately.
If it’s a task that will take more than three minutes, schedule it as an appointment in your calendar.
If it’s an idea or information you’d like to keep for future reference, save it in a document in Dropbox or Google Drive.

This process only takes five to ten minutes a day, but will help you stay on top of your responsibilities. And it’s the system top students use to save valuable mental energy, too.

2. At the end of each day, plan for the following day.

Before you stop work for the day, review your “everything” list and calendar.

If there are any tasks you weren’t able to complete, make a new appointment to finish them. This way, you stay organised, and nothing falls to the last minute.

3. Every Sunday, review your upcoming events for the next two to three weeks.

Check your calendar every Sunday to review important events like tests, project due dates, or class presentations.

If necessary, note in your calendar when you need to begin preparations for the event.

For example, if you have a big history test in two weeks, you might make an appointment to start studying this coming Tuesday.

Principle #3: Make sleep and exercise a priority

You now know that sleep improves memory and learning. Well, so does exercise.

Sleep and exercise also lower the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and many other illnesses.

If you want to be a top student, you’ve got to prioritise sleep and exercise.

“Being busy” isn’t an excuse. After all, you always find time to eat and shower, right?

When I made it a priority to sleep eight hours every night at university, my concentration, memory, and mood improved — and so did my grades!

Because of my increased focus, I took on more responsibilities outside of school and still had a social life, too.

Here are some practical ways top students prioritise sleep and exercise:

Decide that sleep and exercise are non-negotiables (just like eating and showering).
Determine how much sleep and exercise you want to get.
Choose a consistent bedtime.
Set a daily alarm as a reminder to go to bed on time.
Schedule sleep and exercise into your calendar; make them part of your routine.
Make a rule that you aren’t allowed to use your phone in bed.
Remove all electronic devices from your bedroom.
Find an exercise partner.
Tell at least two or three people about your sleep and exercise goals.
Write down these goals.
Review these goals several times a week.

Don’t make too many changes at once. Start small and make gradual progress. Soon, you’ll be a better, happier, and healthier student!

Principle #4: Keep up with the work

It’s not always easy to stay on top of your work. But if you want to become a better student — and not one who is continually stressed — consistency is key.

Here are some practical tips I recommend to keep up with schoolwork:

1. Complete your homework at least a day or two before it’s due.

If you’re following Principle #2 and writing everything down, this should be manageable.

2. Skim new topics before your teacher covers them in class.

A day or two before you learn a new topic, skim through the relevant notes or textbook chapter. Pay attention to the learning objectives, headings, diagrams, and chapter summary.

You’ll get a good overview of the topic and grasp the new concepts more quickly in class.

3. Review any new information later the same day.

Let’s say you learned about respiration in biology class, the Treaty of Versailles in history class, and population dynamics in geography class.

Later in the day, review your notes and check your understanding of each topic. This way, you won’t fall behind.

4. Clarify your doubts immediately.

You’re reviewing your notes when you realise you don’t understand a specific concept. Write down your questions. As soon as possible, clarify your doubts with your teacher.

Don’t wait until the next test or exam to do this, as this will cause unnecessary anxiety.

Plus, anxious students are rarely top students. Set yourself up for success by asking questions when you have them.

5. Use online resources.

If you don’t understand your teacher, you can always turn to the Internet.

There are countless educational resources available online. These are three of my favourites:

6. Test yourself often.

After you’ve studied a topic:

Test yourself.
Check that you’ve memorised the relevant equations, definitions, concepts, and facts.
Do some practice questions to ensure you’ve mastered the topic.

7. Attend every single class.

Is your teacher the most boring instructor on the planet?

Attend class anyway.

Your teacher knows the material far better than you do as a student. Your teacher also knows which concepts are important. Attend every class, so you don’t waste time studying irrelevant information.

No matter how monotonous your teacher is, show up with a positive attitude, and you’ll learn something from each class.

8. When it comes to projects, always have a plan.

Do you rush to complete a project a few days before it’s due? That will lead to sleep deprivation and undone assignments.

If you want to become a top student, always make a plan. Start by identifying the following:

Objectives
Tasks
Sub-tasks
Milestones
Timelines

Then, use a tool like Asana or Trello to manage your projects. You’ll finish your tasks more efficiently and successfully.

9. Start your test preparation early.

You’re now following top students’ Principle #2, so you’re scheduling the dates you need to start studying for upcoming tests. Periodically review the topics, so you don’t need to cram for tests.

Before you start studying for an exam, clarify which topics your teacher will include, as well as the length and format of the test.

Armed with this knowledge, you can focus on studying the relevant information.

Principle #5: Focus on achieving progress, not perfection

Do you ever feel like you’re not making progress towards your goals? Or that your progress is too slow?

On your journey to becoming a top student, you’ll face challenges and disappointments.

Tests in which you underperform. Essays that your teacher doesn’t like. Group projects that turn out to be a mess.

Remember that the goal is progress, not perfection.

What does it mean to focus on the process?

Set process-based goals instead of outcome-based ones.

When you set process-based goals, you set yourself up for success. That’s because you can’t always control outcomes, but you can control processes.

Here are some examples of process-based goals:

Read one newspaper article and learn at least five new words a day.
Do at least two extra math practice questions a day.
Sleep at least seven hours a night on school nights.
Exercise for at least 10 minutes a day before dinner.
Check your social media feed a maximum of three times a day.
Study for at least two hours a day on weekdays and three hours a day on weekends.
Start preparing for tests at least two weeks in advance.

This way, you will continually work towards your academic goals without fixating on a specific outcome.

You’ll begin to enjoy the process of improving and developing — and be much more likely to get the results you want, too.

Now, I’m not saying the outcome doesn’t matter. But it’s the process that counts in the long run. So focus on continual progress, and, like other top students, you will accomplish your goals over time.

Principle #6: Stay motivated using practical strategies

No matter how badly you want to become a top student, there will be times when you don’t feel like studying. How do you stop procrastinating on your homework?

Even if you’re driven to reach your goals and you want to make your teachers proud, there will be moments when…

… you feel like lying in bed all day.

… you want to watch YouTube videos non-stop.

… you’d rather do anything other than schoolwork.

What’s a driven but unmotivated student to do on days like these?

Try these practical strategies to become a top student who gets things done no matter what:

Reward yourself when you finish a task.
Set a timer for three minutes. Get to work and tell yourself that you can stop after three minutes. (You’ll probably carry on with the task once you get started, though.)
Work in short blocks of 25 to 35 minutes.
Put up motivational quotes. My favourite is by Jim Rohn: “Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.”
Break tasks into smaller steps, so they’re not overwhelming.
Visualise how you’ll feel when you finish your task.
Keep a list of the tasks you’ve completed to remind yourself that you’re making progress.
Turn your schoolwork into a game. Give yourself five points for each task you complete, then reward yourself when you accumulate 20 points.
Join a study group of motivated students. Their ambition will rub off on you.
Get enough sleep. Tiredness and lack of motivation are linked. (Refer to Principle #3.)

Need some more tips? Here are 23 ideas for how to get motivated to study.

Principle #7: Learn to say “no”

Are you too busy?

I’ve worked with students who just have too much on their plate. They’re involved in countless extracurricular activities, from music to art to sports.

I don’t care how efficient you are. You’re not a robot — and you won’t be a well-rested top student if you’re juggling too many activities at once. Worse, you risk burn-out.

What’s the simple solution?

Learn to say “no”.

Here are some tips to help:

1. Develop various ways of saying “no” politely, so you’re equipped for every situation.

Here are some examples:

“Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m sorry I can’t make it.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that. Here’s what I can do instead.”
“Thanks for the invitation, but I’ll have to pass.”
“I appreciate you asking, but I apologise. I can’t help this time.”
“I’m sorry, those dates don’t work for me.”
“I’m sorry, my schedule is really packed for the next month.”
“That sounds like a great opportunity, but I’m sorry it’s not suitable for me.”
“I’m sorry, I’ve already made other plans.”
“I’d love to, but I’ve already committed to help __________ (friend, family member, etc.) out.”

2. Don’t participate in more than two to three extracurricular activities.

Whether it’s volunteering, learning a sport or musical instrument, or developing a new skill, only choose a couple at a time.

3. Categorise your friends and decide how much time to spend with each group.

Categorise your friends?

It might sound like a strange suggestion, but it’s an easier way to say no to social engagements that would otherwise overload your schedule.

Time is a finite resource. Top students know it’s impossible to spend frequent time with everyone you consider a friend.

Categorise your friends into the following four groups:

Acquaintances
Casual friends
Close friends
Best friends

Next, decide how often you’ll hang out with each group. For me, it looked like this:

Acquaintances – once every few months
Casual friends – once a month
Close friends – once every one to two weeks
Best friends – once every few days

By clarifying how much time you’ll spend with each friend group, you’ll invest in the friendships that mean the most.

Principle #8: Create systems for staying organised

Have you ever started studying for a test only to realise you can’t find the relevant notes or assignments?

Do you keep papers in a pile, then spend too much time rummaging through them when you need to find an assignment?

Being disorganised is a time-waster. Here are some proven tips to help you stay organised when it comes to (a) notes and assignments and (b) email:

Notes and assignments

1. Bring an accordion folder to school every day.

The accordion folder should look something like this.

2. Assign each of your subjects or courses to a section of the accordion folder. Assign one additional section for incomplete homework.

As the day goes on, place the notes and graded assignments you receive in their respective sections. Put your incomplete homework across all subjects in the “incomplete homework” section.

3. Get binders to keep at home. I suggest one binder for every category of work (for each subject).

For example, use one binder for your history notes, one for your history assignments, and one for your history tests.

4. Once a day, look through the “incomplete homework” section of your accordion folder.

Ensure you haven’t overlooked any homework assignments.

5. Once a week, transfer all your notes and graded assignments from your accordion folder to the respective binder.

Do this consistently, and you’ll realise if you’ve misplaced any notes or assignments. This way, you can replace them long before you need to prepare for your next exam.

Email

1. Forward all your school emails to a Gmail account.

I’ve used almost every popular email service out there. Gmail is the best one. So, if you don’t already have a Gmail account, set one up.

2. Create as few email folders as possible.

Most top students don’t need too many additional email folders.

Why not?

Folders complicate the way you process email. Plus, the Gmail search function is excellent. Use it to quickly find any old emails you need.

3. Process your email once a day.

I recommend you check email on your computer, not your phone.

It’s not always easy to reply to emails on your phone. But the messages will still appear as read — even if you haven’t processed them.

You’re more likely to have all the information you need on your computer so you can quickly and efficiently get through your inbox.

4. Follow these rules when processing your email:

If an email doesn’t require a reply, archive it.
If an email requires a reply, do so immediately. Then, archive the original email.
If an email requires a reply but will take significant time to write one, create a task (refer to Principle #2). Archive the original email after you’ve replied to it.

By following these rules, you’ll get to “inbox zero” (no emails in your inbox) almost every day. You’ll eliminate email stress, and you’ll rest assured that all relevant tasks have been completed or scheduled.

5. Use the Boomerang for Gmail app.

The Boomerang for Gmail app has already saved me dozens – or even hundreds – of hours.

This app lets you schedule a reminder to follow up with someone if they haven’t replied to your email by a specific date. It’s a handy app for group projects and more.

Principle #9: Work on one task at a time

It takes time to get into the flow of an assignment, so finish one task before moving on to the next.

Don’t multitask, either.

That means no texting, watching TV, or checking your social media feed while doing your schoolwork.

Research shows that multitasking isn’t possible. When you think you’re multitasking, you’re actually switching between tasks and reducing your overall efficiency.

Here are some tips that top students use to help you focus on one task at a time:

1. At the start of each homework/study session, write down what you’re going to work on.

Write this on a scrap piece of paper or a Post-it Note, and put it on your desk. This is to remind you of the task you’re supposed to work on.

2. Allocate a specific amount of time to the task.

Give yourself a realistic deadline, so you’re more likely to concentrate fully on the task at hand.

3. Whenever you feel like switching tasks, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.

The urge to multitask or do something more “fun” comes in waves.

Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, and these waves will pass by. Then, get back to work.

4. Improve your focus gradually.

If you have trouble focusing, take small steps to improve your concentration.

Start with 10 minutes of complete focus. Over the next week, increase it to 12 minutes. Then 14 minutes and so on. Eventually, you’ll be able to focus for 30 to 40 minutes!

Principle #10: Eliminate distractions

Do you find it difficult to concentrate, even when you’re not multitasking?

Distractions are a common problem for many students, and it doesn’t necessarily indicate that you dislike studying.

Here are a few ways to eliminate or reduce interruptions:

Turn off notifications on your phone.
Only reply to text messages three times a day. Put it in your calendar as a series of mini-appointments.
Archive all the inactive chats on your phone, so they don’t clutter your app’s home screen.
Mute all group chats.
Delete all social media apps from your phone.
Wear a watch, so you don’t have to check your phone for the time.
Use an extremely long password for your phone, so you won’t be tempted to use it mindlessly.
Use headphones while you’re studying (even if there’s no music playing) so that others will be less likely to interrupt you.
Do all of your schoolwork at your desk, not on your bed, so you won’t laze around.
Put your phone in another room when it’s time to work.
Use an app like Freedom to restrict online distractions.
Turn off your Internet access when you’re doing schoolwork.
Close all unnecessary programs or tabs on your computer.
Tell the people around you when you’ll be doing your work. This way, they won’t interrupt you in the middle of your study session.

Implement these essential study tips, and you’ll set yourself up to become a top student.

Start with two or three tips. When they become habits, tackle a few more. Even one small change can create a big difference in the long run.

Conclusion

You want to do well academically, but you also want to lead a balanced life — and part of that definitely means getting eight hours of sleep every night!

I know it’s easier said than done. It took me 16 years of continual research and experimentation to develop these systems and become a well-rested top student.

Remember, the reward isn’t the straight A’s or the accolades.

What matters is the process of challenging yourself — of developing greater focus, self-discipline, commitment, and resilience.

As you implement the tips outlined in this article, I’m confident that you’ll become a top student. More importantly, you’ll become a student with advanced self-management skills.

Equipped with these skills, you’ll contribute more effectively and serve more meaningfully. This means that you’ll make a difference in your community and in the world.

Now that’s an end goal worth working towards!

Want even more tips to become more organised, focused, and disciplined? Check out my step-by-step system to become a straight-A student in just 40 minutes a week.

It’s everything you need to join other top students and have a healthy school-life balance. Say hello to eight hours of sleep a night — and straight A’s, too.

Wishing you all the best on this challenging and exciting journey!

(If you haven’t already done so, make sure to download your free quick action guide below.)

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30 Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Find Motivation to Do Homework

Updated on December 17, 2025 By Daniel Wong 45 Comments

To stop procrastinating on homework, you need to find motivation to do the homework in the first place.

But first, you have to overcome feeling too overwhelmed to even start.

You know what it feels like when everything hits you at once, right?

You have three tests to study for and a math assignment due tomorrow.

And you’ve got a history report due the day after.

You tell yourself to get down to work. But with so much to do, you feel overwhelmed.

So you procrastinate.

You check your social media feed, watch a few videos, and get yourself a drink. But you know that none of this is bringing you closer to getting the work done.

Does this sound familiar?

Don’t worry – you are not alone. Procrastination is a problem that everyone faces, but there are ways around it.

By following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to overcome procrastination and consistently find the motivation to do the homework.

So read on to discover 30 powerful tips to help you stop procrastinating on your homework.

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How to stop procrastinating and motivate yourself to do your homework

Procrastination when it comes to homework isn’t just an issue of laziness or a lack of motivation.

The following tips will help you to first address the root cause of your procrastination and then implement strategies to keep your motivation levels high.

1. Take a quiz to see how much you procrastinate.

The first step to changing your behavior is to become more self-aware.

How often do you procrastinate? What kinds of tasks do you tend to put off? Is procrastination a small or big problem for you?

To answer these questions, I suggest that you take this online quiz designed by Psychology Today.

2. Figure out why you’re procrastinating.

Procrastination is a complex issue that involves multiple factors.

Stop thinking of excuses for not doing your homework, and figure out what’s keeping you from getting started.

Are you procrastinating because:

You’re not sure you’ll be able to solve all the homework problems?
You’re subconsciously rebelling against your teachers or parents?
You’re not interested in the subject or topic?
You’re physically or mentally tired?
You’re waiting for the perfect time to start?
You don’t know where to start?

Once you’ve identified exactly why you’re procrastinating, you can pick out the tips in this article that will get to the root of the problem.

3. Write down what you’re procrastinating on.

Students tend to procrastinate when they’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

But you might be surprised to discover that simply by writing down the specific tasks you’re putting off, the situation will feel more manageable.

It’s a quick solution, and it makes a real difference.

Give it a try and you’ll be less likely to procrastinate.

4. Put your homework on your desk.

Here’s an even simpler idea.

Many times, the hardest part of getting your homework done is getting started.

It doesn’t require a lot of willpower to take out your homework and put it on your desk.

But once it’s sitting there in front of you, you’ll be much closer to actually getting down to work.

5. Break down the task into smaller steps.

This one trick will make any task seem more manageable.

For example, if you have a history report to write, you could break it down into the following steps:

Read the history textbook
Do online research
Organize the information
Create an outline
Write the introduction
Write the body paragraphs
Write the conclusion
Edit and proofread the report

Focus on just one step at a time. This way, you won’t need to motivate yourself to write the whole report at one go.

This is an important technique to use if you want to study smart and get more done.

6. Create a detailed timeline with specific deadlines.

As a follow-up to Point #5, you can further combat procrastination by creating a timeline with specific deadlines.

Using the same example above, I’ve added deadlines to each of the steps:

Jan 30^th: Read the history textbook
Feb 2^nd: Do online research
Feb 3^rd: Organize the information
Feb 5^th: Create an outline
Feb 8^th: Write the introduction
Feb 12^th: Write the body paragraphs
Feb 14^th: Write the conclusion
Feb 16^th: Edit and proofread the report

Assigning specific dates creates a sense of urgency, which makes it more likely that you’ll keep to the deadlines.

7. Spend time with people who are focused and hardworking.

Jim Rohn famously said that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

If you hang out with people who are motivated and hardworking, you’ll become more like them.

Likewise, if you hang out with people who continually procrastinate, you’ll become more like them too.

Motivation to do homework naturally increases when you surround yourself with the right people.

So choose your friends wisely. Find homework buddies who will influence you positively to become a straight-A student who leads a balanced life.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun! It just means that you and your friends know when it’s time to get down to work and when it’s time to enjoy yourselves.

8. Tell at least two or three people about the tasks you plan to complete.

When you tell others about the tasks you intend to finish, you’ll be more likely to follow through with your plans.

This is called “accountability,” and it kicks in because you want to be seen as someone who keeps your word.

So if you know about this principle, why not use it to your advantage?

You could even ask a friend to be your accountability buddy. At the beginning of each day, you could text each other what you plan to work on that day.

Then at the end of the day, you could check in with each other to see if things went according to plan.

9. Change your environment.

Maybe it’s your environment that’s making you feel sluggish.

When you’re doing your homework, is your super-comfortable bed just two steps away? Or is your distracting computer within easy reach?

If your environment is part of your procrastination problem, then change it.

Sometimes all you need is a simple change of scenery. Bring your work to the dining room table and get it done there. Or head to a nearby café to complete your report.

10. Talk to people who have overcome their procrastination problem.

If you have friends who consistently win the battle with procrastination, learn from their experience.

What was the turning point for them? What tips and strategies do they use? What keeps them motivated?

Find all this out, and then apply the information to your own situation.

11. Decide on a reward to give yourself after you complete your task.

“Planned” rewards are a great way to motivate yourself to do your homework.

The reward doesn’t have to be something huge.

For instance, you might decide that after you finish 10 questions of your math homework, you get to watch your favorite TV show.

Or you might decide that after reading one chapter of your history textbook, you get to spend 10 minutes on Facebook.

By giving yourself a reward, you’ll feel more motivated to get through the task at hand.

12. Decide on a consequence you’ll impose on yourself if you don’t meet the deadline.

It’s important that you decide on what the consequence will be before you start working toward your goal.

As an example, you could tell your younger brother that you’ll give him $1 for every deadline you don’t meet (see Point #6).

Or you could decide that you’ll delete one game from your phone for every late homework submission.

Those consequences would probably be painful enough to help you get down to work, right?

13. Visualize success.

Take 30 seconds and imagine how you’ll feel when you finish your work.

What positive emotions will you experience?

Will you feel a sense of satisfaction from getting all your work done?

Will you relish the extra time on your hands when you get your homework done fast and ahead of time?

This simple exercise of visualizing success may be enough to inspire you to start doing your assignment.

14. Visualize the process it will take to achieve that success.

Even more important than visualizing the outcome is visualizing the process it will take to achieve that outcome.

Research shows that focusing on the process is critical to success. If you’re procrastinating on a task, take a few moments to think about what you’ll need to do to complete it.

Visualize the following:

What resources you’ll need
Who you can turn to for help
How long the task will take
Where you’ll work on the task
The joy you’ll experience as you make progress

This kind of visualization is like practice for your mind.

Once you understand what’s necessary to achieve your goal, you’ll find that it’s much easier to get down to work with real focus. This is key to doing well in school.

15. Write down why you want to complete the task.

You’ll be more motivated when you’re clear about why you want to accomplish something.

To motivate yourself to do your homework, think about all the ways in which it’s a meaningful task.

So take a couple of minutes to write down the reasons. Here are some possible ones:

Learn useful information
Master the topic
Enjoy a sense of accomplishment when you’ve completed the task
Become a more focused student
Learn to embrace challenges
Fulfill your responsibility as a student
Get a good grade on the assignment

16. Write down the negative feelings you’ll have if you don’t complete the task.

If you don’t complete the assignment, you might feel disappointed or discouraged. You might even feel as if you’ve let your parents or your teacher – or even yourself – down.

It isn’t wise to dwell on these negative emotions for too long. But by imagining how you’ll feel if you don’t finish the task, you’ll realize how important it is that you get to work.

17. Do the hardest task first.

Most students will choose to do the easiest task first, rather than the hardest one. But this approach isn’t effective because it leaves the worst for last.

It’s more difficult to find motivation to do homework in less enjoyable subjects.

As Brian Tracy says, “Eat that frog!” By this, he means that you should always get your most difficult task out of the way at the beginning of the day.

If math is your least favorite subject, force yourself to complete your math homework first.

After doing so, you’ll feel a surge of motivation from knowing it’s finished. And you won’t procrastinate on your other homework because it will seem easier in comparison.

(On a separate note, check out these tips on how to get better at math if you’re struggling.)

18. Set a timer when doing your homework.

I recommend that you use a stopwatch for every homework session. (If you prefer, you could also use this online stopwatch or the Tomato Timer.)

Start the timer at the beginning of the session, and work in 30- to 45-minute blocks.

Using a timer creates a sense of urgency, which will help you fight off your urge to procrastinate.

When you know you only have to work for a short session, it will be easier to find motivation to complete your homework.

Tell yourself that you need to work hard until the timer goes off, and then you can take a break. (And then be sure to take that break!)

19. Eliminate distractions.

Here are some suggestions on how you can do this:

Delete all the games and social media apps on your phone
Turn off all notifications on your phone
Mute your group chats
Archive your inactive chats
Turn off your phone, or put it on airplane mode
Put your phone at least 10 feet away from you
Turn off the Internet access on your computer
Use an app like Freedom to restrict your Internet usage
Put any other distractions (like food, magazines and books unrelated to your homework) at the other end of the room
Unplug the TV
Use earplugs if your surroundings are noisy

20. At the start of each day, write down the two to three Most Important Tasks (MITs) you want to accomplish.

This will enable you to prioritize your tasks. As Josh Kaufman explains, a Most Important Task (MIT) is a critical task that will help you to get significant results down the road.

Not all tasks are equally important. That’s why it’s vital that you identify your MITs, so that you can complete those as early in the day as possible.

What do you most need to get done today? That’s an MIT.

Get to work on it, then feel the satisfaction that comes from knowing it’s out of the way.

21. Focus on progress instead of perfection.

Perfectionism can destroy your motivation to do homework and keep you from starting important assignments.

Some students procrastinate because they’re waiting for the perfect time to start.

Others do so because they want to get their homework done perfectly. But they know this isn’t really possible – so they put off even getting started.

What’s the solution?

To focus on progress instead of perfection.

There’s never a perfect time for anything. Nor will you ever be able to complete your homework perfectly. But you can do your best, and that’s enough.

So concentrate on learning and improving, and turn this into a habit that you implement whenever you study.

22. Get organized.

Procrastination is common among students who are disorganized.

When you can’t remember which assignment is due when or which tests you have coming up, you’ll naturally feel confused. You’ll experience school- and test-related stress.

This, in turn, will lead to procrastination.

That’s why it’s crucial that you get organized. Here are some tips for doing this:

Don’t rely on your memory; write everything down
Keep a to-do list
Use a student planner
Use a calendar and take note of important dates like exams, project due dates, school holidays, birthdays, and family events
At the end of each day, plan for the following day
Use one binder or folder for each subject or course
Do weekly filing of your loose papers, notes, and old homework
Throw away all the papers and notes you no longer need

23. Stop saying “I have to” and start saying “I choose to.”

When you say things like “I have to write my essay” or “I have to finish my science assignment,” you’ll probably feel annoyed. You might be tempted to complain about your teachers or your school.

What’s the alternative?

To use the phrase “I choose to.”

The truth is, you don’t “have” to do anything.

You can choose not to write your essay; you’ll just run the risk of failing the class.

You can choose not to do your science assignment; you’ll just need to deal with your angry teacher.

When you say “I choose to do my homework,” you’ll feel empowered. This means you’ll be more motivated to study and to do what you ought to.

24. Clear your desk once a week.

Clutter can be demotivating. It also causes stress, which is often at the root of procrastination.

Hard to believe? Give it a try and see for yourself.

By clearing your desk, you’ll reduce stress and make your workspace more organized.

So set a recurring appointment to organize your workspace once a week for just 10 minutes. You’ll receive huge benefits in the long run!

25. If a task takes two minutes or less to complete, do it now.

This is a principle from David Allen’s bestselling book, Getting Things Done.

You may notice that you tend to procrastinate when many tasks pile up. The way to prevent this from happening is to take care of the small but important tasks as soon as you have time.

Here are some examples of small two-minute tasks that you should do once you have a chance:

Replying to your project group member’s email
Picking up anything on the floor that doesn’t belong there
Asking your parents to sign a consent form
Filing a graded assignment
Making a quick phone call
Writing a checklist
Sending a text to schedule a meeting
Making an online purchase that doesn’t require further research

26. Finish one task before starting on the next.

You aren’t being productive when you switch between working on your literature essay, social studies report, and physics problem set – while also intermittently checking your phone.

Research shows that multitasking is less effective than doing one thing at a time. Multitasking may even damage your brain!

When it comes to overcoming procrastination, it’s better to stick with one task all the way through before starting on the next one.

You’ll get a sense of accomplishment when you finish the first assignment, which will give you a boost of inspiration as you move on to the next one.

27. Build your focus gradually.

You can’t win the battle against procrastination overnight; it takes time. This means that you need to build your focus progressively.

If you can only focus for 10 minutes at once, that’s fine. Start with three sessions of 10 minutes a day. After a week, increase it to three sessions of 15 minutes a day, and so on.

As the weeks go by, you’ll become far more focused than when you first started. And you’ll soon see how great that makes you feel.

28. Before you start work, write down three things you’re thankful for.

Gratitude improves your psychological health and increases your mental strength.

These factors are linked to motivation. The more you practice gratitude, the easier it will be to find motivation to do your homework. As such, it’s less likely that you’ll be a serial procrastinator.

Before you get down to work for the day, write down three things you’re thankful for. These could be simple things like good health, fine weather, or a loving family.

You could even do this in a “gratitude journal,” which you can then look back on whenever you need a shot of fresh appreciation for the good things in your life.

Either way, this short exercise will get you in the right mindset to be productive.

29. Get enough sleep.

For most people, this means getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. And teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night to function optimally.

What does sleep have to do with procrastination?

More than you might realize.

It’s almost impossible to feel motivated when you’re tired. And when you’re low on energy, your willpower is depleted too.

That’s why you give in to the temptation of Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube videos more easily when you’re sleep-deprived.

Here are ways to get more sleep, and sleep better too:

Create a bedtime routine
Go to sleep at around the same time every night
Set a daily alarm as a reminder to go to bed
Exercise regularly (but not within a few hours of bedtime)
Make your bedroom as dark as possible
Remove or switch off all electronic devices before bedtime
Avoid caffeine at least six hours before bedtime
Use an eye mask and earplugs

30. Schedule appointments with yourself to complete your homework.

These appointments are specific blocks of time reserved for working on a report, assignment, or project. Scheduling appointments is effective because it makes the task more “official,” so you’re more likely to keep the appointment.

For example, you could schedule appointments such as:

Jan 25^th, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Math assignment
Jan 27^th, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Online research for social studies project
Jan 28^th, 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Write introduction for English essay

Transform homework procrastination into homework motivation

Procrastination is a problem we all face.

But given that you’ve read all the way to here, I know you’re committed to overcoming this problem.

And now that you’re armed with these tips, you have all the tools you need to become more disciplined and focused.

By the way, please don’t feel as if you need to implement all the tips at once, because that would be too overwhelming.

Instead, I recommend that you focus on just a couple of tips a week, and make gradual progress. No rush!

Over time, you’ll realize that your habit of procrastination has been replaced by the habit of getting things done.

Now’s the time to get started on that process of transformation. 🙂

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15 Things Students Should Do Before Starting the New School Year

Updated on January 6, 2026 By Daniel Wong 13 Comments

The school holidays.

For most students, it’s their favorite time of the year.

It’s easy to see why.

During the school holidays, there’s no homework to do, no tests to study for, and no projects to work on.

But the new school year is just around the corner. So you might as well be prepared, right? 🙂

I’ve come up with this list of 15 things every student should do before beginning the new school year.

If you do the things on this list, I guarantee that you’ll be off to a great start!

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1. Adjust your sleeping and waking times.

During the school holidays, you’ve probably been sleeping and waking up late.

Now’s the time to make adjustments. If you don’t, you’ll take longer to get used to the schedule when school starts again.

Adjust your sleeping and waking times gradually over two weeks. Go to bed 5 to 10 minutes earlier each night, and you’ll be able to shift your sleeping schedule significantly over those two weeks.

You can even set an alarm to go off every night, as a reminder to go to bed.

2. Get a management diary or weekly planner.

The inside of the diary or planner should look something like this:

If you prefer to go digital, you can use an online calendar instead, such as Google Calendar.

By using these tools regularly, you’ll be able to plan your time and priorities.

Block out time in your schedule for academics, extracurricular activities, social events, family time, etc.

3. Write down key dates in your diary or planner.

As a follow-up to Point #2, block out important dates such as:

National holidays
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Family events
School holidays
School events
Exam dates

After doing this, you’ll have a good overview of the major events in the coming school year.

This will allow for you to plan your schedule and commitments.

4. Organize your study area.

In the coming year, you’ll spend hundreds – or even thousands – of hours at your study table.

So organize your study area for maximum productivity.

Ensure that …

Your study area is free of distractions
Your essential supplies are within easy reach
Your study area is well-lit
Your chair is adjusted to the correct height
Your desk is clear of unnecessary notes, textbooks, etc.

5. Clear your room.

Now that you’re done organizing your study area, it’s time to clear your room.

Eliminate all clutter. Throw or give away all the clothes, books, notes, and souvenirs you no longer need.

Why is it important to get rid of clutter?

Because clutter causes stress. In other words, by clearing your room you’ll feel happier over the course of the school year.

If you have tons of stuff to clear, do it progressively. Spend 20 minutes a day decluttering, and you’ll have a neat room after a week or so.

6. Stock up on stationery and supplies.

Don’t wait until the start of school to do this, because there will be plenty of other things you’ll be busy with then.

Make a list of all the supplies you need, e.g. pens, pencils, paper, highlighters, folders. Then schedule a trip to the bookstore to pick those things up.

7. Create a system for organizing your notes, assignments, etc.

Being disorganized is one of the biggest causes of stress.

So if you want to have a great school year ahead, you need a system for organizing your schoolwork (both physical and digital).

Here’s an article you’ll find helpful: Creating Order From Chaos: 9 Great Ideas for Managing Your Computer Files

8. Get healthy snacks.

When school starts, you’ll get busy. And we all know that it’s hard to eat healthy when you’re busy.

Make healthy eating convenient by stocking up on snacks like …

Almonds
Cashew nuts
Nut butters
Dried fruit
Hummus
Low-sugar snack bars
Cheese

9. Start using the following productivity apps …

Slack: Well-designed messaging app that will improve communication within your project team.
Trello: Simple but powerful project management tool that you can also use to manage your personal tasks.
Todoist: My favorite tool to manage my to-do list.
Habitica: App that turns habit formation into a fun game.
My Study Life: Tool to help you stay organized when it comes to your schedule, homework, exams, and more.

Technology has become an important part of our lives. We might as well use it to make our lives more productive!

10. Make exercise a part of your routine.

Regular exercise is proven to enhance your brain function, memory, and mood. In other words, if you want to be a successful – and healthy – student, exercise is important.

Here’s what I recommend:

First, write down your rough weekly schedule for the new school year.

Next, think about what kind of exercise routine would fit into that schedule.

Lastly, start implementing that routine so that you’ll get used to it before school starts.

Don’t be too ambitious. The routine could be something as simple as going for a swim on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4 to 4:30pm.

And if you haven’t been exercising regularly, increase the frequency and duration slowly until you’re following the desired routine.

11. List the habits you want to develop in the coming year, and come up with a workable plan.

These are some possible habits to develop:

Reading for leisure
Keeping a gratitude journal
Daily reflection
Eating more vegetables
Writing thank-you notes
Flossing your teeth
Being punctual

Come up with a plan where you develop one new habit every month or so. For example, if you want to start reading for leisure, your plan might look something like this:

1st week of January: Read for 3 minutes every day before bed

2nd week of January: Read for 5 minutes every day before bed

3rd week of January: Read for 10 minutes every day before bed

4th week of January: Read for 15 minutes every day before bed

12. Do some basic budgeting and financial planning.

Money management is an important life skill. Now is the best time to start developing this skill.

Keep it simple. Take out a sheet of paper and write down how much pocket money you receive each month. If you have a part-time job, include your monthly salary too.

Next, write down your monthly fixed expenses. This would include things like …

Food
Transportation
Phone bill
Stationery

Calculate how much you have left, then set aside money for …

Saving
Charity/donations
Guilt-free spending

If you’re not sure how you currently spend your money, track your spending on every single item for just one month. Toshl is a great app that will allow you to do this with minimal inconvenience.

13. Reflect on the previous year.

Do this for the following six areas:

Physical health (exercise, sleep, diet)
Relationships (friends, family)
Academics (discipline, motivation, individual subjects/courses)
Personal growth (skills, character)
Service (serving others at home and outside the home, volunteering)
Fun (hobbies, leisure)

For each of the six areas, write down what you (a) did well (b) did not do so well.

14. Set process goals for the coming school year.

Now that you’ve reflected on the past year, you’re ready to set process goals for the coming year. Do this for each of the six areas listed under Point #13.

What are process goals?

They’re goals that are based on the process you plan to follow, not the result you plan to achieve.

By setting process goals, you’ll focus on what you can control (your actions), rather than on what is sometimes outside of your control (the outcome). This makes process goals far more effective than outcome-based goals.

These are examples of process goals you might set for the six areas mentioned under Point #13:

Physical health: Drink soda two times a week or fewer, and only on weekends
Relationships: Talk to your parents for at least 15 minutes every day before going to bed
Academics: Complete at least 3 x 30-minute study sessions a day
Personal growth: Read a non-fiction book for at least 10 minutes a day after getting home from school
Service: Volunteer at the nearby animal shelter for at least two hours every two weeks
Fun: Play the ukulele for 10 minutes a day

Don’t feel as if you need to implement all the process goals at once.

Focus on just one area at a time, and make gradual progress over the course of the year.

15. Write down at least five reasons why you’re thankful for school.

This will make you feel more positive about the new school year, even if you don’t feel excited about it at the moment.

Here are some reasons to be grateful:

Friends to hang out with
New skills to acquire
Exciting challenges to take on
Leadership opportunities to embrace
Caring teachers to learn from

The bottom line

Maybe you’re dreading the start of school. Or maybe you can’t wait for classes to start.

Whatever the case, the new school year holds plenty of promise.

The promise of new experiences.

The promise of new friends.

The promise of new skills and knowledge to master.

By doing the 15 things listed in this article, you’ll prepare yourself to make the most of the coming year. Don’t feel overwhelmed – just start with one or two things and pick up the momentum gradually.

As you do this, you’ll feel inspired and motivated.

Here’s wishing you a fantastic school year ahead! 🙂

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