Help! How do you concentrate when you've got a paper to write?!

[Tulip]

Because I should be writing one RIGHT NOW UURGH!
I'm meant to be handing in the introduction tomorrow morning but I've been so caught up in my other project and other activities that I haven't done it!
And, admission time.. I haven't looked at my dissertation for almost 3 weeks.. eep.

I just hate writing academically sooo much! It bores me so :C

So, ladies and gents and everyone else, how do you concentrate when you've got stuff to get done? I need some advice!

I'm going to go stare at the word document a bit more, and try not to end up on youtube..

[Gloomygirl777]

When I write papers.....I use paper and pen so I am not tempted to browse the internet. I usually think about ideas of what I might write during the day and then I will close myself in a quiet room and drink lots of coffee before hand....make sure you aren't hungry or anything like that. And just start writing. The hardest part for me is always starting because I think too much about trying to make it perfect. Just write the first thing that comes into your head so you can have something to build off of and get you started.....then you can always change it later if it doesn't fit. Good luck with your paper!! Hope I said something useful.

[kaoskat]

Good luck! I have a terrible time with that too!

[ringwraith10]

Ahahahaha... I don't. But they say that procrastination is part of the process. I have a lot of writing that I'm supposed to be doing right this minute, too.

But I somehow always get it done... usually at the very absolute last minute. Often I get something caffeinated and something chocolaty to get me going, too.

[SunPony]

I would say, if you have the willpower, leave the internet on but only reward yourself with a video or something after X minutes of work!

If you don't have the willpower...like some of us...heh heh...turn off your internet until you are done!  Maybe you can't if you need the internet to research, though.

As for straight-up focusing on work, I pick a song and play it non-stop until I am done.  For hours.  Your mileage may vary!  Also if you can go to a non-home location like a public library or school library or coffeeshop (too late for tonight, maybe for future) you may avoid non-internet distractions like laundry...pets...etc.

Good luck, you can do it!

[Moony]

I go to the library   Much less distractions there especially if you bring headphones. I also reward myself by browsing the Internet for a few minutes or doing something fun   Good luck!

[sparkykandy]

My strategy, which is a terrible strategy by the way, is to wait until the last minute then write the paper.  It's the only way I can get my brain to work properly. 

[NovelNerd]

Stop procrastinating and turn off the Internet.

[HelloGoodbye]

As for straight-up focusing on work, I pick a song and play it non-stop until I am done.  For hours.  Your mileage may vary!

I do this, too!  I thought I was the only one who did this, lol.  It always works for me! 

[Aerora]

There are browser extensions that will block certain sites - they don't work super well for me because I just automatically try to find a way around them, but they might help you.

Definitely +1 on playing the same music! I like soft orchestral stuff. Heir - Seer - Knight - Witch got me through most of my college papers. (If music is too distracting, maybe ambient noise generators? I like myNoise.)

In terms of general prep, a big scratchpad (a physical notebook page, or an empty word doc) where you throw stuff you think might come in handy absolutely helps keep my thoughts together so I don't have to stop and go hunting for a quote I saw a few hours ago.

[Tulip]

You've all just reminded me of the music that got me through my last long paper.. https://www.youtube.com/user/PonyVisation/videos ! This guys piano improv is beautiful. I've stuck that on in the background.
And I'd love to turn off the internet completely, but I do need it for extra research/quote hunting.

Gloomygirl777 - That is a really good idea! Pen and paper removes the 'Well I'm already on the computer I might as well check my emails' side of it. Thank you!

And it lovely to see other people who also leave it to the last moment.. haha! I'm trying my hardest not to do so! But essays are really not my strong point, so it's hard to get into them.

I saw my tutor today and she's set me some goals so, off I go! I'll try the endless music and pen on paper!

[June]

Ugh, I also leave these things for the last minute and I too hate writing academically so much!!
Studying and working in library usually helps me as well as breaking down the task to many smaller pieces to do each day. LeechBlock for FireFox didn't help me much because I get distracted with things in my room instead, but it might work for you. There's also a program called Manic Time which tracks how much time you spend doing what on your PC. You'll surprise yourself when you see how unproductive you really are! I was working the whole day (morning to evening), but did barely over 2 hours or actual studying!

[Rainbowrific Renia]

I procrastinate as well, but when I finally get down to working on something, I listen to music.  If I need to concentrate on writing something, I listen to instrumental music, mostly smooth jazz.  It's enough that I can bob my head along, but the lack of words makes it easier to focus on what I want to say/write, instead of hearing someone else's voice.

Good luck!

[Galactica]

I agree that forbidding yourself the internet is essential until you have got it done.  Don't listen to your brain giving you little lies like "it will only be 10 minutes!" "I deserve just a little rest, right?"  "I'll just check this one thing..."

Picking up your favorite novel or watching anime also should be forbidden...

Good luck!

[melodys_angel]

its been awhile!

I usually do mine in sections so im not scrambling ot do one thing at once.

Get your ideas and roughdraft down on paper and pen, and listen to some music.  Get some incense going if you are freaking out. And avoid distractions!