Every year, spring break comes around and gives me a taste of the warm weather and fun that summer brings. This brief encounter with the beach always leaves me begging for more.

Although my mind is still in serenity at the beach, I’m quickly thrown back into the reality of school. This comes with the realization that I have a very short amount of time to get back in the swing of things and pull up my grades.

The last month or so before school ends is always the hardest time for me to stay focused on my schoolwork. The anticipation of summer and the mental exhaustion of a whole school year always gets the best of me.  This year though, I’m going to buckle down and get focused as the year winds down. Here is the plan I have come up with to stay focused in these last few weeks of school.

Remember the End is Near

This one isn’t too hard since I find myself day dreaming about summer almost every day. By remembering that summer is so close though, it allows me to work harder.  It gives me something to look forward to. I am constantly reminding myself that I only have to bust my ass for another month or so, and then I’ll have complete freedom (at least from school).

Image Credit:  Robbert van der Steeg

Review Class Deadlines & Due Dates

This is something that needs to be done all year round. However, it is most important near the end of the semester. By reviewing my class schedules, I can have a clear view of what is left to accomplish before the summer months.  It also motivates me to get work knocked out because the quicker I do this, the faster I can start getting in relaxation mode for summer.

Find Motivation

Like I said in the paragraph above, I find motivation to complete my assignments by looking forward to summer. Knowing that summer is waiting for me as soon as I finish up a final stack of assignments is the only inspiration I need to get my work done. Find something that motivates you to stay focused, and roll with it.

Schedule

I have found that the best way to stay focused is to schedule a set time into my day for schoolwork, everyday (except weekends). By sticking to a schedule, I am forced to put in work time every day. Even if no homework is due the following day, I can still knock out an assignment or two that is due later in the week.

Resist the Temptation of the Sun

As the pools start to open and the weather warms, I find myself increasingly drawn to the outdoors. It’s really difficult to study when the sun is shining through the window, inviting me to come outside.

As much as I would love to do anything except study in such great weather, it’s important to remember that the weather is still going to be good after I finish studying. Alternatively, there is no better place to study than outside on my front lawn.

Image Credit: Elenapaint

It Will Be Here Soon Enough

No matter how much I sit here and beg summer to hurry up and get here, it’s not going to come any faster.   The best thing I can do is stay focused on my schoolwork.

The great thing about summer is, it will be here before I know it. Especially if I stop thinking about it everyday.

What do you do to stay focused and motivated near the end of the semester?