#y12lockdown

[impetuscoaching]

Where do I start with my background reading?

There are many books on many reading lists. And many websites. And a huge number newspapers, journals and magazines. Trying to make a start in between homework and the rest of life can seem daunting. Here are a few ways to start…

Make a list of all the obvious targets… suggested reading lists, books recommended by your teacher, the obvious journals/magazines (eg New Scientist/ The Lancet/ The Historian). It can’t possibly be exhaustive so don’t try to list everything on the internet!

Expand the range of your list by doing some book shop browsing (real or virtual). Pop into Amazon’s search bar “Popular <insert your subject choice here> books” and follow your nose (you don’t have to buy from Amazon… but their algorithms are good for pottering). Then look up a book you already read and found fascinating, scroll down to ‘other books you may like’. Add those to your list.

If you follow anyone on social media in your field, keep your eye out for their recommendations, or - if you’re feeling bold - ask them! Add that to your list.

It doesn’t have always to be reading. Check this out for some alternative, broadcast-based, ideas (not just relevant to oxbridge). Podcasts and MOOCs can also go on your list.

Spend a set amount of time constructing your list, say half an hour, and then pick the most accessible/attractive/easiest and start there.  

If you liked this, sign up now for our free online course designed to support Y12 students survive and thrive during lockdown. 

Photo by Robert Anasch on Unsplash

[impetuscoaching]

Getting motivated - a practical approach

“If only I could get started, then I know I’d be ok and get into it… I just can’t get started.”

Waiting to feel motivated enough to start work can be as futile as standing on a roundabout and waiting for the wind change enough to push you round. You need to get into motion first, then see what shows up to help. Once we get started the energy often starts to flow.

One way to give yourself that first weighty push…

1) Write down the first 3-5 things that need to be done. Each should take less than 20 minutes. If any of your tasks take longer than that, then break them down into smaller steps. Keep it simple and easy to complete as you build momentum. If you don’t even know what you need to do, then your first task on the list is making your to do list!

2) Set a timer for 25 minutes and start on task one. If you complete task 1 before the timer goes off, move onto task 2. When timer goes off, STOP.

3) Set a timer for 5 minutes, take a break, GET UP drink a glass of water, dance, eat, meditate, play, stretch, run up and down the stairs 10 times. When the timer goes off, sit back down.

4) Set the timer for another 25 minutes and carry on where you stopped last time. Keep going until timer goes off.

5) Set 5 minutes timer, take a break GET UP etc

And repeat.

The motivation often (not always) follows the action. Act like you are motivated and it’s likely you’ll start to feel motivated. And even if you don’t, it doesn’t stop you from making progress regardless.