If you’re studying for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam, you probably understand the importance of time management. But let’s face it, even the best of us occasionally fall into the trap of procrastination!
How can we stay motivated and keep pushing forward?
This question is crucial. If you’re reading this, it’s safe to assume you’re seeking ways to beat procrastination and optimize your ASWB exam preparation. Well, congratulations! You’re at the right place, and we’re going to show you exactly how to do that.
Looking for more content and exam strategies? Agents of Change includes 30+ topics, a study planner, hundreds of practice questions, and 2 live study groups per month to keep you on track!
1) How to Overcome Procrastination: Starting with the Why
Understanding Procrastination
Before we can overcome procrastination, we must first understand what it is and why it happens. Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks or actions. Sounds familiar, right?
It’s often a result of feeling overwhelmed, fearing failure, or simply lacking motivation. Once we get a firm grasp of these triggers, we can develop effective strategies to combat procrastination.
Unmasking the Reasons Behind Your Procrastination
Start by asking yourself, “Why am I procrastinating?” The answers may surprise you. Some common reasons include:
- Fear of failure
- Perfectionism
- Lack of motivation
- Distractions
- Low energy levels
Which one of the reasons above speaks to you most? Recognizing the underlying reasons is the first step toward overcoming procrastination.
Now, let’s look at some strategies to help you conquer your procrastination!
2) Harnessing Practical Strategies to Beat Procrastination in ASWB Exam Preparation
Break It Down!
Large projects or tasks can be overwhelming, leading to procrastination. The trick here is to break your study plan and study materials into manageable chunks. Create a study plan that outlines what you need to cover each day or week. Agents of Change is structured in manageable bite-sized lessons and includes a study guide with all programs.
Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Setting clear, achievable goals can be a game-changer in overcoming procrastination. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals provide a clear path forward, making it less likely that you’ll put off your studies.
Reward Yourself
Rewards can be a powerful motivator. Set a reward system that complements your study goals. It could be as simple as watching your favorite TV show after a study session or treating yourself to your favorite dessert after completing a chapter.
Eliminate Distractions
Distractions can fuel procrastination. Design a distraction-free study space and turn off notifications on your digital devices while studying. This simple step can significantly improve your focus and productivity.
3) Utilizing Technology to Overcome Procrastination
Embrace the Power of Productivity Apps
In the era of smartphones, there’s an app for almost everything, including beating procrastination. Applications like Focus@Will, Be Focused, and Forest can enhance productivity, helping you maintain focus during your ASWB exam preparation. These apps use different techniques, from employing ambient sounds to creating virtual forests, to encourage focused studying and work.
Try Out Digital Planners
Gone are the days when you needed a physical planner to track your study schedule (unless you prefer that!). Digital planners and calendar apps such as Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook can simplify your planning process.
You can set reminders for your study sessions, create deadlines for key topics, and even allocate break times. Having a visible plan can make the study process seem less daunting and reduce the likelihood of procrastination.
Leverage Study Groups and Forums
Sometimes, it helps to know you’re not alone in your struggle with procrastination. Online study groups and forums can offer support, motivation, and accountability – all great procrastination busters.
All Agents of Change programs include 2 live study groups per month to help keep you on track and motivated!
Utilize High Quality Online Resources
Highly visual materials like Agents of Change can break the monotony of traditional studying, making your ASWB exam preparation more engaging. They also provide a flexible learning environment where you can learn at your own pace, reducing the pressure that often leads to procrastination.
Discover the Benefits of Time-Tracking Software
Time-tracking software like Toggl or RescueTime (or Apple’s “Screen Time”) can be a real eye-opener. They track how you spend your time on your devices, providing an overview of your productivity levels and highlighting potential time-wasting activities.
Armed with these insights, you can make smart choices on how to utilize your time effectively, an integral part of triumphing over procrastination.
Don’t forget, technology is your ally. Ensure it aids in your battle against procrastination, rather than impeding your progress. Continuously seek out and experiment with different technological solutions to discover what complements your personal study habits and preferences best.
Looking for more exam strategies? Agents of Change includes 30+ topics, a study planner, hundreds of practice questions, and 2 live study groups per month to keep you on track!
4) FAQs
Q: How can I stay motivated while preparing for the ASWB exam?
A: You can stay motivated by setting clear goals, maintaining a positive mindset, rewarding your progress, and taking regular breaks to avoid burnout.
Q: How can I manage my time effectively during ASWB exam preparation?
A: Manage your time effectively by planning your study schedule in a study calendar, breaking down tasks into manageable chunks, prioritizing your tasks, and eliminating distractions.
Q: How important is a healthy lifestyle in overcoming procrastination?
A: A healthy lifestyle plays a crucial role in combating procrastination. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep can significantly boost your energy levels and focus.
5) Conclusion
Overcoming procrastination in ASWB exam preparation may seem daunting, but remember, it’s all about taking that first step. By understanding the reasons behind your procrastination, breaking down tasks, setting clear goals, rewarding your progress, eliminating distractions, and leveraging technology, you can make significant strides in conquering procrastination.
Now, you’ve got the blueprint to successfully overcome procrastination during your ASWB exam preparation. Use these tips and techniques to maintain your momentum and stay on track. Don’t forget, you’re not alone in this journey.
You’ve got this and Agents of Change is here to help!
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► Learn more about the Agents of Change course here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com
About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group test prep for the ASWB for over five years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created the Agents of Change course to help you prepare for and pass the ASWB exam!
Find more from Agents of Change here:
► Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aswbtestprep
► Podcast: https://anchor.fm/agents-of-change-sw
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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
