<p>I'm having a hard time finding the focus and motivation to finish writing a paper for class, and I was wondering how you all chug through writing long, tedious papers? The subject matter is somewhat difficult and the citations can get confusing with primary, classic texts embedded into secondary sources, but it's definitely something I can do. I think I'm just getting freaked out by it all.</p>
<p>Basically, I have a mostly-completed draft with my un-cited ideas, so now I need to fine-tune and cite those parts while fully developing the rest. I'm meeting with my professor tomorrow to go over it, which will definitely help, but how do I get myself to finish it before then?! I don't know why I'm feeling like this. Writing is my minor and I normally love to write even the toughest kinds of papers, but Im finding that I just don't care anymore. But I want to care, so I know I need to change my attitude/mind set.</p>
<p>what if you rewarded yourself after each section? Divide the paper up into parts -do a section then allow yourself to have something, a coffee, a walk, 30 mins TV etc… </p>
<p>Think of your future self…the one that doesn’t have a paper done. or the one who got a C- on the paper. Or the one who has to pull 2 all nighters and then also take a test the next day. What would future you say to current you?</p>
<p>Go to the library or somewhere with no distractions.</p>
<p>Reward your self for every 5 citations.</p>
<p>Think about how good you will feel to get this done.</p>
<p>Try going for a long bike ride or hike, head out to dinner with friends, then come back and enjoy the rest of the night (play games, socialize, whatever). Start the next day focused and refreshed, and do your work first thing in the morning.</p>
<p>This technique has worked every single time for me over the years. </p>