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It seemed to be an easy assignment: you were offered weeks to compose a paper, given precious permission to create what you wished. There were no limitations beyond the needed page count, the general restrictions. You had time. You had freedom. You could do as you pleased – and, unfortunately, you squandered this by hesitating with your research, avoiding the library halls. There was an assumption of days, the belief that tomorrow would always be available. But even it eventually failed you and there was suddenly the terrible loom of a deadline.
Those last hours were among the most frantic of your life; and what they yielded was a paper unworthy of your abilities.
There’s an understandable temptation to avoid the process of researching. It’s an often tedious search through online sources and academic journals. And, when assignments offer flexible deadlines, it’s often assumed that days can be given instead to simple pleasure.
This is a mistake.
All research must instead be carefully scheduled, allowing you to craft your paper properly. Writing isn’t to be a swift endeavor. It is instead to be deliberate:
One: Create an outline. When an assignment is given, devote yourself first to charting out what you wish to prove and what you will need to prove it. Brainstorm all theories, connecting them as needed. This will help you to choose your materials and spare you a hectic search later on.
Two: Seek books. While online libraries are forever available, public ones are forced to different schedules, with their materials subject to the whims of others. Find the physical pages you need first to ensure you can have them.
Three: Understand your inner-clock. If you tend to favor specific times for working, then create blocks that will allow you to do this. Separate yourself from distractions and allow yourself to write when you’re most focused. This is vital in achieving goals.
Prioritize all ideas. Use the weeks wisely. Never waste research.
