The Mid-Term Game Changer - Who Knew???

The Mid-Term Game Changer - Who Knew???

Mid-terms are coming up next week here in Ontario, and for many students, that means one thing: the struggle to start studying is real.

Last week, in one of my coaching sessions, a student asked me, "What are some tricks to getting started when you don’t want to do the work?" This is such a great question because task initiation—the ability to make yourself start a task—is one of the hardest executive function skills to master. Taking that first step is always the toughest, especially when it’s a non-preferred task like studying.

This struggle is not lost on me. Even though I’m a little older than my students 😉 I still remember the feeling of needing to study but wanting to do literally anything else instead. Before I developed strategies for getting started, I would find the most obscure things to clean—yes, even the TV remote—just to avoid the task at hand. And despite knowing from experience that once I started, it was never as bad as I imagined, I still battled with that initial resistance.

During our coaching session, I realized something ridiculously simple that has helped me start all sorts of tasks—homework, grading, even chores: indoor running shoes. 👟 Yes, you read that right. Indoor running shoes have been a total game changer for me!

When I’m in my comfy slippers, I can easily saunter around the house, thinking about doing work instead of actually doing it. But when I lace up my running shoes? Something shifts. There’s an energy, a readiness—almost like a cue to my brain that says, It’s time to get to work.

👟 I don’t run around the house, (though that would probably make my kids laugh) but I also don’t slouch or put my feet up for too long. The simple act of wearing them eliminates the temptation to procrastinate and helps me power through my to-do list.

🤓 Now, I don’t have any scientific studies to back this up (though I’d love to see one), but I can tell you—it works for me. So, if you’re struggling to get started on your mid-term studying, try it! Let me know if it makes a difference for you.

A Study Strategy That Works

Once you’ve got your indoor running shoes on and you’re ready to tackle studying, here’s a strategy that can help you review effectively:

The Traffic Light System: 🚦

🟢  Green – Material you know for sure

🟡  Amber – Material you somewhat know

🔴  Red – Material you don’t know yet

📖 Break your study material into sections and test yourself using flashcards, self-quizzing, or another preferred method. Categorize topics using the traffic light system and focus your time on turning the reds into ambers and the ambers into greens.

🧑‍🏫 Another great study method? Teach the material to someone else. Research shows that explaining concepts aloud strengthens understanding and retention. A willing friend, a study group, or even a pet (yes, your dog or cat can be a great listener) can help you solidify what you know.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

☕️ Don’t try to cram all your studying into one massive session. Instead, create a study schedule that includes breaks to give your brain time to absorb information. And whatever you do—prioritize sleep. A well-rested brain remembers more than an exhausted one. 😴

💡 Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to take my own advice and start grading last week’s assignments. Time to put on my indoor running shoes! 👟

Interested in Executive Function Coaching?

🎯 For more in-depth support and guidance in creating a system that helps you achieve success in college, executive function coaching can help. Book a free 30 minute consultation. These discovery calls are conversations about what EF coaching entails and exploring whether EF coaching is a good fit for what you are looking for. There is no obligation and you can learn more here.

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Have a great Week!

Sarah

About the author

Founder of Student Success Coaching, and creator of the Courseload Management Coaching Program, Sarah Zeilstra brings over 25 years of experience to the forefront of higher education, specializing in empowering students to master their college experience. With a dynamic blend of expertise as a professor, coach, and speaker, she has become a trusted mentor and advocate for post-secondary learners. Sarah is renowned for her innovative and personalized approach to teaching, which focuses on fostering internal accountability, enabling students to confidently tackle their academic workload and mitigate stress. Her dedication to student success goes beyond the classroom as she continues to refine transformative strategies tailored to the unique challenges of college life. Sarah's philosophy that a positive mindset catalyzes the development of skill sets shines through her mentorship, as she works tirelessly to guide students towards unlocking their full potential. Her passion for education and commitment to her students' achievements make her an invaluable guide in the journey towards academic and personal growth.