Drawing up and sticking to your one-week timetable does require effort. Often the greatest difficulty is simply getting down to work – making the start. Sometimes you may not feel like working after a long day in school. If you immediately give in to this feeling you will not accomplish very much that evening. Instead of giving in, try the 15 minute rule – an idea based on the six-minute rule in athletics. Go to your table and work on your favourite subject for 15 minutes. If you feel fine after this time, continue working. However, if you are still genuinely tired take an easy night. Just complete your written homework. Ask yourself why you are tired – too little sleep, anxiety, overworking, not eating well, – then deal with the problem.

Finally, remember that if you have the personal qualities of self-motivation, commitment and self-discipline you will make your study plans work and end up getting your just rewards.