I can't focus

Every time I sit down to actually get stuff done, my brain decides that it needs to do everything EXCEPT that. I created a separate user account on my computer, to which I blocked Internet access, just so I could try to get away from Internet distractions. True, it keeps me off of Facebook, etc., but I manage to find other ways to get distracted, like reading or daydreaming. Any tips for staying on track? I could really, really use them.

Hmmm. Can you reward yourself for staying on task? And break up the assignments/study time into smaller chunks? Then reward yourself when you get the smaller part done. You might be feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of material or assignments.

What rewards might work for you? A small piece of candy? A few minutes break? (You'll need a break now and then!)

Try to interact with textbooks by asking questions as you skim the information, and then go back to see what the answers are. Relate the information to real life or to something significant to you. For example, if you have a list of things that needs to be learned in order, then take the first letter of each word and memorize it and go down the line. You'll end up with something such as "PRMDX." The first letter can cue your memory.

I hope these suggestions will at least be a start. Getting good grades will also be a great reward.

Thank you for the suggestions. Little rewards can help to an extent. Taking breaks seems to just get me distracted again, though.

I like your suggestions for reading textbooks. I'll try those out. Thanks.

It could be that you aren't in the right environment for you to learn best. Some people work best at night, some in the morning. Some learn better when they can write it out with a pen and paper and some work better typing. I think it's all about figuring out what helps you learn best.

If the problem is with focusing on reading a textbook, I have the same problem. I suggest trying to see if you can get an audio version of the information. Or if it's on a common topic, see if you can find a video about it and watch that. If all else fails, break it up into little chunks. Read one section at a time and then try to summarize what you just read in 1-2 sentences. It really forces you to condense the info and pull out the most important parts. The more interactive you make it, the easier it will be to stay engaged.