How your child can avoid procrastination and feeling overwhelmed in their hsc year

Jun 10, 2022

For regular readers of my weekly message, you will be aware that I’m always going on about the HSC CoWorks student Key Behaviours as the path to overcoming any and every challenge associated with achieving a great HSC result.

As we always say, if the key behaviours are in place, everything else will take care of itself with both the HSC and for overcoming any other challenge in life.

This week I wanted to go through the signs to look out for if the first three key behaviours are NOT being applied outside of their CoWorks sessions.

Key Behaviour #1 – Engage your vision. 

If your teen is easily distracted, procrastinates or is only completing notes and homework outside of their CoWorks sessions this would suggest that they are not engaged with the benefits and rewards that will come from finishing their HSC with zero regrets.

Based on our experience over the last 26 years, we know that students who have their goals up in front of them every single day are much less likely to be distracted, procrastinate or only complete the bare minimum tasks each week.

Key Behaviour #2 – Plan

If your teen leaves tasks to the last minute, is overwhelmed with the volume of work during assessment tasks or rarely proactively takes action towards inevitable tasks, this would indicate they are not applying this key critical behaviour.

Students’ study time is extremely limited so they must make the most of every study session which includes proactively breaking tasks into smaller tasks and consistently eating frogs first (doing the tasks they don’t want to do first). If key behaviour #1 is being applied your teen will be a much better planner.

Key Behaviour #3 – Train. Daily

This key behaviour is the secret of top-performing students and is actually the easiest step to take towards improving performance across all subjects.

If your teen is vague and uncertain on any of their topics or texts this would indicate they aren’t doing the daily brain training that will give them the confidence and certainty to attempt more challenging tasks. Daily syllabus topic mind maps under exam conditions, writing out English quotes from memory and completing Maths exam questions every single day can easily be completed amongst the other tasks that need to be completed each day. 

In my experience of working with thousands of students, it’s these three key behaviours that very well intentioned students try and skip and are disappointed when their exam performance doesn’t match their desires. Without completing key behaviours 1, 2 & 3 moving into the key behaviours of Push your Comfort Zone (#4), Grit (#5), Own it! (#6) is unlikely to happen. 

Click here to view post on how the next 3 Key Behaviours will support your child to overcome the challenges of the HSC year.

“Let’s Talk About the HSC”

The ultimate podcast for students and parents navigating the journey of the HSC. Presented by HSC CoWorks, each episode dives into the challenges and triumphs of the HSC experience, offering expert advice, study tips, and insights into achieving academic success.

Whether you’re preparing for exams, managing stress, or looking for ways to stay motivated, this podcast is your go-to guide for all things HSC. Join us as we chat with educators, students, and professionals to help you thrive during this important academic milestone!

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Got questions about the HSC?
We’re going LIVE this Thursday to answer them.
From essays and quotes… To study balance, trials prep, and everything in between!
Join our Head Performance Coach + team as we break it down and give you real, practical strategies you can actually use.
📅 Thursday, April 9
⏰ 6PM
P.S. Bring your questions and we’ll answer them live.
🚨 MARCH RAFFLE – FINAL DAYS TO WIN A $75 WESTFIELD VOUCHER 🚨
Every rep = a shot to win.
Upload a Mind Map → 🎟️ 1 entry
Submit a Challenge Question → 🎟️ 1 entry
The more you submit… the more chances you have. Simple.
But here’s the real win 👇
Every submission = feedback
Every feedback = chance for improvement
🎯 Practice. Submit. Win.
One of the biggest mistakes students make in the HSC is trying to avoid getting things wrong.
❌ They delay practice.
❌ They wait until they feel ready.
❌ They leave feedback too late.
Confidence doesn’t come from getting your answers right the first time. It comes from getting it WRONG early enough to improve.
The students who perform best:
✅ Practice questions early 
✅ Practice their writing consistently 
✅ Get feedback weeks (not days) before exams 
🎯 The goal isn’t to avoid failure. It’s to use it, early, so you can walk into exams calm, prepared, and confident.
The students who stay consistent during the HSC?
They’re not more disciplined. They’re more connected.
Connected to:
🏔️Where they’re going 
🏔️ Who they want to become 
🏔️ What’s possible if they follow through 
Because when your vision is strong, you stop negotiating with yourself.
You don’t wake up and ask: “Do I feel like studying today?”
You wake up and ask: ““What do I need to do today to get closer to the top of Mount HSC?”