[generalbrando]

Hey, I know exactly what you mean. It sounds like I wrote that! And yes, 'just do it' makes sense, but it never works. I often decide to just sit down and do it and even if I do, I end up distracted for hours at a time. I have suggestions - this is how I deal with it:

Sit down and make a list of distractions and side tracks. Anything that you usually use to tangent or 'take a break' with even though you don't need a break. Now just go down the list and find a way to remove every temptation and possibility. No AIM or CD after a certain time or something like that maybe. Or just shut your computer off! You can't get rid of all of them, but most of them.

Now when you do study, it sounds like you need to switch around a lot. I do this because for one I can barely sit still for a long time, let alone think about the same thing. Be actively thinking about the fact that at any moment, you might zone out or start day dreaming. It's not bad if you do once in a while, but if you think about it, you can usually prevent some of it (this takes time - just relax and don't give up). Switch around within a subject. If you have a German test coming up, study a little vocab, then some grammar, then some more vocab, then try doing an exercise, etc.

The place where you study is important. Have you ever sat down on your bed and read some required reading? I'll bet you didn't get far. Subconsciously and consciously you will associate locations with different activities. The worst thing you can do to yourself is study in bed. Because you will get tired while studying and then when you try to sleep, you'll be in work mode and have trouble sleeping or just not sleep well. If you often watch TV in the living room, don't do it there. If you play games and relax in front of the computer, don't do it there. Leaving and going to the library may be the only way to go. What has worked for me in the past is having two desks - the one with the computer and the one without. I couldn't believe how that helped.

If all else fails, it couldn't hurt to ask your doc to be tested for ADD or something. ADD/ADHD is pretty common and treatable. I hope this helps.