Time Strategies to Succeed
Looking at the schedule planned for this semester, it seems very doable. Only 2 hours a day and only on the days where I have a break in between classes. This helps me be productive even on my breaks.
Even the best of us has fallen victim to procrastination. It's so easy to say "I'll get to it later", rather than putting in the energy to do it now. However, once we are out in the real world with our big people jobs, we cannot do that anymore. It's time to change. Why not now? And how?
Well, glad you asked. After reflecting on my own experiences and diving deep into the articles, I have some tips to properly use my time wisely and to make the most of it.
(Quote about time management by BK on Flickr)
1. Getting over the fear of "just starting"
Sometimes it's just the fact we didn't start that puts us in the vicious cycle of putting it off and then stressing out about it. Rule number one is to just start it somehow whether that'd be to write up a draft or just even making the draft post with the title. After making this first step, you are now inclined to finish it. Looking at that paper with just my name on it and nothing else brings out this weird, irritable feeling in me. The fact is to just start. Step 1 done, so now what else?
2. Start a checklist
Next, do you know the feeling when you cross items off a shopping list? The same thing works for school. Write down all the assignments, studying, literally everything you need to do that week and looking at that list should already stress you out. Don't worry. List your priorities first and then work your way down. As you finish things, cross/highlight them off and that should bring you a sense of relief and accomplishment that will help you push on to finish the rest.
3. Treating yourself
Finally, don't push yourself to do everything at once. Give yourself some treats or rewards as you finish things. For example, I tell myself I can get on my phone and browse for a few minutes every time I finish a blog post. When I was younger, I would study something for two hours and then go get something to eat as a reward. Setting little rewards like this will keep you motivated.
After using these tips, you will see that you have successfully finished all you need to get done! Now, find some time to relax and power up for the next week.
Sometimes it's just the fact we didn't start that puts us in the vicious cycle of putting it off and then stressing out about it. Rule number one is to just start it somehow whether that'd be to write up a draft or just even making the draft post with the title. After making this first step, you are now inclined to finish it. Looking at that paper with just my name on it and nothing else brings out this weird, irritable feeling in me. The fact is to just start. Step 1 done, so now what else?
2. Start a checklist
Next, do you know the feeling when you cross items off a shopping list? The same thing works for school. Write down all the assignments, studying, literally everything you need to do that week and looking at that list should already stress you out. Don't worry. List your priorities first and then work your way down. As you finish things, cross/highlight them off and that should bring you a sense of relief and accomplishment that will help you push on to finish the rest.
3. Treating yourself
Finally, don't push yourself to do everything at once. Give yourself some treats or rewards as you finish things. For example, I tell myself I can get on my phone and browse for a few minutes every time I finish a blog post. When I was younger, I would study something for two hours and then go get something to eat as a reward. Setting little rewards like this will keep you motivated.
After using these tips, you will see that you have successfully finished all you need to get done! Now, find some time to relax and power up for the next week.
That "just starting" is a big one for me, Anhthu! Plus a variation on that: eat the frog first. I should find an article about that to add to the list. The idea is that if you have something you absolutely don't want to do but you have to do (eating a frog would be an example, ha ha), then do that FIRST. Get it out of the way, and then the whole rest of the day goes better. No more frogs! :-)
ReplyDelete