how to get back on track when you are doubting yourself + feeling lost/unorganized
I’ve seen many posts on my timeline of people being out of the loop and not feeling like themselves. I’m not talking about being productive but rather getting the right mindset. Because yes, we are dealing with a pandemic but we also have responsibilities that we need to fulfill. These are some things that work for me. Think of this as a tutorial if you are “I go with the flow I don’t plan sh*t” typa person cuz trust me I’ve been there and sometimes the flow is nonexistent. “Trust the discipline not motivation” (quote from my smart friend)
1. Write down all the tasks that you have.
By all I mean ALL. Laundry? 2 problem sets for physics due friday? group project due thursday? Washing the dishes? Putting all the papers flying around the room in a recycling bag? Cleaning the bathroom mirror? 4 page essay? Write them all down.
2. Now analyze the tasks. Some of them will need sub-tasks. Cross out the main task and leave the sub-tasks on your list.
For example, for my group project. The tasks I wrote down were:
remind the group the project is due thursday
send them all the code that you have completed so far
ask to schedule the next meeting to find out what we have left
See? this is a lot easier to execute rather than just saying “complete the group project” because in reality, the tasks we have are way too complex. BREAK THEM DOWN. easier to remind yourself to email your team rather than just “complete the project” LOL
3. Now take this list of tasks and separate them in 3 categories: today, this week, this semester. Give them a specific time in the calendar (I use google calendar)
This will give you a time frame to complete the tasks. Kinda like deadlines. So you don’t feel like you need to complete 500 tasks that you have on your paper on the same day and then feel unmotivated and then give up and go on tiktok. Trust me we’ve all been there. You are your best friend. Don’t stress YOURSELF out. Help yourself. For example, from 10-11am attend class, from 5-6pm we will discuss the project details and from 6-7pm I will workout. etc
4. Last and final step - Start with the task that is the easiest and the least time consuming to create momentum.
Going from binge watching Netflix to doing your physics problem sets about rotational dynamics is a herculean task. So start with something simple like doing your laundry. Once you start checking small things off your list you will start feeling productive. That’s it! Grab that feeling. After completing ONE easy task, do a difficult task. Then move on to a bigger task. Then do an easier task. Note - Continuously doing easy tasks will also be known as “productive procrastination” so it is best to alternate between difficult and easy tasks.
5. FAQ - Feeling like you are being unproductive again? Switch to another task instead of taking a break. Completed half of each task? Now, take a break.
Trust me sometimes breaks are not that great either. Switching between tasks is another alternative. Wrote the introduction and first body paragraph of your english/bio essay and you don’t feel like writing anymore? Do 2 questions from your physics homework. And keep alternating until you complete at least half of both the tasks before you take a break. [So when you come back you see that half of it is already done and that will motivate you to finish the rest.] Because editing an essay is easier than starting something from a blank page.
I hope that helped! Shoot me a message/ask if you need to talk!!
