My Top 10 Productivity Tips
1. Donât think, just do
My biggest problem when it comes to being productive is my mind. If I think about it, I tend to procrastinate. So to fight it, I just repeat, âDonât think, just do.â And I just start whatever I need to get done.
Itâs hard getting into the rhythm of working so I just bank on only doing five minutes. This tends to trick my brain into fully getting into it. This works for the end of it too. When I get to a point where I know I canât get any more done due to boredom, I try to do just five more minutes. Sometimes it tricks my brain into focus once again.
If I use music at all, it needs to be happy and upbeat. It keeps me engaged and happy. Plus, itâs hard to work when youâre sad.
I live in my to do lists. If I have a task that is super daunting (ie. Writing an essay), I break it down to even small tasks. If thereâs a task within that list that is too big, I break that down again (ie. Finding resources, I write â1. Figure out what type of research or topic. 2. Find two about blank. Etc). This makes big tasks not seem as scary and more easy to do.
 donât know about anyone else, but I suck at working when Iâm in a noisy and distracting environment. And I canât work at night in my room (The bed calls to me). I learned that the library is my best friend. Especially the Quiet Area with those fancy cubical desks.
Sometimes it gets extra hard for me to focus for whatever reason, I use rewards. If I can read this chapter, I can have blank (usually coffee). That tends to push me through the chapter or task to get it done.
I love this technique. You set a timer for 25 minutes, work for that 25 minutes, take a five or 10 minute break, then set it to 25 minutes again. After three 25 minute sessions, you get a half hour of fun.
I like to write a clear plan for my day but more like visualization than a to do list. I.e., Iâm going to get up and get dressed. Then I will go grab a coffee and head to the library. I will first study this chapter, then I will do the work sheet for that chapter Etc. This way, I can keep focus and visualize a good day.
9. Counteract the negative with the positive
Studying science is mega boring to me (Iâm sorry guys. Iâm just not a science person) so when I have to study science, I try to have my favorite music playing, eating my favorite food, drinking coffee, etc. so I could have good things happening while I do something I dislike. It balances out and I get it done without much struggle.
I suck at working on the computer. I can do it but when I have the opportunity to be online on Tumblr, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter, I tend to procrastinate and play online. So I prefer to do most my work on pen and paper. I even print things out to edit them instead of doing it on the computer. Less distraction = more work done.
I hope these tips help you guys as much as they help me. If you have any questions, my ask box (anon is on) is always open.
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