We live in a time of distractions. Composing text messages, writing twitter tweets, updating blogs, completing homework assignments, checking email... the list goes on with every new communications innovation and social networking outlet. We enjoy our distractions, but our responsibilities at school and work either fall by the wayside or get put off until they become overwhelming. Our cell phones and laptops connect us to the world but disconnect us from our goals, and it's time to take a step back and evaluate how we can separate our social lives from our school and work lives.
1) Eliminate all current distractions.
Settle that fight with your significant other, call your grandma and thank her for the birthday gift, and tidy up your room or apartment. We have the tendency to let little stresses collect and overwhelm us, but they don't have to get in the way of producing quality work. You'll feel more relaxed and ready to write a paper or tackle a problem set when you don't have to look at that huge pile of dishes in the sink every time you want a study snack.
2) Exercise your muscles, exercise your brain.
Accomplishing large tasks require energy, and there's no better way to optimize your energy levels than to get small amounts of exercise throughout your work session. Instead of taking Facebook or email breaks, set aside five minutes every half or full hour and do some stretching. Jogging in place, jumping jacks, and brisk walks are energizing and refreshing ways to give your brain a break while maintaining the energy you'll need to finish your project.
3) Reward yourself, but don't get caught up in the rewards.
Many people will tell you the best way to be more productive is to give yourself rewards throughout your work session. This can be problematic when the rewards become more frequent than the actual work. Feel free to grab a snack or a coffee after working for one solid hour without distractions, but remember that the greatest incentive is completion, and always work towards the finished product.
4) Finish the most unpleasant tasks first.
If your project requires a lot of research or other detail intensive tasks, finish those first. It's never a good idea to get knee-deep into a paper and suddenly realize you need a source to back up your claims. Stopping to do research can mean halting an excellent flow of writing, and the frustration that will ensue will slow down completion even more.
It is true that breaking a pattern of procrastination is very difficult. We've become so used to this habit that we have forgotten how it feels to finish our work before the deadline. Now that the semester has begun, try completing your first assignment a few days before the deadline. You'll likely recognize the mental, physical, and academic rewards almost immediately.
You may be wondering why we're posting productivity tips in a personal finance blog. Consider this: time really is money. You should value your time and ascribe a significant loss in net worth to wasting it. Think about how much money you could have made or saved by working more efficiently. If you have a part time job, consider that the three hours you spent checking your email or refreshing Facebook could have garnered you $25 (assuming you make around $9 an hour). The full night's sleep and decreased stress level are added bonuses.
Good luck,
Savvy Student
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