Stay Focused on Your Studies
There's a phrase called ‘decision fatigue’ that might be weighing you down. I first heard about this procrastination phenomenon in a talk by Kerwin Rae. It's based on the principle that we spend so much time thinking about what to do, instead of doing what we wanted in the first place, that we waste time. How can we stop being unsure what to study and just start studying? It's never too late to organize your time! One approach is to divide your module across the available calendar weeks and then split those into days.
Find Time in Your Calendar
Much of my time spent listening to audiobooks or engaging in external reading and lectures occurs while I'm doing mundane activities I can't avoid, such as brushing my teeth or cooking pasta. These small ten-minute bursts can add up to another 20 hours of study, enhancing my exposure to the topic and leading to a better understanding. A commute can be an excellent opportunity – putting down Facebook on the train and using that hour to read the core textbook is invaluable.
Have a Study Method
Routine has been a savior of study for me. Creating good, healthy study habits has made it so much easier to ‘get down to work’ and get into the mental zone with limited procrastination. I study for approximately four hours a day, but try not to set yourself goals by time, or you could find yourself watching paint dry and counting it as four hours of study. It is much better to study a certain topic or complete a certain activity before taking a break.
Stay Focused and Track Progress
Drinking two liters of water a day and having a sleep schedule has drastically improved my focus and ability to concentrate. More importantly, having a set plan already in place means I no longer open my books and waste precious time wondering what to do or where to focus. I can look at my chart and see exactly what I need to do and get started straight away.
After all the hard work, it’s very rewarding to cross off the topics on your calendar to show how far you have come. This can help keep you on track, stay motivated, and give you the best chance of success.
After all the hard work, it's very rewarding to cross off topics on your calendar to show how far you've come.
A few of my friends are also studying, not at the same university or even the same course, but having other friends who I can ‘study buddy’ with or check in with keeps us all determined and on track. Scheduling in catch-up time can provide much-needed respite without panic. This keeps your goals realistic and manageable.
