For greater productivity, adopt proven processes

Productivity and staying on task can be a challenge for some, with the concept especially being a problem amongst students. It can be hard to study for long periods of time or stay on top of homework. The following tips will help guide you through the process of learning to not procrastinate.

 

  1. Stop multitasking:

Multitasking is often used to get more tasks done in less time, being seen as a tool to work harder. However, multitasking has been proven to lessen efficiency as a result of the way our brains work. Our brains can only physically focus on one task at a time, making it detrimental to rely on multitasking to get things done. The method has even been proven to lower IQ scores in some cases.

 

  1. Make goals:

When you are preparing to study, one thing that can be very helpful to do is have an idea of what you would like to accomplish. For example, if you go into your working or studying session without a specific plan for what you will get done, stress will quickly rise, making the idea of working feel harder. The more tedious and stress-inducing it feels to work, the less you will be able to get done.

 

  1. Eliminate distractions:

It can be tempting to try to work with your phone right next to you, with a TV on, or having family or friends around you. However, these surroundings can be critical to your work habits and productivity. Try to turn off other devices that are unrelated to your task. While in some scenarios it can be helpful to have people around you to help, try to be mindful about whether these people are really just distracting you. Working in a solitary environment can be very obliging to productivity.

 

  1. Identify your priorities:

While you work, one tactic that can be beneficial to utilize is acknowledging your priorities. Have a list of what you want to accomplish, and identify what is more important and what is less important. Try to get done with your bigger tasks first, leaving your smaller tasks for the end, making it easier to finish the work you need to achieve.

 

High school counselor Carrie Dieken said in regards to how students should stay productive, “Stay organized. Keep a planner, use Google Calendar, or use your phone calendar to have a plan. Prioritize. Decide what is most important and tackle that first, decide which things will take the most time and spread those tasks out. Assume that something will interrupt you or get in the way so think ahead using that planner. Don’t let things sneak up on you that will create stress and anxiety that will stop you in your tracks.”

On the subject of what habits can hurt a student’s productivity, Dieken said, “Stress. Feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Use self care and time management to ensure that you have the time to pace yourself the way you need. If there are other things getting in your way of being productive, address those. Get help from family, friends and trusted adults.

Procrastination. Some of us work really well under a time crunch, but you won’t necessarily do your best work in that condition. Use a planner to ensure you have enough time to complete tasks to your best ability.”

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