Working efficiently
Many of us are guilty of falling short of deadlines and cramming work at the very last minute however, in this article, we will learn three techniques to improve your organization.
Working backwards
Picture this: you have a heavily packed exam week with a couple of essays due that week. However, on Monday you have a Chemistry exam (for example), on Wednesday a Biology exam (as well as an essay) and finally on Thursday you have a Math exam. Naturally, this would make anyone panic.
What will you do? Where do you start?
Many will recommend you start with what will be due first – the Chemistry exam. Many find working backward may work best for a busy week like this. It means looking at what is due later and making sure not to neglect more lengthy pieces when focusing on closer deadlines – especially essays. One way of doing this is through using the 2 3 5 7 method.
Let’s say it’s two weeks before that very busy week.
Note down the dates of each exam. Go two days back from the exam date and note down that date as the date you will revise for that exam (or do some of that essay). Then 3 days back from that date do the same thing. Make sure you repeat that cycle with increments of 5 and 7 days. Repeat this cycle as many times as you like.
The important thing to remember is that you can use this method as a template. Also, remember that you don’t only revise on those days, feel free to mix and match certain dates to your liking, maybe adding more days to revise for the subject you struggle with the most.
Scheduling breaks
I’m sure many of us have been guilty of overworking ourselves till burnout. However, not revising is just as dangerous as burnout.
But how can one avoid this?
Scheduling breaks within the study and lazy days can ensure better work consistency. Make sure you occupy yourself with a hobby from time to time to maintain a better work-life balance.
Motivation Factors
At times, what’s stopping us from working is the fact that we need to start. For instance, just thinking about that hypothetical essay would make you sleep all your days away. Alas, the difficult part of getting something down is simply starting. With that in mind, aiming to schedule, let's say, your hypothetical essay due in two weeks - rather than finishing that essay - might be what drives you forward into getting it done.
What if that isn't enough?
We can start then with things that get you motivated to get things done, for example, many of my friends know that what gets me motivated is a nice bar of Oreo chocolate. Instant gratification can be a great tool for getting things done. We all know that in the long-term, especially as students, good grades are what we are ultimately striving for, but at times, delaying gratification is not enough to get us through present circumstances. Thus, exploiting, for example, your love for chocolate (within reason) can be a good short-term motivation factor.
Despite all of this, remember that even if you get to those deadlines, and you don’t quite manage to meet them, aim to compromise with whoever is demanding the work from you and explain your circumstances. Remember your mental health matters, keep working hard where you can, and take breaks when necessary.
Written by Paris L.
Moderated by Joanna
