Changing the World

7 Productivity Tips

Schedule times you want to work // I know I can go through an entire day promising myself that I’m going to do something and never doing it. “I’ll start in one more hour…Just five more minutes..Once I’ve cleaned my room, I’ll do it…” If you tell yourself that you want to start your task at 11 AM, you can hold yourself accountable and your plans aren’t so vague. 

“Work hard, play hard” // It’s sooo necessary to have time to relax when you’re working hard. If you constantly work, you’re going to get burnt out. Know what makes you really happy and make time for it. Time that is specifically devoted to work or play will make your life more balanced and enjoyable. You’ll be happy to start working. 

Set goals and deadlines for the day// Force yourself to finish. Knowing that your must get things done will allow you to actually get them done. If you mindlessly go through your day, it becomes easy to not get anything done. Focus your mind on your goals and not you small, lazy desires. 

Ignore perfection // Constant tweaking and stress will never allow you to finish a task. If you hold all your assignments to an unreasonable standard, you won’t get things done in a timely manner. The key to productivity is efficiency. Know that you’re human. Perfection takes huge amounts of time. That time might be better used to finish your other tasks.  

Create your to-do lists the day before // Even if you set goals for your day the day of, it’s valuable to have a tangible checklist of your tasks the day before; you can get a head start on them the moment you wake up the next morning. In your spare time, like the time waiting between classes or waiting for your ride, you can work on the things you know you have to do. 

Evaluate your progress each week // Once you’ve set your deadlines and goals for each of your days, go through them and ask yourself how effective you were on Saturday or Sunday. Understanding if you met your goals and what might’ve prevented you from meeting them (procrastinating, unexpected nuisances, etc.) will help you to be more productive the next week. 

- DATE. YOUR. WORK. I can’t stress enough how much this can really help. If you date all the worksheets and handouts that you’re given, it’ll make it so much easier to keep everything in order so you can find it when exam time comes around. 

- I like to have just the essentials when I go to classes. So for me, that’s a notebook (two for maths subjects- a summary book and a workbook), a clear plastic pocket, my pencil case, my laptop, my planner, a water bottle and, if I can’t keep a PDF of it on my laptop, my textbook. I use the plastic pocket to store all the loose handouts I receive, and I find it much easier than using a binder or something big and heavy. Once it gets filled up, I just get another one and use double-sided tape to stick the two together. 

- Adding on to the last point- if you can, keep all your textbooks digital and leave the hard copies at home. Your arms and back will thank you, and sometimes online copies have additional study material which can be a bonus. 

- It’s not a source of embarrassment to study. If you want to study, go to the library and study. Find a spare table in the cafeteria and study. Pull out your phone and read through your notes on there. Enhancing yourself is not something to be ashamed of.

- However, ensure that you are spending enough time relaxing and having fun with your friends. Downtime is important. It keeps you focused and happy, and gives you a break from all the stress.

- UTILISE YOUR TEACHERS. They are the ones who know the course inside-out. Most times, speaking to them can really help you.

- Prioritise. I know this seems obvious, but it can be something that’s really hard to do. Remember- you and your education are your biggest priority. 

- Find out what works for you. You don’t have to fit into any category. Study however you want- if that’s in Starbucks, so be it. If that’s in a huge quiet library, so be it. If that’s in your favourite Indian restaurant, so be it. I have a friend whose sister used to sneak into the detention room during lunchtimes just so she could do her work in peace. Whatever works for you. 

- Try to look over your notes at least once every night. It really does help.

- Don’t waste your holidays.

- Don’t waste your nights, either. When you have no homework, CATCH UP. We’re all behind on something. I know. 

- Find a study buddy. Having someone else there to motivate you can be extremely beneficial. 

- I don’t listen to music with lyrics while I study, because the words distract me from my work and disrupt my thought processes. It sounds cliché, but classical music can really calm you down when you feel the rising panic of an overdue assignment. One of my favourite songs to listen to is “Salut d’amour, Op. 12″ by Edward Elgar. 

- TO-DO LISTS REALLY HELP ME. They motivate me and push me to finish them, because ticking off boxes is just so satisfying. 

- Keep a spare pencil case with pens, pencils, an eraser, and a ruler in your locker. 

- Always bring a drink bottle to school, and aim to finish it. It does wonders for your skin and helps with headaches.

- Set goals. It’s so much easier to reach big goals when you set a series of realistic, small ones that lead up towards your ultimate dream. 

That’s all I can think of right now! Please let me know if you enjoyed this post or if it helped you in any way, or if you have any other questions you want to ask (ask box and messages are always open, though I am by no means an expert) (I’ll try my best though). Thanks for reading!! 

Great tip found in my friend’s notes 👌🏼

Great tip found in my friend’s notes 👌🏼

- DATE. YOUR. WORK. I can’t stress enough how much this can really help. If you date all the worksheets and handouts that you’re given, it’ll make it so much easier to keep everything in order so you can find it when exam time comes around. 

- I like to have just the essentials when I go to classes. So for me, that’s a notebook (two for maths subjects- a summary book and a workbook), a clear plastic pocket, my pencil case, my laptop, my planner, a water bottle and, if I can’t keep a PDF of it on my laptop, my textbook. I use the plastic pocket to store all the loose handouts I receive, and I find it much easier than using a binder or something big and heavy. Once it gets filled up, I just get another one and use double-sided tape to stick the two together. 

- Adding on to the last point- if you can, keep all your textbooks digital and leave the hard copies at home. Your arms and back will thank you, and sometimes online copies have additional study material which can be a bonus. 

- It’s not a source of embarrassment to study. If you want to study, go to the library and study. Find a spare table in the cafeteria and study. Pull out your phone and read through your notes on there. Enhancing yourself is not something to be ashamed of.

- However, ensure that you are spending enough time relaxing and having fun with your friends. Downtime is important. It keeps you focused and happy, and gives you a break from all the stress.

- UTILISE YOUR TEACHERS. They are the ones who know the course inside-out. Most times, speaking to them can really help you.

- Prioritise. I know this seems obvious, but it can be something that’s really hard to do. Remember- you and your education are your biggest priority. 

- Find out what works for you. You don’t have to fit into any category. Study however you want- if that’s in Starbucks, so be it. If that’s in a huge quiet library, so be it. If that’s in your favourite Indian restaurant, so be it. I have a friend whose sister used to sneak into the detention room during lunchtimes just so she could do her work in peace. Whatever works for you. 

- Try to look over your notes at least once every night. It really does help.

- Don’t waste your holidays.

- Don’t waste your nights, either. When you have no homework, CATCH UP. We’re all behind on something. I know. 

- Find a study buddy. Having someone else there to motivate you can be extremely beneficial. 

- I don’t listen to music with lyrics while I study, because the words distract me from my work and disrupt my thought processes. It sounds cliché, but classical music can really calm you down when you feel the rising panic of an overdue assignment. One of my favourite songs to listen to is “Salut d’amour, Op. 12″ by Edward Elgar. 

- TO-DO LISTS REALLY HELP ME. They motivate me and push me to finish them, because ticking off boxes is just so satisfying. 

- Keep a spare pencil case with pens, pencils, an eraser, and a ruler in your locker. 

- Always bring a drink bottle to school, and aim to finish it. It does wonders for your skin and helps with headaches.

- Set goals. It’s so much easier to reach big goals when you set a series of realistic, small ones that lead up towards your ultimate dream. 

That’s all I can think of right now! Please let me know if you enjoyed this post or if it helped you in any way, or if you have any other questions you want to ask (ask box and messages are always open, though I am by no means an expert) (I’ll try my best though). Thanks for reading!! 

Great tip found in my friend’s notes 👌🏼

- DATE. YOUR. WORK. I can’t stress enough how much this can really help. If you date all the worksheets and handouts that you’re given, it’ll make it so much easier to keep everything in order so you can find it when exam time comes around. 

- I like to have just the essentials when I go to classes. So for me, that’s a notebook (two for maths subjects- a summary book and a workbook), a clear plastic pocket, my pencil case, my laptop, my planner, a water bottle and, if I can’t keep a PDF of it on my laptop, my textbook. I use the plastic pocket to store all the loose handouts I receive, and I find it much easier than using a binder or something big and heavy. Once it gets filled up, I just get another one and use double-sided tape to stick the two together. 

- Adding on to the last point- if you can, keep all your textbooks digital and leave the hard copies at home. Your arms and back will thank you, and sometimes online copies have additional study material which can be a bonus. 

- It’s not a source of embarrassment to study. If you want to study, go to the library and study. Find a spare table in the cafeteria and study. Pull out your phone and read through your notes on there. Enhancing yourself is not something to be ashamed of.

- However, ensure that you are spending enough time relaxing and having fun with your friends. Downtime is important. It keeps you focused and happy, and gives you a break from all the stress.

- UTILISE YOUR TEACHERS. They are the ones who know the course inside-out. Most times, speaking to them can really help you.

- Prioritise. I know this seems obvious, but it can be something that’s really hard to do. Remember- you and your education are your biggest priority. 

- Find out what works for you. You don’t have to fit into any category. Study however you want- if that’s in Starbucks, so be it. If that’s in a huge quiet library, so be it. If that’s in your favourite Indian restaurant, so be it. I have a friend whose sister used to sneak into the detention room during lunchtimes just so she could do her work in peace. Whatever works for you. 

- Try to look over your notes at least once every night. It really does help.

- Don’t waste your holidays.

- Don’t waste your nights, either. When you have no homework, CATCH UP. We’re all behind on something. I know. 

- Find a study buddy. Having someone else there to motivate you can be extremely beneficial. 

- I don’t listen to music with lyrics while I study, because the words distract me from my work and disrupt my thought processes. It sounds cliché, but classical music can really calm you down when you feel the rising panic of an overdue assignment. One of my favourite songs to listen to is “Salut d’amour, Op. 12″ by Edward Elgar. 

- TO-DO LISTS REALLY HELP ME. They motivate me and push me to finish them, because ticking off boxes is just so satisfying. 

- Keep a spare pencil case with pens, pencils, an eraser, and a ruler in your locker. 

- Always bring a drink bottle to school, and aim to finish it. It does wonders for your skin and helps with headaches.

- Set goals. It’s so much easier to reach big goals when you set a series of realistic, small ones that lead up towards your ultimate dream. 

That’s all I can think of right now! Please let me know if you enjoyed this post or if it helped you in any way, or if you have any other questions you want to ask (ask box and messages are always open, though I am by no means an expert) (I’ll try my best though). Thanks for reading!! 

Great tip found in my friend’s notes 👌🏼

- DATE. YOUR. WORK. I can’t stress enough how much this can really help. If you date all the worksheets and handouts that you’re given, it’ll make it so much easier to keep everything in order so you can find it when exam time comes around. 

- I like to have just the essentials when I go to classes. So for me, that’s a notebook (two for maths subjects- a summary book and a workbook), a clear plastic pocket, my pencil case, my laptop, my planner, a water bottle and, if I can’t keep a PDF of it on my laptop, my textbook. I use the plastic pocket to store all the loose handouts I receive, and I find it much easier than using a binder or something big and heavy. Once it gets filled up, I just get another one and use double-sided tape to stick the two together. 

- Adding on to the last point- if you can, keep all your textbooks digital and leave the hard copies at home. Your arms and back will thank you, and sometimes online copies have additional study material which can be a bonus. 

- It’s not a source of embarrassment to study. If you want to study, go to the library and study. Find a spare table in the cafeteria and study. Pull out your phone and read through your notes on there. Enhancing yourself is not something to be ashamed of.

- However, ensure that you are spending enough time relaxing and having fun with your friends. Downtime is important. It keeps you focused and happy, and gives you a break from all the stress.

- UTILISE YOUR TEACHERS. They are the ones who know the course inside-out. Most times, speaking to them can really help you.

- Prioritise. I know this seems obvious, but it can be something that’s really hard to do. Remember- you and your education are your biggest priority. 

- Find out what works for you. You don’t have to fit into any category. Study however you want- if that’s in Starbucks, so be it. If that’s in a huge quiet library, so be it. If that’s in your favourite Indian restaurant, so be it. I have a friend whose sister used to sneak into the detention room during lunchtimes just so she could do her work in peace. Whatever works for you. 

- Try to look over your notes at least once every night. It really does help.

- Don’t waste your holidays.

- Don’t waste your nights, either. When you have no homework, CATCH UP. We’re all behind on something. I know. 

- Find a study buddy. Having someone else there to motivate you can be extremely beneficial. 

- I don’t listen to music with lyrics while I study, because the words distract me from my work and disrupt my thought processes. It sounds cliché, but classical music can really calm you down when you feel the rising panic of an overdue assignment. One of my favourite songs to listen to is “Salut d’amour, Op. 12″ by Edward Elgar. 

- TO-DO LISTS REALLY HELP ME. They motivate me and push me to finish them, because ticking off boxes is just so satisfying. 

- Keep a spare pencil case with pens, pencils, an eraser, and a ruler in your locker. 

- Always bring a drink bottle to school, and aim to finish it. It does wonders for your skin and helps with headaches.

- Set goals. It’s so much easier to reach big goals when you set a series of realistic, small ones that lead up towards your ultimate dream. 

That’s all I can think of right now! Please let me know if you enjoyed this post or if it helped you in any way, or if you have any other questions you want to ask (ask box and messages are always open, though I am by no means an expert) (I’ll try my best though). Thanks for reading!! 

He’d want me to thank you, so here is a photo of him synchronized sleeping with his sister, French Toast.

The third kitty is Hash Brown. She is very small.

it’s important to be able to track your progress toward your goals! here are a few ideas for goals that can be quantified:

wake up at 6

go to bed at 9

eat a vegetable with every meal

maintain a duolingo streak

clean once a week

take medication/vitamins every day 

read a book a month

limit time spent on social media to 2 hours daily

save 10% of every paycheck

work out every weekend

get an a in a class

wash face morning and night

visit a museum monthly

complete a painting every week

write 500 words a day

use journal daily

drink a cup of water during each class

Who can resist reading another little post full of tips to help you get more work done? Here is a few things that I find useful when trying to get myself motivated.

Clear desk, clear mind - I like to organise things before I start working. If things are messy, I get a little preoccupied and procrastinate even more. My suggestion is clear your desk, sort everything you’ll need to study and get on!

The two minute rule - If a task that needs to be done takes less than two minutes, just do it. My dad has often suggested that this is a great way to sort out your priorities and so far it has worked for me. Things like check my emails, cross off events from my planner, file something away don’t take long but get you in the mood for productivity. As they say “object in motion, stay in motion”.

Break your time up - Schedule your study time and any breaks you need to take. This helps structure your day and acts as a motivation to get things done. Especially if you can reward yourself at the end!

Leave your phone alone - Like most people I use my phone constantly but when I’m trying to work, it is best to leave it alone. Out of sight, out of mind. Try leaving it on silent and behind you so you aren’t tempted to pick it up after every beep. Use your break times to check it.

Find your top three to five priorities - Seeing a long list of things to do is usually, for some people, kind of counterproductive. Figure out the main things that need to be done and work on those. If you’re able to complete those main things, you’ll feel like you’ve accomplished the days necessities and may even want to complete some more.

Try using a mindmap instead of a to do list - Apparently using a mindmap layout instead of a traditional list can help boost productivity. It is a little more funky way to see all your outstanding tasks and might not look as overwhelming as a super long list.

Wear headphones - You don’t have to always listen to things but it can help block out any noise that can distract you. If you’re someone that likes some music, try songs with little or no words. This is a great playlist by Spotify.

Don’t multitask - As much as you think you can do it, trying to multitask usually ends up in a confused mess and takes twice the time. Stick to one task at a time. If you think of something you need to do, write it down and do it later.

Change things up - Doing the same things in the same place can get boring. Make the effort every now and then to change where you’re studying or how you’re studying. This can include moving your studying from the desk to the kitchen table for a change of scenery, or making flash cards instead of annotating your notes. Studying with a family member or friends is a fun way to get some work done!

Be positive - Most people have times when they just don’t want to study or anything, it is natural. However it is not worth sitting staring at your books in an unmotivated mood just waiting to feel inspired. If you’re not feeling it, do something else for a while. Come back to it a bit later and have another go. Usually walking away and coming back is all you need to feel more productive.