I’ve seen many posts on my timeline of people being out of the loop and not feeling like themselves. I’m not talking about being productive but rather getting the right mindset. Because yes, we are dealing with a pandemic but we also have responsibilities that we need to fulfill. These are some things that work for me. Think of this as a tutorial if you are “I go with the flow I don’t plan sh*t” typa person cuz trust me I’ve been there and sometimes the flow is nonexistent. “Trust the discipline not motivation” (quote from my smart friend)

1. Write down all the tasks that you have.

By all I mean ALL. Laundry? 2 problem sets for physics due friday? group project due thursday? Washing the dishes? Putting all the papers flying around the room in a recycling bag? Cleaning the bathroom mirror? 4 page essay? Write them all down.

2. Now analyze the tasks. Some of them will need sub-tasks. Cross out the main task and leave the sub-tasks on your list. 

For example, for my group project. The tasks I wrote down were:

remind the group the project is due thursday

send them all the code that you have completed so far

ask to schedule the next meeting to find out what we have left

See? this is a lot easier to execute rather than just saying “complete the group project” because in reality, the tasks we have are way too complex. BREAK THEM DOWN. easier to remind yourself to email your team rather than just “complete the project” LOL

3. Now take this list of tasks and separate them in 3 categories: today, this week, this semester. Give them a specific time in the calendar (I use google calendar)

This will give you a time frame to complete the tasks. Kinda like deadlines. So you don’t feel like you need to complete 500 tasks that you have on your paper on the same day and then feel unmotivated and then give up and go on tiktok. Trust me we’ve all been there. You are your best friend. Don’t stress YOURSELF out. Help yourself. For example, from 10-11am attend class, from 5-6pm we will discuss the project details and from 6-7pm I will workout. etc

4. Last and final step - Start with the task that is the easiest and the least time consuming to create momentum.

Going from binge watching Netflix to doing your physics problem sets about rotational dynamics is a herculean task. So start with something simple like doing your laundry. Once you start checking small things off your list you will start feeling productive. That’s it! Grab that feeling. After completing ONE easy task, do a difficult task. Then move on to a bigger task. Then do an easier task.  Note -  Continuously doing easy tasks will also be known as “productive procrastination” so it is best to alternate between difficult and easy tasks. 

5. FAQ - Feeling like you are being unproductive again? Switch to another task instead of taking a break. Completed half of each task? Now, take a break.

 Trust me sometimes breaks are not that great either. Switching between tasks is another alternative. Wrote the introduction and first body paragraph of your english/bio essay and you don’t feel like writing anymore? Do 2 questions from your physics homework. And keep alternating until you complete at least half of both the tasks before you take a break. [So when you come back you see that half of it is already done and that will motivate you to finish the rest.] Because editing an essay is easier than starting something from a blank page.

studyblr intro!! 

Hi lovely people, it’s Avalon! A chronically ill nerd with a passion for embroidery, the French language and tropical plants. I’ve started a studyblr to provide support, tutoring and resources for IB students with a focus on accessibility to less abled folk!

A bit about me: 

I’m 18, a Sagittarius and INFJ 

Italian by blood and living in Sydney, Australia 

I live with idiopathic hypersomnia, endometriosis, PTSD and some other conditions

I completed the IB in May 2019 with a 43 (99.6 atar) 

I studied HL English Literature, Art, Psychology, Maths Studies, SL French and Biology 

I am off to complete a B2/C1 course in French in Montpellier and will return to Australia to study a Bachelor of International Science (In French and Psychology) 

Dream career: Child Protection Officer for the UN, speaking lots of languages

In my spare time: I sew pouches for orphaned wildlife, raise rare and endangered plants and hand embroider 

Tutoring and Resources Info: 

I started tutoring because I felt like there was a lack of tutors who understood the difficulties students face! 

Whether you’ve lost a parent, have a severe illness, have siblings to care for, have to prioritise bringing an income in and more, I understand that education isn’t or can’t be your top priority. I also recognise that these specific problems may make it far harder to study and learn.

I tutor via Skype and in real life, using skills, notes and plans I devised when I was studying for the IB. 

I am working on releasing different sets of my notes for the IB, my planners I use and other study documents I devised to achieve a 43. 

Inspos: 

@emmastudies / @studylustre / @warmhealer / @cupsandthoughts