Getting s**t done ✔️- how to be more efficient.

[totallytaz]

Procrastination, leaving urgent things to the last minute or letting non-urgent things escalate into urgency because I leave them so late...

Anyone got some advice on how to be more efficient? I haven’t learnt the art of efficiency in all my years but I’d like to start.

 

[Narc ahoy]

I would like to know too. ADHD here currently avoiding an urgent Uni deadline.

 

[mochibean]

I'm the same, especially in winter I get quite depressed.

My thing is, do as much as I can for just half an hour then take a break. Have a snack or play with the dog (no tech though!)

Then start again, do another half an hour, longer if I'm into it. After the first break I usually feel a bit more motivated.

After 1 more break do another half hour-hour and then finish and do something I enjoy.

I turn off all my tech and distractions before starting, make sure around me is clean & only thing I do have on is some classical/piano music to help me focus.

The short bursts and knowing it's only half an hour makes it easier to get on with it for me. Sitting down for 3 hours at once drains me before I've even started.

 

[BettyCrocker]

Give yourselves a set time slot to do certain tasks, even if it’s things around the house, allocate a window of time for it and then focus on that task during that time.

write a list of tasks/things to do and then prioritise them and allocate them a time slot.

 

[Mulholland Drive]

Am no expert at all, although I can share that pain of being late with university deadlines!

Too many distractions, most noticeably tablets, phones and of course social media.

I had to create my own planner and follow it religiously, along with text alerts reminding me to get this done, or get that done.

Listening to music can help. But the biggest challenge will be saying "No!" to people who want you to go out with them to the student bar, or the gym or whatever.... anything that will take you away from your desk and waste more precious time.

Discipline is key.

Good luck

 

[Stan]

The best feeling ever - ticking things off a list. Every day I have a list of a few things I want to do that day in the notes in my phone and tick them off as I go. if anything doesn’t get done it gets left on for the next day at the top of the list

 

[Kim Mild]

Lists help me. I tend to forget things if they aren't written down and I have a record.

 

[Taythomlau]

The most amazing book I've ever read to help me on this... Eat that Frog! Would completely recommend it, its only short too let me know if anyone reads it and what you think

 

[bookworm1403]

Following this thread!!! I have 4500 words to write in 10 days but, whilst my plans for two of my essays out of three are fleshed out and done, I can't seem to motivate myself to write it really stressing now lol, so all of this will help make the next five days really productive!!

 

[Rainbow1]

Pomodoro Technique

Each ‘pomodoro’ is 25 minutes long so you work for 25 minutes then take a 5 min break

Repeat for about about 4 pomodoros then take a 15-20 break

The idea behind it is you’re effectively working to a 25 minute deadline so become more productive but it is SO important to take the 5 minute break, so easy to just work through but without the technique I always felt sluggish and started to drift/procrastinate working for hours on end

The 5 minute break can be a toilet break/walk or quickly make a tea

You can set a timer on your phone or there is apps you can use!

 

[Stan]

Pomodoro Technique

Each ‘pomodoro’ is 25 minutes long so you work for 25 minutes then take a 5 min break

Repeat for about about 4 pomodoros then take a 15-20 break

The idea behind it is you’re effectively working to a 25 minute deadline so become more productive but it is SO important to take the 5 minute break, so easy to just work through but without the technique I always felt sluggish and started to drift/procrastinate working for hours on end

The 5 minute break can be a toilet break/walk or quickly make a tea

You can set a timer on your phone or there is apps you can use!

I’ve heard and tried the Pomodoro. Sometimes I get that into the work I’m doing I do carry on through.
I also read that some research thatfound the most effective technique to be 52 mins with a 17 min break

 

[under the ivy]

I’m struggling with motivation for my PhD work atm. I make a to-do list on a Monday for the week and it’s good ticking things off. But I get distracted easily, especially WFH, I end up doing my washing/ironing/cleaning. I like working in 30 minute intervals like one poster mentioned, then have a break for 10 minutes then back again. I get more done that way.

 

[CherryAcid]

Depends on the task but I usually think if i get xyz done then I can do this or if im coming home from work I will get stuff done before i sit down or maybe when tea is cooking.

 

[coconochanel]

Depends what it is but if its chores I usually write down what needs doing and do a few a day.

 

[newtoyou]

I have an issue where if I don’t have enough work to do, I end up procrastinating. So the less work I have, the longer it takes for me to get it done. It’s really annoying

 

[Ohflogoff]

I went on a training course once. It was all about eating your biggest frog first.

ie- that dissertation you have to write, the meeting you have to plan for, the admin that’s built up for months, all easily bypassed to do something such as rearrange your sock draw.

by doing the big thing first(the frog), it frees up your mind rather than putting it off for Ages, but always thinking of it.

helps me.

 

[birdiefly246]

I find a time constraint doesn't work because I struggle to stop and start when I've got a flow going and also it's just too vague for me. I could sit for 20 minutes and only get a few things done.

My method that works for me is setting a small goal so like "write paragraph 1. Once you've done that you can stop". 9/10 I end up continuing because I'm in the flow and if I do stop then realistically, I've still accomplished my goal.

I also find watching YouTube videos of other people studying really helps. Seems kind of counterproductive but it really gets me in the mood.

 

[LaurieLaurie]

Cleaning wise I always think if you make the beds and clean the kitchen/do the dishes then you’re off to a good start.

 

[Happyvalley]

I have an issue where if I don’t have enough work to do, I end up procrastinating. So the less work I have, the longer it takes for me to get it done. It’s really annoying

I’m with you. I work so well when I’m busy or under pressure. If I don’t have lots to do or am not working to a deadline I just can’t get motivated to even start.

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

I really like the book Atomic Habits.