By Annie Phan, @deca.annie | Decatur High School, WA
Balancing schoolwork, DECA and other extracurriculars is challenging. The even bigger challenge is getting those tasks done. There are so many distractions around you that prevent you from focusing on your work. Here are 5 tips that will help you stay on track!
1. Focus On One Task
When your to-do list takes up a whole page, it can be overwhelming. You’ll feel like you have to get everything done as quickly as possible. However, this is not efficient. Focus on the first thing on your list that requires the most attention or is of the highest importance. If a task is causing you stress, take a break and then get right back into it. Break your list into sections by class or extracurricular activity. This ensures organization and clarity, so it’s easier to look at. Once you’re finished with the first task, move on to the next.
2. Use Focus Friend
Focus Friend is a productivity app that blocks all distractions on your phone. Set the timer to 5 to 120 minutes, and you will only be able to access certain apps like messages or camera. Social media and games will be blocked until the timer runs out.
Your reward? A productive time of completing your tasks and socks! The app’s mascot is a little bean who crochets socks while you have the timer on. If you end the timer early, all the progress you've made with the socks is wasted, and you'll get no reward. You can use the socks to buy decorations for the room. This app provides a great incentive and motivation to be productive.
3. Change Location
Studying in your room can get boring and make you feel unmotivated. Instead of staying in the same spot, go somewhere with people who are also working hard. Libraries and cafes are great spots because not only are they quiet, but they also have people doing the same thing you are. I love studying at cafes because you’re not just being productive, you also get to eat or drink and support businesses.
4. Record a Time-lapse
Recording a time-lapse will help you stay off your phone, and it’s a reward in itself. After you’re done studying, you’ll be able to watch your time-lapse and be proud of your productivity. This keeps your screen time down and productivity up. Highly recommended because it doesn’t take much preparation or money.
5. Study Until it Melts
Grab a cup of ice or light a tall candle, and work until they melt/burn all the way down. This might be the most grueling tactic that you could do, but make it fun! Freeze your favorite drink in ice or maybe even money. Start small with the amount of ice or the size of your candle, and increase them later. You'll be satisfied with the progress you've made, and you’ll have something waiting for you.
