1 Tip Guaranteed to Improve Work Habits

How can you maintain flow in writing a paper, or do your best work, when you are always answering the next text, or instant message on Facebook Chat?

Check out the 60/40/20 rule!!

Electronic items have become natural extensions of Gen Ys and Zs  (and many older gens too) .   I am not saying they have to disappear completely, but I would like to share a coaching tip that was shared with me, that  I use myself, and with clients… it seems to be a perfect fit for improving study habits too!

You will need a timer and a list of things you have to do, and we will break the schedule into 2 hour work blocks:

Take your list and break it down into:

1.  Things that do not depend on anyone or anything else (preferably something that can be done without the internet, so have your research in advance).

2.  Things that require input from others (email, phone conversations, forums, research, etc.)

Turn off your phone, your internet, anything that can create an electronic interruption. 

The next hour will be committed to your items from list number 1 – ONLY those things that need only you and your undivided attention.  Set your timer for 50 minutes, and get started.  If you come across something that will require the internet, or connection with someone else, write it down to add to list 2 but don`t do it right now.  Stick to the plan. 

When the timer goes off, reset it for 10 minutes – that is your 10 minute warning – when it goes off next, stop what you are doing!  Stretch, go to the washroom, and get ready for the next stage.

Set your timer for 40 minutes – Now you may do the things that you MUST get done that need the internet or the phone.  Read and answer important emails, look things up on the internet that you found you needed for your items from list 1.  Don`t check Facebook, Twitter, joke emails, and make sure your Skype is turned to unavailable and chat boxes are shut down.

When your timer goes off, it is break time!  Set your timer, turn on your cell, answer your texts, check your facebook, and don`t forget to get a bite to eat, and maybe some fresh air.   Your reward is 20 minutes to connect and being able to scratch things off your to-do list.  Doesn't it feel good?

Give it a try, even for just one rotation, and see if you don`t get more done in under 2 hours than you usually do in over 4 hours.


Most of us have trouble regulating “socializing” while studying or working.  We are used to being on-call - constantly checking email  and text messages, with the cell phone permanently attached to our ear or hip.  We want to know what all our “friends” are up to on Facebook, and whenever that IM Chat box pops up with “hey” we feel the need to reply even though the chats are about nothing.

We’ve grown accustomed to instant gratification-  immediate replies.  In fact, we are so “plugged in” that when we should be concentrating on things needing undivided attention to do our best work,  we are usually receiving constant external input and interruptions.  People - some of that input can wait!
 
It is amazing how much you can accomplish with a plan, a little discipline – unplug!

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP
www.careerplanningforstudents.com
www.karengirard.ca