College pulls you in a million different directions at once. You’ve got three to five classes each competing for your attention. You might be working a part-time job. Friends want to hang out. Your significant other says you need to make more time for them. Your apartment roommates call a house meeting. Sometimes there just doesn’t seem to be enough of you to go around.
And today’s technology doesn’t make it any easier. Social media, YouTube videos, and web blogs can make it very hard to find your focus. But don’t worry. We’ve got you. Here are 4 ways to refocus your mind and get back to work.
Make a To-Do List with Easily Achievable Tasks
Start a daily to-do list that includes simple jobs that work towards the big picture. You can even make item #1 be make a to-do list. As you check off simple items, you build momentum and become inspired to do more. Make sure to keep the list handy. Tools like Google Keep work well because it’s always in your computer or on your phone. You can even add checkboxes to mark each completed task as you go.
Reward Yourself
Think of your brain like a little kid. It needs to be rewarded for good behavior. Tell yourself you’ll only hang out with your friends if that chapter in Biology is read and notated. Happy Hour will only happen if you reach page #5 on that English essay.
Keep a Leash on Social Media
Social media like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can be a rabbit hole that’s tough to crawl out of. Learn to control it. Only allow yourself to visit those sites at certain times of the day and for specific lengths of time. If you can’t help the temptation, there’s are apps for that. Self Control is a Google Chrome app that will prevent you from using selected sites when turned on. StayFocused allows you set to set certain limits on social media and cuts you off when you’ve reached your quota.
Study in Groups
Another great way to find your focus is to form study groups. We’re more motivated to study when we do it with others in the same boat. You can help each other with the material, quiz each other, share notes. Invite everyone over for a study group at your Athens Ohio apartment. It’s a great way to rekindle your work inspiration.