With your cell phone constantly buzzing and Netflix calling your name, it can be hard to be productive and get your work done. However, being productive is essential to academic success. More importantly, getting into good work habits will prepare you for professional success after graduation. If you struggle with being productive, here are three strategies you may find helpful!
1. Twenty-Five, Five
One of the biggest barriers to productivity is distractions. Whether it's your phone or a sibling, being interrupted will cause you to lose focus and time. To avoid distractions, try the "twenty-five, five" method. Work for 25 minutes on a single task, in a quiet space with your phone turned off. After 25 minutes take a 5-minute break. Frequent breaks will allow you to be more efficient and avoid distractions during your work time, making you far more productive overall.
2. Quality over Quantity
Reframing how you approach your work may also make you more productive. Many teens think of being productive as getting as much done as possible. While it's great to check items off your to-do list, being truly productive also means completing tasks to the best of your ability. Prioritizing which tasks are most important and require the most energy is another vital part of learning to be more productive. By shifting the way you think about productivity, you may find that being truly productive becomes more attainable.
3. Hardest First
Most teens tend to procrastinate. Let's be honest — it's so much easier to avoid your most challenging math homework than to tackle it head-on. However, to be as productive as possible, you will want to do your most challenging tasks first. By tackling them with a fresh mind, you are more likely to do them well and, afterward, you'll be able to complete the rest of your work without dreading your next task. With a clear head, you'll be able to get through the rest of your work more efficiently!
