It can be hard to be productive at times. Especially during the digital age, it's so easy to get distracted from the Tiktok, Instagram or any other social media platforms. Often times, students have very little time left for studying, entertainment, and socializing.

In this article, you will learn several effective ways to manage your time. Some sources write about the methods of prioritization by focusing on the most important tasks first, breaking work into smaller parts, using productivity methods, keeping distractions away, and so on; they constantly underestimate some of the most crucial facts, the backbones of productivity, along the way. Now, forget about them for a while and keep reading. In following paragraphs, I will share with you the methods that I personally developed over course of years, as well as, some other useful techniques for you.

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Right Mindset

You should be able maintain the right psychology and philosophy as you sit in front of your table. You should leave all background information behind, any distracting thoughts: your problems, successes, and everything else that may undermine your internal peace. Focus what you should do instead, and just start operating.

Go straightly what you fear most, so you will learn to try more every time you come back. Know exactly what you must do to get to the point you aim to be.

The key in letting go is practice. Each time we let go, we disentangle ourselves from our expectations and begin to experience things as they are.
― Sharon Salzberg

Try to Allocate more Time for Sleep

Good sleep is the key component to maintain the best possible performance during the day. The normal sleep time is approximately 7 hours, and you manage to get all necessary energy to stay highly efficient with your tasks within this amount. And, set constant reminders to prevent you from distraction.

Moreover, always think about the challenge that you have to deal with right before sleeping: it helps you come up with new solutions. I used this method when I was preparing for Mathematics Olympiad to solve the geometry problems.

Do the Most Important Tasks in the Morning

Although it sounds so nice to sleep long hours, waking up early will help you be more productive. If you wake up early in the morning, perhaps between 5 to 6 am, and do your homework avoiding unnessary distractors, you probably already succeeded in the first quarter of the day. You can fully focus on what you should be doing, which doubles your performance levels.

I personally used this method when I was learning new terms in English class to memorize new vocabulary. If you also prioritize getting enough hours of sleep every night, waking up early shouldn't be an issue.

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Read while in Transport

Whether you are going on the bus, on the metro, on a taxi, or on the train: simply pick up a book for reading during the trips. During passing time is the perfect opportunity to build knowledge and sharpen your brain. It does not necessarily should be a academic book, you are free to choose from any genre you like: it can be fiction, romance, tragedy, or adventure; it is important that you are thinking, reasoning, having fun for something that you are passionate about and something that keeps you engaged.

Think about the 15 minute bus or car ride you have to school each morning. By the end of the week you would have accumulated 75 minutes worth of reading. That is more reading minutes that you wouldn't have had before.

… a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.
― George R.R. Martin

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Listen to Music While You Study

In a modern world, your brain demands some joy, which you will obtain from listening. Music improves concentration,focus and reduces stress. This will help you maintain your attention while working, making your study session more productive. Especially, if you work long hours you will need some interaction on the road. I recommend to try one that below:

Always Remember the Outcome

Think about your next target in life. In the short term, it can be scoring perfectly from some type of tests. In the long term, it is about getting into Ivy League University and pursuing your unique role in society.

If you focus on positive side of your efforts, not caring about opportunity costs, you will develop a strong self confidence in what you are doing. And, celebrate every single accomplishment that you attain: academic, career, or social.

Without a purpose in life, happiness will be so difficult to be reached.
― Mwanandeke Kindembo

Be Consistent

Keep showing up every day: put your leisure time side until you accomplish what is being planned. And, you should believe in what you are doing. That being said, some people say that you are on the wrong path, some say that you are crazy, some even pretend to be encouraging – never stop working for your goals.

All the Key Points:

1. Have the right mindset.

2. Try to allocate more time to sleep.

3. Do the most important tasks in the morning.

4. Read while in transport.

5. Listen to music while you study.

6. Always remember the outcome.

7. Be consistent.

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