Life is full of distractions. But you’ve got to be focused, if you want to do really well. This time I’m going to share with you 3 easy ways to tackle distractions even though you’re not under extreme academic pressure, which is probably the case now when the new term just started.
Image by gouldlibrary
1. Physically Disconnect from the Internet
The Internet is by far the most tempting distraction if you think about it. What I mean by PHYSICALLY disconnecting from it is really to unplug the LAN/WAN cable, or if you’re on Wi-Fi, there’s usually a physical switch somewhere, switch it off.
But sometimes this still doesn’t work, our mind is so good at overcoming obstacles, especially when the hurdle is so low that it’s just another door sill to cross.
My suggestion is that you may stick a warning sign over the switch or the plug so that you would at least think twice before you actually make that regretful move of reconnecting to the world of distractions. While it may sound trivial, this simple trick has saved me many times. Believe me, your mind is not THAT determined at wandering off!
2. Google Chrome Application Shortcut
Of course, sometimes we do have legitimate reasons for leaving the Internet connection on, either for checking up unfamiliar terms or just watching some educational online videos. This is however very risky. Somehow in the middle of seriousness, a notification would pop up to remind you of a new message in your inbox or maybe the Facebook bookmark would suddenly become very tempting (for no reason), and when you click it, and you’re doomed. Once you’re out, you’ll hardly come back. You know it.
By creating application shortcuts specifically for every site you need (e.g. Google Calendar, certain dictionary, Wikipedia, etc.), you can cut yourself off from the rest of the Internet.
3. The Pomodoro Technique
Some of you might have heard of The Pomodoro Technique. It sounds sophisticated, but to put it simple, follows these steps:
- Get a kitchen timer. Make a to-do list.
- Work for 25 minutes.
- Take a 5 minutes break.
- Resume work until you’ve done 4 rounds (4 Pomodoros).
- Take a 15 minutes break.
- Start all over again.
For more details about the technique, you may visit the official site. What I’d like to highlight here is that this technique works really well for me mainly because:
- The characteristic tic-tac sound of a kitchen timer would constantly remind you that you’re on a task and hence help you focus.
- This working pattern helps you “standardise” your distractions. You are allowed to get “distracted” during breaks: Check email, continue reading that Instapaper article, whatever you like.
Another tip is that you may download an iOS app (e.g. dPomodoro) so you can have a kitchen timer all to yourself even when you’re at the library.
Also, when time’s up, you’ll get a notification to stop you immediately after the break if you’re using another app. So really it’s safe to read Instapaper during breaks:)
3 Comments
My experience and my observation of other students indicate that the greatest villain is the internet. Nothing is more distracting. It’s an endless carnival, all for free.
But you bring up some good techniques. I think there are some programs that will temporarily turn your computer into a brick except for the one program you want to focus on. But I’m not sure…
Yes, the internet is a distraction but can we leverage the power of social media to allow students to be both social and productive? http://bit.ly/lalbOg
every time a take out my note book to do a research or an asssignment face book is the first thing jump uop??????????????????????????why???????????why????????????????????????????????????????????why??????????why???