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Hey, this is Braeden, your med school advisor from MedLife Mastery!
Today we're going to talk about how to actually stop procrastinating and finally start studying. I'm assuming here that if you clicked on this article, chances are that you procrastinate just a little bit more than you'd like to at times. Maybe for some of you, a lot. I totally get that.
Maybe right now you're reading this article when you should be doing something else. You're going through post after post instead of doing the homework you actually need to be doing.
Don't worry about that, I totally get it. Like you, like me, we all procrastinate sometimes. It's totally normal. But for some people, it definitely becomes a problem when you procrastinate a lot more than you should, and then you don't get your work done on time or with the quality it deserves because you've been procrastinating.
In this article, we're going to share with you all the tips, tricks, techniquesโall the tools that I've used throughout my life to really combat procrastination. In all honesty, it's made such a big difference in my productivity. I was always somewhat of a high achiever, but once I started learning these techniques, it really brought my studying to the next level. That's exactly what I'm hoping for you as I share these techniques. So let's dive right into the strategies here!
What is Time Blocking?
Number one on my list, and I think it's the most important to set a foundation to get started, is to do time blocking.
In time blocking, it is essential to have a calendar, either on paper or on your phone. I recommend using your phone or laptop electronically. There are a lot of benefits to it, which we'll get into further in shortly. By blocking out your time and figuring out what you want to do and how you want to spend your time, you commit to it beforehand. This makes it more likely to stick to your plan and use your time wisely, rather than scrolling mindlessly on your phone.
A bonus tip here is the reason why I set up all my stuff electronicallyโmy calendar, my tasks, and all thatโusing Google Calendar on my phone and laptop. It syncs everything together, which is really nice. The biggest hack here is that all the events in my phone have a program that sends a cue to me at a specific time. Some events send it five minutes before the task. Others factor in the time it takes to get ready and go, like going to the gym for example. By sending a cue, it tells me, "Okay, I have to go do this," and it gets me into action, preventing wasted time that comes with procrastination.James Clearโs Two-Minute Rule
The next tip on my list is what I call the two-minute rule, which I borrowed from James Clear, the author of "Atomic Habits" a great book.
Instead of looking at a daunting task like studying for three hours or doing a long workout, break it down for yourself. Start with an action that takes two minutes or less to get you started and build momentum. For example, instead of scheduling "workout" in your calendar, schedule "put workout clothes on" or "get in the car." It's a small action that cues your mind for the larger task, making it more likely that you'll follow through.
To take it even further, if you combine time blocking, external cues from your phone, and the two-minute rule, trust me, youโll be on track in your studying! This combination really impacts my life in a positive way. It's dramatically reduced my procrastination.
A Productive Environment Helps You Get Into the Zone
Another tip I use is to optimize your environment. A productive environment helps you get into the zone for what you need to accomplish. If you're studying, find somewhere quiet like a library or, for some, a cafe where they can work best.
Everyone's different, so find what works best for you. Music can also help; personally, I find classical or jazz music without lyrics helps me focus.
Limit distractions by managing your electronics. Ensure most notifications are off, especially when you're working. Notifications can easily derail your focus and lead to procrastination. Managing these distractions is crucial for staying on task and getting things done.Key Takeways
To recap, if you combine time blocking, calendar cues, external prompts from your phone, and the two-minute rule, it really helps combat procrastination. Optimizing your environment and minimizing distractions further support this effort. I promise you, if you implement these tips, procrastination will become much less of an issue for you.
Conquering premed exams (or med-school exams like the MCAT) and combatting procrastination during studying is filled with challenges and triumphs. As you embark on this path, remember that success is not solely defined by content review and speed but by strategic and thoughtful approaches!
As you navigate your exams, may Braeden's top scorer methods on procastination be a guiding light, illuminating the strategies to help you overcome your own MCAT challenges!
At MedLife Mastery, we're here to support you every step of the way.
We help students get accepted into medical school through services like our affordable application coaching and advising alongside our private MCAT tutoring options! You are not alone in your journey and we to support you.
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