I'm not the best at getting things done unless it absolutely has to get done. As you can imagine, that can lead to a never ending stream of stressful situations that I willingly thrust myself into. I decided it would be good to invest some time into finding some ways to help me get my work done. I turned to the world wide web, and surfed it (instead of doing my homework) and found some pretty good strategies that have worked for me. So, in the spirit of helping anyone who hasn't finished school yet, here are the best ways to get stuff done, even though yo really don't want to.
1. Make a list
Yeah, yeah, I know this is a simple one, but seriously. Crossing stuff off is very rewarding, plus it helps remind you in case you're forgetful (which I 1000% am). I use a dry erase board in my room to keep tabs on homework, paperwork, and anything else I need to accomplish.
2. Use a Pomodoro timer
The Pomodoro method is a technique to improve focus in productivity. You work for about twenty or twenty-five minutes, then take a five minute break. During the twenty minute block, you have to focus intently on what your doing, and if you feel distracted, you should try to power through. Don't check the time constantly. It may sound simple, but it definitely works. Use the five minute break to get up, get water, go to the bathroom, stretch, whatever. Ideally you wouldn't check your phone, as it can be hard to get focused on work again, but adjust the method accordingly to fit you. After four cycles, you take a longer break, about fifteen to twenty minutes. I keeps your brain and body fresh. There are a whole bunch of cool apps you can use, or you can just time yourself. Whatever works.
3. Use incentives
If you're the kind of person who likes to treat themselves (and let's be honest, who isn't?) then use an incentive. Have a paper to write? Promise yourself that you'll [insert fun activity here] after you've finished a first draft. Maybe you go out to dinner, or go see a movie. It makes the reward that much sweeter when you know you've finished something.
4. Point system
This one is kind of an elaborate version of point three, but it can be applied to almost every aspect of your life. Pick something big you really want. Perhaps you want to purchase Smashbox's Cover Shot Eye Shadow Palette, for instance. Let's say it's worth fifty points. Now I assign a numeric worth on tasks that I need to get done. Going to the gym could be a point. Finish a page of a paper, or studying for an hour could be worth two or three points. Whatever it is that you want/need to accomplish can be assigned a point, and after you accumulate fifty points, you get the prize. Is it a bit convoluted? Yes. Does it work? Yes. And it can be applied to anything, and adjusted to any person.
5. Do one little thing
Is your room a mess? Is it so messy that you don't even know where to start? Pick something small. Pick up all your dirty clothes and put them in one spot. Collect all empty bottles and cans and but them in the recycling bin. Anything small. Odds are, once you start with one little thing, you'll be able to do another little thing and then another. Even if you only accomplish a little thing, you still did something, which is great.
