Focus and Balance Mutually Exclusive?

[Algophiliac]

---

Members do not see this ad.

How do you stay focused when trying to maintain a social life?

I am someone who takes 1-2 hours to *really* get into the material, and since my days are busy, I require scheduling, focus, planning...obviously there's a bit of flexibility.

Now enter random phone calls, texts, running into people who want to eat with you, etc. It kind of kills the flow of the day. And going out is just a pain--I eat 5x faster alone, and even if it's a free weekday (weekends are pretty much fine for me), I'm still in that hyper-productive "focused zone." Does anyone get this?

 

[Narmerguy]

Few things in life are mutually exclusive but we have a limited capacity to entertain everything. This really seems like something you should consult the studying tips threads for. A balanced life isn't something we can tell you but you'll find multiple threads involving studying as efficiently as possible to maximize your time available to find balance/happiness.

 

[Algophiliac]

Few things in life are mutually exclusive but we have a limited capacity to entertain everything. This really seems like something you should consult the studying tips threads for. A balanced life isn't something we can tell you but you'll find multiple threads involving studying as efficiently as possible to maximize your time available to find balance/happiness.

Thanks, and I do read those threads to maximize studying efficiency. This one is asking more about how to compartmentalize life. Even if I spent less time studying, I'd be focused/intense the entire day. Probably why I burn out so easily. Something like a studying "addiction"?

Ex:
A hypothetical Friday.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Lunch with friends
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Classes/etc.
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Review MCAT
7:00 PM - anytime Hang out with friends

The problem is that I can't refocus after having lunch with friends, and I can't unfocus after reviewing the MCAT. Damn, am I the only one with this problem?

 

[Algophiliac]

I hate doing this, but bumping just in case...

 

[n3xa]

So schedule in a lunch/dinner/drinks with friends every now and again and don't forget to pencil in some gym time too. I need my to-do lists.. perhaps a bit too much, as I do recall penciling in "break up with ex" the ol' dayplanner a couple of years ago. Put your phone on silent.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

I don't think there's anything wrong with reserving the weekdays for studying, especially when you have a heavy courseload or are prepping for the MCAT. You have to do what you have to do. It's important to maintain a social life, but you can do that just by hanging out with your friends on the weekends. Eventually, they'll learn not to bother you on weekdays.

 

[NightGod]

Now enter random phone calls, texts, running into people who want to eat with you, etc. It kind of kills the flow of the day. And going out is just a pain--I eat 5x faster alone, and even if it's a free weekday (weekends are pretty much fine for me), I'm still in that hyper-productive "focused zone." Does anyone get this?

My phone has this cool button on it that absolutely ENSURES I never get interrupted by a phone call or text when I'm studying, you should see if yours has one. It's worked 100% of the time for the last two semesters, so I can definitely recommend it. It's called the power button.

Semi-joking aside, get over the fact of feeling the need to read and respond to texts the second they come in. Friends might think you're pissed at them or something when you first start doing it, but I've reached the point where I can go hours and sometimes even days before responding to a text without my friends worrying anymore. It's actually becomes kind of a fun way to reward yourself when studying "I won't read that text I just heard until I read this page/finish these three sample problems/memorize this formula". Our minds LOVE reward feedback, no matter how minor, that's why all those stupid Facebook games are so popular. Understand that and make it work for you.