Time Management

[HealthE]

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This seems to be my weak spot. How do you keep from getting distracted with friends, family, significant others, computer, work, and everything else. It seems like I am have been struggling with this for awhile. I really can't afford to even be a tiny bit unfocused right now. Any one have experience in this area? What helped you finally cut out the distractions and be okay with it just being you and your books?

 

[Hillo]

Learn to say no, study with nothing other than what you need to study out, and imagine yourself easily going through exams and earning A's?

That's all I got 😛

 

[beBrave]

This seems to be my weak spot. How do you keep from getting distracted with friends, family, significant others, computer, work, and everything else. It seems like I am have been struggling with this for awhile. I really can't afford to even be a tiny bit unfocused right now. Any one have experience in this area? What helped you finally cut out the distractions and be okay with it just being you and your books?

Find balance. Set aside a time for studying and stick with it. Don't cut out your friends and family as your grades may suffer. All work an no play clogs the brain. Every time I cut friends out I go from an A student to an A- student even though I am spending all my time studying.

Everything goes hand in hand. Are you dieting and exercising? If not that's your first problem. You must train your body to train your mind. The two are not separate entities. Study in a place you are comfortable (except for your room and probably home altogether). Study around others ( I like coffee shops). Just choose a specific time for studying and stick with it. People will respect you more when you say no sometimes and feel honored when you say yes. Find other Pre-Dents to study with and be shocked as you suddenly develop a pattern and make new friends as well.

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Go to a library and turn your phone off, deactivate facebook.

 

[Gfliptastic]

Go to a library and turn your phone off, deactivate facebook.

THIS!!!! Turn ON Airplane Mode, turn OFF Wifi. For 2 hrs.

If you, your significant other, friends or family can't handle 1-2 hrs w/o you (or you needing them)...HONESTLY, go to a psychotherapist for dependent personality or generalized anxiety disorder.

After 2 hrs off the grid, get back on the grid. For 15-20 mins.

It's REALLY tough. I did this when I got into med school. Our brains got so used to multi-tasking and has a decent %-age "allocated" for social media. The best thing is...to repurpose that for studying too. Start out slow. 30 mins of PURE studying. Then up it 15 mins every couple days. Try to get to 2 hrs at least!

The world won't explode in 2 hrs while you are off the grid. No txt. No totally awesome statuses. No awesome tweet. No awesome vine is worth NOT studying. 😀

 

[CW 2010]

Besides everything that was said, I go to the library and sit far away from everybody and with earplugs in, so that NOTHING distracts me. No phones, no Internet. After about 1.5 hrs, I get up and go outside for a breath of fresh air, or run a flight of stairs, and then I go back to studying. Also, try to remind yourself, WHY you are doing this.

 

[sockit]

Was drawn to your thread -- for me, have that and since recent changes to my commute, a 3hr (combined, 1.5x2) commute (anyone else doing well at being efficient with that, with back:back classes & no lunch? so. wiped).

Working out has taken a hit from this commute, for sure. Weekly, I always block off a couple of hours for legit family obligations and basic domestic upkeep (grocery, laundry, cleaning), but sometimes I think I should let some of the housework go and live it up a little.

I always feel I'm running behind. Weeks I prioritize school, I wind up owing someone something; weeks I lend myself more to family and friends, I drag a bit in schoolwork. I always intend to routinize things (x hours studying daily! 1 social event per week!), but find myself deadline- or event-driven, in the end.

That one fun night out a week though, I think that's a good goal to shoot for though -- should hit the spot in theory. I've been a homebody lately for school reasons and it's feeling a little grim 🙁

I also think that being systematic about studying/coursework (which I'm not) might support better planning for social things, fitness, etc. Eg, if I were on the ball with my readings by last Wednesday, I wouldn't have had to hole up on the weekend. (In my defence, I was exhausto from this stupid, stupid commute.)

If part of your problem's like part of mine (energy) I agree getting basics right -- sleep, food, exercise -- should help everything else run better 🙂

I do hate saying no to things (because they're often fun; because I've already missed enough funerals and weddings; because I'd like to continue to fuel my friendships). Just say you can't if you can't, and make it up when you can. If it's important (eg., shower, wedding), plan around it.

Computer: get a site-blocker, and actually block the particular sites that are timesucks for you 🙂 I do that when assignments are due, works then; less so for regular scheduling.

Question: Does everyone study at cafes and libraries? Home is distracting, true, but the annoyance of dealing with laptops in public, the unpredictability of other patrons, and the inability to read while lying on your stomach keep me home. (Seriously, most places are ergonomically le suck! Who else has wry or at least cranky neck half the time?)

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Question: Does everyone study at cafes and libraries? Home is distracting, true, but the annoyance of dealing with laptops in public, the unpredictability of other patrons, and the inability to read while lying on your stomach keep me home. (Seriously, most places are ergonomically le suck! Who else has wry or at least cranky neck half the time?)

I actually study at home, i have a pretty nice man cave/study room. But if OP has problems with distractions, self-insulation is the best solution. And my neck hurts a lot, lol.

 

[sockit]

I actually study at home, i have a pretty nice man cave/study room. But if OP has problems with distractions, self-insulation is the best solution. And my neck hurts a lot, lol.

Ah, sorry! Yes, you're right. Nice to have a little place, for sure 🙂

On reflection, sometimes changing the scene helps me too. For writing or cramming, it's definitely home for me (because, pyjamas and certain stretching routines are required). For light/not urgent reading, a coffee shop totally can help me click into focus also.

What helped you finally cut out the distractions and be okay with it just being you and your books?

When I am deep into procrastination and fear and loathing of study, I remind myself that if I get a single B, there is absolutely no point in continuing, and I will have wasted more time and money than I can afford, and my remaining employment options will be very limited. (In my case [GPA wise] that is actually true -- even hovering near a 4.0 over my last 2 years, my cumulative will just scratch a B. So, note, I am not advising working yourself up like that, unless you are in a similar situation -- this is just what actually happens with me.)

So, I shoot for an A+ on every midterm, assignment, exam (though I might get an A), because I have to; because each of those has implications for my survival. Not kidding, there is real fear in there. This is my last kick at the can. So I scare myself first, and I then remind myself that I have so far not let myself down, and that getting that A+ is possible if I sit (or lie down) and let myself get quiet.

If I'm still lagging, I either a) remind myself of my longer term goals (browse journal articles for interest, look at research happening at target schools), or b) remember how bad some jobs got, but panic mode is usually enough to kick me in. Final tag-line, definitive: "Caving is not an option".

(& I am a lazy, rather-be-dancing hyper-monkey-mind 🙂 )

& Sunday nights are when I sort my readings for the week; and every few days I check my master schedule with assignment/exam dates, so even in the weeks friends and family are pulling, I at least have my head in the game (because otherwise, I am very prone to drifting into this and that)

 

[Gfliptastic]

Question: Does everyone study at cafes and libraries? Home is distracting, true, but the annoyance of dealing with laptops in public, the unpredictability of other patrons, and the inability to read while lying on your stomach keep me home. (Seriously, most places are ergonomically le suck! Who else has wry or at least cranky neck half the time?)

When I had to study for my shelf exams, I adapted to studying at Starbucks or Panera. Which I would have NEVER thought of considering when I was in basic sciences.

However, it is an interesting combination of "social" or "fun" time and study time. Let someone almost done w/ med school stress the need to multi-purpose every precious hour of the day (ie - study while doing laundry while eating while having a tv w/ the ballgame on)

Usually there are some "like-minded" individuals studying. Depending on your location. I am fortunate to have a Starbucks near a few med schools and hospitals. So there will be 1-2 random/unknown students studying. And sometimes, these people are attractive and worth some attention.

You will want to be busy, appear studious. Then take mini-breaks to scope them out. If you have "strategy" you will sit next to the outlet. At least one person will approach you and ask about plugging in, sometimes a hottie. There's a study break. There's "fun" or "social" time. Then, just get studying again. Some of the people you can use as pseudo-study buddies. Even if you say NOTHING to that guy or gal, at least seeing someone else being studious helps out.

Bring earplugs or your own headphones. Starbucks/Panera usually plays music not conducive to studying. And to limit the chatter from others there to socialize.

I was getting a solid 4-5 hrs of studying done when I wasn't on call on Sat AM's at my Starbucks! W/ a latte, and sometimes eye candy! 👍

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Interesting perspective and not one to be discounted 👍

 

[beBrave]

When I had to study for my shelf exams, I adapted to studying at Starbucks or Panera. Which I would have NEVER thought of considering when I was in basic sciences.

However, it is an interesting combination of "social" or "fun" time and study time. Let someone almost done w/ med school stress the need to multi-purpose every precious hour of the day (ie - study while doing laundry while eating while having a tv w/ the ballgame on)

Usually there are some "like-minded" individuals studying. Depending on your location. I am fortunate to have a Starbucks near a few med schools and hospitals. So there will be 1-2 random/unknown students studying. And sometimes, these people are attractive and worth some attention.

You will want to be busy, appear studious. Then take mini-breaks to scope them out. If you have "strategy" you will sit next to the outlet. At least one person will approach you and ask about plugging in, sometimes a hottie. There's a study break. There's "fun" or "social" time. Then, just get studying again. Some of the people you can use as pseudo-study buddies. Even if you say NOTHING to that guy or gal, at least seeing someone else being studious helps out.

Bring earplugs or your own headphones. Starbucks/Panera usually plays music not conducive to studying. And to limit the chatter from others there to socialize.

I was getting a solid 4-5 hrs of studying done when I wasn't on call on Sat AM's at my Starbucks! W/ a latte, and sometimes eye candy! 👍

+1

I agree, I've met like minded individuals at Starbucks. This kind of mild social environment helps to prevents you from entering "desperate learn mode" which can sap away at your personality and trap you in your head. Anyone who has gone to grad school knows how quickly your brain begins to distinguish relevant from irrelevant information, including clouding out irrelevant stimuli such as sounds and people. Its efficient but draining, I try to avoid it and treat/think of studying as a leisure rather than a task.

 

[sockit]

When I had to study for my shelf exams, I adapted to studying at Starbucks or Panera. Which I would have NEVER thought of considering when I was in basic sciences.

However, it is an interesting combination of "social" or "fun" time and study time. Let someone almost done w/ med school stress the need to multi-purpose every precious hour of the day (ie - study while doing laundry while eating while having a tv w/ the ballgame on)

Usually there are some "like-minded" individuals studying. Depending on your location. I am fortunate to have a Starbucks near a few med schools and hospitals. So there will be 1-2 random/unknown students studying. And sometimes, these people are attractive and worth some attention.

You will want to be busy, appear studious. Then take mini-breaks to scope them out. If you have "strategy" you will sit next to the outlet. At least one person will approach you and ask about plugging in, sometimes a hottie. There's a study break. There's "fun" or "social" time. Then, just get studying again. Some of the people you can use as pseudo-study buddies. Even if you say NOTHING to that guy or gal, at least seeing someone else being studious helps out.

Bring earplugs or your own headphones. Starbucks/Panera usually plays music not conducive to studying. And to limit the chatter from others there to socialize.

I was getting a solid 4-5 hrs of studying done when I wasn't on call on Sat AM's at my Starbucks! W/ a latte, and sometimes eye candy! 👍

Ha! This is *far* beyond my multi-tasking skills.

Ordinary chatter and espresso machines = useful white noise; it's the odd LOUD TALKERS or parents with screaming babies that get to me. This is probably a fixable demographics issue though, it's moms and teens that love the coffee shops near me. Also, retired fellows who are up for a chat. Could go elsewhere.

What about laptop security? Those Kensington locks don't inspire confidence. Apparently asking a neighbour to watch it if you're going to the loo helps a bit, but still, worrying... I only ever go with a couple of (printed) articles.

(I'm impressed with people who can mould themselves into socially acceptable postures when cramming. Does no one else scowl unattractively, set expanding piles of notes up around them in logistically important ways, smudge up their glasses, stick pens in their hair... I generally feel like some kind of beast when I'm in the thick of it.)

I like the advice to find study kin, that is great 🙂

 

[Gfliptastic]

Laptop security. I felt the same way as what you posted, early on in the "process". Where I used to actually shove my laptop back in my backpack and take it w/ me to go tinkle (caffeine and it's lousy diuretic property, GRRR!).

After a month or two tho, I've adopted something of an implicit "social contract" amongst studious people in these places. It is implied. A "I'll watch YOUR stuff if you watch MY stuff". That said, implicit can potentially go awry, so it's also ok to ask your neighbor (or fellow studious individual) to watch your stuff for 5 mins. Indirectly, you can ask the most attractive person you've noticed...as an icebreaker! 😉 I admit to even asking the nearest hottie, even tho I didn't really urgently need to use the bathroom lol SOO much chit-chat can be done if you just open w/ that.

As for appearances, it's NOT a dress up situation. Personally, I wear a tee, wind pants, and a backwards hat. Possibly a hoodie. Dressing up seems contrived. And not attractive. And personally, I actually dig a gal in comfy clothes, no makeup, and messy or bunned, scrunchied hair, and the glasses. Apparently effortless, grungy good looks is uber attractive!

beBrave it is an important feature to be able to use every bit of your activated reticular system, IMO. Filtering out as much as possible, while still concentrating is a skill. I've seen enough threads in here, about non-ideal testing situations to make me bite my tongue as opposed to posting, "Man (or woman) the F*** UP!" No testing is done in vacuums of perfection.

For example, most shelf exams and Board exams are done at Prometric centers. These places aren't medical student only places. There are students from MANY disciplines taking exams w/ you. It's far from quiet, albeit there is no one talking. I think it's one of the computer programmer certifications, where they use like a punch card system or something. These people are SOOOO NOISY!!! SOOO ANNOYING!!!

Searching for an excuse to your performance is such a cop out, IMO. "I would have done better if the guy next to me wasn't shaking the desk" "it were quieter" "the room was warmer" "cooler". JEEEZ louise! No, if you actually knew the material, you could do well in a the middle of a tropical storm!! Sorry for the tirade...just learn how to concentrate. Period.

These places are opportunities to hone these important concentration skills. Multi-task. Socialize. 🙂

 

[beBrave]

Laptop security. I felt the same way as what you posted, early on in the "process". Where I used to actually shove my laptop back in my backpack and take it w/ me to go tinkle (caffeine and it's lousy diuretic property, GRRR!).

After a month or two tho, I've adopted something of an implicit "social contract" amongst studious people in these places. It is implied. A "I'll watch YOUR stuff if you watch MY stuff". That said, implicit can potentially go awry, so it's also ok to ask your neighbor (or fellow studious individual) to watch your stuff for 5 mins.

I previously believed in that social contract. Then my Kindle Fire HD was stolen as I was in the bathroom at Starbucks. The thief got into my email address, and a friend picked up on the hack and emailed me asap. The thief sent spam to the people I emailed the most, who were my academic advisers and the Dean of the Biology Department. Never again. Even if the staff keeps a eye on your things, and the people around, thieves are low life scum, they are always waiting and watching for an opening.

 

[Gfliptastic]

I previously believed in that social contract. Then my Kindle Fire HD was stolen as I was in the bathroom at Starbucks. The thief got into my email address, and a friend picked up on the hack and emailed me asap. The thief sent spam to the people I emailed the most, who were my academic advisers and the Dean of the Biology Department. Never again. Even if the staff keeps a eye on your things, and the people around, thieves are low life scum, they are always waiting and watching for an opening.

WTF!?!!??!!

Sorry. That's sux!!! Maybe paranoia is useful in re: to one's stuff when using a retail establishment to study. Actually, something DID happen to you, so it's better referred to as conservatively cautious judgment!

Or else, I will relay to readers of this thread that Foley catheters are NOT that difficult to place. Hanging a baggie of urine under your table is probably a deal breaker tho. 😛

 

[sockit]

I previously believed in that social contract. Then my Kindle Fire HD was stolen as I was in the bathroom at Starbucks. The thief got into my email address, and a friend picked up on the hack and emailed me asap. The thief sent spam to the people I emailed the most, who were my academic advisers and the Dean of the Biology Department. Never again. Even if the staff keeps a eye on your things, and the people around, thieves are low life scum, they are always waiting and watching for an opening.

So do you not take your laptop into public places anymore? Mine stays home...

As for appearances, it's NOT a dress up situation. Personally, I wear a tee, wind pants, and a backwards hat. Possibly a hoodie. Dressing up seems contrived. And not attractive. And personally, I actually dig a gal in comfy clothes, no makeup, and messy or bunned, scrunchied hair, and the glasses. Apparently effortless, grungy good looks is uber attractive!

Haha, well, I am not really shooting for 'attractive' (or picking up, lol!). I actually frightened the child of a friend who dropped by unannounced when I was studying for finals this past summer. Kind of just setting the bar at 'respectable citizen' 🙂

 

[beBrave]

So do you not take your laptop into public places anymore? Mine stays home...

I do my best work at Starbucks, so yes I do. I'm just more careful now.

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Guys, you can buy a laptop chain/lock with a key for less than $10 😕

I'm sure no one will give you a hard time if you chain it to the leg of the table or something nearby.

 

[sockit]

Guys, you can buy a laptop chain/lock with a key for less than $10 😕

I'm sure no one will give you a hard time if you chain it to the leg of the table or something nearby.

Am I going to attach my $1500 laptop to a $10 lock? (no) 😉

Should I have gotten a cheaper laptop or tablet + keyboard? probably

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Am I going to attach my $1500 laptop to a $10 lock? (no) 😉

Should I have gotten a cheaper laptop or tablet + keyboard? probably

it's good enough for a 5 min bathroom break, it only has to deter. I had one when i traveled and it worked pretty well for hostels, though i used the locker when i could.

 

[sockit]

makes sense, thanks 🙂 i'll try it out!

 

[rain4venus]

I'm having the inverse problem, as the SO of someone who intends to apply next cycle. I keep trying to tell him "no, we can't watch an entire season of breaking bad tonight. You need to study for the MCAT," but it doesn't work very well. He asks me to help him commit time to studying, but of course doesn't listen when I remind him of that.
Is there any way I can urge him to get his studying done that might actually work? In the end, he's a grown up and so I obviously can't just tell him what to do.

That said, you should be able to tell family and SOs to do this same thing. If they love you, they'll want you to succeed and so will give you space. Then when you're working, cut out all distractions like everyone else has said. Turn off the phone and the TV (and the internet if you don't need it - my SO goes into another room so he doesn't even have his computer when he's doing MCAT stuff) and just immerse yourself. For one, you'll get things done *faster* this way. Better to spend 2 solid hours working than 4+ hours half-assing it and not really being able to pay attention to your friends/family/SO anyway.

ETA: actually, the whole thing about learning to concentrate in distracting environments rings pretty true. I'm kind of conflicted.

 

[beBrave]

Guys, you can buy a laptop chain/lock with a key for less than $10 😕

I'm sure no one will give you a hard time if you chain it to the leg of the table or something nearby.

Having to chain my property to a table takes away from the comfort and trust I have in the environment. Although that trust has been violated, I don't blame the general patrons but really the opportunist. It is really my job to be more careful and responsible with my possessions and take adequate steps to protect them at an appropriate level.