How I Studied 600 hrs + Watched 300 hrs of Anime in 4 Months (The ULTIMATE Study Technique) 😲

Summary

In this video, Josh introduces his unique study method, 'anime doro,' which blends focused work sessions with anime breaks. Inspired by the Pomodoro technique, 'anime doro' involves working for 40-60 minutes followed by watching an anime episode (without intros or outros). He explains how this approach boosts productivity while making studying feel less like a chore. Josh also shares his 'shitty draft' method to overcome procrastination, emphasizing quick, imperfect progress over perfection. The video highlights balancing work with relaxation, showing that productivity doesn't need to be stressful or rigid.

Takeaways

• 😀 Josh’s personal study routine involves balancing 600 hours of study with 300 hours of anime-watching over 4 months, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
• 😀 The 'anime doro' technique adapts the pomodoro method by extending work sessions to 40-60 minutes, followed by a break to watch a full anime episode (about 19 minutes).
• 😀 Anime doro is an improvement over the traditional pomodoro method by offering a more satisfying and motivating break (watching anime vs. a 5-minute break).
• 😀 The key to anime doro’s effectiveness is the natural flow of work: the work period lasts between 40 and 60 minutes, depending on the task.
• 😀 Josh argues that the pomodoro method’s short 25-minute work blocks and even shorter breaks don’t provide enough focus time and aren’t satisfying as rewards.
• 😀 The 'shitty draft' technique helps combat procrastination by encouraging the creation of low-quality drafts quickly, which makes tasks feel more manageable.
• 😀 Anime doro’s longer work intervals (40-60 minutes) help maintain focus and avoid burning out by providing a more natural and less rigid study flow.
• 😀 Josh prefers to work solo, enjoying long study sessions (often 5 PM to 1 AM), followed by anime and minimal social interaction, suiting his calm, introverted personality.
• 😀 Using distractions management techniques, such as putting away his phone and listening to studio ghibli soundtracks, Josh ensures better focus during work sessions.
• 😀 The anime doro technique is designed to be sustainable, promoting work-life balance and minimizing stress, rather than turning productivity into a relentless grind.

Q & A

What is Anime Doro and how does it differ from the Pomodoro technique?

Anime Doro is a modified version of the Pomodoro technique. Instead of the typical 25-minute work sessions with short breaks, Anime Doro involves working for 40-60 minutes followed by watching a 19-minute anime episode (with intro and outro skipped). This method combines work with a rewarding break, making it more engaging and enjoyable than the traditional Pomodoro approach.

Why does the speaker prefer Anime Doro over the Pomodoro technique?

The speaker prefers Anime Doro because it aligns better with their natural flow of work. The 25-minute Pomodoro sessions feel too short, and the 5-minute breaks aren't rewarding enough. With Anime Doro, the work-to-break ratio is more flexible, and the reward of watching an anime episode is more satisfying, helping the speaker stay motivated and avoid burnout.

What is the 'shitty draft' technique and how does it help with procrastination?

The 'shitty draft' technique involves completing a task in a rough, low-effort manner instead of trying to perfect it from the start. By focusing on getting as much done as possible without worrying about quality, it makes starting less intimidating. This approach reduces procrastination because it makes work feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

How does Anime Doro balance work and leisure effectively?

Anime Doro strikes a balance between work and relaxation by allowing a structured work session followed by a rewarding break. This method reduces the stress of long, unbroken study hours and prevents burnout by incorporating fun (watching anime) into the process, making studying feel less like a chore.

Can Anime Doro work for all types of work, not just studying?

Yes, Anime Doro can be applied to various types of tasks, not just studying. The key is that any task with relatively short, focused work periods (like reading, writing, or problem-solving) can be combined with a 20-minute break, which could be used to watch an episode of any show or sitcom.

Why is the Pomodoro technique not ideal for the speaker?

The speaker finds the Pomodoro technique difficult because it involves short work intervals (25 minutes), which can feel too rigid. By the time they settle into focus, the session is almost over, and the 5-minute break feels unproductive. They also find it hard to stay motivated with such frequent interruptions, which is why they prefer the more relaxed, flexible structure of Anime Doro.

What is the work-to-break ratio for Anime Doro, and why is it effective?

The work-to-break ratio for Anime Doro typically ranges from 2:1 to 3:1. This is more balanced compared to Pomodoro's 2.86:1 ratio, allowing for longer study periods and more substantial breaks. The longer work sessions help maintain focus without interruption, while the break (watching an anime episode) is an enjoyable reward, making the process feel less taxing.

What role does self-control play in Anime Doro?

Self-control is crucial in Anime Doro, especially when it comes to limiting the number of anime episodes watched. The speaker recommends watching only one episode at a time, despite the temptation to click on the next one. Maintaining this discipline helps ensure that the break is restorative without leading to procrastination or distractions.

How does the speaker minimize distractions during study sessions?

The speaker minimizes distractions by studying in quiet spaces, such as individual tables in study rooms, and keeping their phone out of reach. They also wear a watch to avoid excuses for checking their phone. Additionally, they listen to Studio Ghibli soundtracks, which help maintain focus while studying.

Is Anime Doro suitable for people who have trouble maintaining focus for long periods?

Anime Doro can be suitable for people who struggle with long study periods because it allows for flexible work intervals between 40-60 minutes, tailored to the task at hand. While it does require some practice to maintain focus for extended periods, the structured breaks (watching anime) provide a satisfying reward, which can help improve focus and reduce burnout.