If you are too tired to study, Watch this video!

Summary

In this motivational video, Sanika, a trainee clinical psychologist, shares effective strategies for overcoming procrastination and staying productive even when you don't feel like working. She talks about the challenges of balancing a demanding work schedule, studying, and handling multiple deadlines. Sanika offers practical tips like breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, setting achievable goals, and making a plan for the next hour. She emphasizes the importance of creating a conducive work environment, adding fun elements to the process, and maintaining a flexible approach to ensure productivity, even on tough days.

Takeaways

• 😀 Establish a realistic one-hour plan to focus on tasks, instead of attempting to work for an entire day when motivation is low.
• 😀 Break tasks into manageable chunks by focusing on one hour at a time, which reduces overwhelm and increases productivity.
• 😀 Remove distractions, like putting your phone away, to enhance focus and ensure you complete the task at hand.
• 😀 Make studying and working enjoyable by creating a positive environment, such as working at a café or buying a coffee to make the experience more pleasant.
• 😀 Don't strive for perfection; getting something done, even if imperfect, is better than not completing it at all.
• 😀 Set multiple levels of plans for your work or study, with the ideal plan being the most ambitious, followed by more realistic and minimal versions to keep moving forward.
• 😀 Embrace the idea of making work or study a quest, making it fun and motivating by romanticizing the process and using creative tools like cute stationery.
• 😀 Start small by breaking tasks down into easy-to-execute steps and aim to complete at least one thing, rather than trying to accomplish everything at once.
• 😀 Overcome the temptation to procrastinate by focusing on one task at a time, making it feel less daunting and more achievable.
• 😀 Learn to balance productivity and rest. It’s okay to take breaks, as long as you return to your work with a clear focus and plan.

Q & A

What does the speaker suggest to do when you don't feel like studying or working?

The speaker recommends breaking your work into smaller, manageable tasks. One suggestion is to create a one-hour plan to tackle specific tasks, such as writing a report or completing a specific portion of a book, to reduce overwhelm and get started.

How does the speaker manage their daily work despite feeling unmotivated?

The speaker has a strict daily routine involving multiple tasks, such as seeing patients, attending meetings, and completing assessments. Despite feeling tired or unmotivated, they push through by focusing on small, achievable tasks and maintaining discipline in their schedule.

What is the significance of planning in the speaker's routine?

Planning is essential in the speaker's routine. They emphasize making realistic, flexible plans, with multiple levels of goals. This helps ensure they can complete at least the minimum amount of work, even if they can't complete everything as initially planned.

Why does the speaker suggest making a 'vibe' when working or studying?

The speaker believes that creating an enjoyable environment or 'vibe' can make work or study sessions more engaging. For example, they go to a library, buy coffee, and set a productive mood to make the task at hand feel more pleasant and less daunting.

What advice does the speaker give about perfectionism?

The speaker advises letting go of perfectionism. They explain that focusing too much on perfection can lead to procrastination, and it's better to complete something imperfectly than to avoid doing it at all.

How does the speaker handle the overwhelming workload of their studies and work?

The speaker uses a combination of effective planning and a 'three-level' system for prioritizing tasks. This approach allows them to adapt to changes in their schedule while ensuring that they still accomplish at least the bare minimum, even on tough days.

What role does reinforcement play in the speaker's productivity?

Reinforcement is used as a motivational tool. The speaker rewards themselves with something enjoyable, like a cup of tea or listening to music, after completing a task to make the process feel more rewarding and maintain motivation.

What is the benefit of having a 'three-level' system for planning work or study?

The 'three-level' system offers flexibility and reduces stress. It ensures that even if the ideal plan can't be followed, there is a backup plan with simpler, more achievable goals. This prevents feeling overwhelmed and increases the chances of accomplishing something.

What does the speaker say about the importance of the environment for productivity?

The speaker stresses the importance of working in an inspiring environment. A messy or uncomfortable workspace can demotivate a person, whereas a clean, organized, and comfortable setting can help maintain focus and enthusiasm.

What is the speaker’s advice on managing multiple tasks and deadlines?

The speaker advises breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones and prioritizing them. This approach, along with realistic and flexible planning, helps ensure that even during busy times, important tasks are completed on time.