Why I’m Able To Study 12 Hours with NO Breaks (How To Stay Productive)

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares personal strategies for maintaining focus and studying for extended periods, despite having ADHD. They recommend building up concentration gradually, using apps like Forest to avoid phone distractions and achieve a 'Flow State.' The speaker emphasizes the importance of uninterrupted study sessions and suggests taking 'Breathers'—short, less stimulating breaks without phones—to maintain concentration. They also critique the Pomodoro technique, preferring continuous focus over scheduled breaks.

Takeaways

• 📚 Start Small: The speaker emphasizes the importance of building up focus gradually, especially when studying for long periods.
• 🌳 Use Apps for Focus: The app 'Forest' is recommended to help maintain focus by discouraging phone usage during study sessions.
• 🚫 Avoid Distractions: The speaker has ADHD and finds that avoiding distractions is crucial for maintaining concentration.
• 🕒 Build Up Timer: Starting with a 30-minute focus timer and gradually increasing it can help build the ability to study for longer periods.
• 🌈 Reach Flow State: Achieving a 'Flow State' where one is fully immersed and possibly even finds enjoyment in the task is a goal.
• ⏱️ 20-Minute Rule: The speaker suggests starting with a 20-minute focus period to reach the Flow State without distractions.
• 🛑 Avoid Interruptions: Once in the Flow State, it's important not to interrupt the concentration with breaks.
• 🍅 Critique of Pomodoro: The speaker is not a fan of the Pomodoro technique due to its structured breaks which can disrupt concentration.
• 🏃‍♂️ Take Physical Breaks: Instead of using the phone, taking physical breaks like walking around can help reset focus.
• 📵 No Phone Policy: During breaks, the speaker avoids using the phone to prevent extended distractions.
• 👩‍⚕️ Practical Tips: The video offers practical tips for maintaining focus and studying effectively, even for those with ADHD.

Q & A

What is the main issue the speaker addresses in the video?

The speaker addresses the issue of losing focus and motivation during study sessions, particularly when taking short breaks that turn into long periods of distraction.

What is the speaker's professional background?

The speaker is a doctor who has graduated and shares strategies they used to study for up to 12 hours without breaks.

What is the first rule the speaker suggests for building focus?

The first rule is to build oneself up gradually, not expecting immediate results, and starting with small study sessions.

What app does the speaker recommend to help with focus and concentration?

The speaker recommends an app called 'Forest' to help maintain focus by discouraging phone usage during study sessions.

How does the 'Forest' app work to help with concentration?

The 'Forest' app sets a timer, and if the user goes on their phone within that time, an imaginary tree dies, which serves as a deterrent for phone usage.

What is the significance of the 'Flow State' mentioned by the speaker?

The 'Flow State' is a mental state where one is so immersed in a task that it becomes enjoyable and requires no distractions for at least 15 to 20 minutes to achieve.

Why does the speaker not prefer the Pomodoro method?

The speaker does not prefer the Pomodoro method because it involves breaking concentration with a 5-minute rest after every 20 minutes of work, which can disrupt the 'Flow State'.

What is the speaker's advice on how to handle breaks during study sessions?

The speaker advises that breaks should be less stimulating than studying, avoiding phones and opting for activities like walking around, stretching, or grabbing a snack without the phone.

What does the speaker mean by 'Breather' in the context of the video?

'Breather' refers to the time spent not studying, which should be less stimulating and more boring than the study session itself to encourage returning to study.

What alternative strategies does the speaker suggest if the 'Forest' app is not suitable?

The speaker suggests alternatives like using the timer on a phone, the 'Flora' app, or documenting time spent concentrating on pen and paper.

How does the speaker describe the transition from being a medical student to a doctor?

The speaker mentions that they are now a doctor and offers to share insights into their current life through a vlog, but the details of the transition are not covered in the script.