Top 3 Productivity Hacks For Students That ACTUALLY Work

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares three productivity hacks that have had a significant impact on their efficiency. The first is 'Eat That Frog,' which advocates tackling the hardest task first thing in the morning to boost energy and focus. The second hack involves using a calendar or routine to eliminate decision fatigue by pre-scheduling tasks. Lastly, changing your environment—like studying in quiet spaces—can drastically improve productivity by reducing distractions. These hacks focus on low-effort, high-impact strategies to help individuals stay motivated, organized, and productive throughout their day.

Takeaways

• 😀 Eat the Frog: Tackle your hardest task first thing in the morning to gain energy and avoid procrastination.
• 😀 Procrastination is often a result of leaving difficult tasks for later in the day, causing unnecessary stress and distraction.
• 😀 Completing challenging tasks early boosts your energy and mindset for the rest of the day.
• 😀 A calendar or routine helps reduce decision fatigue by pre-planning your day, making it easier to stay on track.
• 😀 Having a set schedule is like creating a habit stack, where you combine several habits into a routine that becomes automatic over time.
• 😀 If you fail to plan ahead, you are more likely to make random decisions that lead to unproductive behavior.
• 😀 A calendar ensures you're less likely to waste time on distractions and more likely to stick to productive actions.
• 😀 Personal routines should focus on the parts of the day where you want to improve, like working on mornings to become more productive.
• 😀 Changing your environment can drastically improve productivity by reducing distractions and promoting focus.
• 😀 If you're in an environment that triggers bad habits, such as your room, consider working in a new location like a library or quiet space.
• 😀 Habits and productivity are often shaped by the environment you're in, so adjust your surroundings to support your goals.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind the 'Eat That Frog' productivity hack?

The 'Eat That Frog' hack involves tackling the hardest and most important task of the day first thing in the morning. This helps to eliminate procrastination and boosts your energy and productivity for the rest of the day.

Why does the speaker believe that starting with the hardest task boosts energy?

The speaker explains that doing the hardest task gives a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which energizes you for the rest of the day. Tackling something difficult early on also prevents the task from lingering in the back of your mind, reducing mental distractions.

How does the speaker feel about the 3-2-1 rule for overcoming procrastination?

The speaker mentions that while the 3-2-1 rule (counting to three to start work) sounds good in theory, it doesn’t work for him, as he would procrastinate even with the countdown. This highlights that some productivity hacks may not be universally effective.

What is the importance of having a calendar or routine according to the speaker?

Having a calendar or routine helps remove decision fatigue by scheduling tasks in advance. By deciding ahead of time what you need to do, you’re less likely to procrastinate or make poor choices when you're tired or lacking motivation.

How does the concept of a 'routine' differ from a 'habit' in the speaker's explanation?

A habit is an automatic behavior, like brushing your teeth. A routine is a series of habits combined, where one action naturally leads to the next, creating a structured sequence that you follow without thinking.

What role does motivation play in following a calendar, according to the speaker?

Motivation plays a smaller role when you have a calendar or routine in place. By pre-deciding what you’ll do and at what time, you remove the need for motivation, making it easier to follow through, even when your energy levels are low.

Why does the speaker suggest 'firing afternoon me' when it comes to creating a routine?

The speaker suggests 'firing afternoon me' because it means taking control of decision-making in the morning and setting a clear routine. This way, you don’t rely on yourself to make decisions later in the day when willpower and motivation are often low.

How does the environment influence productivity, according to the speaker?

The environment plays a huge role in shaping habits. The speaker notes that when in certain environments, like his room, he's more likely to get distracted. Changing environments, such as working in a library or a quiet space, can automatically lead to more focused and productive work.

What type of environment does the speaker find most productive for studying?

The speaker finds that studying in a quiet, isolated space, such as a corner of a library where there are no distractions, is most productive for him. Being around people or in a noisy area would reduce his focus.

How does the speaker view the effectiveness of popular productivity methods like Pomodoro?

The speaker acknowledges that methods like the Pomodoro Technique can help in specific scenarios but doesn’t find them transformative. While they may improve focus in short bursts, they don’t provide the same impact as the three hacks he recommends.