The 4-Part Daily Exam Routine That Got Me Straight A's in Engineering (Science-Based)

Summary

In this video, the speaker reveals a four-part daily routine that helped them excel in engineering school and achieve straight A's during exam periods. By leveraging the body's natural circadian rhythm, the routine optimizes energy levels for maximum focus and minimal stress. The routine includes two focused study periods, a crucial rest period in the afternoon, and a release period in the evening for indulging in distractions without guilt. The speaker emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, focus techniques, and rest to enhance productivity and academic performance. The approach encourages balance, self-awareness, and adaptability to individual needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Leverage your Circadian Rhythm: Study when your energy is at its peak, typically in the morning and evening, to maximize productivity.
• 😀 Study in focused bursts: Break your study sessions into 2 to 4 hours with short breaks in between to maintain high levels of concentration.
• 😀 Set clear goals: Start your day by writing down your goals for the day to avoid wasting time on low-priority tasks.
• 😀 Use focus-enhancing tools: Incorporate caffeine, cold showers, or a quick focus warm-up (e.g., staring at a point for 1-2 minutes) to boost attention.
• 😀 Take strategic rest: Schedule a rest period in the afternoon when energy naturally dips to avoid burnout and help recharge for the evening session.
• 😀 Schedule a 'Release Period': Allow yourself to engage in vices (e.g., Netflix, gaming) before bed to release stress without feeling deprived during the day.
• 😀 Work with urgency: Use a timer to set deadlines for your study sprints, creating a sense of urgency and giving you motivation to push through tasks.
• 😀 Be honest with your habits: Acknowledge your distractions and schedule them within your 'Release Period' to avoid them affecting your focus during study sessions.
• 😀 Adapt the routine to your personal needs: The timing of study and rest periods should align with your personal energy cycles and daily preferences.
• 😀 Focus on quality, not quantity: You don’t need to study for 12 hours a day. The intensity of your focus is more important than the number of hours spent studying.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the four-part daily routine mentioned in the video?

The main purpose of the four-part daily routine is to optimize the student's day by leveraging human biology and psychology, particularly the circadian rhythm, to achieve the highest grades with the least amount of stress.

How does the circadian rhythm affect a person's energy levels throughout the day?

The circadian rhythm causes a person's energy to fluctuate throughout the day. It peaks in the morning, drops in the afternoon, and peaks again in the evening, with energy dipping again towards bedtime.

Why is the concept of a 'release period' important in the study routine?

The 'release period' allows individuals to indulge in their vices or distractions (like social media, video games, etc.) before bed. It helps reduce the temptation to engage in these activities throughout the day, thereby maintaining focus and motivation.

What is the key benefit of scheduling a release period before bed instead of resisting distractions throughout the day?

Scheduling a release period before bed prevents the frustration of trying to resist distractions for an extended period. It allows for a controlled indulgence, thereby minimizing stress and increasing productivity during study sessions.

What are the three 'weapons' recommended for improving focus during study sessions?

The three recommended 'weapons' for improving focus are caffeine (which boosts energy and focus), cold showers (which increase adrenaline and dopamine), and focus warm-ups (a brief period of intense concentration on an object to prime the focus system).

Why is it important to write down daily goals before starting a study session?

Writing down daily goals helps avoid wasting time on low-leverage tasks and provides a clear focus for the day, making the study session more productive and efficient.

What is the recommended duration for a focused study session, and why?

A focused study session should last 2 to 4 hours. This is because intense focus depletes the brain's energy, and longer sessions lead to diminished productivity. After 2 to 4 hours, a rest is needed to recharge focus.

How does using a timer help during study sessions?

Using a timer helps create a sense of urgency and provides a clear end point, which enhances focus and motivation. It also helps avoid the problem of studying aimlessly without any time constraints.

Why is taking a rest in the middle of the day essential for maintaining productivity?

A rest period in the middle of the day helps recharge energy and focus. By taking a break when energy is lowest, you ensure you're refreshed for the evening study session, thus improving overall productivity.

What is the benefit of changing study environments for the evening session?

Changing study environments, such as moving from a home desk to a library, helps keep the evening study session fresh and reduces distractions. It also adds novelty, making it easier to stay focused and motivated.