How I study when I don’t feel like it

Summary

In this video, the creator shares 12 unique study tips to overcome procrastination and boost productivity. These tips are unconventional, ranging from creating uncomfortable environments to trick the brain into focusing, to using reverse to-do lists for real-time motivation. Other methods include listening to intense music loops, engaging in mental warm-ups, and leveraging fear-based motivation. The creator also suggests using classical music for focus, removing distractions by physically distancing them, and even talking to oneself for mental clarity. These practical hacks aim to help viewers stay focused and efficient, even on their most unmotivated days.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trick your brain by studying in an uncomfortable environment like the floor or a random corner to motivate yourself to finish quickly.
• 😀 Create a reverse to-do list by writing down everything you’ve already done, which boosts motivation as you see real-time progress.
• 😀 Loop an intense song to push yourself to work faster and stay focused (e.g., L's theme from *Death Note*).
• 😀 Lay out your study materials before starting to work, which makes it easier to dive into the task at hand.
• 😀 Warm up your brain with a simple game like Sudoku before studying to ease into the task with minimal effort.
• 😀 Stare at a wall for two minutes to break free from distractions and get your brain in a focused mindset.
• 😀 Use scary motivation by making a bet with a friend that they can post something embarrassing if you don’t show proof of study progress.
• 😀 Listen to intense classical music to maintain focus without distractions, keeping your brain engaged during study sessions.
• 😀 Make laziness work for you by tossing your phone away from your desk to avoid distractions and stay productive.
• 😀 Talk to yourself out loud to spark motivation—ask yourself questions about your tasks and answer them to engage your logical thinking.
• 😀 Remind yourself that everything gets done eventually, so don’t waste energy stressing; just start and get it over with.
• 😀 Use the one sentence method to simplify overwhelming tasks by breaking them down into a single, manageable goal.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The video aims to provide 12 unique study tips for people who struggle with motivation but need to study. These tips are designed to make the study process more manageable and engaging.

Why does the speaker recommend sitting in an uncomfortable place to study?

The speaker suggests sitting in an uncomfortable spot, like the floor or a window sill, because the discomfort motivates the brain to finish the task quickly in order to return to a more comfortable environment.

How does the reverse to-do list work?

A reverse to-do list involves starting with a blank list and writing down tasks only after they've been completed. This approach helps maintain motivation by allowing individuals to see their progress in real time.

What is the significance of looping a song during study sessions?

The speaker recommends looping a song, like L's theme from Death Note, because it creates an intense atmosphere that encourages faster task completion. The repetitive nature of the song also helps keep the brain focused.

Why is the suggestion of laying out study materials important?

Laying out study materials on a desk before starting to work can help reduce procrastination. By seeing the materials, individuals may feel more inclined to start studying, as it makes the task feel more tangible.

What does the 'warm-up' technique before studying involve?

The warm-up technique involves doing a simple, low-stakes task, like playing Sudoku, to prepare the brain for studying. This helps transition into focused work without jumping straight into more demanding tasks.

What is the purpose of staring at a wall for 2 minutes?

Staring at a wall for two minutes without any distractions helps reset the brain, causing boredom that ultimately increases the desire to study. It serves as a mental break to transition into a more productive mindset.

How can using scary motivation help with procrastination?

Scary motivation involves introducing negative consequences for not studying. For example, the speaker threatens to allow a friend to post a random picture on their Instagram if they don't finish studying within a set time. The fear of the consequence motivates them to complete the task.

What type of music does the speaker recommend for studying?

The speaker recommends intense classical music for study sessions. These playlists are designed to keep the brain active and engaged without being distracting, unlike more casual or relaxing music.

What is the reasoning behind the tip of making laziness work for you?

The tip suggests removing distractions, like placing a phone out of reach, to reduce the temptation to use it. By making distractions harder to access, it encourages the individual to stay focused on studying.

How does the speaker suggest talking to yourself can help with studying?

Talking to yourself during unmotivated study sessions can help clarify why the task should be done and what benefits it provides. This process engages the logical part of the brain, making it easier to commit to the task at hand.

What does the 'one sentence method' entail?

The 'one sentence method' involves breaking down a big task into a single, small aspect that feels more manageable. By focusing on one small part of a larger task, like understanding one concept in physics, the task seems less overwhelming and easier to start.