How I'm Able to Study and Work 100+ Hours a Week in University

Summary

In this video, Daniel Tamago shares effective time management strategies for college students, focusing on balancing academics, personal projects, fitness, and social life. Drawing on his experience as a business student, he emphasizes the importance of essentialism—doing the right tasks—and introduces a four-step framework: Highlight, Laser, Energize, and Reflect. He also highlights tools like Grammarly to streamline work and improve efficiency. Through his practical advice, Daniel encourages students to prioritize their well-being and productivity, ultimately maximizing the 100+ hours they have each week in college.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prioritize essential tasks: Focus on getting the right things done, not just more things, by practicing essentialism.
• 😀 Avoid the busy bandwagon: Modern society pressures you to be constantly productive, but this often leads to burnout and stress.
• 😀 Manage distractions: Social media and constant online content can derail your productivity, so minimize distractions by turning off notifications and going into 'laser mode.'
• 😀 Time allocation is key: You have 24 hours each day, and by carefully managing your time, you can fit in both work and personal activities without burning out.
• 😀 Use the 'highlight' method: Each day, identify a key task or accomplishment that will be the focus of your time and effort, such as a work or personal milestone.
• 😀 Deep work for efficiency: Set aside time for focused work ('laser mode') to maximize your productivity and flow state.
• 😀 Energize yourself: Regular exercise, healthy eating, and quality sleep are vital for maintaining your energy levels and ensuring peak performance.
• 😀 Reflect on your progress: Take time to reflect on your day, your priorities, and how you can improve your time management moving forward.
• 😀 Don't rely solely on willpower: Willpower isn't enough to avoid distractions or handle stress; instead, create systems that minimize temptations.
• 😀 Quality sleep is essential: Getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night is critical for brain function, focus, and overall health, so prioritize your rest.
• 😀 Use tools like Grammarly: Grammarly can help save time by improving your writing, checking for errors, and ensuring professionalism in academic and business tasks.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'essentialism' that the speaker mentions, and how has it helped them manage their time?

Essentialism is the practice of focusing on the right things, not doing more things. It involves making wise investments of time and energy to maximize productivity and avoid burnout. The speaker found that by prioritizing essential tasks and focusing on quality, they could achieve more with the same amount of time.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of finding a daily highlight?

The daily highlight helps individuals focus on the most important or satisfying task of the day, which leads to better productivity. It stops the distractions caused by endless tasks (busy bandwagon) and social media (infinity pools), allowing one to remain intentional with their time.

What is 'laser mode,' and how does it help with productivity?

'Laser mode' refers to achieving deep focus or a flow state where you're fully immersed in a task without distractions. The speaker achieves this by eliminating distractions, such as turning off notifications and going into airplane mode, helping them to work with full concentration.

How does exercise contribute to time management and focus, according to the speaker?

Exercise helps stimulate the brain, which in turn improves focus and cognitive function. The speaker prioritizes daily workouts because they provide mental energy, making it easier to stay focused on tasks and avoid distractions.

What role does sleep play in the speaker's time management strategy?

Sleep is crucial for maintaining energy levels and mental clarity. The speaker aims for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to function at full capacity. They also practice afternoon power naps to recharge and improve alertness.

What are 'infinity pools,' and how do they impact time management?

Infinity pools refer to social media platforms that offer an endless stream of content, constantly tempting individuals to waste time. These distractions can siphon away hours of valuable time, leading to unproductive behavior.

What advice does the speaker give about using social media while managing a busy schedule?

The speaker recommends eliminating distractions like social media while working or studying. They use airplane mode to block out notifications and avoid the temptation of mindless scrolling, allowing them to stay focused and productive.

How does the concept of 'busy bandwagon' affect time management in modern society?

The 'busy bandwagon' is a societal mindset where individuals feel pressured to be constantly productive and keep up with others. This leads to an overload of tasks, resulting in stress and burnout. The speaker suggests breaking away from this mindset to focus on what truly matters.

What is the significance of using tools like Grammarly in the speaker's workflow?

Grammarly helps the speaker save time by improving writing efficiency, checking grammar, and offering clarity in communication. It also assists with plagiarism detection and ensures professional-level quality in emails and school projects, allowing more time for other activities.

How does the speaker handle their various commitments and balance work, school, and personal life?

The speaker allocates time for school, work (such as running a video production company), and personal life (including family, friends, and relationships). They carefully prioritize tasks based on urgency and satisfaction, ensuring that they remain productive and maintain a healthy balance.