My Fundamental Tips for Productivity

In my college years, I have worked hard to get the best scores possible in different subjects. However, when I was finishing my third year, I started thinking about why my scores weren’t what I wanted them to be. Namely, while I wanted to have a minimum average score between 9/10 in all subjects, I had a minimum average score of 8.25/10. Why? I was putting a lot of effort into it. I had to be doing something wrong.

Then, I started looking for information on study skills, productivity, and better habits. I googled every Reddit post and every YouTube channel possible about those topics. What I found (and I have been putting into practice), is what I am going to detail below.

1. Time tracking

The beautiful time tracking. Time tracking is, simply, a technique based on counting the time in which you are doing something. But, you're not the one who counts the time. The time is reckoned by means of applications (thanks programming for making our lives easier!).

For this technique, I use the Toggl application in its free version, however some people prefer to use the Pomodoro technique, using, for example, the Forest application. An essential article that helped me to understand how to apply time tracking with Toggl is the following: If the Pomodoro Technique Doesn't Work for You, Try Flowtime.

2. Time blocking

Time blocking is, basically, to block the time of your life. Putting blocks in your calendar about the things you will do every day, is using time blocking.

I use Google Calendar for this purpose. Here you’ll find The Complete Guide to Time Blocking.

3. App blockers

If you think you can really control yourself by not using social media, congratulations, you are from another planet! Let’s be honest, it’s very difficult not to be tempted. We say “Only a little bit”, and we can spend many hours scrolling on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram without realizing it. To avoid this, there are applications that block other applications: these powerful apps are called app blockers. The main purpose of using them is to be less dependent on our limited willpower.

I use, in this case, Cold Turkey for PC, and AppBlock for mobile phones. In both cases on their free versions.

4. Sleep

Sleeping well is essential for productivity. On the one hand, I use apps to reduce the screen light in my eyes at night, such as f.lux for desktop and Twilight for mobile, and, on the other hand, so as not to sleep too much, I use the Alarmy app. This last powerful app forces me to solve mathematical problems when I get up, so I have to solve such problems to turn it off. In both cases, I use these apps in their free versions.

Note: For me, seven and a half hours is enough sleep to feel energetic the whole day.

5. Training

I still don't know if there is scientific evidence about the benefits of training on mental health. But, without any doubt, I would recommend training to everyone. My life was full of stress before starting to train regularly. And, I believe, it’s not necessary to pay a gym to do it. If we don’t expect to become bodybuilders, it’s enough to train with our own body, which is frequently called, in a fashion way, callisthenic.

6. Study

When talking about studying, I would recommend following the active recall and spaced repetition study techniques. Briefly, said in a straightforward way: a) spaced repetition: do a little every day; b) active recall: the more you try to remember something, the easier it will be to remember it in the future.

As free software to apply these techniques, there exists the beautiful Anki.

Final words

Firstly, being productive is a means to an end: get closer to ourselves to accomplish our objectives and wishes. I think none of us is productive just because. Secondly, being productive is like everything else: with practice and dedication it improves. That is, we don’t wait to go from studying two hours a day to studying ten hours. Finally, being productive is, also, finding the best way in which we feel as comfortable as possible with our work.

I hope these brief tips, which are really important for me, would be important for you too. If you want to discuss something or simply want to talk to me, send me a message!