By Jamin K.
As a graduate of MIT Engineering and UPenn Law School, I know firsthand what it’s like to study under pressure at top schools. My success wasn’t due to natural talent, but rather some study techniques that I want to share with you today.
1. Put Away Your Phone
Research shows that just having a smartphone nearby can reduce your ability to focus, even if you’re not using it. (Sources: “How Your Cell Phone Distracts You Even When You’re Not Using It” and “Hide Your Phone When You’re Trying to Work. Seriously.”)
When I study, I turn off my phone. If you’re not comfortable turning it off, at least silence it and put it far from your study area. Keep it in another room or a hard-to-reach place. The more steps it takes to get your phone, the less tempted you’ll be to check it.
2. Set Tight Deadlines
In The 4-Hour Workweek, Timothy Ferriss suggests that setting short deadlines can make you more productive. Think about how much more efficient you become as a deadline approaches. I make a list of tasks, estimate how long each one will take, and set firm deadlines for each. Treat these deadlines seriously, as if they were set by someone else. This trick gives me a productivity boost because it adds a sense of urgency.
3. Meditate
While the first two methods trick your brain by reducing distractions and creating urgency, meditation has had the biggest and most lasting impact on me. It helps me clear my mind and focus better by eliminating mental distractions. With regular meditation, I no longer worry about things outside my control, and my mind stays present. Thanks to meditation, I can now read, study, or work for hours without losing focus.
