How to Work to Your Full Potential

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Picture this: midnight is approaching, your mind and body are possessed with exhaustion, and you have a major assignment due in the morning that you have yet to begin. We have all been here, perhaps a few times too many. Luckily, it’s never too late to improve your work ethic. Let’s leave procrastination, sloppiness and falling behind in 2018 and learn some effective ways to stay on track!

It is vital that we, as students, establish a routine that aids us in keeping up with not only academics but extracurriculars and personal hobbies as well. However, in order to achieve a balance between academics and your many other interests, it is crucial to understand the productivity strategies that best suit you. Without further ado, let’s learn how to stay productive.

Organization is Key

Organization: your best friend when it comes to academic success. Before starting the week, fill in a calendar with each assignment’s due date, and write down when you would like to complete each task. Maddie McSally, a freshman on the University of Maryland’s Women's Lacrosse team, swears by this strategy.

“Time management is definitely tricky but sticking to a schedule for study hall and using a planner never fails to keep me organized,” said McSally.

By doing this (and actually sticking to it), you will eliminate the stress that often coincides with a pileup of assignments.

Working in the Right Environment

Now that you’ve mastered organization, it's time to dive into your first assignment of the week. In order to stay focused on the task, it is imperative that you work in an environment that supports your work ethic. If you work best in total silence, take advantage of the library! If you prefer some background noise and a more lively setting, work in a local café. Working in an environment that isn’t your dorm or apartment can make a huge difference in your productivity. The potential distraction from roommates, friends, and, of course, your bed, will no longer hinder your success. However, if you do choose to work in your dorm or apartment, make sure you are working in a tidy space. Working in a messy, cluttered room can be distracting when attempting to focus on a rigorous task.

Turn That Phone OFF

Speaking of distractions, turn off your phone. By constantly checking your phone, an assignment that should have taken an hour has suddenly taken five. If you need your phone for research purposes, use your laptop instead. That way, you won’t be personally victimized by Instagram or Snapchat. If it is absolutely urgent that you take a phone break, limit yourself to five minutes of screen time every half hour.

Maryland sophomore Stefan Fasano takes eradicating the relentless distraction of social media to another level.

“Sometimes I temporarily delete my social media apps when I’m working on an important assignment,” Fasano said. “That way, constantly checking social media is no longer an option.”

This idea is perfect for individuals who sometimes find themselves glued to social media (which is all of us).

Treat Yourself

One last tip to help you work to your fullest potential is to reward yourself – and not only when you’ve finished the task, but all throughout it! If you’re working on an essay, take a ten minute break after completing each body paragraph. Taking breaks is key, as it allows you to relax and refuel before continuing your hard work. I also suggest keeping a healthy snack on hand to ensure your body is properly fueled while you work! As college students, we are often faced with strenuous assignments that test our abilities to stay motivated. Rewarding ourselves serves as a motivator and can make completing tasks a little more enjoyable.

After reading these productivity tips, it is important to keep in mind that everyone works differently. Certain strategies may not work for everyone, and that’s okay! With that being said, don’t knock it ‘till you try it. I recommend trying all of these tactics, even if you don’t think you need them. You might find that tweaking your routine heightens your productivity. Now that you’ve learned how to work efficiently, it’s time to say goodbye to your phone and hello to your next big assignment!