If you surf on the internet much enough, I’m sure you are familiar with the slang “locking in” – meaning to become fully focused and committed to a task or a goal. As teenagers face a lot of competition in school, they often feel overwhelmed to perform well in academics. Carrying tons of pressure on their shoulders, they may find it difficult to “lock in” studying.
If you are one of those who struggles locking in for school, below are some tips that will help you out at least a bit:
Make a to-do list
Having your daily agendas in mind and keeping track of your progress motivates you to get them done in time. There is scientific evidence that the act of planning activities through to-do lists reduces the burden on the brain. Even when you are overwhelmed with tasks, the most important thing you can do is make a plan on how to get them done, starting with a to-do list. Simply writing the tasks down will make you more effective.
For example, list down what assignments you want to complete by the end of the day and cross each off after completing them. In fact, crossing off one pushes the urge for you to start another. In this way, instead of getting distracted during the day only to stress about not being able to get anything done at night, you will finish your tasks before you even realize.
2. Be in the right environment
A conducive work environment can significantly enhance focus by minimizing distractions and fostering a positive, organized space. This leads to increased productivity, improved cognitive function, and reduced stress, ultimately boosting both work quality and satisfaction.
Since it is observed that a lot of people focus better in a quiet environment, going to a library would be an ideal location for studying for long periods of time. Being around with other people that are also busy with their tasks and minimizing loud noises can help you stay focused on your work. Some libraries even have private study rooms or designated areas for group work, ideal for when students need to collaborate on projects or prepare for exams without interruptions.
3. The Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique, a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo, is particularly effective for achieving a “locked in” state of focused work by structuring tasks into intense, timed intervals separated by short breaks. The Pomodoro Technique involves five key steps: 1) Choose a task; 2) Set a timer for 25 minutes; 3) Work on the task until the timer rings; 4) Take a short break (typically 5 minutes); and 5) After four “pomodoros,” take a longer break (15-30 minutes).
While the standard Pomodoro is 25 minutes of work and a 5-minute break, adjust the interval lengths to suit your needs and task requirements. Take a break and relax your brain in between work sessions instead of cramming everything all in one go.
