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[Prodoge]

Currently 20 at uni and I keep falling into the same patterns: wasting doing useless things and being lazy.
For example when i should be doing schoolwork i end up spending 30 minutes messing around on the phone, watching tv or whatever.
All this wasting time leads to lack of motivation to do things like get out there and socialize.

How can i reduce the time wasted on time sinks because mostly I fall into them unconsciously ?

 

[ubercat]

Buy yourself two books the willpower Instinct and the power of habit. Read them lots and then apply

 

[speed dawg]

Currently 20 at uni and I keep falling into the same patterns: wasting doing useless things and being lazy.
For example when i should be doing schoolwork i end up spending 30 minutes messing around on the phone, watching tv or whatever.
All this wasting time leads to lack of motivation to do things like get out there and socialize.

How can i reduce the time wasted on time sinks because mostly I fall into them unconsciously ?

Wish I had the answer. I am 35 and I still do these things, it's my biggest hindrance to success. I know how to remedy it as well, it's just.......VERY HARD. No way around that. You WILL be inconvenienced if you want to break through the cycle.

 

[Bible_Belt]

I like to give myself three things at once that I don't want to do. Then when I am doing one of them, I get to avoid 2/3 of the sh!t I have to do.

 

[Papa_smu]

I use the pomodoro method when I am working on something which helps me focus. The method behind it is you do 25 minutes of focused work. No distractions. Phone stays on silent and in your pocket. The only thing in front of you and to your attention is anything that pertains to your work. Then after those 25 minutes, you take a 5 minute break doing whatever grabs your attention.

You do this for about 4 rounds and then take a 30 minute break. After that you repeat the whole process.

25 minutes of focused work
5 minutes of distraction
4x rounds
30 minute break and repeat

I noticed after I got into a groove of things, I started ignoring the 5 minute breaks because I was so focused at the task at hand. You literally have to force yourself to take a break.

Give this a try and let me know if this works for you

 

[resilient]

Pomodoro method is a great app for the smartphone. If I'm disciplined and stick to it, it's helpful to stay focused while studying or on a certain task. Using that app and ambient music or soft piano/classical/instrumental helps me stay in a focused zone.

Also try a time block. So if you want to study at 7pm, then start at 7pm (or on time). No excuses. Remind yourself no casual internet browsing, social media, youtube, whatever while you're focused on task. You have to reinforce self-discipline to not get pulled away by distraction to stay on task and accomplish what you want to get done.