Coursework Productivity: Getting More Done

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Student:Craft - Coursework Productivity
Wooo!, Welcome to our 10th Post! Here's some more valuable information on how to increase your productivity when working on your assignment. As always, I've spent a lot of time formulating this, so drop me a comment if you find it useful / there's something i missed. =)

Introduction

Okay, so Ive had quite a few hits from some interesting sources on the Student Knowledge: Learning Styles Article. It was interesting for me to learn new methods of absorbing and relaying information...so I've decided to research some additional methods to improve my work productivity. Check it out:

• Parkinson's Law
• Plan your Day
• Sleep / Rest / Breaks
• Energy Cycles (Personal MBA)
• Centralise all Information
• Minimise Distractions (Clear Desk)
• Ingvar's Rule
• Baroque Music

Parkinson's Law

'If you’re into productivity, you’ll know this proverb as Parkinson’s Law. This interesting statement was made by Cyril Northcote Parkinson, the famous British historian and author, in 1955' - A great (more in-depth) article on this can be found here.

Plan your Day

Right, so expanding on the Student Rules: Setting Goals Article, planning your daily activities can help improve your daily work productivity.

At the beginning of each day, (or week), sit down and review your short term / long term goals. You will need to identify particular tasks and activities that will add value or progress to these targets and write them down.

Now you have something to work towards primarily for the following 24 hours! If you have time, assign particular tasks to specific time slots and tick them off as you go.

Considering 'Parkinson's Law', you can begin to see how scheduling tasks for time slots can begin to increase productivity.

Furthermore, incorporating Ingvar's Rule (described later), may produce additional benefits - Give it a try and see how it goes.

Sleep / Rest / Breaks

Unlike all the technology we use on a day to day basis, the human body is not a machine. Your body is not a machine! In order for us to work as efficient as possible we need optimal rest and a good nights sleep. So what does this mean?;

8 Hours of sleep a night.

Personally, I'm as guilty as the next person for not getting enough sleep...but I'm now making a conscious effort to get my 8 hours in. Many of my friends say I live by the quote 'Sleep is for the weak', but even though I sometimes feel I don't have enough time to sleep, realistically, "the truth is I can't afford not to."

Please do not take this for granted. More Information on the power of sleep can be found here.

Take breaks during Work.

Again, until now, I was no role-model...but the importance of taking regular scheduled breaks during work (ESPECIALLY when using the computer) is so vital to your health! 

I was on a work placement at the beginning of summer working 8-7 in an office. When I first started, the first 5 days I worked non-stop except for 45minutes lunch. To cut a long story short...I contracted CVS (Conputer Vision Syndrome). I know that is a SERIOUS extreme, but it was not nice...and it took almost 7 days to fully recover.

Fresh air, a walk down the road and focusing your eyes away from the computer screen WILL make you feel a whole lot better! Trust Me.

Energy Cycles

http://book.personalmba.com/energy-cycles

Centralise all your Information

I have laptop software, email clients, a blackberry, an iphone and a desktop computer. All my valuable information is spread across FIVE different pieces of technology!!! "WTH!"

I don't know why I've never realised this before...but how can I expect to be productive if all my information is spread across so many stations. 

Choose a platform, and use it for everything. =)

Minimise Distractions

This article at MIND TOOLS is so good I won't even bother paraphrasing it. Be sure to check it out!

It covers:

1. Email
2. Disorganisation
3. Instant Messaging
4. Phone Calls
5. The Internet
6. Other People
7. Work Environment
8. Tiredness 

A MUST Read. =)

Ingvar's Rule

What would you do if you only had 10minutes to get something done?

Ingvar Kamprad - The founder of IKEA:

“Time is your most important resource. You can do SO MUCH in ten minutes. Ten minutes once gone, are gone for good. Ten minutes are not just a sixth of your hourly day, 10 minutes are a piece of yourself. Divide your life into 10 minute units and sacrifice as few of them as possible to meaningless activity.”

Baroque Music

This particular style of music, when paired alongside study has been proven to enhance mental clarity, focus and concentration. 

Studying a very creative degree at university I originally found any type of music to help my productivity...however Baroque music allows me to get more 'involved' in my work.

I've started to develop a small playlist on my Spotify...so check it out or research your own:

If your skeptical, don't knock it till you've tried it. =)


Any feedback is greatly appreciated. =)


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