The turmoil of a student =(

[crazlunatic]

My problem is that I seem to do what I want rather than what I need. This is rather weird because I used to be the exact opposite, then I was so overwhelemed with stress that one day, I decided to do what I wanted that entire day. For some reason, that became days, then weeks, and now its a habit.

I go to school, so what I "need" to do is pretty straight forward. I really don't need a to-do list because as soon as I'm done something, there's always another assignment waiting for me to be completed. My problem is that I can't seem to concentrate and will drift of. If I manage to eliminate my distraction, I'll work very unproductively because at the back of my mind, I know I could be doing something else or should be doing something else. For example, I have A and B to do. I have to do B (piano practice) because lessons are at 4 on Sunday and are expensive. But I know I have homework to do because I have due dates, but I can't do them because piano seems to be the most important thing. This is just an example, but almost every week, I face several situations like this and it's really taking a toll on me.

I know that other student's have gained academic success because they had no distractions. They were able to do their required tasks 100 percent without wanting or thinking about anything else. But for someone like me who can always find something to do, it is difficult. Can you guys help me out?

[PremLeela]

You are overcomplicating your life.
Stop, relax, and breathe.
Just focus on one thing at a time, and give yourself time to do every single thing well enough.

[Joely]

I taught at university for three years and having been a student for seven myself, I have yet to meet a student who wasn't constantly distracted by other things. It's not distraction that's the problem, it's discipline.

The trick is time management. Build a timetable for yourself where you allot time to each of the tasks you need to do over the course of a week, for example. Each day you have a timetable that dictates what you do when. Schedule yourself regular breaks so that you don't burn out, and find a way of rewarding yourself for when you complete certain large activities. Break things down into chunks so that they're easier to manage. Don't work excessively long days - you'll only end up wearing yourself out.

Hope that helps,

J

[Kaspian]

My strategy was to schedule things - and follow through on that schedule. I didn't even consider doing something other than what was planned. For example:

8:30am - class
9:30am - practice
10:30am - class
11:30am - practice
12:30am - study while eating
1:30pm - class
2:30pm - study
3:30pm - rehearsal
4:30pm - rehearsal
5:30pm - study

[crazlunatic]

I look at your schedule and that's how my schedule should be. No offense, but doing that everyday seems so menial. I guess it's due to the fact that I am so used to being at the computer and going online and doing random things every so often. I mean... I'm not even supposed to be on the Internet now but I'm posting in this forum again!

[maxdof]

Cut off your computer NOW, do some sports and wake up at 5am.

You need persistance.

Or maybe a kick in the ass?
Or maybe try to add 10 more activities in your life, having to do only A and B is maybe not enough in your life, and therefore not very attractive.

Of course the perfect way would be to find your purpose in life and then everything you do will be to achieve it and will be easy.

If you have so much stuff to do, try GTD.
And if you need a more global way of living, try Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

Cut off your computer NOW, do some sports and wake up at 5am.

You need persistance.

[ken nubo]

Read a Zen book or two, I think that would help.

Here, read Zen Habits | Simple Productivity excellent site

[Kaspian]

Originally Posted by crazlunatic

I look at your schedule and that's how my schedule should be. No offense, but doing that everyday seems so menial.

I only said that the schedule worked for getting things done and getting good grades, not that I was a happy person doing that day after day for a few years....

The actual schedule had a little more variety from day to day, and I managed to squeeze an on-campus job in there (2-3 hours per weekday), so it's not quite as mundane as it looks. The concept, though, is to plan what you are going do to and do only that.

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by crazlunatic

My problem is that I seem to do what I want rather than what I need. This is rather weird because I used to be the exact opposite, then I was so overwhelemed with stress that one day, I decided to do what I wanted that entire day. For some reason, that became days, then weeks, and now its a habit.

I go to school, so what I "need" to do is pretty straight forward. I really don't need a to-do list because as soon as I'm done something, there's always another assignment waiting for me to be completed. My problem is that I can't seem to concentrate and will drift of. If I manage to eliminate my distraction, I'll work very unproductively because at the back of my mind, I know I could be doing something else or should be doing something else. For example, I have A and B to do. I have to do B (piano practice) because lessons are at 4 on Sunday and are expensive. But I know I have homework to do because I have due dates, but I can't do them because piano seems to be the most important thing. This is just an example, but almost every week, I face several situations like this and it's really taking a toll on me.

I know that other student's have gained academic success because they had no distractions. They were able to do their required tasks 100 percent without wanting or thinking about anything else. But for someone like me who can always find something to do, it is difficult. Can you guys help me out?

Help you out?

Yes.

If you read Positive and Negative Liberty (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)

Isaiah Berlin's Positive Negative freedom it will become clear to you what in essence you are fighting.

Its worth the read and the education about life

[Cran]

Originally Posted by crazlunatic

I look at your schedule and that's how my schedule should be. No offense, but doing that everyday seems so menial. I guess it's due to the fact that I am so used to being at the computer and going online and doing random things every so often. I mean... I'm not even supposed to be on the Internet now but I'm posting in this forum again!

Posting anywhere on the internet whole being supposed to work/study? Never

If your studies seem so menial to you... why did you choose them? Don't they interest you?
Perhaps it is not only an issue of self-discilpne but also of motivation. Take me as an example: I am studying catholic theology - and doubting my faith seriously, so you can imagine my motivation for getting anything done that relates to it.

Cran

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by Cran

I am studying catholic theology - and doubting my faith seriously, so you can imagine my motivation for getting anything done that relates to it.

Cran

Study Philosophy mate, and the haze will gently roll away from your eyes about religion....and all will be revealed.

[Cran]

*lol* Stephen, that's not exactly that way... I study theology for a diploma and philosophy/history for magister (it is a German study course that is like a crossbreed between bachelor and master with two or three subjects).

Philosophy and religion are no antagonists... Thomas Aquinas was a great philosopher and a believer, too. Aristoteles believed in God (the first reason of all) and the list could go on and on. Not all philosophers are Nietzsche, you know

And knowing a lot about a subject doesn't make personal struggles in believe any easier. "Philosophy, not religion" is a slogan I'd hoped I wouldn't have to encounter here because it is plain wrong.

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by Cran

*lol* Stephen, that's not exactly that way... I study theology for a diploma and philosophy/history for magister (it is a German study course that is like a crossbreed between bachelor and master with two or three subjects).

Philosophy and religion are no antagonists... Thomas Aquinas was a great philosopher and a believer, too. Aristoteles believed in God (the first reason of all) and the list could go on and on. Not all philosophers are Nietzsche, you know

And knowing a lot about a subject doesn't make personal struggles in believe any easier. "Philosophy, not religion" is a slogan I'd hoped I wouldn't have to encounter here because it is plain wrong.

Ah! But you see, I said....'Study Philosophy'...........and you will acquire the critical elements of argument to strip away your prejudices (which more than likely you were born into?)

A shortcut would be to read this,,,,,from a very wise man//////

Why I Am Not A Christian, by Bertrand Russell

Its not very long, but eye opening

[Cran]

Philosophy will most likely teach that there is no life at all without prejudices... and no, I wasn't born into any christian faith at all

Au contraire to Russell, it wouldn't be difficult to find an equally eloquent philosopher who argues the case for christianity.

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by Cran

Philosophy will most likely teach that there is no life at all without prejudices... and no, I wasn't born into any christian faith at all

Au contraire to Russell, it wouldn't be difficult to find an equally eloquent philosopher who argues the case for christianity.

Well in years of searching, I havent found one. Can you enlighten us?

[Cran]

It depends largely on the point of view you take, but I found Swinburne rather good.

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by Cran

It depends largely on the point of view you take, but I found Swinburne rather good.

Each to their own, I suppose. But his arguments have been wholly destroyed by mainstream academics. I'm afraid the chap is clutching at straws. (in my humble opinion)

[Cran]

"Destroyed/Defeated/Mainstream" etc. is indeed a matter of opinion - which side you view as defeated depends largely on your pre-made opinions/judgments.. therefore, believes are equal... you just share them or you don't.

[crazlunatic]

Originally Posted by Cran

It depends largely on the point of view you take, but I found Swinburne rather good.

What's Swinburne?