Developing a learning habit — Tips part 2
Kim Dryden is the Senior Managing Producer of Udacity’s video team
First part of the series here:
Tips #3 — #5
Block off time
If this is learning you’re doing for work, block off time on your calendar. It’s up to you to make this space sacred — set expectations with your coworkers that this time is yours, tell them why it’s important, don’t allow people to schedule over. If you do need that time back, move it, don’t cancel it. I find that 30 minutes is the minimum amount of time I need to make meaningful progress, but that could be different for you.
At home, if you have a family or roommates, do your best to make time and space for your studying there. It can be tricky with kids, for sure, so you might have to work your learning time in around their schedules. Talk with your family/friends about what you’re doing, why it’s important to you, and how they can help — namely, by giving you time and space to work. It also helps to have a room or part of a room dedicated to this pursuit, and to have a regular schedule so they know when you’re “off-limits.”
Have a starting ritual
Know what you need to sit down and focus, and make a ritual for creating that space. For me, I know I work best somewhere with some space that’s not silent. Tea helps. So if I’m studying at home, I clean my kitchen table, put on some instrumental music, and make a cup of tea. While doing it, I’m not checking my phone or otherwise distracting myself, just thinking about the focus of the next couple of hours, reminding myself of why it’s important. Then I can sit down and get started. I’ve done this process enough times that when I start, my mind automatically starts to shift gears and soon I’m ready to get working.
Minimize distractions
When you’re ready to get going, set yourself up for success by choosing a workplace that’ll keep you focused. I like to work in coffee shops because I’m not able to get distracted by things that need doing around my apartment or interrupted by people at work. Then, minimize distractions as much as possible. For me, this means turning of wifi if I can, sticking my phone in my backpack, closing Slack, and banishing email. I also keep a pen and paper near me so when I think of little to-dos, I can write them down and safely put them out of mind and keep working.
Alright, that’s it for this week. Thanks to those that have pinged me with your own experiences making learning part of your routine. Keep it coming! This week, I’d love to hear about your starting rituals and how you make time and space when studying at home.
