It is well known that those who are involved in the field of research multitask in a very competitive environment – they are responsible for several aspects of research. Despite trying their hardest to be in the headspace that allows them to boost their productivity to the maximum, researchers may well come across distractions that can hamper their efficiency.
This calls for strategized time management, which helps students retain focus while they work and hence boosts their productivity. Making sure and evaluating that one is making the most out of the precious time they have allows a student in the field of research to identify whether or not they are making progress. Additionally, they can even rectify their mistakes and figure out areas of improvement.
Eventually, every research student will be required to write a paper – a dissertation, thesis, an essay, whatever it may be. Sometimes, they may have trouble understanding the topic that they are assigned or may just be in a pinch regarding the time that they have been allotted. To help them out, there are several theses writing services that are available online that can ease their troubles, execute the main theme, and help them collate their ideas as a whole.
It is very important for students to invest their time and money in a trusted vendor, one that offers quality, legitimacy, and value for money. Ultimately, the work the produce will have an enormous impact on their future career! It’s a good practice to request them to show you some of their previous work so that you know exactly what you are signing up for. There are also some sites available online that offer proofreading help – so that you can ensure that your write-up is free of errors and plagiarism!
Here are a couple of tips and strategies that you can keep in mind and implement as a research student to help you optimize the time you are given!
1. Set Realistic and Attainable Goals
The first step to identifying goals or objectives is to link them with a defined process that you can follow through. They should be S.M.A.R.T – specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound.
Determine the factors that are directly under your control and do not waste time and effort chasing after those that aren’t – this helps you be more capable of actually completing the goals you have assigned for yourself.
For a long term plan, you can develop goals for things like scholarships, and for the short term, list down activities and achievements that you can attain within the near future. These will accrue to benefit you in the long term.
Make sure to periodically review your goals and identify if you have successfully been able to achieve them, or if there are certain obstacles in your path that prevent you from doing so.
2. Optimize your planning
One of the best tried and tested methods that organized students use to plan out their daily activities is to create a To-Do list. This helps them keep track of what needs to be done and also check off completed tasks.
Breaking down tasks that require multiple steps for completion helps manage deadlines in a more easy manner. You can also keep in mind to collect resources that are required for your work beforehand so that you have ample time to actually focus on your work.
Creating a detailed timeline of activities, jotting down notes after the completion of each session, and seeking assistance early on in the process all comprise of processes that should be done away with to help you stay on top of your schedule.
3. Prioritize!
Acknowledging that your word is of foremost importance will go a long way. Additionally, arranging the various tasks you have by their respective order of priority helps in being consistent with all your goals – this also helps you by not exhausting your energy in relatively unimportant tasks.
Understand your right to say “no” – you will come across several opportunities and requests that you may or may not be able to cater to. It’s alright to sometimes put your needs and responsibilities first.
4. Maintain and focus on a research program
Several options online allow you to create a schedule on an e-calendar that can be accessed by your friends and family so that they know when you are occupied – you can block sections for the time of the day during which you are taking part in research and related scholarly activities.
When you go to meet with other people, make sure that your appointment is limited by time – and that they understand your value for it.
Try to engage your fullest in activities that are in support of and supplement your academic research. Do hands-on work that furthers the effort you put in.
5. Manage potential distractions
Try and set up a workspace that is free from incoming distractions. While you devote a specific part of the day for research, try to switch to the Do Not Disturb feature of your phone – that silences all incoming calls and text messages.
It’s best to have the materials and tools you need for work set up and ready well in advance so that you are not spending time fumbling and looking for them.
Keep this in mind – although multitasking comes with its own set of charms, it is ultimately bound to set you up for unnecessary distractions and can quite possibly hamper your productivity.
6. Be smart about planning your workday
Working all day and neglecting the importance of good sleep and healthy eating will inadvertently cause burnout and make you tired less than halfway through the metaphorical marathon. Understand and imbibe the importance of your good health, incorporate exercise into your daily regimen. Also, ensure that you have sufficient time to relax and reboot for the next work session!
7. Analyze progress and time management strategies periodically
The reassessment of productivity after completing your research will help you better organize your work in the future. You will notice an increase in your efficiency and quality of work. Major goals should get taken looked at at least on a quarter-annum basis.
You can even consider investing in project management software that is quite readily available online.
8. Reward yourself for your achievements
Last, but most definitely not the least, rewarding yourself after the completion of tasks, however small, acts as a psychological incentive for continuing to improve your efforts in upcoming tasks.
So go ahead, enjoy that pint of your favorite ice cream, or binge-watch yet another episode of that show!
Author Bio:-
Mary Jones is the co-founder and editor-in-chief at TopMyGrades, which focuses on career counselling for university students in the US, Canada, UK and Australia. Mary also provides help with assignments for University students as an online service to guide them in with a range of University courses and certifications. When free, she loves to read inspirational novels and biographies.
