So, I have this instinct to always be productive. By always, I don’t mean by 24/7, but on a general scale like during the day when I have free time and know I could or should be working on my assignments. But despite having that desire to be productive, it’s always difficult to actually be productive.
I always find myself sitting at my study table and staring at my monitor, at my to-do lists and the several assignments I need to do. But I end up spending hours at my study desk doing…nothing. I can never get myself to actually start. Or most of the times, I’ve forced myself to start, just to get something out because little progress is still progress right? But it doesn’t sustain and I always end up having to stay up late nights to finish my assignments before their deadlines, despite knowing I could/should have started earlier. I feel like it’s starting to take a toll on me in terms of stress and self-esteem because I always end up not producing the best work.
Does anyone have any tips on how I can overcome this?
For context: I used to be the ‘gifted child’, always top of the class and have good grades. But after getting my diploma, I realised it took a huge toll on me cause I sacrificed my social life to study and ended up really burnt out and didn’t perform well for my diploma. So I took a gap year to re-learn my priorities and realise that I should not put my academics over health. I’m thinking if this could be a result of my previous lifestyle. (I am now a year 1 undergraduate after a 2 year gap year)
@hwaselli Mhmm… balancing the desire to be productive with the experience of burnout can be tricky, especially with your past of being a high achiever. Taking a gap year to re-prioritise was a smart move, but it’s totally natural that old habits and feelings might still affect you now.
You can try breaking down tasks into even smaller, manageable parts and focusing on just starting one step at a time. Try to set specific, small goals for each session instead of aiming to complete entire assignments in one go - this can make the work feel less overwhelming and more achievable.
Since your past experience with productivity and burnout may still be impacting you, it’s also worth letting yourself try to work differently now. Remind yourself that progress doesn’t need to be perfect, and self-care is just as important as productivity.
Think it helps to list down the stuff that you want to do and then prioritize them based on how easy it is to complete. Start with the easiest one so you get some momentum then slowly move up the ladder.
I also find that music helps a lot. Finding the right music (eg lo-fi) can help to kickstart your flow.
Hey! First of all, I want to say thank you for sharing your experience. It takes a lot of courage to open up about struggles, especially when it comes to productivity and balancing academic pressures. It sounds like you’re in a tough spot right now, caught between wanting to be productive and feeling overwhelmed by the very idea of starting. It’s completely understandable, especially after your experiences as a ‘gifted child’ and the burnout that followed.
It’s important to recognize that this cycle of stress can have deep roots, and it’s okay to feel the way you do. Have you considered breaking your tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces? Sometimes, the sheer size of an assignment can make it feel daunting. By focusing on just one small task at a time, you might find it easier to get started. Also, giving yourself permission to take breaks and setting realistic expectations can help reduce that pressure. Remind yourself that progress doesn’t always look like finishing an entire assignment in one go; sometimes it’s just about taking that first step, no matter how small.
It might also help to mix in activities that you enjoy or that relax you before starting your study session. Creating a more positive environment can sometimes shift your mindset and make it easier to transition into work mode. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your well-being and to embrace the learning process, even if it doesn’t always match the standards you once set for yourself. You’re in a new chapter now, and it’s perfectly valid to redefine what success looks like for you. Take care of yourself—you’re doing the best you can!
