Staying Productive
Remote work doesn't have to suck.
Remote work has challenged our routines and unless you’ve been working remotely for a while, your productivity probably isn’t as consistent as it used to be. We’ll be sharing a few thoughts that can get you on track this semester.
Take control of your time
If you’ve felt that your online workload seems heavier than it does in-person, you’re not alone. When classes were in-person, there were moments in your day where you transitioned between one activity to the next; you jumped on a bus to head to campus in the morning, got lunch at a nearby restaurant, or walked to the library to read for a bit. These moments made it easier to switch between different contexts and keep a defined routine throughout your day. Now that you access the world through a screen most of the day, creating those moments is up to you. Take control of your time by periodically taking breaks, going on walks, or stretching. Make an effort to avoid burnout and Zoom fatigue and track when those breaks take place so that they happen at the same time every day.
The work setting
The setting in which you get work done can have a significant impact on how productive you are. Limiting distractions and comforts at home will make it so much easier to get to work. Moving furniture is a start, but also consider purchasing a second monitor or comfortable chair, as it can change the overall feel of the workspace and help you associate it with productivity.
A sense of urgency
A sense of urgency is what drives to cram the night before a test or write an essay two days before it’s due. Capturing that sense of urgency and applying to everything you do will transform how you work, but it isn’t easy to do. Start by finding an accountability partner; this partner will be someone you meet with periodically to talk about your achievements for the week and your goals for the next week. It’s a simple way to add urgency to your everyday work and create a productive routine.
Many of you have been working remotely for some time now, but we encourage you to take steps towards improving your established routines and stay on top of everything this semester!
Resources of the Week
MucherLab Fellowship - Fellowship program for students interested in Venture Capital
Parkinson’s Law - Article to help you stay productive this semester
Forest App- Chrome extension to get you focused
APM Map - Resources for students seeking Product Management roles
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