So I was very lucky to be selected for a course workshop at MIT, it is a Physics course study and so I want to prepare myself for the tough path that lies ahead. However, its summer as we know and their are so many distractions.
I have a huge temptation to goof off, like play video games, go skateboarding, all the things that are not productive.
There are a lot of self-driven kids on college confidential. If you seem to be one, please help me out. Explain some tips you have for not getting sidetracked.
I don’t think I should just destroy all my video games and break my skateboard, but at the same time I can’t be doing that all the time during the summer…
Wait, so are you trying to just self-study a little physics? If that’s the case, I would try to find a program of self-study that you like (Khan Academy practice, a good physics workbook, etc.) and treat it like you would school or a job. Set an alarm everyday, work for a specified amount of time, then do whatever you want when you finish. For instance, set your alarm for 7:30 with the intention of beginning practice at 8. Study until 12. Then, play video games once you finish. It still takes some willpower to stick to the schedule, but if it becomes a routine that you have to go through, it is much easier, at least for me.
This may not work in the same way because you’re not in college yet, but do you have access to a library near your house? Sometimes I’m a lot more productive when I’m surrounded by other people who are working.
When I need to be productive, I take my stuff to a local starbucks and get my work done there. I tend to be less distracted out of my house, for some reason. I also put my phone on airplane mode.