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4 Routines and Habits of a Successful College Student

Learn about how to maximize your productivity by building positive routines and habits during college.

Navigating college life often feels like attempting to juggle three apples and a knife. Amidst the chaos, the key to finding calm lies in developing effective routines, building positive habits, and prioritizing tasks. If you’re wondering how anyone could achieve these feats, read on—the strategies below can help.

Eat the frog

One of the most effective strategies in managing your time is the concept of eating the frog. No, it doesn't involve consuming amphibians! Rather, it refers to tackling the toughest task first thing in the morning, and is inspired by the Mark Twain quote: If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first. By first conquering your most challenging tasks, you set the tone for a productive day!

Stack your habits

Another approach to maximizing productivity is habit stacking, as described in James Clear's book Atomic Habits. This technique involves adding a new habit into an already established routine. Clear suggests the following habit stacking formula: After/Before [CURRENT HABIT], I will [NEW HABIT]. For instance, after I brush my teeth in the evening, I will spend thirty minutes reading my book. Habit stacking can seamlessly integrate a new positive practice into your day. The more specific you can be with your formula, the better!

Follow the 1-3-5 rule

The 1-3-5 rule simplifies time management and prioritization by aiming to accomplish one significant task, three medium tasks, and five smaller tasks each day. The Muse advocates for keeping your daily to-do list to just those nine items when you are utilizing this strategy. The 1-3-5 method is adaptable to fit your capacity and the structure of your day, so that you can achieve your own individualized efficiency.

Honor your routines

Routines help to declutter the overwhelming array of daily tasks, and well-structured routines can make any task seem less daunting. The morning routine, for instance, can be a game-changer. Instead of succumbing to the snooze button, cultivating a habit of rising promptly can positively affect your daily energy levels. Similarly, creating an evening routine can improve sleep quality and calm your mind after a busy day. The trick is to keep at it!

Honing your productivity skills while tending to your collegiate studies can seem difficult, but once you figure out which strategies work for you, you’ll be on your way to success!

Want to learn more about life during and after college? Watch our webinar below!