As the new year begins, a popular resolution is to become “more productive.” But what exactly does this mean? For some, being productive is simply getting as much done as possible and checking goals off their list. For others, it’s taking large and intentional goals, even if progress is slow. 

“[To me, productivity] means working diligently without distractions and keeping focused,” junior Sophie Bi said. 

While some students rely on careful planning, others find that their productivity is at its peak when time is a limited factor, pushing them to work more efficiently.

“Pressure definitely has an impact on increasing my focus, especially if I am working later at night,” Bi said. 

This sense of urgency is sometimes all that is needed to get things done, and can turn due dates from an obstacle into motivation.

“[When you work under pressure,] you know that you have to get [assignments] done, and the stress of knowing that it’s due soon motivates you,” freshman Lainey Getz said. 

However, waiting until it gets closer to the deadline before completing an assignment is not always a strategic choice. Having prior commitments aside from just solely academics makes it extremely difficult for some to meet deadlines and work ahead to remain organized. 

It is almost inevitable not to find yourself in a situation at least once where you get home from your sport or hobby exhausted and ready to go to sleep, only to realize that you have a pile of schoolwork waiting for you to complete. 

Despite different work styles, students have developed their own strategies on what works best for them to remain the most successful and productive during the school year. 

“I set timers for myself and I say ‘oh, I’m going to work on this assignment for 20 minutes and then this one for 10,’ and then I’ll come back to other assignments after, and allocate my time,” Getz said.

Setting yourself up for success by getting assignments done in advance, especially if you know that you have prior commitments, is a key way to make sure that you are being as productive as possible.

“I just do my work at school when I need to,” sophomore Oliva Thurman said. 

Productivity looks different for every student. Whether you are the type to work better under pressure, or if you’re the type to meticulously draw out each individual assignment in a planner, every student has their own specific recipe for success. There is not only one common type of academic worker, but often different combinations of both. Regardless of what formula works best for you, one thing remains constant— this year is sure to be filled with productivity and success.