Page 103 - A Mind For Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science

allow yourself to back away from judging yourself (Am I getting closer to
finishing?) and allow yourself to relax into the flow of the work. This helps
prevent the procrastination that can occur not only when you are studying math
and science, but when you are doing the writing that is so important for many
different college classes.
Multitasking is like constantly pulling up a plant. This kind of constant
shifting of your attention means that new ideas and concepts have no chance

to take root and flourish. When you multitask while doing schoolwork, you get
tired more quickly. Each tiny shift back and forth of attention siphons off energy.
Although each attention switch itself seems tiny, the cumulative result is that you
accomplish far less for your effort. You also don’t remember as well, you make
more mistakes, and you are less able to transfer what little you do learn into
other contexts. A typical negative example of multitasking is that on average,

students who allow themselves to multitask while studying or sitting in class
have been found to receive consistently lower grades. 10
Procrastination often involves becoming sidetracked on less essential little
tasks, such as pencil sharpening, in part because you can still feel the thrill of
accomplishment. Your mind is tricking you. That is why keeping an
experimental notebook is so important; we’ll talk about that soon.

NOW YOU TRY!