Page 126 - A Mind For Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science

1. I write down assignments in my planner as being due one day before they are really
due. That way, I never rush to finish at the last minute, and I still have one full day to
think my assignment through before turning it in.

2. I tell my friends that I’m working on my homework. That way, whenever one of them
catches me live on Facebook, they’ll hold me accountable to the fact that I’m
supposed to be doing homework.
3. I have a framed piece of paper with the starting salary of an industrial engineer on my
desk. Whenever I can’t focus on my task at hand, I look at that and remind myself that
it’ll pay off in the long run.

A little procrastination here and there is unavoidable. But to be effective in

learning math and science, you must master your habits. Your zombies must be
under your control. Your planner-journal serves as your eyes to keep track of
what works. When you first start using a task list, you will often find that you’ve
been too ambitious—there’s no way to accomplish it all. But as you fine-tune,
you will quickly learn how to set sensible, doable goals.
You may think, Yes, but what about a time management system? And how do

I know what is most important for me to be working on? That’s what the weekly
to-do list is all about. It helps you calmly step back, look at the big picture, and
set priorities. Setting out your daily list the evening before can also help prevent
you from making last-minute decisions that can cost you in the long run.
Do you need to sometimes make changes in your plans because of
unforeseen events? Of course! But remember the Law of Serendipity: Lady Luck
favors the one who tries. Planning well is part of trying. Keep your eye on the

goal, and try not to get too unsettled by occasional roadblocks.

ENLISTING LISTS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF STARTING

“I stay organized during the week by making a list of things that need to be done for each
day. The list is usually on a lined sheet of paper that I just fold and stick in my pocket.
Every day, a couple of times a day, I’ll pull it out and double-check that I’ve done or am
going to do whatever is on the agenda for that day. It’s nice to be able to cross stuff off the
list, especially when it’s super long. I have a drawer just full of these folded-up pieces of
paper.
“I find it’s easier to start one thing, or even a few things at a time, and know that the next
time I go to do them, they are already partly done, so there is less to worry about.”

—Michael Gashaj, sophomore, industrial engineering