Page 129 - A Mind For Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science

reading this section—every accomplishment deserves a mental pat on
the back!

ENHANCE YOUR LEARNING

1. If it’s normal for students to first sit down with a few negative feelings
about beginning their work, what can you do to help yourself get over
this hurdle?

2. What is the best way for you to gain control of habits of
procrastination?

3. Why would you want to write a task list down the evening before you
intend to accomplish the tasks?

4. How might you reframe something you are currently perceiving in a
negative way?

5. Explain why having a daily quitting time to work toward is so
important.

NOW YOU TRY!

Setting Reasonable Goals
I would like the end of this chapter to be the beginning of your own. For the next two
weeks, write your weekly goals down at the beginning of each week. Then, each day, write
out five to ten small, reasonable daily goals based on your weekly goals. Cross off each
item as you complete it, and mentally savor each completed item that you cross off your
list. If you need to, break a given task out into a “mini task list” of three small subtasks to
help keep yourself motivated.
Remember, part of your mission is to finish your daily tasks by a reasonable time so that
you have some guilt-free leisure time for yourself. You are developing a new set of habits
that will make your life much more enjoyable!
You can use paper or a notebook, or you can get a chalkboard or whiteboard to post by
your door. Whatever you think will work best, that’s what you need to do to get started.