Page 95 - A Mind For Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science

2. The Routine: Let’s say that instead of doing your studies, you often

divert your attention to something less painful. Your brain wants to
automatically go into this routine when you’ve gotten your cue, so this
is the pressure point where you must actively focus on rewiring your
old habit. The key to rewiring is to have a plan. Developing a new
ritual can be helpful. Some students make it a habit to leave their
smartphone in their car when they head in for class, which removes a
potent distraction. Many students discover the value of settling into a

quiet spot in the library or, closer to home, the productive effects of
simply sitting in a favorite chair at the proper time with all Internet
access disconnected. Your plan may not work perfectly at first, but keep
at it. Adjust the plan if necessary and savor the victories when your plan
works. Don’t try to change everything at once. The Pomodoro

technique—the twenty-five-minute timer—can be especially helpful in
shifting your reaction to cues.
Also, it helps to have something in your stomach when starting
particularly difficult tasks. This ensures that you have mental energy for
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that momentary dollop of willpower as you are getting started. It also
avoids the potential distraction of I’ll just go grab something to eat. . . .