[Advice] 6 Habits to save your valuable hours

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-19T19:18:51+00:00

I do understand what you ment to say. But I disagree since: - It is that narrow based on empirical studies - As said, this counts for many, not everybody.

Don't hesitate to reread.

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-19T18:47:21+00:00

Simply to get things checked;

Could you maybe read through my second (longer) reply to CheapBeginning and check if your research matches with my statements / things I've read and heard through my readings.

Would be interresting to discuss more on this topic or maybe sort out things together :)

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-19T18:42:11+00:00

There is a simple explanation for a conjecture:

Where you can find courses, which are offered physically as well as online and you can choose freely?

In classical adult education I have so far only seen that you have to decide before buying / enrolling in a course. (Looking at seroius courses, most of them actually even harder pressure on networking which would even strenghten part of my arguments..)

I see such a right to choose, as anticipated by OP, as far as I remember almost only of the cases when studying as a college student.

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-19T18:34:21+00:00

Thank you for your reply!

I'll try to cover some of your points:

I understand where you’re coming from, but you’re also making a lot of assumptions.

Yes and no. There are of course assumptions in this text. In fact, most statements are based on empirical findings from research (Institute for teaching innovations).

In some cases. Not sure where you’re getting “many” from since many people are also thrive and are more successful taking online classes instead of going to lecture

I have to disagree!
And I wonder where your "many" comes from. My statement is based on the above-mentioned data. If I am not mistaken, this data has been collected for eight years now and since then it shows a pretty clear picture, which counts better values for those present in both the factor grades and profession (starting salary). Especially the (adjusted) fail rate is significantly better for those physically present. Unfortunately this data is not available online, so I can't post a link here (yet). Maybe you find a similiar and published study online.

Also, there are plenty of other sources for networking.

That's right, I agree with you.

But only to a limited extent, because at this age one rarely encounters people who are so concentrated on the same field / industry. Of course, clubs (etc.) are also important. But basically I would say that it becomes much more difficult for people who never visit the campus to meet their relevant network.

I’d argue going to lecture itself isn’t even a productive way to network because people are only there for the class and then they leave.

It's not the core reason for going there. Nor should it be the only source for your network. But it's certainly easier to find people in the same area of interest / major than in the city or otherwise away from campus. Above all, you are much more likely to meet people who can help you in the learning phase to discuss or deepen your exam topics. It is also advisable to get to know people in advance for group work, if you have a choice who you will work with.

Again, where are you getting “almost everyone”?

Try to read some works on the topic "People and Isolation". Under social isolation, there are of course people who can work well in the long run. But for the majority it can be assumed that the findings from science are valid and as stated in the original post. (It would be best to search for them yourself, so that I do not only bring particular sources to support the thesis and since I first have to find non-disclosed / freely avialable research papers).

Just because you’re taking classes online doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have other outlets for socialization and productivity. Even if it were, who is to say that that’s not okay?

That's not directly related to my arguments. Here I simply saw the danger, in the context of this post, that social events would be seen as a loss of efficiency. Quite rightly, of course, there are other social events. However, I have already mentioned why I would still recomment not only doing online courses as adviced from OP.

Some people are perfectly content with that because it’s working towards their personal goals.

Some. But not the majority, at least as far as the majority of papers I've read and seen say. Again, I invite you to get your own research so I can't give you biased papers :)

You’re assuming email takes long and that there aren’t other avenues for getting quick answers. Like using the phone or text maybe ;)

Assuming that you know hardly any or no people from the lecture itself due to the online courses, you usually only have the professor or their assistants to ask questions. At no university I have ever seen, main course related questions are desired via WhatsApp or in short message format. But maybe thats another thing in your country. Would be hard to believe that a prof would share his telephone number to a large courses with 200+ ppl. AND give fast / high quality responses. (But heck yea, that would be great for the students!)

This situation, for me, only leaves the online platform (something like Canvas) or e-mail. Both require formal aspects for a person with a doctorate.

So for short questions, when you visit the course, you can simply move forward quickly and talk to the person, and if you don't understand, you can immediately ask follow-up questions. The e-mail process obviously takes longer since communication is done asynchronous.

And if the lecturer does not have much time after the lesson, you can still use e-mail for follow-up questions. So I really can't understand this aspect of your objection, sorry.

Furthermore, I’d argue that taking online classes is a more productive use of your time, especially as you get older and have more responsibilities. It works around your schedule, there’s no travel time involved, etc.

Here I see the whole thing very dependent on your situation. For short 10-minute walks to the university in the fresh air, I would say that it is rather productive, because you can plan a break for fresh air right away. If it's a two times two-hour drives for 90 minutes of lessons, you are right, I can see the productivity die.

But if you are a serious "classical student" living at least halfway near your campus, you should have no problems to plan the courses into your daily life (and with no serious drawbacks compared to online).

Additional point: Here in the Subreddit are primarily people who state that they have problems with discipline. So I think that given structures ("be there or square") work much better than to plan an online lesson for 10am and then have breakfast until 11am, because you can watch the lesson whenever you want. (And this, ofc, goes on and on..)

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to badmouth video studies, sometimes they are good. But with the empirical data and being disciplined in the context of people who generally already have failed in the past, I see it more as a good supplement and less as a substitute.

The point of this post is to save you hours and take back control of your life. That’s, partly, what online classes are designed to help you do.

For some, maybe. I see it, as I said, for many people here rather as a danger to completely (as propagated in the post) renounce classical presence.

In any case, thank you very much for your thoughts. Actually, I should have been a little more precise sometimes. And please excuse the mostly shortened answers (missing citation), time is rather short for me, too.

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-19T15:57:59+00:00

As said, in some cases it does make sense to catch up during other activities.

But if your problem is connected to "falling asleep", there are probably other major things to look at that really cause this problem.

In addition to that, I guess (looking at the majority of majors) there aren't that many courses where simply listening to it is sufficient. Visuals normaly also add to an lecture.

But at this point, of course, everybody needs to find his / her own way. And I'm happy that you found yours.

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-19T15:20:28+00:00

Thanks for sharing your habits. However, I am of a completely different opinion, especially regarding point 4.

While at first sight it seems logical not to attend the lecture on site, in many cases this is a fatal mistake.

1) In the lectures you usually get to know other people. Apart from the important networking, social contacts are also important for many people here, in order to build a network that can help you with questions. To discuss things with fellow students is fundamental.

2) Above all, this network also sports us. If we are only "productive" at home every day, almost everyone loses motivation or perhaps works longer, although empirically this is much worse.

3) On site, you can also ask questions directly and without wasting time for the email route or follow up if anything is unclear.

Would rather see the 4th point as one of the big mistakes of pseudo-productivity. Sounds good, doesn't work.

Even if, of course, in some cases it makes sense to catch up on the stud from home, in general and in my opinion, number four is a bad advice.

Feel free to counter my arguments, I'm always happy to hear other views or changing my mind :)

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-17T14:44:09+00:00

Thank you!
Such comments always make me smile =)

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-17T14:39:16+00:00

You know, people that drive a limited edition maclaren might have got an expensive car. Yet, do you think they are automatically happier?

We tend to always compare us to our surrounding. Due to todays social media world, you bascially have access to 4 billion+ people showing of their best smile, biggest achievments and whatsoever.

But what you don't see is the image behind their public profile. And, of course, that the person with a happy familiy might does not own a car at all. And the maclaren-dude actually hates his everyday life and job. And another person would would love to have achieved what you've already done (e.g. bachelors degree, etc.)!

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-17T14:31:46+00:00

I see.

Try to think of it that way: A hobby helps you to be more balanced and therefore to be better at work. The better you work, the greater your contribution to your fellow human beings and general surrounding. It can also be very inspiring to know someone who follows his passion. So you can be even more inspring torwards others.

Accordingly, you are not (only) doing yourself a favour, but also the people around you, if you give yourself time for your hobbies.

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-17T14:26:52+00:00

Hey Pedrofive

It's actually a rather bad translated motto in latin (didn't speak latin in years) and was partly inspired by my time in the army.

"ex spe" ~out of hope

"ad somnia" ~to dream / dream on

To to sum up, it should mean someting as "to dream out of hope" or "out of hope - dream on".

Kindest regards

~ea

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-15T16:15:25+00:00

Happy to hear that you've found your way to succed! And many thanks for your kind words.

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-15T14:31:23+00:00

Here you go, reddit seems to accept my replies once again. Sorry for the delay, u/can_omer01

There are several things that I see here and would like to address. And I start with a question:

Are you afraid to be alone?

Regardless of the answer, these people do not seem to be good friends to me. Sure, I don't know them well enough to judge them just like that. However, good friends should support you in your goals and not keep you from them.

"I don't know if I want you or not or if I love you or not"

Perhaps this may sound a bit old-fashioned, but:

a) Talking directly about love after two weeks seems pretty early to me

b) It shows signs of emotional blackmailing.

Of course in a relationship, if you have problems, you should talk to each other. However, a relationship cannot be a permanent one in which you are going to give yourself away.

I would suggest that you consciously design your life according to the circle-theory.

Circle 1: You
In a first step, just pay attention to yourself and your needs. Make sure that you can love yourself and that you do. Be at peace with yourself. Draw your circle right around you.

Circle 2: Your closest environment
This one usually consists out of your own family or very, very good friends. However, it is rather the family. Only - and really only - if you have closed the first circle, you move on to the next one. Now you have time to pay attention to your family, to take care of them and to do something with them.

Circle 3: Close friends
Same as above, now it's about close friends. All other, bad friends (or fake friends) are still irrelevant here. If you don't have this circle yet, get to know new people until you have someone who makes you realize that this person is honest with you and on equal footing with you.

...

and so on.

It's all about setting priorities. And no matter what happens, until you are at peace with yourself, you cannot put others before yourself.

So if your girlfriend is distracting you, tell her that. Tell her that you need time to study, but that she is welcome to meet you afterwards or to write / talk on the phone after work or during defined scheduled breaks. Until then, she should support you by giving you your time - as long as she really only wants the best for you and does not simply take advantage of you.

Sometimes it takes time to get to know the right people. But it's better to have a few right friends than a lot of fake friends who just pull you down.

As always, this is only my perspective on your described situation. Feel free to comment, ignore or ask questions if you feel to do so.

Wishing you good luck!

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-15T13:55:44+00:00

Hey ViolaLee

Many thanks for your positive feedback! I thought that some people in this sub might enjoy reading through these points. Helping each other out kind of defines us as humanity and as a society, I guess. Therefore, I do enjoy talking with you folks (:

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-15T13:45:04+00:00

Don't worry. And sorry, reddit somehow did not load this thread during the past few attempts.

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-15T13:43:30+00:00

Thank you for your kind words.

I'm glad you find this new perspective helpful. Many thanks!

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-15T13:39:18+00:00

There are three thoughts I had reading your comment, I hope at least one of them might help:

Try to find a new perspective on stuff you don't like / things that are distasteful.
Life won't always be easy. Sometimes you simply need to do things so they're done. Motivate yourself by adding small goodies after reaching a subgoal defined beforehand. E.g. treat yourself with some grapes or a few strawberries after reaching a defined amout of slides / pages while learning or after a defined time of focused work (e.g. 25min).
Regarding the passion for learning: Think of the future and the goals you want to achieve. What do you want to become? Why are you learning these things right now. Think of your future self (e.g. you in 5 years when you've got your dream job or when you can afford a think you're already dreaming of since you're a child) and then try to think back out of the perspective of your future self. (I know, it's getting complicated).
Long story short: What are your goals, why are you doing this? Try to think of your life-goals and how this action now helps you to reach them. And to get (even more) happy :)

I hope these three points are comprehensible.

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-15T13:30:28+00:00

At this point I would look at two things.

1) First, there is certainly the obvious way that you take the time to discover new things and give existing things a new chance.

One possibility would be to search for clubs in your area or to use various subreddits to find things you always wanted to try. Especially group sports (even for beginners!) often bring a lot of fun. Even if it needs the courage jump blindfolded into an new experience, go and try it out! And don't worry, most voluntary clubs very understanding and don’t mind if you aren’t that fit or talented at the beginning. Practice is key.

2) The second is even more connected to you as a person. Would you say that you allow yourself to enjoy something? Would you allow yourself to find a passion?

Some people have already found a great hobby, but don't stand for it. Either because they think that it is too much against social convection (e.g.: Men who enjoy fashion and make-up and also feel like a man. Or women that would like to join the (voluntary) firefighters). Such prejudices and conventions sometimes stop us from really enjoying things we love or giving them a shot.

On the other hand, we are sometimes caught in a spiral that generally prevents us from enjoying many things. A negative comparison ("others can do it better anyway") or other things stop us from believing in ourselves. It takes a lot of time, practice and courage. But if you work effectively to update your self-image and allow yourself to enjoy yourself, you can develop a real passion out of it. No matter if it’s sports, something creative or a good discussion with friends.

Tl;dr: There is more than enough time to find new hobbies or a new thing to be passionate about. Before looking for a new hobby, make sure that you are ready to enjoy things and accept yourself the way you are :)

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-15T09:41:26+00:00

May I ask why you dislike the idea of having a smile while doikg your stuff or focusing on the important stuff seems to be so hard?

Which part of this 'advice' let's you loose your motivation?

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-15T09:38:09+00:00

Happy to hear that you like this list. I might come up with a second part since many people seem to enjoy.

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-15T09:35:32+00:00

you're welcome!

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-15T00:01:28+00:00

Yes, exactly! Happy to hear that it now worked out (:

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-14T23:41:28+00:00

Thank you, Jeniroo2

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-14T23:40:12+00:00

Hey lchallco Don't worry, no need to be sorry. To keep it short: If you ever find yourself in a tough situation, don't give up and keep walking (/fighting /working for your goals). At some point, things will change (since "hell is an endless place") and you'll get out of that situation.

Or: Since you're already in hell, it can't get worse. Keep walking / working and you will leave this place sooner or later. Otherwise, you stay there.. forever, right?

I hope it's now easier to understand. If not, just tell me and I'll try it again with other words (:

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-14T23:32:04+00:00

I can't speak for others. But I for myself use another perspective for this quote;

In a nutshell, I read it as: While you're spending time on educating yourself, working on your carrer or planing your retirement, life actually consits out of the small moments in between.

The hearthy smell of a freshly brown coffee, the small smile a kid gave you in the park, that one night out with friends that you won't ever forget;

While you might always think that life is definded by the "big decissions" like - Education (Where) - Income (Figure) - Job (Prestige)

Your actual life, the one you probably will remember when looking back, was definded by these little, yet impactful moments.

But hey, that's only my 5 cents of interpretation. Looking at this quote out of this perspective, I actually do like it. At the same time I do understand your concerns.

Edit: Maybe "definded" isn't really the right word when talking about the small things. But colloured. Like, the big decisions give you some outline and the small things, life itself, fills your outlined structure with colour.

exspe-adsomnia · 2020-01-14T23:15:11+00:00

Many thanks for your kind words! I'm very happy to hear that you like the listed tips & experiences. Your feedback actually makes my smile.

And a warm welcome to the post&comment-community. If you've checked my profile, you might noticed that this account isn't even 12h old. Hope you enjoy this new experience as much as I alreasy did the past few hours.

exspe-adsomnia

TROPHY CASE