| How to Stay Motivated in College Posted: 06 Mar 2021 04:00 PM PST College can be really stressful and sap your motivation sometimes, but don't worry—you can stay motivated and still have some fun! We'll start this article out with some quick motivation boosters you can try, then move on to some longer-term strategies to improve your focus and drive. Overall, remember to keep your goals in mind but also strive to maintain a healthy balance in your life. [Edit]Do calming activities like meditation. - Manage your stress to help maintain your motivation. Take quick 1-, 5-, or 15-minute breaks when you need them to meditate or use other stress-reduction techniques that work best for you. Consider options like the following:
- Using mindfulness techniques.
- Doing breathing exercises.
- Taking a nature walk.
- Listening to soothing music.
- Creating art.
- Talking to a close friend.
[Edit]Take "brain breaks" for exercise. - Set aside 5 minutes for light exercise for every 1 hour of studying. Get up and take a quick walk around, or do some stretching or calisthenics at your desk. Even a quick bit of exercise increases blood and oxygen flow to your brain, which enhances memory, cognition, mood, and motivation, among many other benefits. Start out by planning for 5 minutes of break time during each study hour, taking the 5 minutes all at once or breaking it up into 2-3 even smaller breaks, and keep adjusting based on your needs.[1]
- While "brain breaks" are often associated with younger grade-school kids who have trouble focusing for extended periods of time, people of all ages can benefit from the concept.[2]
[Edit]Tackle easier work first. - Build motivation with easier stuff before moving onto the harder subjects. If you're struggling to stay motivated while you're studying, try starting with an easier subject first, then work up to something harder. For instance, if calculus is tough sledding for you but world history is a breeze, definitely start your study session with history![3]
- Think of it like warming up for basketball by starting with layups, moving on to free throws, and finishing up with three-pointers.
[Edit]Get creative with your study strategies. - Break up the monotony of studying with creative and fun techniques. Like taking "brain breaks," using things like songs, mnemonic devices, and drawings to help you study may seem like kid stuff. But that doesn't mean it can't work for college students too! Creating a simple sing-song rhyme may feel a bit silly, but doing so can really help you remember things more easily. It's also a fun little break from having your nose stuck in your textbook and notes.[4]
- Simple mnemonic devices like "Roy G. Biv" might have helped you remember the colors of the rainbow as a kid, but you can also use them to help you with more complex, college-level concepts. Associating imagery with something you need to remember is another type of mnemonic device, and also gives you a good reason to draw doodles in your notebook!
- Think about your learning styles, whether it's auditory, visual, or hands-on, and try to find ways to incorporate that into your study sessions.[5]
[Edit]Give yourself rewards for your achievements. - Celebrate even small successes with a suitable reward. Whenever you finish your work on time, earn a good quiz grade, or get really engaged in class, give yourself a pat on the back! Treat yourself to a proportional reward that you find truly rewarding—maybe a special food treat or a mini splurge on a shirt you've had your eye on. The bigger the achievement, the bigger your reward ought to be.[6]
- Positive reinforcement (rewarding achievements) works better than negative reinforcement (punishing mistakes or failures).
[Edit]Don't let failures discourage you. - Learn a quick lesson from each failure and then leave it behind. Occasional failure is inevitable in college, so turn it into something useful without letting it get you down. Ask yourself what you can learn from the situation, jot down a couple of ideas or reminders, and then banish the failure from your mind—just forget it! Instead, turn your focus forward to your next challenge.[7]
- If you get a bad grade on a test, for example, quickly analyze what went wrong. Ask your instructor for details and advice. If you figure out that you spent too much time studying irrelevant material, use this knowledge to improve your studying strategy for the next exam.
- If you never come up short, you need to set more ambitious goals for yourself!
[Edit]Create designated study spaces. - Use one or two consistent study spaces that suit your needs. If you're in a dorm room, apartment, or home office, set up your desk so it's conducive to studying—organize the supplies you need, make sure you have good lighting and comfortable seating, and move distractions out of the immediate area. Alternatively, find a quiet spot in the library, a local cafe that has a quiet vibe and open tables, or another good study space that fits your preferences.[8]
- It's easier to get motivated and stay motivated when your study space is actually conducive to studying!
- Some people prefer a bit of ambient noise and surrounding activity while they study (such as in a cafe), while others prefer complete silence and stillness. Figure out what works best for you.
- By using a consistent study space, your mind learns to get into "study mode" when you're in that space.
[Edit]Develop consistent study habits. - Set a regular, manageable study schedule. College life may be less regimented than you're used to, and having a more open daily schedule may make it harder to get motivated to do your work. Overcome this by making a clear study schedule for yourself, with specific times set aside for studying. You might even want to post a grid-based weekly schedule with all your academic activities—classes, labs, study sessions, etc.—clearly listed.[9]
- Treat study time like class time. If you wouldn't skip class unless you had a really good reason to do so, don't skip study time for frivolous reasons.
- You may want to set aside a general "study time" for multiple subjects, or break it down into specific study sessions for particular subjects.
[Edit]Balance study time and social time. - Talk to your friends about your need for study time. Socializing and making new friends is an important part of the college experience for many students. That said, it's important not to let your social goals interfere with your motivation to study. Make your schedule for your classwork and study time, then find time to spend with your friends. Be clear with yourself and your friends about your priorities.[10]
- Sometimes, you'll just have to say things like, "Sorry guys, you know I'd love to go with you, but this is my study time and I really need to get to work on my World History paper."
- Of course, being a true friend does mean that you can—and should—make time for someone when they really need you. Do your best to make up for any lost study time in these situations.
[Edit]Make clear post-college goals. - Write down your main goals for your life after college. Envision the life you want to have—your career, where you'll live, your family life, and so on—once you finish college. Turn this vision into a set of goals that you write or type out in your own words. Alongside each goal, write or type how completing college will help you achieve it.
- For example: "I want to become an environmental attorney who helps protect the natural world. Earning a college degree is my stepping-stone to law school."
- Or: "I want to raise a family in a comfortable house in a nice neighborhood. Completing my accounting degree will increase my earnings potential and help make this a reality."
- People who set clear goals that they can work towards are likely to have higher levels of achievement and life satisfaction.[11]
[Edit]Break your goals down into small steps. - Create small goals you can achieve along the way. It's important to know what your major goals are, but breaking them into more manageable chunks helps keep things from seeming too big, too remote, or too difficult. You'll feel a sense of accomplishment each time you achieve one of these smaller goals, which will motivate you to keep going until you reach your primary goals.[12]
- If one of your main goals is to become a journalist, you might set goals like getting on the honor roll this semester, joining the student newspaper staff, securing a journalism internship over the summer, and graduating with honors.
[Edit]Make a weekly goal checklist. - Track your progress toward your goals on a regular basis. It's important to keep your goals—and your progress toward them—front and center in your mind. Consider creating an actual checklist and posting it somewhere prominent. Write down your specific goals for the current semester, and rate your progress toward these goals on at least a weekly basis.[13]
- Putting down a checkmark to indicate that you've made good progress toward a goal will give you a sense of accomplishment, which in turn will provide more motivation.
- Putting down an X to say you did not make good progress will hopefully give you the motivating "kick in the pants" you need.
[Edit]Get enough sleep and exercise, and eat well. - Make healthy lifestyle choices when it comes to sleep, diet, and exercise. College can be a hectic time, which makes it easy to develop some less-than-ideal lifestyle habits. However, you can improve your physical health, mental focus, and overall attitude and motivation by prioritizing healthy choices like getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, and getting regular exercise. For example, just 5 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (like a brisk walk) can noticeably improve your mood.[14]
- To sleep better, create a good sleep environment, create a consistent bedtime routine, and allow yourself around 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
- Improve your diet by prioritizing fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and cutting back on processed foods, added sugars, saturated fats, and calorie-laden drinks.
- Follow a weekly exercise routine that includes at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like biking or swimming), 2-3 strength training sessions, and 2-3 flexibility training sessions.
[Edit]Seek out expert help and support. - Work with your college's support services as needed. If you're short on motivation due to excessive stress, problems outside of college (such as family or job issues), or for reasons you can't quite put your finger on, contact your college's counseling service. Talk with professionals who have ample training and experience in dealing with issues that arise among college students. Share honestly, listen closely, and give their advice a try.
- Also contact your college's academic support program if your issues with motivation are affecting your work and grades. You'll get help in developing more efficient and effective strategies for things like note-taking, studying, and testing.
- Share your goals with close friends and family. They can then offer you more specific support and encouragement. Also, you'll feel more motivated to achieve your goals once others know about them.[15]
[Edit]References |
| How to Teach Somebody How to Drive Posted: 06 Mar 2021 08:00 AM PST Ah, the joy of the open road! For many, learning how to drive means more freedom and more independence. Driving is almost a necessity in the modern world, but it can still risky. That's why it's important that people learn how to drive safely so they can avoid potential accidents. If you're teaching a beginner how to drive, that's great! You can help ensure that they're prepared for the road. And by following a few basic principles (and with a little bit of patience), it doesn't have to be too difficult of a task. [Edit]Explaining the Basics - Start at home and explain the controls. Explain to your beginner driver how to start the vehicle and shift it into the gear. Show them how to use the controls such as the windshield wipers, turn signals, and air-conditioning. Go over basic maintenance info as well such as refueling, checking tire pressure, checking oil levels, and topping up windscreen washers. Take some time to explain what everything does and allow them to ask you questions.[1]
- Review both the drivers' handbook and the owner's manual for the car.
- Because you drive often, you may not realize just how many controls there are in your vehicle! For instance, a brand new driver may have no idea what hazard lights are for and how to turn them on.
- Talk about the importance of checking your mirrors. While you're sitting in the parked vehicle, show your student how to adjust the rearview and side mirrors. Explain that it's very important that you check your mirrors before you back out or change lanes.[2]
- Going over these ideas before your driver even gets behind the wheel will help reinforce them.
- Show them to place their hands at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock on the wheel. Keep both of your hands on the wheel to set a good example. Your student will watch and do as you do! Don't use the outdated 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions on the wheel, which don't allow for as much control and turning ability as the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions.[3]
- Drive around with your student and explain what you're doing as you drive. Model good driving behavior by driving around with your student. Follow all of the traffic laws and explain what you're doing so your student can recognize and understand it. There are a ton of driving laws and practices to follow, and by demonstrating them yourself, your student will see the right way to follow them.[4]
- For instance, as you're approaching a light, you could say, "Okay, so the light just turned red, which means we have to stop until it's green, so I'll put my turn signal on so everyone knows I'm going to turn when the light is green."
- Point out signs, lights, and street markings and explain what they mean. As you drive your student around, point to speed limit signs, stop signs, and different street signs you see along the way. Talk about what they mean and what a good driver needs to do in order to obey them.[5]
- For example, you could say, "Okay, see how the speed limit is changing? That means we have to lower our speed and that school zone sign means we have to keep an eye out for school busses and kids."
- Tell your student to stay focused and avoid distractions. Talk about how it's important to keep your eyes on the road at all times. Looking away for more than 2 seconds is enough time to cause an accident. Discuss the importance of avoiding distractions and putting away your phone so you aren't tempted to text or respond to messages.[6]
- Tell your student if they need to make a call or send a message, no problem. Just pull over somewhere safe when you do it.
- Use a web-based driving program to help your student learn the rules. Look up programs such as TeenDrivingPlan and State Farm's Road Trips, which offer instructional videos, practice scenarios, and other educational tools. Have your student driver try out the program for a safe way to learn and practice driving as well as become more familiar with the rules of the road before they even get behind the wheel.[7]
[Edit]Starting out with a Student Driver - Help your student get their learner's permit. In order to practice driving on public roads, your student will need to have the proper permit. Sign them up for a driver's education course and review the rules of the road with them to help them prepare. Take them to your local motor vehicle's office and let them take the test to earn their permit.[8]
- Once your student has a permit, they can legally drive with a licensed adult in the car.
- Keep a log of driving practice hours if one is required as part of the licensing process.
- Spend about 30 minutes on each lesson. Stick to relatively short lessons about 3-4 times a week so your new driver is more likely to retain everything you go over. You also don't want to overwhelm them with too much information, and 30-minute practice sessions can help prevent that from happening.[9]
- The more your student driver practices, the better they'll get, so try to do it often.
- Use your driveway to practice backing out. Have your student driver get behind the wheel while your vehicle is parked in the driveway. Get them to put on their seatbelt and start up the engine. Make sure they check their mirrors and look behind them and let them practice driving in reverse and backing out of the driveway.[10]
- They can also practice driving forward back into the driveway.
- Choose a road with a traffic light for your student to practice. As they approach the light, if it turns yellow, tell them to start slowing down. When the light turns red, they need to come to a complete stop until it changes to green. If the light changes to yellow as they're passing through the intersection, explain that they can continue driving through it.[11]
- Take it slow and allow your student to get comfortable behind the wheel. Have your student driver stick to a low speed. Somewhere around 20 mph (32 kph) will allow them to maintain control of the vehicle and get used to driving.[12]
- Driving slow will also build up their confidence as they get more comfortable.
- Make sure your student drives on the right side of the road. Whether the rules of the road dictate that your vehicle should be in the left or right lane, make sure your student sticks to the correct side. Have them develop good driving habits by staying within the lane as they drive.[13]
- They can move into the other lane whenever they need to pass a vehicle, but generally, they should stay in the right lane.
- Tell them to use their turn signal whenever they plan to turn or change lanes. Help your student develop the habit of always using their turn signal. As they're approaching a turn, gently remind them. If you see them forget to put on their signal, mention it to them. Eventually, they'll get better at remembering to do it.[14]
- If they're stopped at a red light, you can have them make a right turn if it's legal. But make sure they use their turn signal!
- Additionally, if a vehicle in front of you has its turn signal on, tell your student driver that they need to be prepared to slow down and stop when the vehicle turns.
[Edit]Practing Various Types of Driving - Drive in circles in a parking lot to practice turning. Stick to empty parking lots for turns, which can be tricky to learn. Have your student driver turn the wheel and get used to how a vehicle responds. Use parking spots as targets to practice turning and parking.[15]
- Turning can often be the toughest thing to learn as a new driver. Using an empty parking lot will take some of the stress off of your student driver.
- Drive on progressively harder roads as your student improves. Start off on quiet streets to get your student driver used to handling a vehicle on the road. As they get better at driving, start moving onto streets with more traffic. Eventually, have them get onto a highway or interstate so they can get comfortable driving at higher speeds.[16]
- Check in with your student to make sure they feel comfortable moving onto a more challenging driving scenario. Don't push them too hard if they aren't ready.
- Practice making turns into oncoming traffic and merging on highways. Making left turns into oncoming traffic can lead to accidents if they aren't done properly. Have your student driver put on their turn signal and wait until the road is clear before they make their turn. Merging into a busy highway is also a tricky maneuver. Get your driver to put on their turn signal and calmly merge into the lane.[17]
- Get your student to change lanes on a highway. When you're driving on a highway, have your student practice switching lanes by putting on their turn signal. If the lane is clear, tell them they can change lanes. Once they're in the new lane, they can turn off their turn signal.[18]
- Explain that if a vehicle is driving slowly in front of them, they can pass them by putting on their turn signal, changing lanes to pass the vehicle, then getting back into the original lane.
- Set up 2 cones and have your student practice parallel parking. Use a parking lot or an empty road and set out 2 plastic cones about the length of your vehicle. Allow your student driver to take their time and try as many times as they need to in order to learn and get comfortable parallel parking.[19]
- Have your student practice quick stops so they're used to the feeling. Ask them to drive about 5 mph (8 kph) and then step on the brakes to come to an immediate stop. The jerking motion can be surprising to new drivers, and it's important that they know what to expect if they ever have to make a quick stop while they're out on the road.[20]
[Edit]Communicating with Your Student - Stay calm and be patient as your student practices. Your student driver going to make a few mistakes. It's important that you correct them without getting angry or it could ruin their confidence. Use every mistake they make as an opportunity to gently correct them so they can learn and improve.[21]
- For instance, if your student driver forgets to use their turn signal or check their mirrors, you could say something like, "Okay, you're forgetting something. Can you tell me what it is?
- Keep a cool head whenever your student makes a mistake. Driving can be a scary experience for your student, so you don't want to get them extra flustered by getting irate or upset whenever they make mistakes. Instead, calmly correct them and tell them that it's going to be okay so they don't feel overwhelmed.[22]
- For instance, if your student forgets to come to a complete stop at a stop sign or another driver is rude and aggressive, tell them something like, "It's okay, don't let it get to you. Just stay calm and focus on driving safely."
- Praise your student when they do well. In addition to corrections, make sure you tell your student when they do something right! Tell them that they're doing a great job and help build them into more confident drivers.[23]
- For example, if they use their turn signal without you reminding them, you could say something like, "Nice job with the signal, great work."
- Point out hazards so they can learn to recognize them. Teach your student driver to keep an eye out for hazards so they can be better equipped to avoid them. Whenever you notice road hazards, bring it to their attention and explain what they should do.[24]
- For instance, if you see an obstruction in the road or a large pothole, identify it to your student driver. You could say something like, "Hey, do you see that in the road? You need to slow down and go around it to avoid it."
- Explain that they need to turn on their headlights if it's raining or nighttime. They also need to switch on their wipers if it's raining.[25]
- Try setting aside time on the weekends and in the evenings if you're teaching your teenager how to drive.
[Edit]Warnings - Don't force a new driver into situations if they aren't ready. Save the highways and interstates until they're confident drivers.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Choose the Right Project Management Methodology Posted: 06 Mar 2021 12:00 AM PST Professional projects are like snowflakes—no two are exactly alike. That's where project management methodologies come in handy! Methodologies act like blueprints, providing a specific structure and outline for your project based on the tasks at hand. While project methodologies can be pretty complex, this guide will walk you through the basics by answering some of your most common questions. [Edit]What is a project management methodology? - It's a template that helps you organize and maintain your project. Project management methodologies come in all shapes and sizes, but they have 1 common goal—to help your project run as efficiently as possible. Since there are countless types of projects out there, there are tons of methodologies to help you best manage your workload.[1]
[Edit]What are some popular project management methodologies? - Waterfall: This methodology divides your project into specific segments that you follow in a specific order. Choose this methodology if you'd like to have a lot of control over each aspect of your project.[2]
- Waterfall methodology is best for static projects that aren't likely to shift. Unfortunately, this type of methodology doesn't adapt well to change, especially if the project's focus shifts midway.
- This methodology requires a lot of planning and preparation ahead of time, so your project runs smoothly.
- If you're designing a new hiking boot for a sports shop, you could use Waterfall methodology to create different project phases.
- Agile: Not all projects thrive on a static, unchanging timeline. If your project's scope and goals keep changing, an Agile process might be the best option. With this type of methodology, you'll focus more on working with clients instead of ironing out a contract.[3]
- Think of your project like a boat—with an agile project methodology, the boat heads in a general direction, steering and adapting as needed as the project goals change and develop.
- For instance, if you're designing a new software program, an agile methodology would help you fix problems on-the-spot instead of following a structured plan.
- Scrum: The Scrum methodology operates in "sprints," or fast-paced segments of work. These sprints are usually 1-4 weeks long, and help outline a rapid timeline for your project. This methodology mainly decides when tasks get done—you and your team decide what gets done.[4]
- Each day throughout the sprint period, you and your team members can meet for 15-minute check-ins called "scrums."
- Kanban: The Kanban methodology revolves around creating a Kanban board—this is a whiteboard or digital bulletin board that keeps track of your project. On your board, divide your project into 4 columns: waiting, in-progress, completed, and blocked. Organize project tasks on your board, shifting them as the project gets completed. [5]
- The "waiting" column collects your project's backlog—try to format this in small, bite-sized tasks that are easy for team members to accomplish.
- The "in-progress" column compiles tasks that are underway; once they're done, these tasks are moved into the "completed" column.
- If you can't accomplish a task for some reason, move it into the "blocked" column, where you can get back to it later.
- Six Sigma: You can take this methodology in 2 directions—improving low-quality products, or boosting products that were already optimized in the past. This is a great methodology for manufacturers, or any project centered around project quality.[6]
- The Motorola company originally created this methodology in 1993.
- Lean: The Lean process hones in on 3 common types of waste: wasting resources (muda); uneven production (mura); and strained equipment and employees (muri). Lean methodology tries to get rid of these 3 "Ms" to make your project more efficient.[7]
- This methodology is popular for manufacturing businesses—in fact, the Toyota Production System originated it.
[Edit]What methodology is right for my project? - Pick a methodology that fits your project's size and budget. Before you get your project up and running, brainstorm the possible risks and roadblocks you may encounter further down the line. Outline what your project will and won't be covering, along with your estimated budget.[8] Some methodologies, like Lean and Six Sigma, require a bigger budget to get going, and may not work for projects with tighter budgets.[9]
- If you work for a manufacturing company, your project scope might involve developing a new product as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- If you work for a software firm, you might focus on rapid ways to develop new software.
- Choose a methodology that fits your project timeline. Estimate how long your project will last—is it a matter of weeks, months, years, or something else altogether? Certain methodologies are designed for fast-paced projects, while others give you more wiggle room.[10]
- For instance, Scrum methodology accomplishes tasks in short, "sprint-like" periods. On the other hand, Waterfall methodology follows a very specific, structured timeline.[11]
- Factor in stakeholders and clients when choosing a methodology. Think about the big picture—are your clients and stakeholders looking for a fast turnaround time, or are they more concerned with efficiency? Outline a specific goal or objective for your project that will leave your stakeholders and clients satisfied.[12]
- For instance, Six Sigma methodology targets multiple aspects of a project, including production, development, marketing, administration, and more.
[Edit]Are there other methodologies I can choose from? - There definitely are, but some methodologies cater to certain industries. As the name suggests, the Adaptive Software Development (ASD) methodology is designed specifically for the software field. This methodology revolves around the possibility of change, and operates within 3 phases: speculation, collaboration, and learning.[13] Package Enabled Reengineering (PER) methodology is geared toward product-based businesses, and helps you redesign an existing product from a brand new perspective.[14]
- The Extreme Programming (XP) methodology is another great option for software development.[15]
[Edit]Can you combine project management methodologies? - Yes, you absolutely can. The Hybrid methodology combines and customizes different aspects of waterfall and agile methodologies that work best for your project. Similarly, the Lean Six Sigma meshes the quality-control focus of Six Sigma with the waste management angle of Lean Methodology.[16]
- In the UK, the Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) methodology is used the most. PRINCE2 focuses on best practices, and has its own training/accreditation course that you can sign up for.[17]
[Edit]References |
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