Status Update: Orientation and class 1 are complete. Class 2 is complete, assuming no major edits. Class 3 is in progress. I plan to start class 4 and 5 tomorrow. There are a total of 13 classes, meaning that I’ll likely be done with my first round of classes (3) by end of week 3.
For context, I majored in economics and did basic STATA work mostly during undergraduate education. I worked in project management and system configuration for health tech companies since then and I’m always picking up new learning opportunities.
Tactically, here’s what’s working for me.
When a new class is activated for me, I take the pre-test and see what I know. I also try to look at the assessments and determine what I can do with little updates to what I know.
I read the assessments/assignments and see what I can do currently. If that’s just organizing the document into sections or filling in generic info, I start with that. This is helpful because I can see what I don’t know how to do from reviewing the assignment. This allows me to focus my efforts in the class on what I’m not yet proficient in.
Next, I skim the course material and watch related webinars. Oftentimes professors hint at what they want, and by paying attention to this, I can save a fair amount of time on the backend. After I see the webinars, I try to skim the chapters to find the areas that I most need to know to pass the assessments. I prefer to read than to watch most of the time because I’m a fast reader and have been for a while, but sometimes seeing how to do things can help.
Finally, as soon as I feel I have a rough idea, I submit my assignment. This does two things. First, it provides continuous feedback allowing me to improve quickly. Second, this prevents fear based procrastination. I always have something a day or so away from a submission, and so it’s easier to keep pushing forward. I often fail assignments on the first go-around and I address all comments between submissions.
This is an effective way of building competence because it’s open to feedback quickly, it iterates often, and results in momentum.
Once you shed the idea that the professor is going to judge you for occasional failure, you can speed up significantly.
Other things that work well: Spend 20 minutes doing the part you dread first. This builds momentum and strength.
Plan out when you’re going to get specific things done. This avoids distractions and allows you to complete work much faster. I like to break down things into individual steps if I’m feeling overwhelmed that I just need to execute.
Tell people what you’re getting done and when you’ll be done. This creates a fire under your butt and in turn unleashes your strength.
Find when you’re most effective at completing things, try to complete the most work during that time, whether that’s planning or execution.
Try to get something done, regardless of how small whenever you get started and every day. This creates good habits and encourages dopamine once your job is completed. Don’t reward yourself until your task is completed. No music, email, or social media until it’s done.
Avoid alcohol during the week, and focus on getting good sleep and nutrition. If you don’t fuel your body with rest and diet, everything is harder.
Make sure to understand the assignment before stopping. Your mind processes info all the time. In the shower, you might solve your problem. Keeping something back of mind helps push things forward.
Isadore Johnson's Website 