finally-learning

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Studying in Edinburgh

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#MOTIVATIONALPOSTERMONDAY

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Productivity day 2. I couldn't get very far today, but I did do something. 9.23.2016

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Productivity Day 1. First day back and I’m feeling good. Let my motivation never SLOw! 09.22.2016

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Well it's official. I'm only taking math and science classes this quarter. Wish me luck!

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as requested by quite a few people - a masterpost of educational podcasts. links go to either the site or the itunes podcast store. an excerpt of the description is included with each.

* indicates a podcast that i listen to regularly

entertainment

*welcome to night vale - twice-monthly updates for the small desert town of night vale

*muggle cast - everything harry potter

general information 

radiolab - investigation told through sounds and stories, and centered around one big idea

*stuff you should know - about everything from genes to the galapagos

*stuff mom never told you - the business of being women 

tedtalks

good job, brain - part pub quiz show, part offbeat news

news

no one knows anything - the politics podcast from buzzfeed news

wait wait…don’t tell me - weekly current events quiz

college

*college info geek - the strategies and tactics the best students use

*getting in - your college admissions companion

math

math for primates - a couple of monkeys who decided that arguing about mathematics was a better use of their time than throwing poo at one another

math mutation - fun, interesting, or just plain weird corners of mathematics

science

60 second health - latest health and medical news

the naked scientists - interviews with top scientists, hands-on science experiments

60 second science - the most interesting developments in the world of science

startalk - astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe

nasa science cast - science behind discoveries on earth, the solar system, and beyond

history

*myths and legends - myths, legends, and folklore that have shaped cultures

stuff you missed in history class - the greatest and strangest stuff you missed

the podcast history of our world - from the big bang to the modern age! …eventually

witness - the story of our times told by the people who were there

the history chicks - two women. half the population. several thousands years of history.

entrepreneurship & finances

practical money matters - better managing their finances

the internet business mastery - learn how to create an internet based business

social triggers insider - the fields of psychology and human behavior

listen money matters - honest and uncensored, this is not your father’s boring finance show

writing & literature

professional book nerds - it’s our job to discuss books all day long

a way with words - words, language, and how we use them

grammar girl - short, friendly tips to improve your writing

classic poetry aloud - recordings of the greats poems of the past

language

esl (english) - improve english speaking and listening skills

language pod

coffee break

search in your podcast app for specific languages!

art

99% invisible - exploration of the process and power of design

tips and tricks photography 

the arts roundtable

hobbies & other

stash & burn (knitting)

practical defense - staying safe in our increasingly dangerous urban environments

zen and the art of triathlon - a triathlete’s view on living the multisport life

the art of charm - make you a better networker, connecter, and thinker

the indoor kids - isn’t just about video games, isn’t not about video games

rationally speaking - explore the borderlands between reason and nonsense

the dice tower - board games, card games, and the people who design and play them

motivational & inspirational

back to work - productivity, communication, work, barriers, constraints, tools, and more

personal growth podcast - classic and contemporary self development audio

what it takes - conversations with towering figures in almost every field

here be monsters - exploring the dark corners of the human mind

on being - the big questions of meaning with scientists, theologians, artists, teachers

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Well, Saturday grind went well. I’m not done. I don’t think I’ll ever be done. Gen chem is a struggle that I will overcome. 

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You don't know why you're studying anymore?

You’re studying because you want to get a good grade, you’re studying because you want to show that you’re capable, you’re studying because you want to go to your favorite university, you’re studying because you want to be a doctor, a judge, an engineer, an artist, whatever you dream of. You’re studying because you wanna do what you love. You’re studying what you hate because you want to do amazing things one day. You’re studying because you have a goal. You’re conflicted because you care. You’re procrastinating because you think you won’t be good enough, so why even try? But let me tell you, if you keep lying down and just thinking about your ambitions, they will never come true. You gotta work for it. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. I promise you it will be worth it. And don’t think, not even for a second, that you can’t do it. Don’t make excuses. You CAN and WILL do it. You’re studying because it will help you do it.

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How To Start A Study Session (when your really not up for it)

1. Cut up an apple and sprinkle some cinnamon over it (this tastes so good), or grab a healthy snack from the kitchen

2. Get out everything you need, laptop, charger, paper, pens, bullet journal, iPad, notes etc.

3. Write a priority list, number them so you keep track and finish/start what needs to be done first.

4. Have some background music or put on a TV series that you’ve watched all the episodes of so you don’t have to pay close attention. Friends, Doctor Who and The Simpsons are some of my favourites

5. If you have a long day/pulling a (nearly (?)) all nighter, get out a movie series, this, to me makes time fly while I still get the same amount done. I recommend Harry Potter if you have a weekend of study ahead. Watching your favourite movies will keep you from leaving your desk (for the wrong reasons) and getting distracted. (JUST TO BE SURE: choose a TV show/movie you’ve watched a dozen times so you don’t have to pay attention/ go back because you have no idea what’s going on)

6. Use different methods to remember dates, events and the the general stuff for up and coming tests. Flash cards, mind maps and note taking are three ways I memorise information for tests.

7. If you’re starting a research task (essay, oral) watch a documentary relevant to your topic and take notes on the important points. Watch lectures (tedxtalks), if worthy of your time. This is a great way to get your starter information and you can do your own research from there.

8. Every hour (at least), get up and do a couple of star jumps (jumping jacks) or anything to get your heart rate going, staying on your butt all day is not best for your health.

9. Bribe yourself. “if I do three hours on my Latin revision + homework, I’ll _________“ this helps with just getting through it.

10. Keep your goal in mind. Photoshop your face in a doctors white coat, in court as a judge, as a teacher in front of your Yr 11 Applied Mathematics. Have a visual representation of your goal. GOOD LUCK

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Sometimes your motivation is at it’s lowest right before exams. You’ve spent the whole year working so hard, and now you have the the end in sight, that final bit of work seems impossible.

Please just push on for these last few months or weeks. It’s more important to work now than it ever has been. You can do it!

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Having the right study space can be the difference between putting your work off until the last minute and actually wanting to work. Here are some tips on how to create your perfect study space, no desk required. 

pick a spot

 If you already have a desk, then this may already be done for you. If not, look around for somewhere that has good lighting (natural is a bonus!) and is in an area that’s not too busy or loud. It doesn’t have to be big – it could be a corner, or even your bed. 

pick a desk 

Now that you’ve found a spot, you need either a desk or some sort of other surface to work on. My favorites: (ordered from most expensive to least)

Desks: Lots of storage (Ikea) ⋙ Bamboo (ikea) ⋙ Glass (walmart)

Lap Desks: Comfortable  ⋙ Compact

find some storage

Color-coordinated organizers (pencil cups, paper trays, etc)

Drawer organizers

Pencil cup (set of three) - design one and two

Hanging folders

Storage box

Basket

Cork boxes (set of four)

decorate your space

Cork board

Chalkboard decal

Calendar printables (free)

Quote printables & more (free)

Even more quote printables (make your own too!)

Floral prints

City prints

Tons more prints

Hang pictures, notes, and your own artwork!

Plants (real or fake)

Your favorite books

String lights

Banners/pendents

Postcards or letters from friends

inspo - my favorite spaces

chalkboard by @katherinehenson

calendars and cactus by @mymidnightlatte

pink prints by @limestyle

fresh flowers by @eviepeeveylemonsqueezy

prints and pictures by @studyyoustud

storage goals by @secretdiaryofamedstudent

plants plants plants by @hanniestudies

more 

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If you look at the first table on the left in the textbook, it's about 15 cats. I think my favorite cat names from the list are: Phantom, Jupiter, Oregano, and Posh. If I'm feeling the TMNT, I'd totally go for Michelangelo.

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Polished Malachite Stalactite - Copper Crescent, Congo

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Now LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS.