Rediscovering Focus
Author: Zara Tse
Editor: Ursula Vollmer
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Why Can’t I Focus Like I Did in High School?
It may seem like a simple question, but in truth, college brings new patterns, more time and unwanted procrastination. We have blocks in our day and we don’t know how to fill them. We somehow got up for classes the whole day, sports and homework and now a single seminar can feel like an eternity. But the real challenge lies in wondering if there is a way to fix this, or if this is just our new way of life?
Let’s take a trip down memory lane to find out.
Picture this: Sun filters through the windows of my room. It's a cool morning in November and the anticipation of the mundane greets me with a chime of my alarm clock. I get ready, put on the same uniform, do the same routine and head out the door. Its class after class, a time structure and a feeling of certainty. I never felt like there was a moment to breathe in high school, and for some reason that was comforting–because there was no time to think about emotions or thoughts that didn’t pertain to school. School was school and that was it.
In high school, my life was just this highly structured. Every day was a 9-4 schedule, filled with classes and study periods that I spent in the library. My time was planned to the minute: school, sports practice from 4 to 6, dinner, and then homework. I always knew what came next, and there wasn’t much room to question or change that structure. I looked forward to this and I felt the comfort in knowing that I didn’t really have to make my own schedule — it was taken care of for me.
But then college happened, and everything changed. My first semester at Barnard felt like a whirlwind of freedom I didn’t quite know how to handle. Suddenly, attendance wasn’t mandatory in many classes, and I found myself constantly tempted by spontaneous trips to the Met or shopping excursions in Williamsburg – lured to see the sites of the city when I could have done more productive things. Without a strict schedule, it became easy to put off studying, and my motivation to focus just wasn’t the same as in high school. But was it really my fault, or was it just the nature of my academic life changing?
Looking back, I realize that structure was what kept me on track. In college, flexibility is both a gift and a challenge, and I’ve struggled to create that sense of structure for myself. Finding motivation has been tough, but I’ve learned a few things along the way. Here are some strategies that have helped me regain focus:
Set Up a Schedule
Just because there isn’t a set routine doesn’t mean you can’t create one. Designate specific times for classes, studying, exercise, and downtime. Treat your calendar like a friend, giving structure to your days so you’re not constantly deciding what to do next.
Find a Dedicated Study Space
In high school, I always studied in the library, which helped me focus. Try to find a similar space in college—a spot that feels conducive to studying. (You can always find me at Blue Bottle finishing up an essay or completing a coding project!) Avoid your bed or social spaces, as they can make it harder to concentrate.
Limit Distractions
It’s tempting to take a quick break that turns into a whole afternoon adventure. Set boundaries for when you check your phone or take breaks so they don’t interrupt your focus. Working with the Pomodoro timer is my tried and trusted method.
Set Small, Achievable Goals
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the workload in college, especially without strict deadlines. Break up tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. Instead of saying, “I’ll study for four hours,” set a goal to study one chapter or complete one assignment.
Stay Active and Social but in Moderation
Getting out and exploring is part of the college experience. Allow spontaneous outings, but ensure they’re balanced with time dedicated to your studies.
Adjusting to the unstructured freedom of college life is challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to develop self-discipline and time management skills. By setting routines, creating a dedicated study space, and balancing work with leisure, you can regain focus and make the most of this transformative period. Remember, it’s a journey—small, consistent steps can lead to big improvements. Keep at it; you’ve got this!
Photo Credit: Pintrest
