It can be easy to get lost in all the ways that science suggests we study, or the productivity techniques experts recommend. If you’re looking for other ways to focus, to stay productive — or, as the internet says, stay “locked in” — hearing the advice others have to give might be your best bet.

Caesar once said “Experience is the teacher of all things.” What can a student’s experience teach us about focus, or about staying motivated and productive? We asked some of our Goodnotes Ambassadors to give us a peek into their lives around study — what does “locking in” mean to them? 

Olivia Ye - Yale University

“To stay locked in during the school year, I usually team up with a study buddy who’s just as serious about getting stuff done. Having someone else there makes me feel the pressure to stay focused and keeps me on track when I get distracted.
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“I would also say that getting this time to be around friends makes the ‘lock-in’ more enjoyable.
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“Sometimes if that isn't an option, I set timers to keep myself on track and create a sense of urgency. I also love listening to brainwave music because it helps me concentrate better.” 

Zain Hashmi - Queen Mary, University of London

“Staying locked in comes down to both motivation and discipline. Having a consistent/planned schedule helps me stay on track, and motivation comes from working on the task, whether it be an assignment or studying for an exam, after spending time on it. To stay productive, setting my phone to grayscale helps to reduce distractions and stay focused!

“Also using a timer to manage study and split up sessions with rewards in between, like time for relaxing, can really help!”

Ashley Cheng - Minerva University

“Productive habits are so important to me. I make sure I eat well, get exercise every day, and journal from time to time. This routine gives me a structure to be productive and energizes me to stay locked in!! Of course, you also gotta remember to have fun — even if that means simply doing your work at a different cafe every day.”

Thomas Haddock - The Royal Harbour Academy

“When writing notes and studying, make sure you can read what you’re writing and it's understandable by you (it'll help when revising your notes). When I am in the mood, I set a candle and study until it runs out. Not only does this give a calming, safe and relaxing feel to your environment, but makes you more concentrated and ready to learn and work.” 

Alejandro Santos - Tecnológico de Monterrey

"Staying “locked in” during the school year involves a combination of strategies that keep me motivated and productive. 

“First, my passion for technology and web development drives me. Working on various projects, from e-commerce websites to interactive web applications, fuels my enthusiasm. 

“To stay motivated, I set clear goals for each semester. Whether it’s mastering a new programming language like C++ or Python, or excelling in my current project as a front-end and back-end web developer, having specific objectives helps maintain my focus.

“I also use productivity techniques, like time blocking and task prioritization.”

Kotomi Hasegawa - The University of Hong Kong

“As they say, it takes two to tango — so get an accountability partner. Exchange your study goals or tasks at the beginning of the day/week. This usually motivates me to keep my word and complete whatever it is I need to do. Not only do you keep your partner accountable, but also feel the support your peers offer to know you’re not alone in this.

“I’d also pencil in an event I can look forward to every once in a while so I can work towards a reward. Let these be your fun days off!”

If you want to 'lock in' like a Goodnotes Ambassador, maybe you should become one

Learn more about our Goodnotes Ambassador program. 

Or, apply to become one here!