Got time to plan or a few weeks until a deadline?
If you’re studying on an Access to HE course, it might be feasible for you to work in short bursts using productivity sprints or the pomodoro technique or similar because the length of your course is less than one year.
However, if you’re on an undergraduate degree course, this is going to be a three-year long journey with a dissertation or project module at the end spanning 6 to 9 months. If you don’t come up with a sustainable way to consistently generate assignment output then you run the risk of burning out and not competing the course at all.
What is productivity?
Productivity is a common word, but its true meaning is often misunderstood. It’s not simply about how many hours you put in or where you work from. We’ve all had those days where we’re incredibly busy, yet we finish feeling frustrated that we didn’t accomplish much.
This feeling points to the real definition of productivity: it’s not just about activity, but about impact. Productivity is a complex mix of how you feel about your work, the environment you’re in, and the methods you use. It’s influenced by psychological factors like focus and motivation, the physical spaces around you, and the organisational systems you work within.
To be truly productive is to move beyond mere busyness. It’s about understanding these elements and consciously creating conditions where you can perform efficiently, achieve meaningful output, and feel a genuine sense of accomplishment.
How to achieve longer term productivity
Many writers, such as novelist Stephen King who writes every day even on holiday, work consistently over time to ensure they are productive over a long period of time. For you, this endurance might take the form of working less on assignments for fewer hours a week, but consistently. Think about splitting your word count up over time. Writing 500 words a week is much more feasible than 2000, especially if your study ‘week’ only consists of a few hours one night when you have got the children to bed or got in from work. As soon as you have seen the assignment brief you can begin structuring your assignment and researching and writing notes about what the key topics are. As the module progresses and you learn more from the classes, you can start to shape your assignment to address the brief and to cover the content of the module. Do something every day if you can, even if it is just going over resources or keeping your assignment draft open in the background as you are working on something else. That way, if you think of something, you can add it to your document quickly and come back to it later.
Setting up a Productive Environment
Your workspace has a big impact on your productivity. It’s not just about choosing to work from home or the office; it’s about being intentional with your surroundings to help you focus and work more efficiently.
- Mind Your Noise Levels: Think about what kind of sound helps you concentrate. Some people thrive on the buzz of a busy space, while others need a quiet room to get into a state of “flow.” You might find that a specific playlist or simply the silence of a library works best. The key is to recognise when noise is a distraction and when it’s a tool for focus.
- Clear Space, Clear Mind: A cluttered workspace can lead to a cluttered mind. A messy desk or workspace can create a feeling of being overwhelmed. Even a tidy space with too many items can make you feel like you’re just nibbling at tasks without making real progress. By keeping your workspace organised, you can create a sense of calm and control, which helps you focus on what’s important.
- Establish a “Commute”: If you work from home, create routines that signal the start and end of your workday. This is similar to a physical commute, which naturally creates a boundary between work and home. You can start your day by getting dressed in “work clothes” (or just getting out of those pyjamas and Oodie) or even just by having a specific cup for your morning coffee. Having a dedicated, organised workspace also helps you mentally switch into work mode, enhancing your focus and productivity.
Value Aligned Productivity (Kenny, 2025)
Productivity isn’t just about ticking off tasks; it’s about aligning your efforts with what truly matters to you. For adult learners in Higher Education, a value-aligned approach to productivity is key to making your academic journey sustainable and meaningful. This method moves beyond the simple “more hours, more output” mindset and instead encourages you to be intentional with your time and energy. And, this idea was created by an PhD student: Danny Kenny who found himself with barely any time to work on his thesis after an increase in working hours.
How do I use Value-Aligned Productivity?
First, identify your core values. What is the ultimate purpose behind your course? Is it to advance your career, set a better example for your family, or pursue a lifelong passion? By anchoring your studies to these deep-seated motivations, you create a powerful internal compass. When you feel overwhelmed, returning to these values can reignite your purpose and remind you of the bigger picture.
True time management isn’t about fitting more into your day; it’s about making sure the time you do have is spent on what truly matters. It’s about aligning your daily efforts with your long-term goals and values, whether that’s advancing in your career, finishing a degree, or building a new skill.
Next, apply these values to your to-do list. Before you start a task, ask yourself: “Does this activity move me closer to my core values?” This simple question helps you filter out the noise and focus on what’s genuinely important. It transforms mundane tasks like reading a dense textbook or writing an essay from a chore into a meaningful step toward your goal. This approach can also reduce guilt about not being “busy” all the time, as you begin to see that time spent on rest and family is just as valuable if it aligns with your overall well-being.
Finally, redefine what a “successful” day looks like. It’s not about being exhausted and frustrated; it’s about finishing the day with a sense of accomplishment because you spent your time on things that truly align with your values. This holistic view of productivity fosters a healthier, more balanced approach to your studies, preventing the burnout that can derail an adult learner’s journey.
This approach requires a shift in perspective. Instead of just checking off a to-do list, you’ll want to focus on what will make the biggest impact. By defining your priorities and building habits that support them, you can move from just being busy to making meaningful progress. You’ll end your day not just tired, but with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
If you’re still trying to work out what your values are, try narrowing down this list to five core values and work out how completing your assignments and course fits in with them.
Share your story
I truly want this resource to grow with your input. If you’re a working parent studying in HE, or if you simply resonate with these challenges, I invite you to make contact. Share your story, your unique experiences, the strategies that work for you, and any advice you have for others. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community for adult learners.
