Tips and Tricks to Lock-in

This post generally applies to everyone working 80+ hour weeks.

How do you stay motivated to continue working on the weekends? Most of my coworkers are offline but working (probably to not be bothered ) and I want to know what methods people use to help stay productive?

I have considered listening to white noise, watching finance lectures in the background at 0.75 speed. I drink coffee only 2 coffees a day since I take preworkout for weightlifting and would rather keep my caffeine tolerance at healthy levels.

I work from home on weekends with a double monitor. In university, I would spend all day at the 24/7 library during exam season so that I could focus but finding it hard to replicate it in work.

19 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some tips and tricks to stay productive and motivated during long workweeks, especially on weekends:

  1. Create a Dedicated Workspace: Set up a specific area for work, free from distractions. A clean, organized desk with dual monitors can help replicate the focus you had in the library during university.

  2. Incorporate Exercise: Start your day with a quick workout or calisthenics. This boosts energy and focus. A 20-25 minute session of pushups, planks, or burpees can energize your day.

  3. Use Breaks Wisely: Schedule short, intentional breaks. For example, use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break). During breaks, consider light physical activity or stepping away from screens.

  4. Limit Phone Distractions: Place your phone in a drawer or replace it with a Kindle for downtime reading. This minimizes the temptation to scroll through social media.

  5. Background Noise: White noise or low-volume background shows can help some people focus. Experiment with finance lectures or instrumental music to see what works best for you.

  6. Healthy Caffeine Use: Since you’re mindful of caffeine intake, stick to your current routine of two coffees a day. Pair this with a clean diet to maintain energy levels.

  7. Plan Your Day: Structure your weekend work hours. Set clear goals for what you want to accomplish and allocate specific time blocks for tasks.

  8. Social Interaction: Schedule some non-work human interaction, even if it’s virtual. This helps maintain mental balance and prevents burnout.

  9. Optimize Comfort: Invest in ergonomic furniture like a standing desk or a comfortable chair. A good setup can make long hours more bearable.

  10. Mental Health Breaks: Host friends or engage in hobbies during downtime. This can recharge you for the next work session.

For more detailed insights, check out these WSO threads: - WFH Grind & Productivity Hacks: url: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/wfh-grind-prod… - Life Hacks during WFH: url: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/life-hacks-dur…

These strategies can help you replicate the focus you had in university while adapting to the challenges of working from home.

Sources: Life Hacks during WFH | How do you avoid burnout?, WFH Grind & Productivity Hacks, WFH Grind & Productivity Hacks, Life Hacks during WFH | How do you avoid burnout?, How do you stay productive?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

It’s called discipline. Hard to develop. Necessary for greatness. 

 
Most Helpful

Spite — they give you shit to do all around the clock? shove a perfect work product back in their face so they know that they’ll also have to be on the top of their game and if not you’re gonna eat them up

 

I use a bit of Ketamine on occasion, it has a similar effect on me as Adderall (Adderall no longer works effectively for me since I abused it throughout undergrad), just be careful not to K-hole.

 

Good tips here on the naps. But nobody talks about sustaining 15 hours straight. The real enemy isn't lack of energy, it’s the mental breakdown, the inability to multi-task without melting down when juggling three different client calls and the MD’s urgent request. 

The B-vitamins and L-Theanine are non-negotiable for endurance. I was skeptical, but a proper stack makes sense as an internal performance booster. It lets me go deep into a model without losing focus. Mind Lab Pro just combines all the key performance nutrients I needed without any garbage or extra caffeine.

 

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