Parking on a Downhill Slope
Life as a seminary student is a balancing act between ministry, family responsibilities, work commitments, and other obligations. Time is a precious commodity. As an online student, you face the unique challenge of managing your studies amidst an already packed schedule. The good news is that there are numerous strategies you can implement to make the most of your limited and often piecemeal study time. One such strategy is one I learned from Dr. Jonathan Pennington, which he calls "parking on a downhill slope." This concept originally referred to ending your writing sessions in a way that makes it easy to pick up where you left off. By doing this, you can reduce the mental friction of starting again and make steady progress in your studies, even with a busy life. Below, I’ve outlined three techniques for parking on a downhill slope in your writing, reading, and studying routines to maximize your productivity and stay on track with your class goals.
Writing Projects
When working on a writing project, it’s crucial to give yourself a specific amount of time. For instance, let’s say you have a 45-minute block. Set a timer for 35 minutes and focus solely on writing during this time. Turn off all distractions and concentrate on getting words down. Don’t worry about perfection; the goal is to write. You can always edit later.
When the timer goes off, stop writing. Begin your next sentence but leave it unfinished. This sets you up to start writing immediately in your next session. Additionally, jot down 1–3 bullet points outlining your next ideas. These notes will help you quickly regain your train of thought and continue writing smoothly. This approach saves you time and reduces the intimidation of a blank page.
Efficient Reading
Reading efficiently is also essential, especially in seminary where there’s a lot of material to cover. Always have a book with you and use short breaks in your day to read, even if it’s just for 15 or 30 minutes. Many students think they need large blocks of time to read, but small sessions can be very productive.
Set a timer for 25 minutes and read. When the timer goes off, underline where you stopped and make brief notes about the chapter’s main points and how they fit into the overall flow of the book. Write down what you still need to read before the end of the week. This way, you can easily pick up where you left off without wasting time figuring out what to read next.
Studying for Quizzes and Exams
The same principles apply when studying for a quiz or exam. Start by setting a timer for your study session. Whether you have 30 minutes or an hour, make sure to stop 5-10 minutes before your allotted time ends. This buffer period is helpful for reflection and planning.
Write down what you still need to study. Be specific about the topics or questions that are causing you difficulty. This targeted approach ensures that your next study session is focused and efficient. Instead of wasting time figuring out where to start, you’ll have a clear plan of action in your next study session.
Finally, note exactly where you should pick up in your next study session. This could be the exact lecture you need to review, a particular chapter in a textbook, or a specific set of practice exam questions. By doing this, you reduce the mental friction of starting a new study session. When you sit down to study again, you can dive right in without wasting time figuring out what to do next.
Conclusion
It’s easy to assume you’ll remember where you left off, but often you won’t. By planning your next steps before you finish, you make it easier to start again. Your brain loves a plan, so help yourself by noting exactly what to do in your next writing, reading, or study session. These small steps will add up quickly and make a big difference in your productivity.
