--- title: Working smarter, not harder description: As the end of the quarter approaches, we anticipate our stress and work increasing. We know that mid-terms & finals are stressful, and evaluations make us a bit scared. But do you know what the best ways to plan out your work are? image: https://blog.approachusa.org/hubfs/Wordpress%20Banner%20(30).png --- - [Contact Us](https://approachusa.org/contact-us/) - [Apply Now](https://approachusa.org/application-form-2/) Menu - [Programs of Study](https://approachusa.org/programs-of-study/) - [English as a Second Language (ESL)](https://approachusa.org/esl/) - [Test Preparation (TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, SAT)](https://approachusa.org/testprep/) - [Advanced Programs](https://approachusa.org/speccialty-programs/) - [ESL Teen Culture Program](https://approachusa.org/youth-programs/) - [Student Services](https://approachusa.org/student-services-2/) - [Join our Community](https://pages.approachusa.org/approachusa-community) - [Blog](https://blog.approachusa.org/) - [Academic & Career Advising](https://approachusa.org/academicadvising/) - [Student Activities](https://approachusa.org/academic-activities/) - [Students’ Success Stories](https://approachusa.org/students-success-stories/) - [Housing](https://approachusa.org/student-services/) - [Admissions](https://pages.approachusa.org/en-us/our-programs-usa) - [Apply from Abroad](https://pages.approachusa.org/applying-from-abroad) - [Tuition and Fees](https://pages.approachusa.org/tuition-and-fees) [![Approach International Student Center®](https://blog.approachusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Approach_USA_April2021/images/header_logo.png?height=500&name=header_logo.png "Approach International Student Center®")](https://approachusa.org/) - Call us today **[+1 617 787 5401](https://wa.me/16177875401)** - Email us **[admissions@approachusa.com](mailto:admissions@approachusa.com)** ![](https://blog.approachusa.org/hubfs/Wordpress%20Banner%20(30).png) # Working smarter, not harder Published by [Danna Kahn](https://blog.approachusa.org/author/danna-kahn) on Aug 31, 2021 4:10:59 PM As the end of the quarter approaches, we anticipate our stress and work increasing. We know that mid-terms & finals are stressful, and evaluations make us a bit scared. But do you know what the best ways to plan out your work are?  Once you learn how to work smart, you understand the importance of planning, prioritizing, and having SMART goals. In addition, understanding the ultimate purpose behind your actions means that you get to know why you do what you do, and therefore how you can reach your end goal more efficiently.    First and foremost, let’s revise what SMART goals are:   ![bigstock-Smart-Explanation-Vector-Illus-369523702](https://blog.approachusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-Smart-Explanation-Vector-Illus-369523702.jpeg?width=590&name=bigstock-Smart-Explanation-Vector-Illus-369523702.jpeg)   When you’re planning out your work, make sure your goals align with the SMART concept, this means to have specific goals that are realistic and achievable within the time frame you propose to yourself. Once you’ve got that down- it’s time to start working smarter.    ---   A few tips to working smarter:   - **Stop Multitasking** If you’re attempting to do many things at once, you risk completing none of them. So choose what you need to complete wisely.  - **Work in 90-minute blocks (max) with 20-minute breaks in between** You don’t want to burn yourself out before completing your goal! Respect your timeline and give yourself time to rest your mind. - **Give yourself 5 tasks to achieve per day (max)** Less is more! In order to maximize your focus and efficiency, don’t expect to finish 7 papers and 3 homework assignments in one day. Instead, pick and choose what you need to complete according to your priorities and goals.  - **Front-load your week** Place more challenging and more significant tasks at the beginning of your week to feel accomplished and more motivated to continue with the smaller tasks for the rest of the week. - **Chunking** Chunk similar tasks together in order to be more efficient and knock them out quicker! This works well for smaller tasks.  These are just a few ways in which you can prepare for your upcoming midterms and finals. Working hard is good, but working smart is even better. Good luck!! [Back to Blog](https://blog.approachusa.org) ## Related Articles ## [The Force of Stress and the Choice We Make](https://blog.approachusa.org/the-force-of-stress-and-the-choice-we-make) What is stress? Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension as the body’s reaction to the... 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Surrounded by great colleges and universities such as Harvard University, MIT, Boston University (BU), and Boston College, we teach over 900 students every month ranging from 12 to 70+ years old. ##### Reach Us Boston: 196 Harvard Ave. #2 Allston, MA 02134 USA Marlborough: 11 Apex Dr B Office 101B, Marlborough, MA 01752 USA Phone: +1 617 787 5401 [admissions@approachusa.com](mailto:admissions@approachusa.com) - [Programs of Study](https://approachusa.org/programs-of-study/) - [English as a Second Language (ESL)](https://approachusa.org/esl/) - [Test Preparation (TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, SAT)](https://approachusa.org/testprep/) - [Advanced Programs](https://approachusa.org/speccialty-programs/) - [ESL Teen Culture Program](https://approachusa.org/youth-programs/) - [Student Services](https://approachusa.org/student-services-2/) - [Join our Community](https://pages.approachusa.org/approachusa-community) - [Blog](https://blog.approachusa.org/) - [Academic & Career Advising](https://approachusa.org/academicadvising/) - [Student Activities](https://approachusa.org/academic-activities/) - [Students’ Success Stories](https://approachusa.org/students-success-stories/) - [Housing](https://approachusa.org/student-services/) - [Admissions](https://pages.approachusa.org/en-us/our-programs-usa) - [Apply from Abroad](https://pages.approachusa.org/applying-from-abroad) - [Tuition and Fees](https://pages.approachusa.org/tuition-and-fees) © Copyright Approach International Student Center, Inc. 2026 All Rights Reserved [Privacy Policy](https://approachusa.org/privacy-policy/)