Maximizing Your Salesforce Study Time: Effective Time Management Techniques

Ever Feel Like There Isn't Enough Time To Study?!

Finding time for Salesforce Certifications can be a challenge.

Many of us have busy lives filled with responsibilities, from work and family to daily chores and entertainment. It’s easy to find excuses for not dedicating time to studying and advancing our careers, especially when it comes to mastering Salesforce.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of effective time management and share practical techniques to help you make the most out of your study sessions.

Power of Prioritization

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I don’t have time to study” or “I’m too busy to learn that”? It’s a common problem, but often, it’s not entirely accurate. The real issue lies in our ability to prioritize.

For instance, imagine a time when Salesforce was your sole focus. You didn’t watch movies, play games, or engage in activities unrelated to Salesforce. While this level of dedication may not be sustainable or recommended for everyone, it highlights the importance of prioritization in achieving your goals and it can be the initial boost you need to start making progress.

The key takeaway here is that you do have time; you’re just choosing to allocate it elsewhere. It’s not about feeling guilty; it’s about assessing your priorities and determining how important Salesforce certification is to you.

Priorities come and go and change often, its all about knowing what is you current priority and how long it will be for.

The Pomodoro Technique

Now, let’s delve into one of my favorite time management techniques: the Pomodoro Technique.

It’s a straightforward yet highly effective method for maximizing your study time.

Instead of studying continuously for a set period, you break your study time into smaller, more manageable blocks.

Here’s how it works:

Set aside a specific period for studying, e.g., 2 hours.
Divide this time into 30-minute blocks.
Within each 30-minute block, study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.

The benefits of this technique are huge. First, it makes your study structure more manageable, providing a sense of achievement with each completed block. These small wins build momentum and keep you motivated.

Second, it helps maintain your focus and energy. By asking yourself to concentrate for shorter intervals, you reduce the psychological burden of long study sessions. Anyone can handle 25 minutes of focused work, right?

Lastly, the Pomodoro Technique minimizes the primacy and recency effect. This cognitive effect highlights that we tend to remember the first and last parts of information, often neglecting the middle. Since you’re studying in short blocks, you maintain high focus throughout, leading to more effective learning with fewer information gaps.

While I’ve personally worked up to 50 minutes on and 10 minutes off, starting with the traditional 25 and 5 approach is a great way to begin. You can use a timer on your phone or find a Pomodoro timer online to get started. Remember to take a 30-minute extended break after every 2 hours of studying to recharge your brain.

Be Intentional With Your Study Time

Another crucial aspect of effective time management is intentionality.

Don’t just schedule study sessions without a clear plan; this can lead to wasted time figuring out what to study. Instead, when you allocate time to study, specify what you intend to cover.

For example:

“On Thursday at 7 pm, I am going to study Salesforce Security.”

Or, get even more specific: “On Thursday between 7 pm and 9 pm, I am going to study Roles and the Role Hierarchy.”

Taking it one step further, consider creating calendar events and linking relevant resources, such as Trailhead modules or Get Force Certified courses. Being purposeful with your time ensures that when you sit down to study, you’re actually studying, not wasting time preparing or deciding what to focus on.

To supercharge your productivity, add outcome requirements to your study sessions. For instance, “By the end of the session, I will have completed the relevant Trailhead Module, watched the relevant Course Video, and made my own notes about it.” Specific goals like these will help you achieve more and build momentum rapidly.

Embrace NET Time: No Extra Time

Finally, let’s discuss NET Time—No Extra Time.

This concept involves finding pockets of time in your daily routine where you can combine studying with other activities. For instance, you can listen to courses while working out, waiting for the kids at school, commuting, or even during simple tasks like cooking or cleaning (if it doesn’t require your full attention).

These small, fragmented moments can accumulate over time and contribute significantly to your learning journey. By taking advantage of NET Time, you’ll be surprised at how much time you’ve spent on activities like scrolling through social media or watching irrelevant content.

In conclusion, effective time management is the key to unlocking your potential in the Salesforce ecosystem. It’s not about not having enough time; it’s about prioritizing your time and making the most of it. By implementing techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, being intentional with your study sessions, and embracing NET Time, you’ll watch your progress accelerate, your accomplishments multiply, and your productivity soar.

So, let’s move forward with these techniques and continue your journey towards Salesforce success. Your future self will thank you for the time and effort you invest today.