1st July Target:1 EssaySocial issues lecturesethics answer writing/MGP videos etcWill review at 11pm.
slept at 4 am (this was early for me since I have been not sleeping entire nights; started with partick jane's SFG initiative, couldn't wake up early, so didn't sleep at all; messed up sleep schedule & productivity) woke up at 1 pm :/
Done:
1 Essay
ethics answer writing/CGP notes
factly/theHindu
Good: didn't waste time on twitter/YouTube etc
Bad: I have been struggling to sit for 3 hrs and write a test with a timer and stuff. I'd write an answer, cross it as draft 'x' because it doesn't "look good". Had done the same with past two essays I wrote. Multiple drafts. I struggle with writing quality answers within the time limit. So I started fooling myself like this.
Was glad that wrote today's essay in one go, of course wasn't satisfied with quality and length. But returned to the same stupidity with ethics test. And it takes away a lot of time.
It has also to do with inability to concentrate on one thing for long hours. Like I'll intentionally keep some tabs open to jump to when I feel bored of my primary activity. Problem is I overdo this. Still I tell myself that it's better than spending hours on twitter reading stupid threads.
2nd:
ethics test/MGP videos
social issues lectures/CGP notes
11th:
Slept at 5
woke up: 8:30,
read Hindu and some world History.
Slept at 9:30 again. Woke up at 1 pm
Sat at 3 pm: read Hindu, factly,
procrastination
7 pm onwards: closed world history, wrote
mock jaise taise, hardly satisfied
But 16 ko baaki sari history syllabus ka
mock hai
Hrs: ~ 7
12th:
Wake up at: 11 am
Spectrum unit 5-8
Hrs: 8
Tanked today’s targets, besides the SFG wasn’t able to complete anything!
I needed an advise on how should I sync my prep with the SFG calendar, is it advisable to appear in tests without revising a day before (though there isn’t a number to which one should ideally revise Laxmikanth, but I did a run through one month ago), and revise the test properly after giving it?
Give it a shot. I go through the old sfg test (same syllabus) and quickly glance through Laxmikanth to read tricky stuff. Will follow this for subjects I'm comfortable with: economics, modern history (freedom movement). Will shift almost completely to SFG for other subjects.
16th July
9-1pm - pt365 march-may(part1/3)
1-2pm - revision of June last week CA
3-9pm (includes coffee break and walk) - environment int'l org, int'l conventions + revising relevant current affairs
10-12.30pm - editorials and 50qns prelims
CA and static portions - productivity is still low. Any suggestions?
Kar toh main bhi nahi pa raha par gyan dena aasan hai, so
As@Neyawn would say, do few things (1 primary & max 1 secondary subject), do them well, sit for long hours, start day with an anchor habit (mcq etc), study within half hour of waking up, take planned breaks
@TabsAndChords try 5/6hrs 4 five days,6th day revise and 7th day rest.dnt compare with othrs!!Evry1 has his/her own rhythm.Sm get more in less while othrs need 2 wrk more.
I feel anyone who can consistently manage your seemingly easy plan is the real boss.
18th:
Sleep: 3:40-8:40; 1-3 pm
Essay handouts/1 lecture (mgp)
Wrote 1 essays
Factly/hindu
Started CLAT mock
Pure procrastination: 2 hrs on twitter :/
Hrs: ~7
19th:
[in this order of priority]
Write 1 essay
Finish CLAT mock/start another
Revise Laxmikanth (SFG)
Some mains answer writing
1/2 old SFG test: polity/art &
culture
Hrs: 8
19th:
Sleep: 6am-1 pm
Unproductive day, was sleepy b/c of messed up sleep schedule
Finished CLAT mock
Read SC cases’ summary on Death penalty, privacy, UAPA,
election bond, art 20(3), EC’s appointment.
TheHindu
Hrs: ~ 5
20th:
Wake up: 6:30 everyday
Sfg mock: polity
1 essay
Society: Revise (class notes)/ finish forum articles
Mains answer writing
Old Sfg: polity
Hrs: 8
20th:
Sleep: 3:00-7:00; 9:00-12:30
Sat for ~7 hrs at the table but achieved little
Polity:
Sfg 4, got a lot of questions wrong, so time spent of reading
solutions/Laxmikanth/Constitution
Revised old sfg 7, laxmikanth for tomorrow’s test
Factly
1:30 hr: Telegram
21st
Polity: SFG 5; old SFG 8; laxmikanth
Backlog:
1 essay
Society: Revise (class notes)/ finish forum articles
Mains
answer writing
Hrs: 8
21th:
Sleep: 3: 0-7:00; 11:00-2:30
Some yoga
Polity: Sfg 5, Revised old sfg 8, laxmikanth
Society: forum booklet (2 chapters)
Factly
2 hr+: calls
Hrs: 4+
22nd
Sleep: 1 pm- 6:30 am; 12:pm-2:30pm
Polity: SFG 6; old SFG 9; laxmikanth
1 essay
Factly/Hindu
Hrs: 8+
23rd:
In this order of priority
Polity: SFG
7;
April
Factly
Essay/Mains answer writing
Society
Hrs: 8+
27-31:
Spectrum done
Sfg tests
CLAT/SAU LLM mocks
Factly/Hindu
Feb-march factly
Old sfg (modern history/CA)
This week was not good. I wasted
most of the day and quickly revised spectrum late in night (upto 3-4 am).
Initially it was just inefficiency, later engaged in unproductive activities
(YT/twitter). Could have finished pending mains/LLM stuff.
Managed 5-6 hrs. On normal days too
I seldom cross 7 hrs (which must be increased since August is here), but this
routine messes up my physical & mental health. Will try shifting to 12-6 am
sleep cycle.
1stAug:
CLAT mock 2, revise old one, Research
Methodology basics, constitution notes, polity CA, CA
(mains) classes & articles,
10th-11th:Environment: SFG syllabusFactly/Hindu12th:revise old test ->finish syllabus of next daystart closing pending analysis of new testsI messed up my sleep schedule even more. Earlier at least got ~4hrs sleep before test. pulled 2 allnighters. headaches and all that jazz. will try to sleep early today. and post hour wise kal se.@HotBloodPrince I was browsing on phone, with lights off, mahaul all gloomy. the tag helped :)
12th:
went to bed at 1, badi mushkil se neend aayi aur 4 baje toot gayi, woke up at 4:30
4:40-8:20: env syllabus for SFG + test
8:30-9:00 yoga
10:00-1:20: sleep
2:30-3:30: old sfg #32 env
4-5:30: phir so gaya
5:40-8:40: sfg env syllabus, dipin sir's env CA notes, factly
9-10:30: essay on multilateralism
11:20: theHindu/sfg env syllabus
15th aug:
sleep: 2 am -12 pm; 6 baje ka alarm lagaya tha, phir socha yeh 2 round ka chakkar khtm kiya jaye. lol. lachcad lag nahi rahe ki upsc ki preparation ki jaa rahi hai, wo bhi jab prelims sar par hai
revised pending env tests, Hindu/factly. was not feeling good. tried to write. stopped. called a college friend. discussed politics, history and all that jazz. will try to revise some more tests and sleep.
kal pakka se 'streak 1' hogi. good night. :)
You are actually right. RS Sharma is more useful for Mains, especially some chapters. Satish Chandra is too much. Some NCERTs are good though. Such as class 7th NCERT and some Themes.
Nitin Singhania is irreplaceable.
Thank you for the suggestion. And you are funny bro. Gajab ka sense of humour hai :D
I had this doubt in Jan as well. Had read RS Sharma, Satish Chandra in college, made notes in onenote. Par tab har faltu cheez likh li. New NCERTs/Bipin Chandra bhi thodi bahut padhi thi.
@Neyawn told me that Spectrum is more than enough. Similarly I had done Praveen sir's notes for ancient & medieval @ forum. Katha ka nichod yeh nikla ki yahi agar achche se ho jaye toh kaafi hoga. Most Qs in SFG could be solved, even when Chandrabhan sir used extra info from that Bansal book for some Qs.
@ssver2 A great example of determination and effort (in getting sleep cycle right). cheers! keep going! :)
bro aap bahut cool ho. motivating others. sense of humor. thanks! :)
17thstarted fine with sfg eco syllabus. shaam tak gaadi dagmaga gayi. won't bore you with same rona dhona of sleep-schedule/procrastinationstreak back to 018th:4pm - 10:20 pm; 12:30-2:00: sfg eco syllabus, factly, Hindu, today's & old eco test analysis (some small breaks)better than yesterday but not good enoughwill try to limit internet usage to morning and 'a short 12 am session'.streak: 119th:sleep: 2-8 am; finally! hope this continues8-9: test9-10: exercise, read 2 articles on latest SC cases10-11: budget etc11-12: neyawn's sessiontarget for the day: kal ka syllabus + remaining stuff in Mrunal's Handouts
19th: kept struggling for the rest of day.
partially finished sfg syllabus.
analysed old sfg + today's tests
factly/Hindu
@NadanParinda same; kab khaun khulega feels! :D
20th: sleep: 1:30-8:00
Dipin sir's notes on Eco Survey & budget
analysed old sfg + today's tests
factly/Hindu
21:
Eco survey/budget: dipin sir & mrunal bhai's notes
Old sfg test on ^
22:
Analysed last 2 sfg tests
Factly Oct/Nov, old test
23:
1 FLT
Art & culture sfg syllabus
Pyrane dharre par aa gaya tha. Din bhar kamchori, raat ko jaldi se niptana.
Todo is simple for now: sfg art/culture/history syllabus. Will post hourly routine.
Review 22/8
Eco mrunal handout pillar 4 done.
That's it. :(
But the effort was 10+.
23/8
*Focus to remain on effort than on targets.
** Last day of 3 day cycle, will start new cycle from tomorrow.
*** Mrunal notes are so well written, I felt a bit of guilt in learning from them without paying money for his effort. Filhal ke lie duaaon me yaad rakhunga. Love you sir.
Targets.
Shift 1: eco handout pillar 5 and 6
Shift 2: survey vol 2
Shift 3: polity
Same feelings for Mrunal<3
:')
art/culture & ancient/medieval took all my day (23-27). got into a cycle of all-nighters
28:
1. 2 CA classes/notes
2. 1 old CA SFG test
3. factly sept (half)
29:
sleep: 2:30-6:45
7:00-8:30: factly aug/sept
8:30- sfg
targets:
1. analyse last FLT
2. CA class
3. revise pending SFG tests
@Pavaki haha.Lbsnaa:Jo vaada kiya woh nibhaana padega Roke jamaana chaahe roke khudaayee,
Tumako aana padega
You guys! Please keep the thread lit like this till 4th.
1st:
Env & IR: CA (class notes, factly June/July, 2 SFG tests)
2nd:
only CA class & daily factly
pagla gaya hun
3rd:
Policy/schemes from Factly: May 2019 - July 2020;
revised 1 sfg test on^
daily factly
will post hourly updates (promised previously many times, par sharam aa jati apni harkatein dekh kar; lekin ab pani itna upar ja chuka hai, ki bas kuch aur din aur hum doobe)
September 4, 2020less than a month to go now
- Finish ancient India
- Finish Culture PT 365
- Take a mock
- Finish Money & Banking in Eco (the biggest part of Eco)
A little aggressive targets today but I am hopeful of finishing at least 75%. Because if not now, then when?
I did nothing today. Very frustrated with myself.
You know, you're brave enough to post this. main toh gayab ho jata hun thread se aise maukon par. keep a notepad and keep updating it every few hours ki kya kar raha hun. I tried to do this today. yeh soch ki kis muh se yeh update likhunga thodi padhai ho gayi.
neyawn's golden hour rule is important b/c the difficulty in getting back to work keeps on increasing with every passing minute. doobti naao ko bachane se behtar hum thodi der aur sawari ka anand lena samjh lete hain.
good luck :)
I tried to come at day schedule. Lekin fir din m neend aagai. Abhi from 2 am to its 5 am I am trying to sleep. I am not able to sleep.
Anxiety + feeling like kuch nhi pdha + clueless
same. I've been trying to do this for long. earlier I too used to stay in bed for hours waiting for sleep. but for past two weeks or so, agar neend nahi aati toh main padh hi leta hun. par schedule shift karna padega, before it's too late.
#5th:
sleep: 7am - 12:45 pm
1:30-2:00: Hindu/FLT analysis
2:30-4:30: FLT
5:00-6:00: started CA class, somehow started googling stuff I had put on a list
7:00-9:30: CA env class done, S&T class started
11:00-12:30: S&T class done
12:30- analyse FLTs
6th:
1 FLT, analyse
CSAT practice
June/July factly
S&T (try to close most things, except PYQ)
#5th:
sleep: 7am - 12:45 pm
1:30-2:00: Hindu/FLT analysis
2:30-4:30: FLT
5:00-6:00: started CA class, somehow started googling stuff I had put on a list
7:00-9:30: CA env class done, S&T class started
11:00-12:30: S&T class done
12:30- analyse FLTs
6th:
1 FLT, analyse
CSAT practice
June/July factly
S&T (try to close most things, except PYQ)
6th:
Could only do June/July factly & revised 1 SFG test
7th:
6th ke targets
Modern over, section a of singhania over. tomorrow will try to complete artnculture revision, and then day after it is abhyas. So will try to revise environment as much as possible before giving test at night.
Ps: 2 members of family of 5 have covid symptoms including fever n loss of taste (confirmation 2mrw). Each night I feel some soreness in throat. Then I take some refuge to ayurveda and green tea. And next day morning its perfectly alright. Then again cycle repeat in evening. Alag hi struggle chal rha hai sala life me is saal.
I feel for many who must be going through same sort of trauma but also praying every moment with a bit of anxiety that symptoms don't get any worse. So today I repeat my prayers and hope that tomorrow I finish AC!
Take care bro. Hope these symptoms go away soon. :)
Hi. So SFG ended on 11th. On a lot of days I wasted time during the day and completed the syllabus during night ->nightowl routine. In sept they had a break for every test which I mostly wasted. 12th was a complete wash out. I don't know what is happening. For most people the productivity is doubling and here I am. I know if I don't work now, I'd surely flunk prelims because of all the negativity itself.
13th: solved last week's Abhyaas & some PYQ of Geography.
14th:
sleep: 2:00- 6:15 am (shifting to morning routine)
Saw the rising sun. Gave me hope. But this transient inspiration isn't enough. From here until 4th, I must sustain this.
Targets:
1. Revise Geo Phy: XI + PYQ + SFG
2. CA class
3. Analyse abhyaas
3. some CSAT practice
14th:
1. PYQ: Indian Geo; Revised SFGs on Geo (only incorrect Qs)
2. Analyzed a portion of abhyaas-2
3. factly/hindu
15th:
1. CA class [if it gets uploaded]
2. 1 FLT
3. Close Phy Geo & PYQ
4. Close analysis of abhyas-2
5. min 5 CSAT Qs
1/2/4/5: done
3. only done some PYQ: Geo & Economics
16th:
1. geo: PYQ & NCERTs
2. Eco: PYQ
3. if bored^ Mrunal
4. still bored ^ FLT
5. CSAT practice
1/2/4/5: done
3. only done some PYQ: Geo & Economics
16th:
1. geo: PYQ & NCERTs
2. Eco: PYQ
3. if bored^ Mrunal
4. still bored ^ FLT
5. CSAT practice
1. only did PYQ
2/5: done
did some Polity PYQ
17th:
finish all PYQ except History & S&T
S&T PYQ if ^ done
factly/hindu/CSAT
18th:
revise old FLTs/some SFG
if bored^ -> attempt FLT(s) ->CA revision
19th:
Sim mock
revise geo/env
1/2/4/5: done
3. only done some PYQ: Geo & Economics
16th:
1. geo: PYQ & NCERTs
2. Eco: PYQ
3. if bored^ Mrunal
4. still bored ^ FLT
5. CSAT practice
1. only did PYQ
2/5: done
did some Polity PYQ
17th:
finish all PYQ except History & S&T
S&T PYQ if ^ done
factly/hindu/CSAT
18th:
revise old FLTs/some SFG
if bored^ -> attempt FLT(s) ->CA revision
19th:
Sim mock
revise geo/env
17th:
Done
18th:
Just attempted one FLT & analysed and revised some SFGs
Factly/Hindu/CSAT
19th:
2 FLTs/ 1 analysed/ 1 old FLT revised (incomplete)
Factly/CSAT
20:
Aug Factly started
CSAT
Revised some Geo PYQ
21:
Aug factly completed
Half FLT revised
Spectrum: 1+ chapter
Factly/CSAT
22:
Mujhse geography nahi padhi ja rahi. Aaj polity niptaunga. Bore hua toh eco
Monday 12th Oct Targets:
1. 1/2 CA class, articles
2. Essay: write 1/2, classes 1/2, articles
3. Planout optional & mains prep
4. Write 1 MGP test/few questions
5. Hindu/daily CA
lol.
12th:
saw those 3 forum videos for 1st timers/rank improvement/2021
started CA class
13th:
somehow finished CA class
16th:
Monday 12th Oct Targets:
1. 1/2 CA class, articles
2. Essay: write 1/2, classes 1/2, articles
3. Planout optional & mains prep
4. Write 1 MGP test/few questions
5. Hindu/daily CA
lol.
12th:
saw those 3 forum videos for 1st timers/rank improvement/2021
started CA class
13th:
somehow finished CA class
14th & 15th:world history: IR & WW, wrote some answers, analyzed some old ones etc.CA classHindu/CA compilations of each daykuch likhne ko hai nahi kyunki kuch khaas padhai hui nahi. kuch kaamchori ka asar aur kuch lack of focus ka paridam.
16th:world history shaam 5 baje tak ->answer writing->IPC: Offences against property
16th:
Yoga
World History: AR, Unification of It/Ger
IPC: browsed through PYQs & bare provisions: theft & common intention etc.
Hindu/CA
must sit for long hours.
17th:
till 5 pm: World History: CW, ACW, FR, Misc ->answer writing
IPC: Finish Joint & Constructive Liability, start General Exceptions
Monday 12th Oct Targets:
1. 1/2 CA class, articles
2. Essay: write 1/2, classes 1/2, articles
3. Planout optional & mains prep
4. Write 1 MGP test/few questions
5. Hindu/daily CA
lol.
12th:
saw those 3 forum videos for 1st timers/rank improvement/2021
started CA class
13th:
somehow finished CA class
14th & 15th:world history: IR & WW, wrote some answers, analyzed some old ones etc.CA classHindu/CA compilations of each daykuch likhne ko hai nahi kyunki kuch khaas padhai hui nahi. kuch kaamchori ka asar aur kuch lack of focus ka paridam.
16th:world history shaam 5 baje tak ->answer writing->IPC: Offences against property16th:
Yoga
World History: AR, Unification of It/Ger
IPC: browsed through PYQs & bare provisions: theft & common intention etc.
Hindu/CA
must sit for long hours.
17th:
till 5 pm: World History: CW, ACW, FR, Misc ->answer writing
IPC: Finish Joint & Constructive Liability, start General Exceptions
17th:
did half CA class
18th:
nothing :/
19th:
1.5 CA class
Hindu/CA of each day
after pre I automatically got aligned to early birder routine. problem is I treat waking up early as a big achievement and think abhi toh pura dina pada hai. even "study within an hour of waking up" failed me today. anyhoo no point in this rona dhona.
20th-25th:
1. IPC & torts
2. CA class/articles when bored^
20th:
IPC: Joint & Constructive Liability, General Exceptions
7th: priority wise to-do
1. International Law: 1 reading of notes
2. CA class
3. 1 mgp mock
4. 1 essay class->write
must post hour wise routine
streak: 0
64 days
11:45-12:30: AWP
1:00-2:00: Intl Law
3:00-3:30: Hindu
6:30-8:00: CA class
10:00-2:00: Intl Law
streak: 1
63 days
8th:
1. Intl law
2. Contracts
3. MGP
4. Essay
A note to self
It's all coming back to me. This constant gnawing feeling that time is running out. Fact is that it is. I've been so anxious the past few weeks that I've been unable to get the best out of my day. Every time, I tell myself that maybe a break would sort it out. I take the break; still, it comes back to me. The only way seems to me to actually chew it up and spit it out.
I have so much left to do. I wish there were a way that one could just make a plan, stick to it, and see the whole thing through. There may be some who do it, and to them, I take my hat off. It's simply not my cup of tea. I've tried and I've failed a great number of times, just over the past month alone. The enormity of it all is mind-boggling and quite simply, overwhelming. I don't think I have been more stressed in my entire life.
If the past few years have taught me anything at all, it is that stress brings out the worst in me. I get nothing done, and I'm so fucking snappy. I've been easy going and a chiller my entire life. This part of my life calls for discipline that I can't seem to find. Even on the days that I find that discipline, I mostly end up finishing too little, comparing with what is left for me to do. Every day, there is renewed energy, but most nights, there's terrible anxiety.
I need to find a way to be calm. The only way that I can seem to do that right now is to allow for the possibility that it might not happen for me. I need to let go of the feeling that I am much closer to my goal. The closer I think I am, the more anxious I get about the result. I need to let it be. I need to remember that this is all not purely within my control. I need to be authentic. The only thing that I can do is to maximise my chances. The first thing I need to do towards that end is to find my lost confidence. I need to stomach the fact that my preparation will be far from perfect. Yet, I must prime myself for giving my best shot on the day. It's a funny little game, this.
Maximising my chances right now can only be done through shortcuts. It is clear as day to me. Be it in my optional or in GS, that is the only option that is open to me to even make a fight of it. Hence, I must take them. Shortcuts have served me well in my life. I think they are underrated. 250 or 150 words is all I need. Nothing less, nothing more. This is when the tables will turn. Whether I am able to see these 51 days through and keep my head about me will determine whether I am successful.
I need to keep faith, not in my reading or my preparation, but in myself. This is what gives me my best chance. There is simply no magic pill that works for me. Not hard work. Not smart work. Definitely not the beautiful strategy I penned down on a thread here when I was still naive.
The only time I was successful was when I was calm. So, maybe that is what I must bank on. Whatever it may be, I will face it. The only thing I can do now is to cover the gaping holes that I have in my preparation. My efforts will be towards that end because that is simply the only thing in my control. This is an exam that a person who does not have the same resources and privileges as me should be, and have cleared in the past. I've been making a mountain out of a reasonably large hill. I need to direct my efforts towards climbing that hill, not the mountain I've built up inside my head.
It's definitely daunting, but my head has been making it a hundred thousand times more daunting than it is. The time is ripe for simplification level Patootie. Break that shit down to manageable pieces. Do no more than that. If they are unmanageable pieces, do the manageable bits. If there are no manageable bits, it is by definition unmanageable.
So, here's the last plan that Imma make. It's the plan that I've always followed. The one where there is no plan. No schedule. No daily targets. Just execution. My exam is on January 8. Not the mock on Sunday. I know the parts where I'm weak, and I know the parts where I'm strong. It's only about putting my best foot forward on the day.
Cut the noise out. The noise inside my head, the noise from the mentor, the noise from the mock test feedback. Sometimes it gets too much that I feel like I can't hear the calming inner voice that is Patootie. I need to cut all of that out. That bubble is what I'm looking for again. It's a fookin utopia where everything is good. No matter what happens on the outside, everything is good inside Patootie's bubble.
I may not be able to make the exam work, but I'll find my peace again. That, to me, is the most important thing. If I can find that peace again, I feel life will be good. Life has to be good.
What if I fall? I'll get up, dust myself off and find myself another way.
But what if I fly? That's gonna be a whole new story altogether.
I had similar scorpions in my head, and hoped for a similar rescue. This gives so much clarity to that story. Thank you :)
contracts: 1 topic & more
read governance
factly/hindu
2nd June
same as 1st^
2nd:
factly/hindu
read governance, admin ethics & some society topics
wrote few answers on governance/admin ethics
3rd:
finish test^
close governance/admin ethics (for now)
if above done, take up Contracts
