I was not sure how much work I would get done over Christmas so I just scheduleed a few chapters of reading over the week and no lab time. Turns out I was able to read about double what I expected which I was happy with. I think the key that helped me stay on track over the past week while I was out of town was to first set a realistic expectation of what I could do. For me I was at my in-laws and out of town so I knew I time would be limited that I could go off by myself and focus. Because of that I kept the plan realisitic and even slightly underestimated what I could get done. The second key was to have a real plan. I did not just say “we’ll see what I get done” but had a wrtitten plan of what I knew I had to get done. I know of some who got multiple labs in but that was just not going to happen for me. Now I am back at it full swing and trying to plan out the next 3 months exactly what I am going to to studying on what days.
You’re right about having realistic goals and writing them down. The times I’m able to accomplish my goals I follow those two principles, too.
Having an idea of what I was going to do and when I was going to do it really helped me focus, so i think this is a good idea. Good luck with the study