Engineers are known for their ability to iterate, automate and optimise. Apply a little of this thinking to make your everyday life easier!
1. Test and tweak
Engineers don’t expect to get everything perfect on the first try, and you shouldn’t either. It’s ok to test ideas, then tweak them. Not just once! This can happen over and over. For example, if you’re struggling with study techniques, you can try flashcards, drawing diagrams, or studying with friends. If none of those are right, it’s no big deal – try a different approach like listening to podcasts, watching videos or reading books. Then it’s time to tweak even more! You might like certain podcasts or books better than others. It’s all about iteration!
2. Automate boring stuff
Why do the same boring thing over and over? Yawn! Engineers find ways to automate tasks, and you can too. Set up shortcuts on your devices to find commonly used programs and apps, use filters and rules to sort your emails, set reminders to stretch and drink water. More automation = less stress.
3. Optimise your schedule
Engineers know optimisation is all about getting the best results for any given problem. You can take a look at your schedule to optimise your ability to study. Schedule your trickiest homework for when you’re likely to be most awake and focused, and save less complex tasks like tidying up for lower-energy times.
This article originally appeared in Careers with STEM: Engineering 2025
