📢 Hey there, 👋 Friends! Welcome to My Blog Post. 🌟 Ready to turbocharge your study game? 🚀 Discover the scientific magic behind effective learning it's not just about hitting the books but working smarter, not harder! 📚 Let's embark on a journey that combines the wisdom of science with a dash of practicality, making studying not just bearable but downright enjoyable full with motivation! So let's Start 👇 and don't forget to " Like, Share and Follow."
1. Motivation Behind Studying
Find Your "Why"
To fix a motivational slump you need to find or remember your purpose: your internal motivations to study, your reasons why.
How? By answering one important question:
Why do I want to achieve academic success?
(If that question doesn't work for you, try one of these: Why do I want to study? What compels me to study? Why do I want to learn?)
The answers are probably not immediately obvious and that's OK! In fact, if they aren't then this exercise will be even more important for your motivation.
So grab that pencil and paper, find a comfy seat, browse our list of suggestions, and spend 15 minutes identifying and writing down the reasons why that resonate with you. This is an exercise that will work wonders for your motivation whichever stage of your academic journey you maybe at high school, college, university, research, or studying for a different qualification. You can even use it to remind yourself why you've started down your academic path.
And you don't have to get it right the first time as your academic journey progresses, you're sure to find more reasons why to add to your list! Think of it as a project you can keep coming back to every time you need a motivational boost.
In fact, finding your internal purpose for studying is one of the most effective motivational factors that can drive you to pursue your goals.
Moreover, the motivation to succeed is often stronger when you have a clear idea about the next steps you want to take in life so 5 Study Stimulus knowing your reasons for studying is a solid foundation for setting yourself meaningful study goals!
Lets get started with those reasons!
1. The joy of success and achievement
There's nothing quite like the rush of pride and relief when you reach your goals or achieve the grades you want. Particularly if they're top grades.
These achievements provide important boosts to self-confidence and self-esteem.
Until then, visualizing the moment you get your grades can be a powerful incentive to keep going!
2. Earn praise from others
Wanting to please your parents and teachers and make them proud is a high motivator.
Don't forget to find a reason to pursue your studies for yourself too!
Alternatively, perhaps you want to be praised as someone intelligent and smart: and need to study for the grades and qualifications that will help you achieve that goal.
3. Be the best
Many of us have a competitive spirit that drives us to be the best in our class, our year, our field
Competition is a common motivational kite!
Becoming the best, at the top of your field, it is a lofty goal BUT definitely achievable.
4. Engage with your self-development
Here's another way to be the best:
Working towards being the best version of yourself is highly 6 Study Stimulus motivating and rewarding, and a key benefit of continual studying.
What's more, knowing that you're developing good habits and continually learning new skills empowers you and gives you courage and confidence to face challenges in life.
5. Secure a place at a good university or programme
Do you want to study abroad? Qualify for a particular course? Attend the top university in the world for your subject?
Your academic track record usually determines whether you get to study your ideal subject at your dream institution.
So achieving the right grades throughout your academic journey is important, either to meet the course requirements, or to be awarded scholarships or research grants.
6. Plan for the future
What future do your envision for yourself?
It might not be part of your plan yet, but long-term goals about your future lifestyle (and that of your potential family) are definitely worth considering!
Ask yourself: Where do I want to be in 10 years time? Or in 20, or 30 years?
7. Live with no regrets
Whilst it might not seem believable now, decades down the line you will be grateful that you gave it your best shot and took all the opportunities offered to you.
8. Achieve things others haven't
There are two main reasons to continue one's educational journey:
Firstly, you might long to achieve academic success because others in your family or community haven't had that opportunity.
Alternatively, you might hope to one day make innovations and inventions to improve human society to become a valuable 7 Study Stimulus specialist in your field in your country, even globally!
Let the desire to excel be the fuel that drives your motivation to study.
9. Prove others wrong
Perhaps someone (even your past self) once doubted you would ever amount to much.
The desire to prove yourself, and stand up to the doubters from your past, can be a strong motivator to succeed in your academic career!
10. Enjoy the challenge its fun!
Perhaps you're motivated to study because you enjoy the challenge of learning and engaging with new material.
Knowing that you're using your brain and expanding your knowledge can be hugely satisfying (and as an added bonus, staves off boredom!).
11. To gain knowledge
Continually learning and accumulating knowledge isn't only satisfying and fun it can also build your confidence and strength as a person, fill your curiosity about the world, and help you to develop important life skills.
12. Understand how the world you live in works
This is one for those of you with boundless curiosity, for there is so much to learn about the world!
Whether your subject is Computer Science, Data Structures, Networking, Operating Systems, Physics, Economics, Psychology, History
Learning about our cultures and societies, our histories, and the Earth itself, will help you better understand your place in it, and even develop a better sense of self and where you want to go.
2. Self-Discipline Is A Superpower
Do you want a Superpower? Something which is better than flying high with a cape or running faster than the train. A superpower which is even better than predicting your own future. Yes, it exists. And it is called Self-discipline!
What is Self-discipline?
Self-discipline is a superpower that not only predicts your future, but also helps in transforming it into a reality. It is a bridge that'll take you from where you are now, to where you want to be in the future.
A famous quote from Spiderman, With great power comes great responsibility holds true in the case of self-discipline. It isnt easy to be disciplined. But it is profitable and healthy. Being self-disciplined 9 Study Stimulus requires small sacrifices to gain bigger benefits in the future.
For instance, you have to avoid that one slice of Pizza on your cheat day. You have to resist from hitting snooze when the alarm hits at 6:00 a.m. You have to stop yourself from texting that toxic person who broke your heart. All these temptations stop you from being a better version of yourself.
I know it sounds tough and boring. You may think there's no harm in making small exceptions. But, you will notice that you often fail to control all these temptations. This is where self-discipline kicks in to save the day.
Why is Self-discipline Necessary?
Abraham Lincoln once said, Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most. If you can focus on what you want the most, you'll understand that most of the daily temptations are nothing but hurdles in achieving your ultimate goal.
I've heard people debating on the importance of self-discipline as if its an option or a choice. No, it isn't an option. Self-discipline is a necessity if you want to make the best out of the limited time you have.
It will help you focus
The most efficient way to get what you want is by developing a sharp focus that'll act as a catalyst for your success. In a world full of distractions, self-discipline will help you stay focused on your goal.
It will teach you how to say No
There are many situations where you may have wanted to say NO, but you just couldn't do it. It might be peer pressure, emotional pressure or social pressure. Fortunately, self-discipline will allow you to stick to your decision and take a stand for yourself.
It will help you raise the bar
When you are self-disciplined, you keep your home clean, regulate your finances, and stay fit and healthy. Being disciplined will force 10 Study Stimulus you to raise your standards to meet your expectations.
It will create respect
We all admire those whore willing to make their life better and have long term plans and goals. If you're disciplined, focused and driven, people will respect you for it.
It will increase your confidence
When you are self-disciplined, you'll develop a respect for yourself. Self-respect will give you confidence when you'll talk to friends and colleagues. This will highlight your positivity at work as well as among your family and friends.
It will get sh*t done
Emotions play a big role in what we do. No matter how much you love to read, write, sing or dance, sometimes you don't feel like doing it. Self-discipline helps develop habits that'll help you bypass your emotions to get important things done even when you don't want to do them.
It will make you a valuable asset
We all love to have someone to depend on. If you're disciplined, people will know that you can be trusted to do a job, and they can rely on you for getting things done. This quality will also improve your chances of getting promoted at the workplace.
It will give you freedom
When you're self-disciplined, you are also very organized. Due to this, you stick to a schedule and get all your work done on time, leaving enough free time to do whatever else you want to do.
It will ensure you make progress
We often tend to put off things as much as we can. Self-discipline kicks the habit of procrastination straight out of the window. If you learn to manage tome efficiently and focus just on your goal, you'll make quick progress.
It will help you become responsible
Planning before starting work will make you responsible for your actions. Self-discipline will ensure that all your actions would be 11 Study Stimulus well-planned.
How to Develop Self-discipline?
Exercising your willpower keeps you disciplined. However, it is a finite resource and you cant rely only on it. That is why you have to develop self-discipline so that the lack of willpower wont invite procrastination or doubt.
1. Get out of your comfort zone
Think about all those important things you've given up just because you may experience a little discomfort. If you want to be disciplined, you need to practice being uncomfortable.
Take a cold shower, ask your crush out, apply for that leave that you have due, bargain at the market. What would be the worst outcome? A little discomfort, a temporary rejection, or a little embarrassment. But if you succeed, the rewards will far outweigh the labours.
2. Learn to make a habit
Start with something small and stick to it. For example, waking up early, meditating for 15 minutes daily, or going for a morning walk. Stick to the schedule without any exception.
To make it easier on yourself, choose something you're confident about. Once your tolerance increases, you'll be able to set up the big goals like exercising daily and planning your diet chart.
3. Get rid of temptations
You'll need to understand the triggers that are stopping you from being self-disciplined. For example, you cant plan a healthy diet if your refrigerator is full of cheesecakes and pints of beer.
Self-control is easy when you don't have distractions around you. Make a list of things that are moving you away from your goal and get rid of them as soon as possible.
4. Take care of yourself
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, basic needs like food, 12 Study Stimulus shelter, warmth and rest come before your psychological and self-fulfillment needs.
You must take care of your basic needs if you would like to be self-disciplined and achieve big in the future. Eat healthy and stay hydrated, do sufficient exercise and get enough sleep to keep yourself fit and alert.
5. Monitor your progress
Its important to track your progress and check how far you've travelled. Make a checklist on an app or keep a calendar to mark your daily routine.
Self-monitoring gives you confidence and makes it easier for you to track your weaknesses and opportunity areas. Once you find out your weakness, it'll be much easier to tackle it.
Remember, self-discipline is not a days or a months process. It takes time to develop. Have faith in yourself and do not compare your progress with others. You'll definitely achieve your goals in due time if you're willing to work hard.
As stated by one of the greatest minds in history, Nikola Tesla, I could only achieve success in my life through self-discipline, and I applied it until my wish and my will became one."
3. Study Techniques
The Feynman Technique
The Feynman Technique is a mental model and strategy for learning something new and committing it to memory. It is often used in exam preparation and for understanding difficult concepts. Physicist Richard Feynman developed this method, and its a powerful technique to explain anything.
Understanding the Feynman technique -
The Feynman technique is named after Nobel prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, who developed the technique to understand a topic in its entirety.
There are four steps to the technique:
Pick a topic that you want to understand completely. Although Feynman used the technique to study physics, it can be used for any topic.
Once you think you have an adequate understanding, explain it to someone else as if they were grade 6 students. The use of plain and simple language is key.
If there are gaps in the explanation or if you resort to technical terms, go back to the source material to better understand it.
Review what you have learned and then repeat the process from step 2. The concept must be understood by a person with no prior base knowledge on the topic.
The premise behind the Feynman technique is an Albert Einstein quote: If you cant explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
Thieves Study Technique
How do you read? Most students open the book to the page number and go--they do not have a sense of what they are about to learn in the chapter or how the information connects.
What is THIEVES?
THIEVES is a reading strategy that allows you to get a big-picture view of the chapter before you begin reading it. It essentially primes your brain to better retain and understand the importance and relevance of the information within your course. We recommend applying the THIEVES strategy before beginning your comprehensive read of the content, and especially before attending your lecture/discussion. Its like using a map!
If I were to plop you somewhere in the forest and point to a mountain peak and tell you to get there, your experience would be stressful. Just like reading without using THIEVES beforehand, you will not know what landmarks/ topics to look for. You also wouldn't know how long it would take you to reach your destination, or what it looks like. However, using THIEVES beforehand will help you identify those landmarks and your destination for the chapter. This, in turn, will make your reading and lecture hall experiences less stressful because you will not be lost. With it, you will know what information the chapter will be uncovering, how long it will take you to read it, and you will see how the content all connects together.
The Pomodoro Technique
This is a super simple method to help you get your tasks done. Named after a pomodoro (tomato) kitchen timer, the essence of it involves considering in advance how many pomodoros you might need for what you want to get done, setting your timer for, normally, 25 minutes and then focusing on your task until the times up. Then 17 Study Stimulus take a 5 minute break. That's one pomodoro. After you've done four pomodoros take a longer break, of about 30 minutes.
Some tips:
Protect your pomodoro from distractions make sure that you spend the full 25 minutes on your task. If people want things, let them know you'll get back to them after your pomodoro.
Take an honest time out in your breaks no sneaky working.
Its flexible, not rigid. If you need longer or shorter times, that's OK. Its about what helps you focus.
You only need a timer, but there are a number of simple apps that can help if you want to try it too, like this nice one with a bear: Bear Focus Timer.
In short breaks try to stay away from mobile devices and other tech gadgets spend this time reflecting or try to meditate for 5 min.
In longer breaks you may use devices as your reward.
Zeigarnik Effect
The Zeigarnik Effect is a phenomenon where people tend to remember unfinished tasks better than completed tasks.
This simple psychological phenomenon has a large impact on self improvement. By understanding how to use the Zeigarnik Effect you can improve your life in many ways. Such as:
Better Recall.
Zeigarnik Effect supports the idea of taking breaks or being interrupted while working on a project to help increase your ability to retain information.
So, lets say you're studying for a test. Rather than trying to learn all of the information the night before, it is far better to stretch the learning over multiple study sessions. The way that the Zeigarnik effects works for you because the tension of the incomplete lessons helps you remember what you learned during the test.
It can increase your motivation.
If you have a goal in mind, even if you are working on something 18 Study Stimulus entirely unrelated, you will keep thinking of that goal until it is achieved. And, having these intrusive thoughts routinely pop into your mind will make you want to attain the goal even more.
It can reduce your tendency to procrastinate.
If you take the Zeigarnik Effect into consideration, you will be more likely to take the first step to completing an assignment long before its due-even simple tasks. After you have started a project, you will find that you keep thinking about the unfinished work until it is completed. Every little step you take to work on the project brings you closer to completion, which will not only give you the motivation that you need to finish it, but also free up your mental capacity and allow you to start working on other tasks.
It can increase your productivity.
Stress can be a negative consequence of the Zeigarnik Effect. We think about incomplete tasks, which lead to undue stress. But by knowing about the Zeigarnik Effect we can intentionally complete tasks before taking on new tasks. Write everything down that you still need to work on to help close the mental loops in order to reduce the mental strain that unfinished business can cause.
The Spacing Effect
This method challenges time-consuming and sometimes stressful routines such as re-reading, cramming, and tedious, single-minded repetition. Psychologists have found that we remember information more easily and retain it for a longer time when we learn it in multiple, spread-out sessions, rather than in one big session or sessions very close to each other in time. You wouldn't expect to build strong muscles from one long and intense workout instead, you'd work out in shorter sessions every few days. Our brain actually works in a similar way, which is why the best way to build strong neural connections is to spread out your practice.
We need to stop mindless cramming and focus on what actually works: spaced repetition.
Spaced repetition just requires forward planning and a small investment of time to set up a system but in the long run, it saves us time.
A typical spaced repetition system includes these key components:
A schedule for review of information. Typical systems involve going over information after an hour, then a day, then every other day, then weekly, then fortnightly, then monthly, then every six months, and finally annually. Guess correctly and the information moves to the next level and is reviewed less often. Guess incorrectly and it moves down a level and is reviewed more often.
A means of storing and organizing information. Flashcards or spaced repetition software (such as Anki and SuperMemo) are the most common options. Software has the obvious advantage of requiring little effort to maintain, and of having an inbuilt repetition schedule. Anecdotal evidence suggests that writing information out on flashcards contributes to the retention process.
A metric for tracking progress. Spaced repetition systems work best if they include built-in positive reinforcement. This is why learning programs like Duolingo and Memrise incorporate a points system, daily goals, leaderboards and so on. Tracking progress gives us a sense of progression and improvement.
A set duration for review sessions. If we practice for too long, our attention wanes and of the amount of information we retain decreases. Likewise, a session needs to be long enough to ensure focused immersion. A typical recommendation is no more than 30 minutes, with a break before any other review sessions.
The spacing effect is a perfect example of how much more effective we can be if we understand how our minds work, and use them in an optimal way. All you need to learn something for life are flashcards and a schedule. Then, of course, you're free to move on to actually applying and using what you've learned.
Animedoro
The animedoro technique, invented by Josh Chen, is a perfect work time management method for people who need more time to focus and for those who love watching anime or shows.
It is based on the pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of break, after 4 cycles there is a longer break.
The animedoro changes this technique into 40 to 60 minutes of work and 20 minutes of watching an anime or a show (or other activities) of your choice.
Why the animedoro technique can be better than the pomodoro technique?
The animedoro technique lets you study for a longer period ( 40/60 minutes). This amount of time is good for people who need a lot of time to study or to complete a task or to just concentrate.
Also, you'll feel more motivated to study because after the 40 minutes are gone you'll be rewarded by watching an episode of your favorite show or anime.
As Josh Chen says: If you are enjoying the show or the anime that you are watching you will probably want to see the next episode, and that can be a strong motivator to get you to do that next 40/60 minutes of work. Also, you have to watch only 20 minutes of an anime /show. Don't binge. Go back to work immediately afterwards.
4.Overcoming Procrastination And Learning Prioritization
Why do we procrastinate?
Procrastination is the act of prioritizing less urgent and more pleasurable tasks over the more important stuff. In other words, procrastination grows from our inability to prioritize effectively. This failure to prioritize correctly stems from either a fear of doing something, from unreasonable expectations or simply because we haven't generated enough reasons to get the job done.
The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.
Stephen R. Covey, author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People .
Here are some tactics others have employed to force you to be a more thoughtful prioritizer. Think Like a President
Specifically, think like President Dwight Eisenhower. A top U.S. 23 Study Stimulus general in World War II, Ike went on to serve two terms in the White House. He was also an organizational guru who allegedly adhered to an elegantly simple method for sorting and prioritizing tasks: I have two kinds of problems, the urgent and the important. The urgent are not important, and the important are never urgent. This was later immortalized by management experts as the Eisenhower Matrix.
The Eisenhower Matrix places anything you could spend your time doing on two spectrum: one going from the most urgent possible task to the least urgent, and the other going from critically important to totally inconsequential-and using this divides your world into four quadrants.
Get Real About What's Really Important
The reality, however, is that you cant get to Q2 until you first get some control over Q1 goals and set aside the unimportant tasks clamoring for your attention in Q3. To gain further clarity, we will need to do some ruthless sorting of our to-do list, in order to find out what needs doing right now, and what you need to commit to doing at a specific time in the near future. In other words, defining what goes in Q1 and Q2.
To make this process more visceral, some people will write down tasks on scraps of paper, then run what amounts to a priority Olympics, pitting them against each other to find the champion of importance also this may seem childish, but by forcing yourself to consider each activity under this focused spotlight it is harder to live in denial i.e., that reorganizing our pens by color shade is really as essential to our happiness as finding our tax records 24 Study Stimulus for the accountant. Remember, we are trying to think consciously about making decisions which our (procrastinating) brain has been deciding subconsciously.
Once we have prioritized a project, it may still seem quite daunting. We cant underestimate how much our fears of failure, of pain, of risk can quickly drive us right over to the distracting relief of Quadrant 4. Thus, it is very much in our interest to decrease the anxiety we feel about those Quadrant 1 and 2 items.
One classic approach to decrease stress is to spend some time thoughtfully breaking larger, complex tasks into their component pieces. Facing a messy room is overwhelming, but if you can target each area of the room as a separate job first the desk, then the bed, etc. it can powerfully shift the tipping point needed to begin work. Remember, marathons are run step by step and buildings are built plank by plank.
5. Focus And Concentration
How many times have you sat at your desk and tried to focus on a task, only to find that your mind is wandering?
Despite your best intentions, you just can't concentrate. We've all been in this frustrating situation, and it's something that can really undermine our performance.
We'll review strategies that you can use to improve your concentration and to reduce your daily distractions.
Environment
Your personal work environment plays a large role in your ability to concentrate. The more comfortable and welcoming your environment is, the easier it will be for you to stay work there and focus.
Here are some ideas for improving your physical environment:
Make sure you're comfortable Start by ensuring that your chair and desk are at the right height for you to work comfortably. If your chair is too high or your desk is too low, you'll be uncomfortable, and thus tempted to use this as an excuse to get up and walk away.
Put up pictures Viewing a natural scene or watching wildlife can help improve concentration. If you're able to put up pictures in your office or work area, then choose landscapes or natural images that you enjoy. This can help your focus, especially if you can see the pictures from your desk.
Shut out distractions as much as possible Listening to music can help, especially if it's instrumental music. Some people even use "white noise" apps these produce a steady, background sound like ocean waves or falling rain which drown out other noise, helping you focus better and ignore distractions.
Quench Your Thirst
A study in the Journal of Nutrition concluded that mild dehydration (so subtle that you don't really feel it) can lead to lack of concentration. When the brain detects even the smallest changes in physiology, it may begin operating at a suboptimal level to get your attention, explains study co-author Dr Harris Lieberman, a psychologist at the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine. Thirst is not the best measure of hydration, so a decrease in your ability to focus is an early warning signal that its time to drink up.
Pick a Good Time
Our bodies run on a 24-hour circadian cycle. This is the reason that we often feel alert or tired around the same times each day. The circadian cycle influences fluctuation in body functioning and regulates changes in body temperature, heart rate and hormone secretion. Research shows that these changes have a direct influence on our cognitive functioning, such as decision-making and memory. Everybody has an optimal time of the day when they get their best work done. During this time focus on your most challenging tasks as this is when you generally feel most alert and productive. For the majority this optimal time is in the morning.
🔴Sources:
https://efficientlearning.org/2016/06/28/procrastination-and-prioritization/
https://www.sacap.edu.za/blog/applied-psychology/how-to-concentrate-on-studies/
Why Is Self-discipline Necessary And How To Develop It? - Writacle
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The Pomodoro Technique . Sketchplanations
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Editor. Procrastination and Prioritization. Scheer Class, 28 June 2016, https://efficientlearning.org/2016/06/28/procrastination-and-prioritization/.
How to Use the Zeigarnik Effect to Improve Your Life. Develop Good Habits, 15 Dec. 2020, https://www.developgoodhabits.com/zeigarnik-effect/.
Isa. The Animedoro Technique: A New Version of the Pomodoro Technique. Medium, 9 Mar. 2021, https://medium.com/writers-blokke/ the-animedoro-technique-a-new-version-of-the-pomodoro-technique-e44a78b8a9e0.
Nydia. Why Is Self-Discipline Necessary And How To Develop It? Writacle, 23 July 2020, https://writacle.com/2020/07/23/why-self-discipline-is-necessary-and-how-to-develop-it/.
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What Is The Feynman Technique And Why It Matters In Business. FourWeekMBA, 1 Aug. 2021, https://fourweekmba.com/feynman-technique/
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