A Mindset to Success

Whether dealing with high school or college-aged students, one fact is not disputable.Today’s younger generation has many distractions, and many do not possess the study skills necessary to do well. And, while we can lament the fast pace of life and the lack of time to study and prepare, the reality is that we have the same amount of hours in a day that our parents and  grandparents had, no more and no less. So, what has changed? Is it simply that a student needs more time to study? I submit that what he/she really needs is the ability to make better use of time and the ability to develop better skills so he/she can actually study less and make better grades. Most students will quickly assent to that proposal—Yes, I want to study less and make better grades! What thinking person would not want to buy into that strategy? Without a doubt, a better way to study should produce a better result. Furthermore, that is the problem, it is how we study. If you will simply follow the guidelines suggested here you should see an improvement in your learning ability and your resulting grades.

Setting priorities

The first rule for success with your studies involves a determination of what is most important. What do you consider important? You must recognize that success for most people involves setting priorities regarding time and resources. Remember that you and your friends all have the same amount of time to do what you want to do. The student who consistently makes good grades is no less stressed than you. He/she has the same number of hours per day as you. The difference is that they choose to spend those hours differently than others. You will find the time to do what you consider to be important to you. Determine what is important and do not let others, competing interests, or lesser goals detract from hitting your target. For many, the good may prevent your being the best. How many students allow other good things to encroach on their making the Honor Roll? While many good things always compete for your time and attention, always opt for the higher priorities over lesser ones.You and you alone, determine what is important. No one-not parents, acquaintances, or even a boy friend or girl friend, should determine your values. Young people tend to base important decisions on influences that will probably not even be in their lives in ten or twenty years. Remarkable how many life decisions are based on a boy friend or girl friend, whom you have no intention to marry, or may not even remember in ten years.

Develop Study Habits around Time and Place

Plan to study when you are most productive. For some, the morning hours before class are when your mind is most rested and able to produce the best work. For others, they function best in the afternoon or evening. Evaluate when you are most productive and schedule that time as your “study hours.” Having a consistent, scheduled time is vital for success. Use the time, whether you have pending assignments or not. If nothing is pressing use the time to review notes, read chapters, and do preliminary work on a coming class project. The discipline of having a scheduled time will mean less cramming for tests, or rushing to complete last minute assignments. The reward will be better quality work and better grades!

Where are you most productive?

While the “when” is important, the “where” determines how much work you can accomplish. Do not attempt to study in high traffic areas or public places. Avoid distractions by turning off your cell phone and TV. The idea that one studies better with “noise” or music playing says more about habit than efficiency. Although it is possible to learn despite the competition from other sources, the amount you learn is greatly diminished. Develop a work area which is conducive to study. Having a study location means it takes less time to settle in, and you can avoid wasting time looking for things you need. The discipline of when and where you study will mean more energy can be applied to study itself.

Conclusion

Effective study habits begin by setting priorities and then re-enforcing those priorities with simply disciplines like set study times and a quiet, undisturbed study location. Unfortunately, students without scheduled study times end up spending more time dreading the task than working on it. Begin now to develop the right mindset. The mindset for success begins with right thinking. You have goals and you must develop the right attitude to reach them.

By Dr M Smith