What do Mozart, Edison, Darwin, and Curie all have in common? Persistence. During my endeavor as a College student, I hit a rough patch one unforgettable semester. It was my first semester taking full-time core classes for my biology degree. Consistently studying and preparing for test days, my perseverance was slowly withering after receiving unmerited grades. Sadly, the semester ended with my first broken chain of straight A’s. Negativity and discouragement about my future began to accumulate. With the new semester and harder classes creeping up, I started studying using different techniques like color-coding notes and jamming to Beethoven, hoping it would help. Filled with anxiety and the despair of failing, once again, I have received a disappointing grade.
All the hard work down the drain while my over-confident colleague studies a minimum amount for top notch grades. Followed by a mini break down, I desperately asked my friend how he does it. His response was simple, he merely reads it and grasps the information. That one sentence advice was my epiphany to the world of studying. It is all about working SMARTER not harder. After implementing my successful new study plan, I have received a higher grade than anticipated. In addition to studying smarter, teaching yourself the material concisely and persistently plays a drastic role.
The days of wasted time and sleep over-studying forever vanish. I now have a nonchalant attitude on test days and am confident that anything below a B will not come unexpectedly. Likewise, the new study tactics also meant working on my mindset. The psychological part of life is crucial, and our mind is a very powerful tool. Unfortunately, the majority of students (which included me) have a fixed mindset, which is a belief that intelligence is innate, making striving to learn to seem far less important than being or looking smart.
This mindset causes one to lose confidence and motivation when the work is no longer easy for them. In contrast, having a “growth mindset” encourages focus on effort rather than on intelligence or talent. A growth mindset is all about persistence, trying again after failing. Take Thomas Edison for example, Edison made one-thousand unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. He didn’t see it as failing but solely being steps closer to succeeding. Similarly, hard work and discipline contribute much more to school and achievement than IQ does.
Tips on how to study and receive the grade you deserve:
Think Positive:Mind over matter, always. We tend to hear this almost every day but how much of positive thinking filters in our mind? No matter how much a person studies, if one is constantly a gray cloud, do not expect to get sunshine grades. Always remember you are a beautiful intellectual specimen. Positive thinking means loving yourself and becoming a confident Cristina Yang. YOU GOT THIS.
Focus:Studying for a test while snap-chatting and singing your heart out to a Taylor Swift song? Good luck remembering what you’ve just read. In order for our brain to retain any information, we need to be entirely focused on one task. Think of it like taking a picture, one can only focus a camera on one object or the photo will come out blurry. Our brain works pretty much the same.
Study smarter not harder:
Ever studied for a test by rereading the material a plethora of times and still not grasping what you’ve read? Yup, me too. Diminish your work by studying the material with full attention and grasp everything you have read on the first try. It’s crucial to teach yourself (in your own words) everything you’ve just read to retain the information. Studying smarter with a positive mindset will guarantee you the A you deserve.
Never give up:
Many great known scientist, artists, and leaders impacted the world we live in by persistent efforts. Life is not all rainbow and butterflies, you will fail. Actually, failing is a crucial part of life and a key factor for growth. As cliché as it sounds, it is utterly important to keep fighting the good fight. Life is too short to dwell on the temporary dilemma of what one cannot do. Start working toward your goals by shunning negativity and distractions, including that little discouraging voice.
Surround yourself with great people:
“If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” Associate yourself with intellectually stimulating and loving people. Find the right study group that helps you succeed and roots for your success. One cannot survive this world without an uplifting squad.
Love to learn:
Knowledge is power. One does not have to be born gifted or talented to be a knowledgeable person. It is all about the effort one makes to learn. Read a book or article, watch documentaries, and install a fun fact app. Our brain is like a sponge, the more you learn the more information your brain will absorb. We live in an era where a wealth of knowledge is at our fingertips. Endless apps and websites are freely available for one’s advantage.