Study Tips
“Let him who would enjoy a good future waste none of his present.” - Roger Babson
Everyone can benefit from good studying habits. Those that need the most help studying are ones that can always find a reason not to study. This art of excuse making is known as procrastination, and can be lethal to one’s grades if it gets the best of them. So to help start the New Year right, here are some tips for that large niche of anti-study experts.
Have Fun
Make it fun for you to study and it can be a lot easier. What makes something fun is up for debate, but typically anything that can be put into a game can be fun. Look for ways to put your notes, or study materials into a game type format. One simple way to do this is bet yourself you can’t remember all the terms on flash cards. By creating this wager, you will have a stake in making it happen. Once you begin to work with the flash cards it may become apparent how much work you need to do, this can help prevent procrastination. Another fun game you can play is to quiz a peer on what you are learning. This will ideally create a discussion about the topic you are learning and hopefully will stay with you up to the test.
Be Accountable
Report your earnings when studying. In the business world large companies will report their earnings to investors, giving them an honest candid look at their business. If you report your earnings, or grades, to your investors, typically your parents, spouse or friends you will become more invested in your progress. If you have no one to impress you may be less motivated to study for a test. On the other hand if you know everyone is going to be asking you how you did on the test, you might be more motivated to keep studying instead of procrastinating.
Reward Yourself
Reward yourself for a job well done. Set rewards in advance, to give you something to work towards. Rewards can vary, but the common element of a reward is that it is pleasing to the one receiving it. Pick your favorite restaurant, and take yourself there after you’ve taken a test for which you prepared. Regardless of the grade you get on the test, the reward will help create an incentive for you.
Procrastinators typically get off track by purposely ignoring the assignment. By facing your problem, creating a system for fun, and rewarding yourself procrastinating will be a thing of the past.