Physics Help » Study Skills

Take Control of Your Life

Shorten your study time as much as possible.

Many people believe that to get better marks they have to

work harder and devote longer hours to study. Unfortunately,

this approach can lead to fatigue, stress, and burnout, which

can actually interfere with learning. Having fun, exercising,

and socializing with friends and loved ones is rejuvenating.

You learn more when you are happy, think clearly and work efficiently.

Focus on accomplishing things instead of doing things.

Replace your "to do" list with a "goals" list. Each day decide what

needs to get accomplished, breaking down long projects into

bite-sized pieces. Prioritize each outcome according to how much

long term benefit you get from accomplishing them. One

of your highest priority goals is to rejuvenate yourself. Work long

enough to secure the benefits you need - no more, no less.

Working longer hours for the sake of working is counter-productive

(see above). Working less doesn't get you what you need.

Your needs are as worthwhile as someone else's - maybe even

more worthwhile. Focus your talents and resources on obtaining

your long term benefits. Avoid tasks or "favors" that benefit others

but not you.

Let the answering machine handle phone calls. Delete cutesy

but time-wasting forwarded emails without reading them.

Require others to conform to your schedule.

1. Whose problem is it?

2. What is it worth to them to solve it?

3. What would it take to solve it?

4. Given your answers to (3) and (4), is the problem worth solving?

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Leverage others'

time and talent particularly when they can achieve an outcome

more quickly or cheaply than you can.

Network to find or create a study or support group.