In our previous article, we discussed how Habits are the compound interest of small changes. Hence, it is important to develop a sustained habit of studying to improve our scores. By adopting these 3 techniques, you are bound to see a boost in the long run.
1. Implementation intentions
Most of us tend to be too vague about our intentions. To actually follow through on your intentions :
Prominent/obvious cues - Instead of putting up motivational posters, put up diagrams, reactivity series, or working of an electric motor so that every time you look at it, you are coerced into studying out of compulsion or even guilt.
Definite/precise goals - Instead of forming vague goals like ‘I will study better’, create precise ones like ‘2 hours target to practice all NCERT examples and 2 exercises of Heron’s formula’. This way, when you sit to study, you won’t distract yourself with what to study, where to start, etc.
2. Temptation bundling
“More probable behaviors reinforce the less probable ones”.
James Clear, Author, Atomic Habits
Try taking a behavior that you think of as important but unappealing and link it to a behavior that you’re drawn to – one that will generate a motivating dopamine hit.
Pomodoro it- An Italian technique of setting your timer at 25 minutes followed by a break of five minutes; rinse and repeat.
Eg. the target is to finish metal and nonmetals. Set up a Pomodoro of 25 minutes, followed by scrolling/walking/chatting whatever you feel like. When the alarm goes off, back to metals
Token reward- You know how IG gives you an ‘official blue tick’ after you accumulate a certain number of followers, followed by a silver and gold button on every milestone after that. Similarly, you can give yourself a star every time you complete Chemistry, then physics, then biology. These 3 stars can then be converted into watching an episode of your desired show.
This way, even if you don’t want to study, you’ll become conditioned to it if it means you get to watch your favorite show.
3. Make it easily doable
“Habits are easier to build when they fit into the flow of your life”.
James Clear, Author, Atomic Habits
Energy is precious, and the brain is wired to conserve it whenever possible. It is human nature to follow the Law of Least Effort, which states that when deciding between two similar options, people gravitate toward the option that requires the least amount of work.
Reduce friction
You are more likely to study, if you are part of a peer group that is invested in studying, are into academic co-curricular, etc, even if it is just to save face or be validated by your peers
Eg. Instead of calling a friend to discuss a doubt and digressing into gossip, text them to keep it short
.Instead of studying on the balcony, with tons of activities of the neighbors to distract you, sit in a quiet corner where you won’t fave these frictions
Choose your medium of Learning
Visual Learners should draw flow charts, diagrams, use colors, and highlighters while Audio Learners should make acronyms, rhyming words, refer to audiobooks.