A successful student reports
When I was studying, I quickly realised that it wasn’t about motivation or perfect conditions – it was about consistency. I deliberately avoided music, whether it was relaxing lo-fi beats or classical pieces. It was important to me not to be entertained, but to concentrate fully on the material.
Instead of waiting for myself to feel ready, I just got started. I learnt that the perfect moment never comes – and that waiting is often just a form of procrastination. So I took action before I felt ready.
I also didn’t try to read or learn everything. Instead, I learnt to quickly filter out the most important 20 percent of the material – the content that is really crucial. I deliberately ignored the rest in order to use my time efficiently.
I set my study times early, often as early as seven in the morning – even at weekends. While others were still asleep or recovering from partying, I sat in the library. I didn’t drink alcohol because I realised that it drained my energy and postponed my study times.
These choices weren’t always easy, but they helped me to stay focussed and make real progress. It wasn’t the most spectacular or convenient learning system – but it was honest, clear and effective.