How to Achieve Your Study Goals by Focusing on What Matters
Thoughts of studying for a degree or certification can be daunting. It’s easy to feel like you’re facing an impossible task when looking at the mountain of material in front of you.
But it’s important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere, and with a bit of focus on your goals, you can achieve great success.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to focus on what matters and make steady progress towards your study goals.
Why Do Some People Find Studying So Difficult?
If you’re finding revising and studying hard, you’re not alone! Regardless of how old they are, many people find it challenging to sit down and study because there are other things they’d rather be doing.
Distractions, a lack of motivation and not understanding the topic can all contribute towards a study block.
Also, if you don’t enjoy a particular subject, it can be difficult to get excited about studying – especially if the purpose is to pass your exams.
However, most would agree that studying is essential, and while we don’t enjoy every subject, it’s best to commit yourself to learning because it will enhance your future.
The Best Ways To Focus On Your Studies
There are many ways to focus on your studies, and it ultimately comes down to finding a system that works for you.
Let’s take a look at some top tips from our tutors.
Get organised
Organising yourself might seem like an obvious one, but it’s essential to have a plan when you sit down to study. You should know what material you need to cover and have some structure.
Ultimately your priority should be to make the process less daunting and more manageable by knowing what you’re hoping to achieve and highlighting the areas you need to study.
Prioritise sleep and exercise
It’s important to take care of your body when studying, including getting enough sleep and exercise.
When you’re tired, it’s difficult to concentrate, and regular exercise will help increase blood flow to the brain, improving your focus and concentration.
Set achievable goals
Trying to learn everything in one sitting is impossible and will only lead to frustration. Instead, break your goals down into manageable chunks and focus on one thing at a time.
Having an overall objective in place, such as getting at least a passing grade on your exams, is a good starting point.
However, you won’t be able to achieve this objective if you don’t focus on the smaller goals.
Create a study schedule
Once you’ve got your goals in place, it’s time to create a study schedule. This will help you focus on your studies by setting aside specific times for revision.
Remember to be realistic when creating your schedule and not try to cram too much in, as this will only lead to burnout.
Make sure you allow yourself breaks and time to relax, as this is just as important as studying!
Find a study method that works for you
There are lots of ways to absorb and retain information, but you should find a method that works for you.
Some people prefer visual aids such as mind maps and flashcards, while others prefer listening to audio recordings or reading texts.
Get rid of distractions
It’s so easy to lose focus when you hear your phone beeping or can’t resist the beckoning call of Netflix, but these distractions will prolong your study time and make it harder to remember everything you’ve learned.
Putting away your phone, turning off the TV and finding a quiet place to work will help you concentrate at home. However, you could also go to your local library or sit outside to minimise distractions.
Get extra help from a tutor
If you’re struggling to focus on your studies, it’s vital to get extra help from a tutor. A tutor can help you understand the material, identify your weaknesses, and create a study plan tailored specifically for you.
The best thing about personal tutors is they’re highly experienced in revision and study techniques, so you’ll be able to learn from them and improve your grades.
Take regular breaks
Instead of focusing entirely on your studies, you should take regular breaks to avoid burnout. Make sure you allow yourself time to relax and do something fun, such as taking a walk or playing with a pet.
Numerous studies show the benefits of taking regular study breaks, but the important thing to remember is that studying for hours will impact your ability to absorb information and reduce your motivation.
Think about the big picture
When you’re feeling overwhelmed by your studies, it’s essential to take a step back and think about the big picture. This means thinking about why you’re doing this in the first place and what you hope to achieve.
It can be easy to forget your goals when so focused on the details, but remembering your long-term objectives will help to keep you on track.
Focus on what matters
Many different factors contribute to academic success, and your view of achievement might be different from somebody else’s.
For example, if you struggle with a particular subject but want to achieve a passing grade so you can go to college, your goals will be different to someone who wants to go to Oxford University!
By thinking about your future, you can focus on each objective without worrying about being the best.
The Bottom Line
Studying isn’t something people do for fun, but it is a necessity if you want to learn a new skill, get into your dream university or have more career options.
By following the tips in this post, you’ll be able to study the right way and achieve the results you want.
If you’d like any support with your studies, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly private tutors. We’d love to help you succeed and move on to better things.
Enjoyed reading this post? Why not take a look at our exam preparation hub? It has valuable tips, tricks and everything you need to ace your exams.