How to study FAST and ACE all your exams

Summary

In this video, the creator shares personal insights into improving study efficiency and time management, drawn from their experiences in high school and college. They discuss the importance of researching the best study resources, managing energy instead of time, and focusing on the essentials to avoid burnout. Key tips include using tools like audiobooks to save time, categorizing tasks by energy levels, and applying the 80/20 rule to prioritize impactful work. The creator also emphasizes learning by teaching and encourages viewers to adopt more effective strategies for studying and managing their daily routines.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always do thorough research before starting a new study project to avoid wasting time on ineffective methods or materials.
• 😀 It's essential to learn how to study efficiently by focusing on the most important concepts and avoiding getting lost in unnecessary details.
• 😀 Listening to academic material, such as audiobooks or podcasts, during mindless tasks can save time and make use of otherwise wasted moments.
• 😀 Managing your energy is more important than managing your time; prioritize tasks based on your energy levels throughout the day.
• 😀 Focus on the most impactful 20% of your tasks that yield 80% of the results, rather than getting bogged down by small details.
• 😀 Use techniques like the 'Feynman Technique'—teaching what you've learned to someone else—to deepen your understanding of a topic.
• 😀 Try setting time limits when studying or working on a project to increase focus and prevent procrastination.
• 😀 Categorizing tasks based on whether they energize or drain you helps prioritize activities that align with your energy levels.
• 😀 It's okay to take time to find the best resources and study guides before diving into the material, as it can save hours of effort.
• 😀 Reflect regularly on whether your study or work methods are truly effective and worth your time; don’t just keep going without reassessment.

Q & A

Why did the speaker experience burnout in high school despite having good grades?

The speaker experienced burnout in high school due to an overly intense study schedule, where they studied for 16 hours a day, lacked sleep, and had very little personal time. This caused constant stress and eventually led to failure on an important exam.

What changed for the speaker when they transitioned from high school to college?

In college, the speaker shifted from intense studying to a more balanced approach, spending time on things they loved and with people they cared about. They also learned to study more efficiently and manage their time better, which helped them achieve good grades even in more difficult courses.

What key lesson did the speaker learn about studying materials from their high school experience?

The speaker learned that it's important to research and find the best study materials before starting a project. They realized that they had spent excessive time creating their own study guide, only to discover that there were already professional resources available that could have saved them hours of work.

How does the speaker recommend managing time and energy during the day?

Instead of focusing solely on time management, the speaker recommends managing energy. They suggest categorizing tasks into four categories based on whether they bring or drain energy, and scheduling the most demanding tasks in the morning when energy is highest.

What are the four categories the speaker uses to organize tasks and activities?

The four categories are: 1) Tasks that bring energy and are enjoyable, 2) Tasks that bring energy but are not enjoyable, 3) Tasks that drain energy but are enjoyable, and 4) Tasks that drain energy and are unpleasant. Tasks are scheduled based on energy levels throughout the day.

How did the speaker's use of audio tools like 'Listening' enhance their study routine?

The speaker used 'Listening,' a tool that converts texts and academic papers into audio, to listen while doing mindless tasks like cleaning or walking. This allowed them to consume study material efficiently during times when they couldn't actively read, saving time and enhancing learning.

What is the 80/20 rule, and how does it apply to studying?

The 80/20 rule states that roughly 80% of the outcomes come from 20% of the effort. In the context of studying, the speaker recommends focusing on the most important 20% of the material that will give you 80% of the learning outcomes, avoiding unnecessary details and minimizing procrastination.

What is the Feynman Technique, and how does it help in learning?

The Feynman Technique involves teaching or explaining the material to someone else, which helps deepen understanding. The process forces the learner to focus on the core concepts and simplifies complex information, making it easier to grasp.

Why does the speaker advise setting a time limit when studying?

The speaker recommends setting a time limit to avoid getting lost in unnecessary details and procrastination. When under time pressure, it forces you to focus on the essential concepts and quickly grasp the basics of the material, which can be more effective for quick learning.

What does the speaker say about procrastination and managing distractions during study sessions?

The speaker emphasizes that procrastination often occurs when we focus on irrelevant details or avoid difficult tasks. They suggest breaking study sessions into focused, time-limited intervals, prioritizing important material over distractions, and using strategies like the Feynman Technique to stay on track.