why I turned medical school into a game (in 3 minutes).

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores the challenge of finding motivation for studying during exam season. They draw parallels between gaming and studying, emphasizing how to make studying more enjoyable by applying game-like strategies. This includes tracking progress, testing oneself, and creating a sense of control over the learning process. By incorporating elements like variability in study locations and monitoring improvement through a color-coded system, studying becomes more engaging and less stressful, ultimately leading to better grades and a more balanced life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Struggling to find motivation to study is common, with distractions like TV and games often taking precedence.
• 🎮 Games can be deeply engaging even though they require concentration, and this feeling can be applied to studying.
• 💡 Transforming studying into a game can reduce the pressure and make it more enjoyable, allowing for risk-taking without severe consequences.
• 📝 Tracking progress is essential—just like completing levels in a game, tracking your study progress through scores and feedback helps maintain motivation.
• 📊 A color-coded system for tracking answers (red, orange, green) helps visualize progress and identify areas of improvement.
• 🎯 Studying with a purpose—creating a spreadsheet with lectures, study times, and scores—adds structure to the process and removes aimlessness.
• 🔄 Switching study locations frequently helps keep the experience fresh and prevents monotony, just like changing levels in a game.
• 🎮 Feeling in control is important—choosing when, where, and what to study gives you autonomy and control over your education.
• 🌱 Studying without excessive stress improves performance, and maintaining a relaxed attitude leads to better retention and focus.
• 💪 Setting goals and creating a plan for your studies enables better focus and achievement, as opposed to letting studies control you.
• 🎉 By adopting a gamified approach to studying, the process becomes more enjoyable, helping balance hard work with a fulfilling personal life.

Q & A

Why is it difficult for the speaker to find motivation to study?

The speaker finds it hard to motivate themselves to study because they would rather spend time watching TV or playing games, which are more enjoyable and less effortful.

What insight did the speaker gain about games and their appeal?

The speaker realized that games are enjoyable because they allow players to explore alternative realities, take risks without real-life consequences, and offer a sense of progress, even if one fails.

How did the speaker apply the concepts of gaming to studying?

The speaker turned studying into a game by adopting the mindset that failure isn't catastrophic. They also added elements like tracking progress, setting goals, and testing themselves to make studying more engaging and less stressful.

What is the role of failure in both games and studying according to the speaker?

In both games and studying, failure is seen as a learning opportunity rather than something to fear. The speaker emphasizes that failure in studying is manageable, and it won't result in disastrous outcomes like death, just the inconvenience of retaking an exam.

What method does the speaker use to track their study progress?

The speaker uses a spreadsheet to track their study progress, noting the last time they studied each lecture and their performance. They color-code their responses (red for wrong, orange for partially correct, and green for correct) and calculate the percentage of correct answers.

How does tracking progress motivate the speaker to study more?

Tracking progress provides a sense of accomplishment and shows improvement over time. This visual progress motivates the speaker to continue studying and reinforces their sense of achievement.

Why is variety important in the speaker's study routine?

The speaker finds that switching up their study environment regularly keeps the process fresh and interesting. This variety helps maintain focus and prevents monotony, similar to how games change up levels to keep players engaged.

What is the speaker's approach to maintaining control over their studies?

The speaker maintains control by setting their own goals, choosing when and where to study, and deciding which topics to focus on. This empowers them to create a structured plan for their education.

How does the speaker view the relationship between studying and stress?

The speaker believes that stress can negatively impact performance, so they approach studying with a relaxed attitude. They emphasize that it's important to reduce pressure to perform at one's best, as excessive stress can hinder progress.

What overall change did the speaker experience by adopting a gaming mindset for studying?

By applying a gaming mindset, the speaker found studying became more enjoyable and less of a chore. They achieved better results, enjoyed life more, and were able to balance hard work with relaxation.