7 Mistakes Students Make Every Year

Summary

In this insightful video, Ali, a former doctor turned entrepreneur and author of 'Feelgood Productivity,' shares seven common mistakes students make and offers advice on how to avoid them. He emphasizes the importance of learning effective study techniques like active recall and spaced repetition, rather than inefficient methods such as rereading. Ali also encourages students to view studying as a collaborative effort, suggesting that forming study groups can enhance focus and enjoyment. He warns against cramming, highlighting the benefits of consistent daily study habits for long-term knowledge retention. Additionally, Ali advises against limiting career choices to those directly related to one's degree, advocating for a life-first approach to career planning. He stresses the value of utilizing free time wisely, learning marketable skills and focusing on health to build a strong foundation for the future. Lastly, he encourages an experimental mindset, exploring various interests and opportunities to gain a clearer understanding of one's passions and goals.

Takeaways

• 📚 Learn how to learn effectively: Utilize evidence-based study techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, and interleaving to improve memory and understanding.
• 🤝 Studying is not a single-player game: Collaborate with friends and form study groups to make the learning process more enjoyable and productive.
• 🚫 Avoid cramming: Consistent daily studying is more efficient and leads to better long-term retention and understanding.
• 🚀 Don't let your degree define your career choices: Instead, envision the life you want and reverse engineer a career that aligns with that vision.
• ⏳ Value your free time in school: Use it to learn new skills that can benefit your future career and personal development.
• 💼 Start building healthy habits early: Prioritize your health and well-being during your student years to establish a strong foundation for later life.
• 🧐 Adopt an experimental mindset: Explore different interests and experiences without being overly concerned about their immediate impact on your CV.
• 🌟 Focus on intrinsic motivation: Engage in activities and studies because of personal interest and fulfillment rather than solely for external validation.
• 🔄 Be open to diverse career paths: A degree can open doors to various careers both within and outside your field of study.
• 📈 Leverage your free time to upskill: Use the flexibility of your student schedule to learn valuable skills that can enhance your career prospects.
• 🛠️ Develop a proactive approach to health: Invest time in understanding and maintaining your physical health to prevent future health issues.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Ali's book 'Feelgood Productivity'?

The book 'Feelgood Productivity' focuses on how to do more of what matters to you in a way that is enjoyable, meaningful, and sustainable.

Why does Ali emphasize the importance of learning how to learn?

Ali emphasizes learning how to learn because it is a skill not commonly taught in schools and can significantly improve study efficiency, save time, and reduce stress during exams.

What are some ineffective study methods mentioned by Ali?

Some ineffective study methods mentioned by Ali include rereading, highlighting, underlining, and making notes with the textbook open.

What are some effective study strategies that Ali recommends?

Ali recommends effective study strategies such as active recall, spaced repetition, interleaving, and categorizing.

Why does Ali suggest treating studying as a multiplayer game?

Ali suggests treating studying as a multiplayer game because it can make the experience more fun, energizing, and productive, as opposed to studying alone which can be boring and de-energizing.

What does Ali mean by 'relational energy'?

Relational energy refers to the concept that we gain energy from the people around us, which can be harnessed to improve focus and productivity during group study sessions.

Why is cramming before an exam considered a mistake?

Cramming is considered a mistake because it is less effective for long-term memory and understanding, and it does not contribute to a comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter.

What is the 'ultimate studying bundle' that Ali mentions?

The 'ultimate studying bundle' is a free resource that Ali offers, which includes evidence-based spaced repetition strategies and other helpful resources for studying effectively.

How does Ali suggest students approach their career choices after graduation?

Ali suggests that students should first envision the life they want and then reverse engineer a career that aligns with that life, rather than limiting their choices based on their degree or subjects studied.

Why is it important for students to manage their free time wisely?

Managing free time wisely is important because it allows students to learn new skills, pursue hobbies, and develop habits that can benefit them in the future, beyond their academic life.

What is the role of an experimental mindset in a student's life?

An experimental mindset encourages students to try new things, follow their curiosity, and gain valuable life experiences that can inform their career choices and personal growth.