how to make studying FUN again. (make it feel like a video game, instead.)

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores how to make studying fun again by applying concepts from gaming. The key strategies include gamifying study sessions by introducing reward systems and progress tracking, adopting a growth mindset to view challenges as opportunities to level up, and improving study methods for better engagement. By turning studying into a game with clear rewards and progress, students can find new motivation and enjoyment in their learning routine. The speaker emphasizes the importance of balancing study and leisure time, offering practical tips for staying motivated and making studying more enjoyable.

Takeaways

• 😀 Studying often feels like a chore because it doesn't release as much dopamine as activities like gaming or social media.
• 😀 The key to making studying fun again is to gamify it—turn it into a rewarding, level-based process.
• 😀 Video games are fun because they provide a sense of achievement, low energy input, and visible progress. These elements can be applied to studying.
• 😀 Creating a reward system for studying is essential. Set up rewards based on time spent studying or tasks completed.
• 😀 A reward system helps balance work and leisure, encouraging you to study more effectively by offering incentives for productivity.
• 😀 Using Pomodoro timers to structure study sessions can be an effective way to measure progress and earn rewards.
• 😀 You can customize your reward system with apps like Notion, Excel, or task management tools like Aki Flow to keep track of your progress.
• 😀 Treat your study sessions like leveling up in a game. Think of each study session as gaining experience points (XP) and improving your knowledge.
• 😀 Adopting a growth mindset can help shift the perception of studying from a struggle to an opportunity for personal development.
• 😀 Changing your study methods to focus on engaging, effective learning techniques is crucial for making studying more enjoyable.
• 😀 Studying is a process of personal growth—every new concept learned can be viewed as leveling up or unlocking a new skill in your academic journey.

Q & A

Why has studying become less enjoyable as we grow older?

As we age, studying begins to feel like a chore rather than a fun activity due to a lack of dopamine release compared to more stimulating activities like playing games or browsing social media.

How does dopamine play a role in our enjoyment of activities like studying?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Activities like gaming or social media release higher levels of dopamine, making them more engaging and enjoyable, whereas studying releases much less dopamine, making it feel less exciting.

What is 'gamifying' your study process and why is it effective?

Gamifying your study means applying elements of games, such as progression, achievement, and rewards, to studying. It is effective because it transforms studying from a one-dimensional task into an engaging experience with clear rewards and progress.

What is the RPG (reward progression grind) concept, and how does it relate to studying?

The RPG concept involves starting with low abilities and gradually gaining strength or progress through small tasks or challenges. Applying this to studying, you can view learning as leveling up, which makes the process more rewarding and enjoyable.

What are some potential rewards for gamifying your studying?

Rewards can include leisure activities like playing video games, taking breaks, or having free time after achieving study goals. These rewards are tied to completing specific tasks or study sessions, providing an incentive to stay engaged.

How can a task reward system help balance work and leisure time?

A task reward system creates a clear exchange where the work you put into studying directly correlates with the leisure or rewards you earn. This ensures that leisure time is earned and prevents procrastination by providing structured incentives.

What is the Pomodoro technique, and how does it relate to reward systems?

The Pomodoro technique involves working for a set period, usually 25 minutes, followed by a short break. By using Pomodoro timers, you can structure your study time and reward yourself with breaks or leisure activities after completing a set number of Pomodoros.

What is the 'level mindset' and how can it improve studying?

The 'level mindset' involves viewing your studies as a process of leveling up, where every new topic or challenge is an opportunity to grow and gain experience. Adopting this mindset helps you appreciate progress and stay motivated despite difficulties.

How can changing your study methods make studying more engaging?

If your current study methods are boring or ineffective, it's important to explore more engaging techniques that promote active learning and better understanding. Finding methods that align with your learning style can make the process more enjoyable and effective.

What is a growth mindset, and why is it important for studying?

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. It is crucial for studying because it helps students embrace challenges, view mistakes as learning opportunities, and stay motivated to improve.