how to START your school year STRONG and get AHEAD (even if you're lazy) | 2025

Summary

In this video, the creator shares a system designed to streamline academic success for the new school year. The focus is on building a strong study infrastructure consisting of three key components: the study database, study system, and study routine. The creator discusses the importance of organizing study materials both digitally and physically, developing personalized study techniques using apps like Notion and Anki, and creating a study routine that minimizes distractions and enhances focus. With these strategies, students can reduce stress, stay organized, and maintain a balance between academics and personal activities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on building a strong study infrastructure to simplify your school year and create more time for other activities.
• 😀 A study infrastructure consists of three main components: a study database, a study system, and a study routine.
• 😀 The study database is your organizational system for all school materials, whether physical or digital, using apps like Notion or Obsidian, or simple folder systems.
• 😀 Organizing your study materials in a clear folder structure (e.g., by year, subject, and files) ensures efficiency and reduces mental effort.
• 😀 Your study system is the method and techniques you use to study, such as the five-minute technique and utilizing apps like Anki for spaced repetition.
• 😀 Customize your study system to suit your course and personal preferences, as some methods work better for certain people.
• 😀 It’s essential to encode and review materials regularly, turning them into flashcards for easy review, especially for subjects with heavy memorization.
• 😀 The key to an efficient study system is minimizing friction, meaning everything should be structured to make studying as easy as possible.
• 😀 A study routine helps you transition into focus mode before each study session, and involves environment changes like studying in a specific space.
• 😀 Maintaining a clean, dedicated study area can enhance focus and reduce distractions, making your study sessions more effective.
• 😀 Building a solid study structure, including your environment, study system, and routine, will significantly reduce stress and workload while improving academic performance.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of developing a study infrastructure for school?

The main purpose of developing a study infrastructure is to simplify the organization of school tasks and reduce stress, making studying more efficient while allowing time for other activities such as working out or managing hobbies.

What are the three key components of a study infrastructure?

The three key components of a study infrastructure are: 1) Study Database, 2) Study System, and 3) Study Routine.

What does a study database refer to, and why is it important?

A study database refers to how you organize and store all your study materials, whether digitally or physically. It is important because it keeps your study materials organized, making it easier to find and review them when needed.

What are some tools or apps mentioned for managing study databases?

The tools and apps mentioned include Notion, Obsidian, GoodNotes, and cloud-based options like Google Docs for organizing and storing study materials.

How does the organization of study files impact your academic performance?

Having an organized study file system reduces the time spent searching for materials, helps you stay on top of deadlines, and minimizes the mental load of managing your academic resources, leading to better focus and reduced stress.

What is the significance of a study system in the learning process?

A study system involves the methods and techniques used to learn and memorize information effectively. It helps streamline the studying process, ensuring that the student absorbs and recalls information efficiently, using tools like flashcards or mind maps.

Can you explain the importance of finding a study method that suits you?

It is crucial to find a study method that works for you because not all techniques are universally effective. Some students may prefer traditional methods, while others might excel with digital tools like Anki or spaced repetition. The key is consistency and comfort with your chosen technique.

What role do flashcards play in the study system described?

Flashcards, particularly through apps like Anki, are used to help with memorization and active recall. They are an essential part of the study system, as they facilitate spaced repetition, helping the student retain information for the long term.

What is the purpose of a study routine, and how does it differ from a study system?

A study routine is the series of actions or steps you take before studying to get into the focus zone. Unlike the study system, which involves the actual techniques for learning, the study routine helps you transition into a productive state and establishes the environment conducive to studying.

How can a dedicated study space enhance your focus and productivity?

Having a dedicated study space helps eliminate distractions, keeps the environment clean and organized, and signals your brain that it’s time to focus. A clear, clutter-free environment can reduce anxiety and improve concentration during study sessions.