How to Study Subjects you HATE... and get good grades 👏📚

Summary

In this motivational video, the speaker offers practical strategies for overcoming subjects that are difficult or disliked, emphasizing self-reflection and growth. Key advice includes identifying problem areas, understanding the reasons behind dislike, setting specific goals, and creating an actionable plan. The speaker encourages consistent effort, finding intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and maintaining a positive mindset. Accountability partners and reframing negative thoughts are also highlighted. Ultimately, the speaker advocates for perseverance while acknowledging that quitting can be a valid choice when pursuing something for the wrong reasons.

Takeaways

• 😀 Identify your problem areas: Use a traffic light system to measure how you feel about each subject or topic you're studying.
• 😀 Get honest with yourself: Understand the reasons you dislike a subject or topic, whether it's a bad teacher, challenging content, or lack of relevance to real life.
• 😀 Develop a plan: Create action items for your problem subjects, such as setting up meetings with teachers or practicing specific problems every day.
• 😀 Consistency is key: Even if you dislike a subject, try to make studying a routine to gradually reduce stress and improve performance.
• 😀 Get an accountability partner: Have someone to keep you on track and motivated, like a friend, teacher, or mentor.
• 😀 Clarify your motivation: Understand why you're studying a subject, whether it's for intrinsic reasons (interest) or extrinsic reasons (grades, career goals).
• 😀 Find connections: Discover why a subject might be more interesting or relevant to your life, such as relating algebra to weather prediction.
• 😀 Reframe your mindset: Replace negative self-talk with a growth mindset, focusing on the effort and potential for improvement.
• 😀 Don't be afraid to struggle: Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and validate your efforts even when results aren't immediately visible.
• 😀 Know when to quit: If you're studying something for the wrong reasons, it's okay to consider switching or quitting in order to pursue something that aligns better with your goals.

Q & A

Why does the speaker emphasize identifying problem areas in subjects you dislike?

The speaker emphasizes identifying problem areas to help students understand what they dislike about a subject. Knowing why a subject is challenging can lead to better solutions and a more focused approach to improving in that subject.

What is the significance of using a traffic light system in the process?

The traffic light system allows students to categorize topics they are studying based on their comfort level, helping them visualize which areas need more attention. Red indicates subjects that need urgent focus, amber represents subjects that need improvement, and green signifies subjects that are already manageable.

How can students use a spreadsheet to improve their study habits?

A spreadsheet helps students track their progress in different subjects. By marking areas they dislike or struggle with, they can create a clear plan to address those challenges, monitor their progress, and stay organized throughout their studies.

Why is it important to get honest about why you dislike a subject?

Being honest about why you dislike a subject helps students pinpoint specific barriers such as unengaging teachers, difficulty with content, or lack of perceived applicability. This honesty is key to creating a realistic plan to overcome those obstacles.

What role does creating a study plan play in overcoming dislike for a subject?

Creating a study plan involves setting small, achievable goals and breaking down complex topics into manageable tasks. This helps reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed, making it easier to engage with difficult subjects despite initial dislike.

How does an accountability partner help with staying motivated in subjects you hate?

An accountability partner helps keep you motivated by providing support and regular check-ins. This external source of encouragement ensures you stay on track and hold yourself accountable, especially when motivation wanes.

What are intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, and how do they influence studying a disliked subject?

Intrinsic motivation comes from within, such as a genuine interest in the subject, while extrinsic motivation is driven by external factors like grades or parental expectations. Recognizing both types of motivation helps students tap into personal and external reasons for pushing through tough subjects.

Why is it essential to reframe your mindset about a subject you dislike?

Reframing your mindset helps combat negative self-talk and self-fulfilling prophecies. By shifting your attitude to a growth mindset, you stop seeing challenges as obstacles and instead view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

What is the significance of finding reasons to make a disliked subject interesting?

Finding personal connections to a subject makes it easier to appreciate its relevance, even if it initially seems unrelated to your life. By discovering how the subject connects to interests or real-world applications, students can shift their perception and develop a newfound interest.

When is quitting a subject justified, according to the speaker?

Quitting a subject is justified when it is being pursued for the wrong reasons, such as fulfilling someone else’s expectations rather than personal interest or passion. The speaker encourages students to trust their instincts and prioritize their well-being and interests when making such decisions.