how to study better (by a study tryhard)

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses effective study techniques, emphasizing the importance of deep work over long hours. Key points include creating a conducive study environment, maintaining consistency and focus, and developing good habits such as proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise. The speaker also recommends tracking study sessions and using habit trackers to build a routine. The goal is to internalize productivity as part of one's identity to naturally improve study habits and overall quality of life.

Takeaways

• 📈 Quality of work is a product of time spent and the intensity of work, emphasizing the importance of deep and focused work sessions.
• 🎯 Grades are a byproduct of effective work, suggesting that the focus should be on developing a system that produces good grades rather than the grades themselves.
• 🔄 Consistency and focus are key components of a good study routine, highlighting the need for regular and uninterrupted study sessions.
• 🍎 Lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and exercise are foundational to maintaining the energy and focus needed for effective studying.
• 🏞️ The study environment should be free from distractions and conducive to deep work, suggesting the removal of phones and other potential interruptions.
• 📊 Tracking study habits and reflecting on them can lead to improvements in focus and study techniques, advocating for a methodical approach to studying.
• ⏰ Maintaining a consistent study schedule can train the mind to enter a focused state more readily, reducing the likelihood of procrastination.
• 🛠️ Simplifying the study setup and making it as easy as possible reduces the friction that can lead to procrastination, while making distractions more difficult to access.
• 📊 Using habit trackers or streak counters can gamify the study process and motivate consistent study habits, leveraging the psychological effect of maintaining a streak.
• 🧘‍♂️ Embracing a productive identity can internalize the desire to study effectively, influencing actions to align with this identity.
• 🔧 The script emphasizes that improvement in any skill, including studying, requires hard work and dedication, acknowledging that there are no shortcuts to mastery.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is on how to study better by emphasizing the importance of working deeply and consistently.

According to the speaker, what is the relationship between the time spent and the intensity of work?

High-quality work is a function of the time spent times the intensity of work. Since time is limited, the focus should be on increasing the intensity of work.

Why does the speaker suggest not to focus on grades directly?

Grades are a byproduct of how well you work. The goal is to create a system that produces excellent grades through effective study techniques and habits.

What are the key components of a good study routine according to the speaker?

The key components include planning, reflection, using effective study techniques, consistency, and focus.

How does improving focus benefit daily life outside of studying?

Improving focus also enhances awareness and intentionality in daily life, leading to better quality of life.

What unsexy truths does the speaker mention about becoming better at studying?

The unsexy truths include the necessity of eating well, sleeping well, and exercising regularly to produce the right outputs.

Why is the study environment important, and what should it be like?

The study environment should be free from distractions, such as phones and loud noises, to help maintain focus and productivity.

What is the speaker’s recommendation for tracking study habits?

The speaker recommends logging study sessions in a notebook and reflecting on them weekly to identify what went well and what didn’t, and to improve accordingly.

How does the speaker suggest improving the skill of focusing?

Improving focus is similar to improving any skill; start with a consistent amount of study time, then gradually increase the duration as focus improves.

What role does consistency play in effective studying?

Consistency is crucial for producing results over time. Regular study habits and routines make studying a natural part of daily life and reduce procrastination.

How can one reduce distractions while studying according to the speaker?

Make distractions as difficult to access as possible, such as placing the phone in another room and creating an environment conducive to studying.

What is the purpose of a streak counter or habit tracker in studying?

A streak counter or habit tracker helps in maintaining consistency by gamifying the study process and encouraging the user not to break the streak.

How should one internalize the identity of being a productive person?

By embracing productivity as a core value and seeing oneself as someone who values and prioritizes productivity, leading to actions that reflect this identity.

Why does the speaker recommend studying at the same time every day?

Studying at the same time every day creates a routine, making it easier for the mind and body to recognize study time and reduce the likelihood of procrastination.

What advice does the speaker give for setting up a study routine?

Write down the study schedule and stick to it, ensuring regularity and reducing the effort required to start studying.