Discipline Archives - Daniel Wong

How Do You Deal With a Compulsive Lying Teenager? (5 Strategies That Work)

May 2, 2023 By Daniel Wong 4 Comments

Are you at your wits’ end dealing with a compulsive lying teenager?

You’re not alone.

When looking at behavior related to lying in people aged 6 to 77, researchers found that adolescence was the peak of dishonesty.

In a separate study, it was found that high school students told 4.1 lies on average during a 24-hour span. That’s 150% higher than adults.

If your teenager’s lies go beyond harmless fibs and become consistent and habitual, it’s something to be concerned about.

Honesty is one of the fundamental rules for success in life. Frequent lying erodes trust, leading to strained relationships.

So why do teens feel the need to lie, and how do you know if it’s a problem?

This article explores what’s going on with compulsive lying teens and what you – as a parent – can do about it.

(And if your teen lacks motivation, download a copy of the e-book below.)

FREE E-BOOK:

Get your FREE copy of

16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.

The e-book has already been downloaded by

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Is your teenager a compulsive liar?

Do you feel concerned about how often you catch your teen telling lies?

As a parent, no amount of lying from your teenager ever feels acceptable. But it’s particularly concerning when your teen’s lies seem to have no purpose or explanation.

This may indicate a more serious problem – a pattern of pathological lying.

Here are some things to look out for in an adolescent who might be a pathological liar:

Lying a lot in a variety of situations
Lying without a specific purpose or reason
Consistently lying over an extended period of time
‌No other mental conditions or disorders that explain the lying

If these things are true about your teen, this could indicate compulsive lying. This means that your teen needs professional help.

Why do teenagers lie?

Research suggests that lying is most common for teens between the ages of 13-15. This is due to their intense desire for freedom at this stage of their development.

Studies have found several factors that can cause teenagers to lie:

To define their own rules: Many teens feel the need to assert their freedom and independence by making their own choices in life. In contrast, many parents try to control or restrict their teens’ behavior. As such, teens may hide the truth.
To avoid getting punished: It makes sense to have house rules. Such rules help to maintain respect and create healthy boundaries. When teens break these rules, they may lie to avoid conflict and steer clear of punishments.
To cover for their friends: Teens may lie because they want to be a loyal friend, so they feel compelled to take the blame to protect a friend.
To avoid disappointing their parents: Teens may lie because they want the approval of their parents and want to avoid causing disappointment. For example, instead of admitting they fell behind in school, they may lie about their homework or grades.
To hide their emotions: Teens may struggle to express their emotions. It can feel safer to lie than to express how they really feel.

What can parents do about compulsive lying?

If your teenager lies compulsively, you probably feel frustrated or angry. But rest assured that there are strategies you can employ to improve the situation. Here are five of them:

1. Be a positive role model

Your words and actions have a profound influence on your teens. If you tell a little white lie here and there, your teens may consider this acceptable behavior and follow your lead.

If you realize that you sometimes lie, make a commitment to living a life of complete integrity.

Make it your priority to become a positive role model for your teens. Talk to them about what you’re doing to become a more honest person, and share your progress with them.

2. Create a safe space for your teenager to open up

It can be challenging for parents and teens to speak openly, particularly when discussing sensitive topics.

Communicating with teens requires intentional effort. But if your teens feel like they can speak with you without the fear of judgment, they’ll be more likely to tell the truth.

Try the following tips:

Use more “I” statements and fewer “you” statements. Tell your teens how you feel, instead of what they did wrong. “I was worried when I couldn’t reach you” is an example of an “I” statement. “You’re always avoiding my calls!” is an example of a “you” statement.
Speak clearly and simply. Communicate in easy-to-understand and specific terms. Don’t give long lectures. Instead, get to the point quickly when sharing your concerns with your teenagers.
Practice active listening. Communication is a two-way street. Encourage open dialogue by listening respectfully, especially when you disagree with your teens. Take the time to understand your teens’ perspective before responding.
Focus on the issue at hand. Bringing up several issues or problems at once will make the situation worse. Focus on the issue at hand and don’t bring up the past.

3. Set rules and boundaries together as a team

If you set all the rules and boundaries without any input from your teens, they’ll feel it’s unfair or unreasonable.

For example, maybe you set a 10 pm curfew for your teens for the weekends. But all of your teens’ friends can stay out until 11 pm. If your teens get home after 10 pm, they’ll be more likely to lie.

A lie about missing the bus is a convenient cover.

Have an open dialogue with your teenagers about the rules and boundaries they’re expected to keep to. Resolve disagreements respectfully together as a team.

This will build mutual respect and trust.

4. Stay in control of your emotions

If you find out that your teens have been lying to you, it can make you feel frustrated and disappointed.

But blowing your top won’t help the situation.

If you lose control of your emotions, it will create an emotional distance between you and your teens. They may give you the silent treatment and refuse to talk things out.

Calm down before speaking with your teens about their actions. Explain the consequences of lying and how you feel.

With a level-headed approach, your teens will be more likely to take responsibility for their mistakes. They’ll also be more likely to make better decisions in the future.

5. Avoid labeling your teenager as a liar

If you give your teenagers negative labels, it will affect how they perceive themselves. It will also affect their self-esteem. Research shows that such labeling is harmful and can cause people to feel devalued.

If you label your teen a liar, he or she may feel defined by it. Instead of trying to be more honest, he or she will continue lying, maybe even to prove you right.

Instead of labeling your teenagers, apply Strategy #2 and get to the root of why they felt the need to lie in the first place. Only then can you begin to work through the issue together.

Conclusion

Dealing with a compulsive lying teenager is tough for any parent.

Start by understanding the reasons why your teen lies. If it’s a deeply ingrained pattern that resembles pathological lying, it’s time to get professional help for your teen.

Fortunately, most teens lie for reasons that parents can understand or at least relate to.

Start applying the strategies outlined in this article and be patient. Over time, you’ll foster honest communication between you and your teen.

And if your teen lacks motivation and a sense of responsibility, check out my online course for parents of teens. It’s a proven, step-by-step system to help you get your teen on the right track – guaranteed!

FREE E-BOOK:

Get your FREE copy of

16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.

The e-book has already been downloaded by

many thousands of parents, so don't miss out!

15 Essential Life Skills for Teens (Does Your Teen Have Them?)

Updated on April 14, 2023 By Daniel Wong 4 Comments

Do you get nervous thinking about the day your teens will finally move out of the house?

As a parent, your instinct is to shield your children from difficulties and hardship.

So it’s natural to feel concerned about how your teenagers will handle various obstacles in life — especially when you’re miles apart from them.

When that happens, you want them to be well prepared for the challenges that adulthood brings.

The good thing is that it’s never too late to start teaching your teens the life skills they’ll need to thrive in adulthood.

As their parent, you’re in the best position to help them develop the right values and become responsible young adults.

In this article, we’ll talk about 15 important life skills for teens and how you can impart them to your teens.

(And if you’d like your teenagers to become more motivated, make sure to download the free e-book below.)

FREE E-BOOK:

Get your FREE copy of

16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.

The e-book has already been downloaded by

many thousands of parents, so don't miss out!

1. Time management

Do your teens fall behind on deadlines? Maybe they often leave things to the last minute, causing unnecessary stress and panic.

Effective time management will help your teenagers to stop procrastinating and meet deadlines. Your teens will also be able to get more done in less time.

This will lead to better work-life balance when your teens become adults.

Here are some ways to teach your teens how to manage their time well:

Work with them to plan out a daily and weekly schedule. Encourage them to set enough time aside for homework, chores, and other responsibilities. At the same time, teach them how to balance work, rest, and play.
Provide them with time management tools. Some of these tools may include a digital or written planner, a to-do list, or an app to keep track of events and tasks.
Teach them how to prioritize. Sometimes, a birthday party may clash with a basketball game or music lesson. Help your teens prioritize based on their roles, values, and commitments.

2. Money management

Based on surveys, 75% of young adults would have preferred to learn more finance-related topics in school.

Formal education doesn’t guarantee financial literacy or wisdom. This means that you, as a parent, play a pivotal role in helping your teens learn how to manage their money.

Financial literacy goes a long way in helping your teens avoid debt and build their savings.

You can raise financially-savvy teenagers by following these tips:

Encourage them to cultivate a habit of saving. For instance, when they receive their allowance, you can encourage them to put a portion of it aside for their savings. (Of course, it’s vital that you lead by example in this area too!)
Help them understand that credit doesn’t mean “free money.” Explain to them how credit cards work and how credit card debt can compound quickly over time.
Give them access to budgeting and finance tools. For example, a budget tracker app can help them keep tabs on their expenses.
Introduce them to the concept of insurance. You can relate it to something they’re familiar with, like a car. Explain terms to them such as deductible, premium, exclusions, etc.

3. Decision-making

No one makes the right decision every single time, but you can help your teen make wiser choices in life in general.

Peer influence plays a big role in adolescent decision-making – in both good and bad ways.

Encourage your teens to spend time with friends who have similar beliefs and values. Teach them to establish boundaries and to be brave enough to say no.

Help them weigh the pros and cons of the decisions they’re faced with.

Provide guidance when appropriate, but avoid forcing your opinions on your teenagers. As difficult as it might be, as parents, we must sometimes take the backseat and let them learn from their mistakes.

4. Goal-setting and planning

You might have ambitious teens who dream big.

Structured goal-setting and planning can help your teens unlock their potential. They’ll learn to leverage their talents and strengths to achieve well-defined goals.

Encourage your teens to write down their goals and ambitions. These must be their goals, not the aspirations you wish to fulfill through them.

You can also help them break down a big dream into smaller actionable steps. Ensure that each step toward the goal is measurable and specific.

For instance, if your teen wants to learn Korean, he or she might decide to spend 30 minutes studying the language after dinner every day.

And as long as your teens’ goals are meaningful in some way, do your best to be supportive!

5. Critical thinking

Do your teenagers take things at face value?

If so, encourage them to analyze information and ideas rationally and independently.

That way, your teens can form their own opinions and conclusions that are reasonable and well thought out.

Here’s how you can help your teens practice critical thinking:

Ask them to come up with solutions to real-life problems.
Ask them open-ended questions that can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.”
Give them opportunities to make important decisions. For example, would they like to spend the summer break volunteering or attending an educational camp?

6. Adaptability and resilience

How can you help your teens adapt quickly to change and bounce back from rough times?

Here are some tips to try:

Encourage your teens to pursue new experiences. For instance, they could try out a new sport or join a club.
Help your teens to focus on the positive aspects of change rather than dwelling on disappointments.
Remind your teens to be aware of their inner monologue and how they speak to themselves.
Encourage your teens to devise solutions to problems and weigh out the pros and cons of each one.
Help your teenagers form healthy connections with friends, family members, counselors, and coaches. These people will be able to provide your teenagers with support and guidance.

7. Becoming a self-directed learner

Many teenagers have the mindset that they have to finish their schoolwork and projects.

This isn’t entirely their fault. They’ve learned to think this way due to the punishments or consequences they face – typically at school – if they don’t complete the work.

But having this mindset means that your teens may only finish their tasks and fulfill their responsibilities when someone is coercing them to.

So what you can do instead is to encourage your teenagers to be proactive and self-directed learners.

Help them to see the inherent meaning and purpose behind what they’re currently working on, beyond the outcome they’re trying to achieve.

Encourage them to explore various learning resources and platforms on their own. And provide them with tools to monitor the progress they’re making, such as apps like Lifetick or GoalsOnTrack.

8. Resourcefulness

When your teens face setbacks in life, do they often give up?

Instead of quitting, help them to become more resourceful. Show them how to broaden their horizons when they’re trying to find a way through an obstacle.

Can an organization, professional, or family member offer guidance?

Or can they take a course or use an online tool that might help?

Give your teens opportunities to make significant decisions. Encourage them to reflect on the mistakes they’ve made.

9. Communication

As teenagers develop good communication skills, they’ll be able to convey their thoughts and opinions more clearly.

They’ll also learn to listen more effectively. This can help to prevent unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings.

To enable your teens to improve their communication skills, you can:

Make time to communicate with your teens. Create opportunities for two-way interactions with your teens. This may involve setting up a no-phone rule at the dinner table or scheduling weekly family time to catch up, etc.
Teach your teens the importance of body language in conversations. You can explain to them specific undesirable body language cues (e.g. no eye contact, crossed arms, poor posture).
Emphasize the importance of active listening. Model this whenever your teens or anyone else speaks to you. Teach your teens the key principles of active listening.

10. Emotional intelligence and self-awareness

Your teens may have trouble understanding their emotions. They may also be unaware of how their moods and actions impact the feelings of others.

With greater emotional intelligence, your teens will cultivate empathy and build stronger relationships.

To build your teens’ emotional intelligence, create a safe atmosphere at home where they can talk openly about their emotions, fears, anxieties, etc.

Instead of sweeping their feelings under the rug, validate their emotions through active listening.

11. Leadership and teamwork

The strength of the team is each member. The strength of each member is the team.

– Phil Jackson, former NBA Coach of the Year

It’s essential that your teens learn to lead and to work in a team.

Here’s how you can help your teens to foster collaborative relationships with others:

Teach them to be accountable for their actions. Create a culture of accountability in your home by setting up rules and boundaries. Involve your teens in the process of creating these rules and boundaries.
Give them opportunities to negotiate. Invite your teens to share their ideas and opinions. Leave room for negotiation in instances when you don’t see eye-to-eye with them.
Establish a culture of celebrating other people’s successes. Model for your teens how to support, motivate, and encourage others sincerely.
Teach them to resolve conflicts effectively. Share with them strategies to stay calm in the middle of tense situations. Show them how to disagree respectfully.

12. Empathy and compassion

Teens who have more empathy will be able to build healthier relationships with others.

Here’s how you can empower your teens to develop this valuable life skill:

Create a safe space for them to talk about their feelings and experiences.
Ask them what they notice about another person’s facial expressions or body language.
Remind them to show honor to others, even in the midst of disagreements and conflicts.
Encourage them to volunteer and serve others – you can join them too!

13. Healthy habits and self-care

One of the most important life skills for young adults is knowing how to take care of their physical and mental health.

You can try the following:

Set an example by practicing good sleep hygiene, e.g. putting away your electronic devices an hour before bed, having a relaxing bedtime routine.
Take your teens to their routine health check-ups.
Exercise together with them.
Teach them basic cooking skills.
Show them how to read nutritional labels.

While physical health is important, mental health shouldn’t be overlooked.

According to the World Health Organization, half of all mental health conditions in adulthood begin by age 14.

Here’s how you can help your teens to prioritize their mental well-being:

Destigmatize counseling and mental health support.
Help them create a self-care routine.
Spend 1-on-1 time with them regularly so you can find out how they’re really doing.
Learn and practice relaxation techniques (e.g. deep breathing exercises, art therapy) with them.

14. Basic first aid and emergency preparedness

All teenagers should know how to navigate emergencies. These skills could save their life or someone else’s.

Here’s what you can do:

Encourage them to attend basic first aid training (and join in if you can).
Provide them with personal safety tools and teach them how to use the tools. Personal safety apps like Noonlight can be helpful.
Encourage them to have trusted family members or friends saved as emergency contacts.
Educate them on how to respond to fires, natural disasters, etc.

15. Basic home maintenance skills

Teens without the necessary home maintenance skills may become stressed and overwhelmed when such situations arise.

Get your teenagers involved in basic housekeeping tasks. Teach them to use common household appliances, such as a washing machine and dryer.

It’s a good idea to teach your teens how to:

Clean the gutters
Reset the circuit breaker
Cut off the water supply
Hang shelves
Fix a leaky faucet
Unclog a sink or toilet

Get your teens involved in basic home maintenance tasks as early as possible.

You’ll be teaching them valuable skills that will come in handy when they’re living on their own!

Conclusion

Many valuable life skills can’t be picked up by reading a textbook.

As much as you want your teenagers to get good grades in school, it’s also important for them to become responsible and independent young adults.

By equipping them with the right skills, they’ll be headed down this path!

(If your teens sometimes lack motivation, don’t forget to download the free e-book below.)

FREE E-BOOK:

Get your FREE copy of

16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.

The e-book has already been downloaded by

many thousands of parents, so don't miss out!

Teaching Values to Teens: 8 Ways to Build Character in Your Teens

Updated on May 10, 2023 By Daniel Wong 6 Comments

Do you wonder if your teen is maturing and developing well?

As a parent, you love your children unconditionally. But they don’t always display the values and character traits you wish they would.

If you’re frustrated by your teenagers’ bad attitude, irresponsible behavior, impatience, or lack of motivation…

… it’s a common situation that parents find themselves in.

You can still help your teens to grow into caring, courageous, and confident adults who contribute to society.

One of the best ways to ensure this is to teach your teens the right values.

Values help teens make better decisions, focus on positive goals, and take responsibility for their actions. They act as an internal compass to guide your teens’ choices and behavior.

How do values do all of this? By boosting intrinsic motivation.

This type of motivation can transform your teens’ approach to school, work, friendships, and family life.

For example, teens who value self-discipline and knowledge will study because it’s meaningful to work hard and learn new things. They won’t study just to get an A or avoid punishment.

To give your teens the best chance at finding fulfillment and success, follow these tips to help them develop the right values.

(And if your teen lacks motivation, make sure to download the e-book below.)

FREE E-BOOK:

Get your FREE copy of

16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.

The e-book has already been downloaded by

many thousands of parents, so don't miss out!

Tip #1: Model the values you want your teen to have

This tip might seem obvious. But your actions and words greatly influence your teenagers’ behavior, attitude, and beliefs.

How you respond to a stressful event or approach an argument influences how your teens will react when they face a similar situation.

For example, it’s important to stay calm when explaining to your teens why you felt frustrated that they didn’t finish their chores.

By talking calmly to your teens – instead of shouting – you’re demonstrating that respect is a value that matters to you.

Other examples of how to model certain values for your teens include:

Self-discipline: Having a morning routine, always being punctual, eating healthily, exercising regularly.
Generosity: Giving to those in need, helping neighbors, doing favors without expecting anything in return.
Excellence: Putting aside distractions and focusing on the task at hand, doing small things (like making your bed) well, going the extra mile to serve and help others
Integrity: Owning up to mistakes, not blaming others, not lying even if it affects you negatively, not cutting corners.

Tip #2: Be aware of teachable moments

Teachable moments are opportunities to help your teens learn valuable lessons.

Most teachable moments occur when your teens have made a mistake.

Keep an eye out for these moments because you can use them to show your teens how to live out their values in practical ways.

A teachable moment is not the time to give a lecture. Your teens probably already know that they’ve messed up.

As a parent, you can help your teens to identify habits and behaviors that go against their values.

For example, if your teen is frustrated with himself for not doing well on an exam, you can listen to him as he shares his feelings. Refrain from criticizing or lecturing him.

Understand what values matter to him. Help him to see if there is a gap between his actual habits and his ideal habits, based on the kind of person he wants to become.

Discuss with him ways that he can ensure that his future behavior will be aligned with his values.

When you recognize these teachable moments, you can use them to help your teens become more resilient, confident, and persistent.

Tip #3: Regularly discuss values at home

Talk about your values and the values you admire in others.

While you can’t force teens to share your values, you can help them to think about what values matter most to them.

How do they want to be treated, and how do they treat others? How do they decide what to do in tough situations?

Periodically share with them what’s most important to you and why. This will highlight the role of values in living a purposeful and fulfilling life.

Here are a few approaches you can try:

Ask your teens about their values. You could bring up the topic over dinner or when your teens seem relaxed. Ask them about what kind of person they want to become.
Ask your teens about how they view the role of values in family, society, etc. Take the time to understand their opinions and perspectives.
Discuss the values demonstrated in various shows, videos, games, etc. Don’t cast judgment on your teens’ hobbies or preferences. Instead, have an open conversation with them about the values demonstrated in various shows, videos, games, etc. and whether those values have an influence on them.

Tip #4: Volunteer together with your teen

Getting out into the community and volunteering with your teens is a way to put values into practice.

Your teens will learn about compassion, gratitude, and being of service to others.

In addition, volunteering can improve health, boost confidence, and provide your teens with an opportunity to learn new skills.

The right volunteering opportunity will also connect your teens with others who share similar values.

What’s more, doing volunteer work with your teens allows you to spend quality time together.

Of course, you can’t force your teens to volunteer if they really don’t want to. But hopefully, they’ll at least see the joy and meaning you find in volunteering.

Here are some volunteering opportunities you could explore with your teenagers:

Helping out at an animal shelter
Distributing food at a food bank
Volunteering at a library
Tutoring underprivileged children
Cleaning up parks and playgrounds

Tip #5: Support your teen during tough times

Adolescence is full of challenges. Here are some statistics to illustrate the issues teens face:

19% of students have experienced bullying at school
14.9% of teens have experienced cyberbullying
12.8% of youths aged 12 to 17 have experienced major depressive episodes

As a parent, it’s important not to write your teens’ issues off as “childish” or “just a phase.” To find healthy ways to handle and overcome these issues, your teens will need your support.

When you go through challenging times yourself, share with your teenagers what you’re learning and how you’re growing as a person.

Resilience helps teens recover from setbacks and failures in life. It also enables teens to counteract stress and develop confidence in their abilities.

Tip #6: Recognize when your teen demonstrates good values

When your teens demonstrate good values, acknowledge their growth.

If your teens volunteer at an animal shelter over the weekend, drive them there if you can and ask them about the experience when they get home.

If your teens spend a few hours picking up litter at a park, drop by with drinks and snacks for them.

Your teens will realize that showing kindness and serving others are intrinsically meaningful.

And when you praise your teens for displaying good values, make sure to focus on praising the process rather than the outcome.

Tip #7: Look out for who is influencing your teen

You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. – Jim Rohn

Do you know who your teens hang out with? Do their friends display good values and behavior?

Here are some ways to reduce the likelihood that your teens will give in to negative influences:

Have honest and open conversations with your teens. Share your thoughts and concerns with your teenagers, while making it clear that you know you can’t completely control who they hang out with.
Refraining from saying bad things about your teens’ friends. Even if you dislike your teens’ friends, don’t criticize them harshly because your teens probably won’t take it well.
Help your teens to see situations as they are. For example, if you’ve noticed that your daughter’s friend frequently insults her, talk to her about setting healthy boundaries.
Get to know your teens’ friends and their families. Invite your teens’ friends to spend time at your house, and have their families come over for a meal too.

Tip #8: Share your experiences (without lecturing!)

Do you remember the challenges you faced as a teen? Throughout your life, what experiences helped you develop your core values?

Share such experiences with your teens.

Tell your teenagers about the values that are closest to your heart. Describe how you’ve been trying to live out those values in practical ways.

And show your teens how this journey of embodying those values has made your life richer and more fulfilling.

Conclusion

Values are the bedrock of your teenagers’ development.

The values they embrace will determine their choices and habits.

By instilling the right values in your teens, they’ll naturally become confident and responsible teens who lead purposeful lives!

(Don’t forget to download your e-book below, if you haven’t already done so.)

FREE E-BOOK:

Get your FREE copy of

16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.

The e-book has already been downloaded by

many thousands of parents, so don't miss out!

15 Study Strategies to Maximize Students’ Learning

Updated on May 11, 2023 By Daniel Wong 5 Comments

Are you frustrated with your academic results despite spending a lot of time studying?

The right study strategies can turn your frustration into success.

When you’ve learned to study effectively, it will boost your motivation to study. Your progress in school will make you feel good about the time you spend understanding the material.

This can result in a lifelong passion for learning, which will serve you well long after you graduate.

Tailoring the way you study to your specific needs and abilities is essential to achieving your goals. By exploring various study methods, you can discover ways to save time, energy, and effort – and get better grades too.

Let’s talk about the 15 strategies that will enable you to make the most of your study time.

(First, make sure to download your free quick action guide below to improve your focus and reduce procrastination!)

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1. Use a variety of learning techniques and approaches

Do you use the same approach every time you study?

If so, try this instead: Diversify your learning techniques to engage with the topics in different ways.

The goal is to engage various parts of the brain. You can try a number of techniques, such as:

Reviewing your class notes
Reading and summarizing the keys points from the textbook
Watching lectures and videos online (for example on Khan Academy)
Creating a mind map
Discussing the material in a study group
Doing practice questions from the textbook

Each time you revisit a topic, use a different approach to make your study time more fruitful. Over time, you’ll realize that your understanding of the topic is more well-rounded because of the variety of learning methods you’ve used.

2. Apply the strategy of interleaving

Interleaving is the act of “mixing” the subjects you learn during your study sessions. So instead of focusing on one subject during a long study session, switch between a few.

For example, you could spend 30 minutes practicing math problems, then you could take a short break. You could then review your biology notes for 30 minutes, followed by another short break. Finally, you could spend 30 minutes reading a chapter from the chemistry textbook. After one more break, you could then circle back to math.

According to the Academic Affairs Department of the University of Arizona, interleaving can improve categorization and problem-solving skills.

Cognitive psychologists believe it can enhance the brain’s ability to distinguish between concepts and strengthen memory associations too.

3. Review information regularly to avoid cramming

How many times have you pulled an all-nighter before an exam?

It’s a fact that cramming leads to short-term improvements, while spaced practice leads to long-term understanding.

Instead of cramming, try a more proactive approach—a spaced repetition system. Plan a timeline for these reviews. This strategy is used successfully by straight-A students!

For example, you could review your notes one week after you learn the topic. Then schedule a second review of the material for two weeks after that, then schedule a third review for one month after the second review.

Periodically reviewing new information in this manner helps you to transfer the information from short- to long-term memory. This makes it easier to retrieve come exam time.

4. Use acronyms to study smart

Studies show that mnemonic acronyms can enhance learning and exam performance.

The easiest way to do this is to create a phrase or acronym that represents the information you’re trying to memorize. Here’s an example of a mnemonic acronym:

If you’re taking a math class and you’re having difficulty remembering the order of operations, try using the phrase, “Please excuse my dear aunt Sally.” This phrase is an easy way to remember PEMDAS, which stands for parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.

Another example is this acronym to remember the Great Lakes: HOMES. It stands for Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.

It may take some time for you to think of a suitable mnemonic acronym to memorize a specific list, sequence, equation, etc. But it’s worth the time!

5. Test yourself regularly

Have you ever wondered what the secret is to getting good grades?

Self-testing is one strategy that helps. As the research shows, students who test themselves frequently perform better in school.

Rather than passively reading through your notes, test yourself on the key points to see if you’ve learned the information well. Do quizzes and tests on your own, and ask your teachers if they can give you exams from prior years to do as practice.

You can also look online for additional tests on the material you want to master.

6. Link what you’re learning with prior knowledge you possess

We integrate new information faster by building upon the knowledge or concepts we’ve already learned.

Making connections between prior knowledge and new information has proven to aid learning.

So the next time you’re studying a new topic or concept, try to think of prior knowledge you can connect with it.

For example, if you’re learning about the human body, you can think of cells functioning like “factories,” blood vessels as “highways,” DNA as a “blueprint,” and the immune system as a “police force.”

This approach will take some time and effort, but using your creativity in this way will make studying more fun and effective.

7. Read key information aloud

When your studying involves reading, it’s more effective if you do it out loud.

As you do this, not only are you reading the information on the page, but you’re also speaking and hearing it.

Of course, when you have dozens of pages to read, it won’t always be possible to read everything out loud. In such instances, make sure to read aloud key information, definitions, and concepts you want to memorize.

University of Waterloo researchers found that reading something aloud improves your memory.

It might feel awkward at first since you’re probably more accustomed to reading silently. But I encourage you to give it a go and see for yourself that this technique of reading aloud works!

8. Make summary notes of each textbook chapter

Making summary notes is an effective study method.

As you move through the topics in your textbook, create summary notes at the end of each chapter. Write down any areas that you have questions about.

It’s still a good idea to read through the entire textbook chapter occasionally, but the summary notes will enable you to understand the material more deeply.

In fact, the process of making summary notes is what will benefit you the most as a learner.

9. Write down the questions or doubts you have

When studying, you’re sure to come across some concepts you have questions or doubts about.

Spend time trying to understand the material on your own. But if you’re still stuck after 15 to 20 minutes, write down your questions and move on.

It’s important to write down your questions, so you don’t forget to ask for clarification from your teacher as soon as you can.

Writing the questions down and knowing you’ll get help with them later will free up your mind to focus on studying.

10. Give another person an overview of the concept

Explaining a complex topic to someone else is an excellent technique for mastering it.

Your understanding of the topic will improve as you explain the concept to another person. You can do this with your parents, a sibling, or a friend.

After you explain the topic, ask the other person if there are any areas you didn’t explain clearly.

Try to explain the concept as if you’re talking to someone who has no prior knowledge of the concept. This way, you’ll cover all the key points while ensuring that you understand the concept well.

11. Make a list of all the learning resources available to you

If you take advantage of all the learning resources available to you, your test and exam preparations will be far more thorough.

Start by making a list of the learning resources for each subject.

Here are some examples of learning resources:

Textbook
Class notes
Practice questions
Online quizzes
Graded assignments

When preparing for an exam, go through all these resources for the various topics you need to cover.

Most students who don’t make a list of the available resources will often forget about one or two resources. This can significantly impact how prepared you are for the exam.

12. Review new concepts you learned earlier in the day

Review and consolidate all the new information you learned earlier in the day during your classes. This will make it easier for you to remember the information in the long run.

Doing this review will also ensure that you understand the material.

The forgetting curve demonstrates the importance of reviewing new information soon after you learn it.

Three days after you learn something for the first time, you only retain about 60% of the information. However, when you review the material soon after, you can retain up to 90% of the information.

13. Decide on a date when you’ll start studying for a test or exam

This is an effective study method because it will help you to avoid procrastinating.

When you have a specific start date in mind, you won’t keep telling yourself that you’ll start studying for the exam “soon,” while continually putting it off.

Instead, you would have already made a commitment to yourself about when you’ll get to work.

Getting started is often the hardest part, and a plan will help you overcome this hurdle.

14. Write down the key tasks you plan to complete every day

You can make the most of your time by prioritizing your most important tasks or those with the most urgent deadlines.

Mark Twain once said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”

This quote suggests that you kick-start your day with the most challenging task. That way, everything else you have to do will seem easy in comparison.

Before you start work for the day, take a minute to check if you have any exams or tests coming up. Also, review what homework you have to do.

After you’ve done this, write down three to five important tasks you want to complete that day.

For example, you might write down:

Do math homework, questions 1 to 6
Read biology textbook chapter 8
Make flashcards for Spanish vocabulary quiz

Research suggests that most people reach peak energy levels soon after they wake up. This makes mornings an excellent time to study.

During the school week, you can use what time you have available to study because you’ll probably be in class in the mornings.

But avoid procrastinating during the mornings on weekends. If you put important tasks off until later, you’ll need more energy and motivation to finish the work.

15. Create a productive studying environment

Your environment is more important than you might think when it comes to maximizing your study time.

Learning environments play an important role in student success. Seating, light, noise, and even color can influence your ability to learn.

Science backs this up. A positive learning environment can motivate and engage students. Conversely, students in environments that aren’t conducive to studying – such as cluttered spaces – find it much harder to stay on task.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when creating a productive study environment:

Comfortable seating
Bright, natural lighting (which can enhance student performance by 25%)
Room color
Music (for example, listening to classical music can significantly improve working memory)
Clutter-free space

Conclusion

In this article, you’ve learned 15 study strategies that have been proven to work.

Try out the strategies one at a time, and I’m confident that you’ll make excellent progress!

Now that you know these effective study strategies, the only missing piece is a step-by-step system to enable you to prepare for exams as effectively as possible.

So check out this comprehensive course I’ve created called The Perfect Study Plan. It comes with a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee, so give it a try risk-free!

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How to Avoid Sleepiness While Studying (13 Ways to Stay Awake and Focused)

August 31, 2022 By Daniel Wong 21 Comments

Do you ever catch yourself nodding off even though you have a test the next day?

If so, does that make you wonder how you can avoid sleepiness while studying?

As a student, I know schoolwork can tire you out. Studying requires a lot of concentration and time, especially during exam season.

It’s only natural for feelings of fatigue to kick in after staring at your computer for hours or reading over pages and pages of notes – even if you’re well-rested.

But remember, you’re studying for a reason.

You want to master the concepts and get good grades. If you fall asleep while studying, you’ll waste valuable time.

To help you out, I’ve come up with 13 ways to stay awake during these crucial times.

Follow these research-backed tips on how to avoid sleepiness while studying, and you’ll ace your exams!

(Make sure to download the free quick action guide below too.)

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1. Get out of your comfort zone

As tempting as it may be to crawl into bed, get cosy, and start reading through your notes, avoid doing this. You’ve probably done this before and unintentionally fell asleep.

Research has found that your learning environment significantly impacts how you study and, in turn, how successful you are in school.

A variety of factors can affect your learning ability, including lighting and noise. An environment that promotes learning has been shown to motivate, engage, and increase the potential of students to learn.

So step outside of your comfort zone. Literally!

Avoid any place you associate with sleep or naps. Instead, venture to a café, a library, or even outside in nature to stimulate your mind and activate that “study time” state.

2. Watch your posture

Sitting upright while studying has been known to enhance concentration and decrease fatigue.

Adopt a comfortable seated position and hold your head up high.

According to Upright, approximately 100 billion neurons and 1,000 trillion synaptic connections are found in the human brain. Your brain relies on these neurons and synapses for memory, concentration, and information transmission.

You’ll focus better once you improve your posture, by also improving your body’s oxygen and blood circulation. In addition, sitting upright helps to prevent you from falling asleep.

3. Create a study strategy

When it comes to avoiding sleepiness while studying, you need to have a plan in place that can guide you toward success.

Before you begin every study session, decide what you want to achieve during the session.

I recommend that you work in short, focused blocks of time of 30 to 40 minutes.

How does this method help you to avoid feeling sleepy while studying?

It allows you to devote your undivided attention to studying material for a set amount of time. You would also have specified exactly what material you intend to cover during the study session.

For example, you could break down the material into different sections and spend 30 minutes focused on each one.

Then you could take a break between each study session to recharge before diving into the next one.

Keep the breaks short – 5 to 10 minutes in general – so you stay on track to finish what you planned to work on.

4. Stay hydrated

The human brain is about 75% water.

When we don’t drink enough water, it leads to dehydration, which turns to fatigue, headaches, lack of mental clarity, stress, and sleep issues.

Of course, these are all issues that you want to avoid when studying.

Research shows that staying hydrated increases your academic performance. So always have a bottle of water next to you while studying to ensure that you stay hydrated.

5. Eat the right foods

If you want to feel energised and alert, choose a nutrient-rich diet high in protein to keep you going through your day (or night) of studying.

Add in fresh fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats to your diet too.

Healthy brain food for studying includes protein from sources like meat, eggs, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

6. Use active learning methods

If you just read your notes or textbook passively, you’re bound to feel sleepy. But if you learn the material actively, your concentration will improve.

Here are some active learning methods I recommend:

Write down questions you have as you read
Create summary notes for every topic
Teach other people about what you’ve learned
Discuss the topic with your classmates
Think about real-world applications of what you’re learning
Explore case studies related to the topic

7. Switch tasks periodically

Doing too much of one thing can become tedious.

That’s why switching up your tasks periodically can keep things interesting and prevent your mind from straying while you’re studying.

If you switch tasks too often (e.g. every 15 minutes or less), you’ll have difficulty concentrating deeply on the task at hand.

I recommend that you focus on one task for at least 30 to 40 minutes before changing to a different task.

You could begin with one “type” of studying, such as reading through your notes and highlighting the key points. Then you could move on to another type of studying where you complete a few practice problems.

If you use this approach while also applying methods that enable you to study smart, you’ll be on the right track!

8. Move your body

Daily exercise plays a big part in students’ mental and physical health. The benefits of physical activity are endless, from strengthening the body to refreshing the mind.

We are Fitness Freaks is an advocate of performing aerobic exercises to avoid feeling lethargic.

Starting your study session with a quick exercise like jumping jacks gets your heart rate up and improves your focus.

Adding jumping jacks to your daily routine elevates oxygen levels, boosts mental cognition, increases happiness, and enhances your overall performance.

9. Take power naps

You’ll be happy to hear that power naps are a good thing!

The health benefits of power naps include enhanced long-term memory, better logical reasoning, increased creativity, and improved cognitive performance.

The ideal time to take a power nap is between 12:30 pm and 2 pm. You’ll want to avoid taking one too late in the day because it will affect your ability to sleep later on.

But if you have no choice but to wait until later in the day, a 10-minute power nap is ideal and won’t mess up your sleep schedule.

10. Choose the right kind of lighting

Feeling sleepy while studying? Your choice of lighting could be an influencing factor.

Did you know that the colour of light that you use while studying can have an impact on your level of sleepiness?

LED Lighting Info states that cool light colours – blues and whites – are the best LEDs for studying. By mimicking daylight, they help you stay awake and focused.

You’ll feel more attentive and alert when studying under cooler colours.

But starting a few hours before bedtime, I recommend that you study under warmer colours, such as orange and red. This is so you won’t have trouble falling asleep.

11. Find a study buddy

Two minds are better than one – this also goes for motivation and moral support.

When you have a study buddy, you can motivate each other throughout your session. You can also test each other by asking questions and bouncing ideas off one another.

An advantage of this is that you’re less likely to fall asleep while studying in someone else’s company.

You’ll keep your mind stimulated and more alert. If you see your study buddy beginning to nod off, give them a gentle nudge and encourage them to keep going.

12. Prioritise quality sleep

It might be strange to see a tip related to getting more quality sleep on this list, but I put it here for a reason.

Quality sleep can do wonders for your study sessions. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that healthy adults sleep between seven and nine hours per night.

This research study explored the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance in college students. The results showed that academic performance was positively correlated with longer sleep duration, higher sleep quality, and more consistency in sleep.

So make it a priority to get to bed at about the same time every night, and wake up naturally without an alarm whenever you can.

13. Use your finger or pen as a guide while reading

Sometimes, using a guide to focus on while you study can help you stay alert.

For example, try using a pen as a guide while reading a textbook or your notes. You can also use your finger or any other suitable item you have on hand.

This will help you to concentrate and will prevent you from daydreaming. Your reading efficiency will also increase!

Conclusion

Studying can be a tedious task that may cause students to feel tired and fatigued.

But if you want to learn as effectively as you can, then it’s vital to find an approach that works for you to avoid sleepiness.

By following the tips in this article to stay awake while studying, you’re sure to become a better student!

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11 Excuses for Not Doing Homework (And How to Stop Making Them)

July 5, 2022 By Daniel Wong 6 Comments

When you get home from school, do you find yourself making excuses for not doing your homework?

If you’re like many students, you’d rather take a nap, talk to your friends online, or play video games.

As you already know, finding reasons not to do your homework will prevent you from succeeding in school.

I’m sure you want to do well in school, and homework is definitely a part of that process.

In this article, I’ll go over 11 of the most common excuses for not doing homework and offer solutions to ensure that you stay engaged in school.

But first, make sure to download your free quick action guide…

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Excuse #1: You lack the required knowledge

Let your parents and teacher know if you’re taking a class and feel as if you lack the necessary skills or knowledge to complete the homework.

Ask your teacher for extra guidance so you don’t fall too far behind. See if your parents can find the time to help you, or you can look for a tutor.

Your teachers are there to help you develop the skills you need to do well in their classes.

You’re not alone in feeling that you lack the necessary skills, so don’t be too embarrassed to ask for assistance. You might even find some great study buddies who feel the same way.

Excuse #2: You lack confidence

Many students compare themselves to their peers, which can lead to a lack of confidence. When that happens, it’s easy to make excuses for not doing the homework.

But here’s what you need to know…

Everyone lacks confidence about something.

You might be good at math but need extra help with English. Perhaps you excel at geography but find biology confusing.

Give yourself a break.

If you lack confidence in your ability to learn a particular subject, get the support you need. Your teachers, parents, and even friends will help you out and give you a needed morale boost.

Excuse #3: Your home life is too hectic

The excuses for submitting assignments late are numerous, but one that I hear often is that it’s too busy or noisy at home to focus.

Finding a quiet space and using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce distractions. This will make it easier for you to finish your homework.

If that doesn’t work, try finding an alternative location to do your work, like the library or a friend’s house.

You can also talk to your parents about it. They might not even be aware of all the interruptions that are preventing you from completing your schoolwork.

Excuse #4: You don’t know where to start

Feeling anxious and overwhelmed are often the main reasons that cause students to not know where to start on their homework.

If you ever feel this way, here’s what I suggest you do:

Take a deep breath.
Create a space where you can get organised.
Make a list of all your assignments and deadlines.
Work on one assignment at a time.
Start with an easy assignment to get a quick win, or tackle the most challenging assignment to get it out of the way.

Excuse #5: You have poor study habits

Many students develop bad study habits over their years in school.

Not everyone learns the same way or at the same pace. As such, every student will have different study habits. If what you’re doing isn’t working, try a different approach.

If you’re trying to do your homework as soon as you get home from school but can’t focus, try having a snack and taking a power nap before getting to work instead.

If you’re staying up too late studying, set a rule for yourself that you’ll start doing your homework within one hour of getting home.

Establish a routine where you do your work at roughly the same time each day. Developing routines like this will improve your study habits, which will make you a more effective student.

Excuse #6: School isn’t important to you

A common misconception is that school isn’t important, that what you learn won’t be relevant once you leave school.

This isn’t completely true.

Of course, the education system can be improved. But the knowledge you acquire in school will help you to understand and appreciate the world better.

And the process of becoming a more effective student will lead you to develop traits like self-discipline and responsibility. These are the types of traits you’ll need in order to find success at any stage of life!

Excuse #7: You’re overloaded with after-school activities

I know it can be tough to balance schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

Maybe you’re on a sports team or you spend several hours each week volunteering.

Finding the right balance to ensure you have enough time for homework can be challenging.

When too many afterschool activities get in the way of completing your assignments on time, it’s time to review your schedule. Decide how you can prioritise the activities that are the most important.

You may need to put some activities on hold until you’re consistently staying on top of your schoolwork.

Speak with your coach, teachers, or parents about the ideas they have to help you manage your schedule more effectively.

Excuse #8: Studying is boring for you

If you find that doing your homework is uninteresting, it may be time for you to change your point of view.

I always encourage students to cultivate a growth mindset. This is a mindset where you focus more on the learning process instead of on getting good grades.

Rather than seeing a particular subject as boring, develop a sense of wonder. Decide that you’re going to be intellectually curious, and you’ll discover that we live in a fascinating world.

And while you’re on that journey, remember that the students who succeed in school find ways to get the work done even when they find the subject boring.

For example, if you don’t like math, consider that it isn’t just about numbers – it’s a way of thinking.

Reframing how you think about a subject will enable you to see it as more interesting. In turn, you’ll become a better student over time.

Excuse #9: Your teachers assign too much homework

Sometimes, it may seem like your teachers assign more homework than you can keep up with. You might even believe that what you’re required to do is unreasonable.

If you find yourself in this situation, take a moment to think about everything else you’re doing.

Are you managing your time well?

Are you struggling with a particular class?

Do you use memory techniques to enable you to learn faster?

Instead of allowing homework to overwhelm you, try talking to your teacher, tutor, or parents to figure out the best way forward for you.

Excuse #10: You already have so much overdue homework

Procrastinating on your homework can lead to a significant pile-up of assignments. This will affect your confidence in being able to complete them.

What’s more, once you get a set of new assignments, you probably won’t know how to do them because you didn’t do the previous assignments.

This creates a vicious cycle where you tell yourself that there’s no point in completing your newly assigned homework because you still have the old ones to do.

When this happens, the likelihood of completing any of the work decreases.

If you’re in this situation, set a reasonable goal of keeping up with all the newly assigned homework while completing, say, one overdue assignment a day, or one overdue assignment every two days.

Excuse #11: You don’t believe you can get good grades

If you hate school, there’s a chance that it’s because you feel the pressure to be a straight-A student.

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be perfect. After all, there’s no such thing as a perfect student.

But you do have to put in the effort and get the work done. The rest will then fall into place.

If you’re doing your best, you’re doing great! Celebrate your progress and keep moving forward.

Take it one step at a time, and don’t worry too much about what grades you’re getting at the moment.

In closing…

There are many possible reasons for you not to finish your homework.

No matter what those reasons are, it’s important to know that the people around you want to help you succeed.

From teachers to parents to coaches, you have a support network to provide solutions to almost any obstacle you face.

Identify the excuses listed in this article that are relevant to your situation, and apply the suggested solutions.

If you do that, you’ll become a better and happier student who makes far fewer excuses related to homework!

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8 Bad Study Habits You Need to Eliminate Immediately

April 19, 2022 By Daniel Wong 17 Comments

Are you ready to get rid of your bad study habits permanently?

Maybe you’ve picked up a few ineffective study habits over the years.

Maybe you’re tired of feeling stressed out and overwhelmed — like no matter how hard you study, you’re always behind.

Well, I’ve got good news for you…

With the right strategies and mindset, you can achieve academic success.

Once you eliminate the 8 bad study habits discussed in this article, you’ll become a better student. You’ll also be more prepared for life after school.

So let’s explore this list of bad habits for students — and my tips for what to do instead — so you can start getting better grades today.

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Bad habit #1: Procrastinating until the last minute

Do you wait until the night before an exam to crack open your textbook and review your notes?

Do you struggle to begin homework assignments, even when your stress levels are rising and the deadlines are fast approaching?

If so, you’re not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, 80 to 95% of college students and 86% of high school students struggle with procrastination!

But just because procrastination is a common problem, that clearly doesn’t make it an effective study habit.

Cramming doesn’t work. So if you want to do well in school, you need to study smarter.

You need to get the basics right and do things like:

Plan out your day and week in advance.
Set aside regular blocks of time for homework and study sessions.
Periodically review the material covered in class.

(If you still feel too overwhelmed to get to work, learn how to motivate yourself to study with these 23 tips.)

Bad habit #2: Studying in front of the TV or with digital devices next to you

After an exhausting day at school, you still have a long list of homework assignments to complete.

You’re tired of sitting at a desk, so you cosy up on the sofa with your textbook and homework. It’s too quiet, so you turn on the TV.

What’s the problem with this?

Soon you have one eye on your homework and the other on the TV.

To avoid poor study habits, it’s vital that you remove as many distractions as possible. That includes your smartphone and tablet, too.

I recommend setting up a dedicated study space where you can control the environment for optimal study sessions.

Leave your digital devices in a different room so you’re not tempted to use them. By doing this, you’ll learn how to focus when studying and have more time to enjoy your favourite shows later.

Pro tip: Any place you associate with relaxation — like your bed — isn’t an optimal place to study. So make a commitment today not to do any work while lying in bed!

Bad habit #3: Memorising your notes without fully understanding the material

Memorising your notes might help you ace a test in the short term, especially if it’s an easy test.

But rote memorisation won’t help you retain information for the long term.

So focus on understanding all the new material that’s covered in class. Process and summarise what your teacher says by jotting down notes that make sense to you.

You’ll retain information more effectively and set yourself up for success when you learn how to take notes properly.

Put any new information into context by connecting it to your existing knowledge.

And if you just can’t understand certain concepts or equations, ask your teacher for help. Do this as soon as possible so you can clarify your doubts way before the next test or exam.

Bad habit #4: Being disorganised

No list of bad study habits for students would be complete without mentioning a lack of organisation.

I know it’s hard to stay organised as a busy student. But being disorganised leads to forgotten exam dates, missed assignments, and plenty of stress.

So take 5 to 10 minutes each day to put things in order. Do things like:

File your class notes and material.
Write down the tasks you need to complete for the day.
Check your calendar or planner to see what events and deadlines are coming up.
Clear your desk.
Throw away or recycle old papers or brochures that you no longer need.

It doesn’t take much time to create a calm, organised environment so that you can achieve your academic goals and be successful in school.

Bad habit #5: Not asking for help when you need it

Like we talked about briefly earlier, if you have a question about a concept or an assignment, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for guidance.

Everyone has questions — it’s just that straight-A students ask for help when they need it.

Regularly review your notes and flag any questions you might have by highlighting the relevant section or by using sticky notes.

Find an opportunity to speak with your teacher (or a knowledgeable classmate) to get these questions answered.

If you do this consistently, you’ll keep up with the material and avoid feeling stressed the night before the exam.

Bad habit #6: Multitasking

What looks like multitasking is really switching back and forth between multiple tasks, which reduces productivity and increases mistakes by up to 50%.
– Susan Cain

We’ve all been there before…

A few minutes into a study session, you remember that you need to reply to a text about a group project. So you unlock your phone and send that text.

Then you read another page of your textbook, and a line in the chapter reminds you of a video you’ve been meaning to watch. The video is only a few minutes long, so you decide to watch it right away.

Now you’re back to studying. But wait — do you have a math test next week? You’d better check on that now before you forget.

You then realise that you’ve been “studying” for an hour, but you’ve hardly made any progress!

Here’s the thing…

Multitasking doesn’t work. It makes you less productive and more distracted because you’re just switching between tasks.

Instead of switching between assignments or trying to do multiple tasks at once, focus on one thing at a time.

If a distracting thought pops into your head, jot it down on a notepad. You can return to this list at the end of your study session.

Bad habit #7: Neglecting your physical health

Exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep are essential habits that will impact your health and well-being.

You might think that you’re too busy to take care of your physical health.

But if you take care of your physical health, the science shows that you’ll actually be more focused and productive!

It is possible to become a top student while leading a healthy, well-balanced life. You can start with these simple tips:

Do some form of exercise every day, even if it’s just a brisk 10-minute walk.
Keep a water bottle and healthy snacks on or close to your desk.
Stick to a bedtime routine that helps you to wind down.
Wake up and go to sleep at around the same time each day.
Do deep breathing exercises to help you manage stress.

Bad habit #8: Always studying alone

Sometimes you need to study alone to maximise your focus and understand new material.

Other times, you might find it helpful to study with a small group of motivated students. Studying in a group is a fun way to keep yourself accountable and eliminate bad study habits.

When I was in university, I remember taking a class where the homework assignments were extremely tedious and challenging. By doing the assignments at the same time as my study groupmates, I felt far more motivated to complete the work.

Another advantage to studying in a group is that you can support one another when you have questions.

You can get the answers you need while helping your groupmates to do the same.

Pro tip: Keep the size of your study group to 3 or 4 students to minimise distractions.

In closing…

If you eliminate these 8 bad study habits, you’ll be on your way to becoming an effective student.

But I know that students often need some extra support.

That’s why I’ve created The Perfect Study Plan online course. It’s a proven, easy-to-follow course that will enable you to stop procrastinating and to start acing every exam you take.

Learn more about the study skills and exam preparation course here and discover the step-by-step system you need to become a top student who leads a balanced life too!

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