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7 Things Every Teenager Should Do to Prepare for the Future

Updated on May 27, 2025 By Daniel Wong Leave a Comment

Teen preparing for the futureDo you ever feel stressed thinking about your future?

Feeling nervous about starting new chapters in your life is natural.

But the fact that you’re thinking ahead is a great start.

You might already have clear goals and ambitions. Or you might still be exploring different interests and pursuits.

Either way, it’s never too early to prepare for the journey ahead.

In this article, I’ll explain 7 things you can do as a teenager to set the stage for a fulfilling future.

(If you want to improve your focus and reduce procrastination, make sure to download your free quick action guide below.)

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1. Build communication skills

Learning how to communicate helps you convey your thoughts and opinions better. It also allows you to resolve conflicts, give and receive feedback, and persuade others.

The good news is that you don’t have to be an extrovert or social butterfly to be able to communicate well. Research has shown that it’s a skill that anyone can develop.

Here’s how you can work on building your communication skills:

  • Practice active listening without interrupting or jumping to conclusions
  • Stay focused on what the person is saying rather than thinking about what you want to say next
  • Try to face the speaker, maintain good eye contact, and avoid crossing your arms
  • Practice being brief and concise whenever you speak
  • Put away distractions, such as your phone, during every conversation

Start by applying one or two of these tips to your daily interactions with others.

2. Set clear, actionable, and process-based goals

Goal-setting is crucial as it has a massive impact on life outcomes.

Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to set effective goals:

  • Set specific short-term and long-term goals. Shorter-term targets can be achieved within a week, a month, or even a year, while longer-term ones could take several years to complete. You may have big dreams and great ideas. The key to achieving them is knowing how to break these long-term goals into practical and smaller ones.
  • Create actionable process-based goals. An outcome-based goal would be to “get selected for the basketball team.” Instead of focusing on these types of outcome-based goals, create process-based goals like “practice five specific dribbling drills for half an hour every day” or “run intervals for half an hour every other day.”
  • Set up repeatable systems and processes. For example, if your goal is to learn a new language, your systems could include how to practice and immerse yourself in the language.
  • Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable. Researchers have discovered that those who believe they can achieve their goals are more likely to achieve them. Try to have realistic and progressive goals that naturally become harder as you gain more experience and skills.

3. Nurture healthy daily habits

Teenager doing push upsThe health-related choices you make now will affect your well-being in the long run.

Good habits take time to build, so it’s never too early to start optimizing these core pillars of health:

  • Exercise. It’s recommended that teenagers should exercise for at least 60 minutes on most days of the week. Explore different sports and workouts so you can find something you enjoy!
  • Nutrition. Include more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins in your diet. At the same time, limit your intake of junk food and food with lots of added sugars.
  • Sleep. Teenagers should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep a day. Having a regular sleep schedule and keeping the bedroom dark, cool, and quiet helps to create a conducive environment for sleep.
  • Mental health. Some stress-relief methods include breathing or relaxation exercises. You can also build a support system of friends and family you trust.

4. Cultivate an attitude of lifelong learning

Building a growth mindset is the best way to nurture the desire to learn. A person with this mindset believes that skills and positive traits can be learned and developed.

To develop this mindset and grow your love for learning, try implementing the following tips:

  • Accept your mistakes and view them as opportunities to learn
  • Embrace challenges and get outside your comfort zone often
  • Cultivate the curiosity to explore different skills, topics, and hobbies
  • Make time to delve into various courses and workshops
  • Be kind to yourself in the way you talk to yourself about your shortcomings
  • Be open and humble enough to accept criticism and feedback

5. Develop financial literacy

Financial literacy can be divided into several main areas: saving, budgeting, investing, and managing finances.

Some simple ways to get started on improving your financial literacy skills include:

  • Creating a budget. Many experts recommend the 50/30/20 rule. This rule states that 50% of your allowance or earnings should go to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings (as well as donations).
  • Starting your own savings account. You can get your parents to go with you to a bank to start your own savings account. This can help you build the habit of saving and teach you to handle your money early on.
  • Tracking your spending. It’s easy to go overboard when you don’t keep tabs on your expenses. You can use a personal finance app, spreadsheet, or even a physical journal to keep track of what you spend money on each day.

6. Gain work experience

smiling teen working in a flower shopWork experience is invaluable and will help you develop skills like teamwork, communication, and time management.

There are several methods of gaining work experience, including the following:

  • Doing a part-time job
  • Doing an internship
  • Volunteering at a non-profit organization
  • Offering services like dog sitting or babysitting

If you need help finding job opportunities, you can seek the advice of your school counselor, teachers, or parents.

7. Become a self-starter and build a strong work ethic

Many teenagers are used to depending on threats, consequences, and reminders from their parents or teachers to “force” them to do what they ought to. This mindset can continue into adulthood.

To counter this, you can start building a self-starter mindset and learn to keep yourself motivated and committed.

Think about meaningful activities you can start taking up. Do you want to learn a new language or pick up a new skill like coding or video editing?

Then, find online courses, articles, or resources to help you achieve those goals. Take the initiative to create a schedule and break down your goals into specific tasks or routines.

Along the way, be sure to celebrate your wins and progress. This will boost your confidence in your abilities, making it easier to be a self-starter in all your future undertakings.

Conclusion

It can be difficult and sometimes even scary to think about the future and the various paths you can take.

And while you can’t predict the future, the actions you take now can ensure you’re as adequately prepared for it as possible.

The changes you make now, though small, can add up and enable you to build a bright and promising future.

Of course, you can’t expect success overnight. But your future self will thank you for the steps you’re taking today to invest in your education, health, financial literacy, and more!

(If you haven’t already done so, download your free quick action guide below.)

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Filed Under: Career, Goals, Personal Growth, Planning, Success, Taking action, Teens

How to Write a Paper Fast (Without Compromising on Quality)

Updated on September 29, 2023 By Daniel Wong 1 Comment

how to write a paper fastDo you put off writing papers, dreading the hours it will take to get them done?

Many students find that writing is a tedious process.

It’s not surprising to see why.

You have to brainstorm ideas and research information thoroughly. Then you have to put together your draft, including citations. Finally, you have to edit your essay to make sure it all makes sense and is grammatically correct.

It’s a lot of work, so I’m going to show you some ways to speed things up.

The trick to writing fast isn’t to cut back on research or to speed through the editing process. If you do that, it will result in a poor-quality paper.

Instead, by applying the strategies in this article, you’ll be able to research information faster and write a quality paper in less time.

Here are 11 tips on how to write a paper or essay faster and still get a good grade!

(If you want to improve your concentration and reduce procrastination, download the free quick action guide below.)

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1. Make sure you understand the assignment

The biggest mistake a student can make is to write an essay that doesn’t meet the requirements of the assignment.

No matter how well-written your paper is, you’ll receive a bad grade if your work is off-topic.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to ensure your paper is on the right track:

  • Do I understand the topic well?
  • What are the specific questions I need to answer?
  • Do I know where to find the relevant information?
  • What’s the required format for the final draft?
  • How long should the paper be?

As you write each section of your paper, always refer back to the requirements to ensure you stay on track.

And if you don’t understand the requirements well, don’t hesitate to clarify your doubts with your teacher.

2. Plan your schedule

Researchers have studied the benefits of various time management techniques. The findings show that using such techniques can help to improve academic performance and reduce stress.

So how can you improve your time management?

Start by noting down all your assignments, and prioritize them based on urgency. It’s best to start with tasks that take more time and have a closer deadline.

If the project is complex, break it down into smaller tasks. Then, estimate the time needed and designate a slot for each subtask in your schedule.

Take your other commitments into account so they don’t conflict with your work sessions or affect your school-life balance.

Having a set schedule reduces the time spent thinking about when you should get to work and what tasks you should work on. It also helps to minimize stress and ensures you have enough time to produce quality work.

3. Explain the topic to your friends or family members

explain topic to a friendBefore doing research for the paper, try to gain a basic understanding of the topic.

Go through the materials and guidelines that your teacher has provided. You can also make brief notes on the concepts and information you learn.

Then, try to explain the topic to a friend or family member.

You can use the Feynman technique when doing so. This study strategy involves simplifying complex concepts.

You’d then test your understanding by explaining it to someone else like you would to a child.

It’s crucial to take note of any concepts or ideas you couldn’t explain well or questions you weren’t able to answer. This can help to highlight any gaps in your understanding, which you’ll fill in later during the research stage.

4. Conduct preliminary research (but don’t go overboard)

Now that you have a basic understanding of the topic, you can start delving deeper.

Your preexisting knowledge should help you gauge how accurate an article or source is. You can also use the knowledge gaps you identified earlier to direct your research.

While doing the research, you can also make short notes or mini mindmaps to connect new information with what you already know.

Many students spend too much time in the research phase. Don’t worry about finding out everything about your topic at the start. You can always do more research when you actually start writing the paper later on.

5. Find credible sources to cite

Make full use of your research sessions by noting credible sources to include in your paper.

Start a document to keep track of your sources, so you can refer back to them and cite them correctly.

Many papers require you to cite credible sites, research studies, or published journal articles. If so, check the guidelines for the number and type of sources you should include.

6. Create an outline

Creating an outline allows you to organize your ideas, research, and insights into a structured roadmap to follow.

Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

  • Organize your ideas and research findings into separate themes or categories.
  • Arrange these content clusters logically.
    • Are there any strong points that should appear first?
    • Do certain ideas need to be explained first to set up the discussion of other ideas?
  • Keep your notes brief to save time.
  • Note which sources and citations can be used under each point.
  • Estimate the word count for each section.
  • Regularly refer to the given questions and guidelines to stay on track.

7. Use a good template

essay template

To save time, you can use a template as a backbone for the paper.

Start by doing a quick search online. You’ll find many free essay and paper outline templates for different writing styles.

Choose a suitable template that’s closest to the required format, word count, and writing style.

8. Write freely and edit later

When you write your draft, focus on progress, not perfection.

Create your draft based on the outline you drew up earlier. At this point, don’t worry about re-reading your sentences to catch grammatical mistakes and typos – you can do this later during the editing phase.

Edit your draft as a whole after you’ve completed it.

9. Write your paper bit by bit

Try to spread out your research, outlining, and writing tasks over a period of time – at least a few days to a couple of weeks or longer. You shouldn’t attempt to complete all the stages in one go.

If you’re in a time crunch, you can take ten-minute breaks between your writing sessions.

Research has shown that even short breaks can help to combat tiredness, boost your energy levels, and improve overall performance.

10. Avoid procrastination

Your teacher will often give you a week or two or longer to write a paper. What often happens is that students put off getting started until the last minute. This leads to stress and affects the quality of the paper.

Instead, spread out your writing sessions. Break the project down into smaller sections. Then, dedicate a 20- to 40-minute slot each day to work on the paper.

By making this part of your daily routine, you’ll gradually complete the paper without becoming overwhelmed by the task.

11. Use writing tools and technologies

typing text on computer

There are many digital programs and tools available that will make the writing process more efficient.

You might find the following tools useful:

  • Grammarly: Run your paper through this program to catch typos and grammatical errors. It also comes with a built-in plagiarism checker.
  • Hemingway: This writing tool guides you to write clear and concise sentences.
  • BibMe: This is a citation and bibliography maker that will help you create citations based on the sources you provide. It can also organize and store all your citations.
  • ChatGPT: It’s best to first check if your teacher permits its use. And, of course, you should never use it to write your paper! But you can use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas and provide feedback on your paper.

Conclusion

Writing papers doesn’t have to be exhausting or tedious.

Set up a workflow that enables you to carry out all your tasks in an organized and efficient way. It’s also a good idea to do your work in a quiet and conducive environment so you don’t get distracted.

As with many things in life, practice makes perfect. As you write more papers using this structured process, you’ll become a faster and better writer!

(Don’t forget to download your free quick action guide below.)

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Filed Under: Education, Learning, Planning, Time Management

How to Study Productively: 14 Tips to Maximize Your Effort and Time

Updated on December 17, 2024 By Daniel Wong 4 Comments

how to study productivelyDo you want to get more studying done in less time?

Of course, you do.

But it’s the night before your exams. You’ve been seated at your study table for three long hours. But you’ve hardly made progress.

There are too many distractions: social media, text messages, snacks, and videos.

You’ve revisited the same paragraph five times and still have no idea what it’s about. No matter how hard you try, you can’t absorb anything you read.

Frustrating, isn’t it?

Being able to study efficiently is the key to improved performance and a better school-life balance.

If you study productively, you’ll have time to relax, hang out with friends and family, and do other things you love!

The powerful strategies in this article will help you deal with productivity killers like procrastination and burnout.

Let’s get started!

(If you struggle with procrastination and distractions, make sure to also download the quick action guide below.)

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Tip #1: Record yourself on camera while studying

Using your phone’s camera to record yourself makes it seem like someone is watching you as you study.

That might sound a bit creepy, but you’ll be less likely to give in to distractions. And you’ll be more likely to stick to your study plan.

Give this tip a try during your next study session!

Tip #2: Study with an online accountability partner

Studying online

Have you ever had a study session with friends?

Group study sessions work for some people, but not everyone.

A tool like Focusmate can come in handy in these situations. With Focusmate, you’ll be paired with a real-life accountability partner (who’s a stranger) online.

During each session, you’ll both work independently on your own tasks. At the same time, you’ll leave your camera and audio on so you can see and hear each other.

No hanging out or chatting is allowed while you’re both working.

Your accountability partner can report you if you’re late, don’t show up, or goof off during the session. If your compliance score falls too low, you may be booted off the system.

This is a great way to establish accountability while you study!

Other similar platforms include Study Together and Fiveable.

Tip #3: Create a study plan for each week

A study plan helps you clarify your goals for the week.

Something vague like “study chemistry” isn’t going to cut it. Instead, include enough details so you can track your progress along the way.

For example, “read chemistry notes for chapters 1 to 5 and create flashcards for all equations” is much better as a target to achieve for chemistry for the week.

Focus on the bigger picture. Plan out your week in terms of the specific work you need to complete by the end of the week.

If you have a clear and specific weekly plan, you’ll be less likely to procrastinate because you know exactly where to start.

Tip #4: Create a plan for each study session

making a list of goals

This is an excellent method to help you focus while studying.

Before you start the study session, write down the tasks you want to work on during the session.

For example, your plan could list the following tasks:

  • Read chapter 1 of math textbook
  • Create summary notes for chapter 1
  • List formulas to memorize for chapter 1
  • Do online quiz for chapter 1

You can leave this written plan on your desk as a reminder of what you’re aiming to accomplish.

Tip #5: Create a study-friendly environment

Reducing clutter and distractions creates a conducive environment to study in.

Studies have found that a cluttered desk increases stress. It can also negatively affect productivity and reduce motivation.

So it’s a good idea to keep only the items, books, and materials you’ll need on your desk for each task.

For example, keep only a calculator, pen, pencil, eraser, and the assignment on your table while doing your math homework. If your desk is untidy, take a few minutes to organize it before you start studying.

Keeping your desk clutter-free is one piece of the puzzle. The next step is to keep it distraction-free.

In this study, researchers found that more smartphone use led to lower productivity. (No surprise there, right?)

Smartphone use may interfere with how well your brain engages with the material you’re studying. Smartphone use can also make your tasks less enjoyable and harder to complete.

So if you’re frequently distracted by your digital devices, put them away while you study. You can place them in a different room or you can turn them off completely.

Tip #6: Block out distracting sounds with headphones

multitaskWearing headphones or earphones helps to reduce distractions and reminds you that you’re in the middle of a study session.

Doing this also lets other people know you’re busy. As such, they’ll be less likely to interrupt you.

If you really don’t enjoy listening to music while studying, you can still wear headphones or earphones without any music playing.

That being said, listening to music while studying can improve your focus and mood. Research shows that listening to music can reduce mind-wandering.

Classical music is a good place to start. But if you don’t like classical music, check out Brain.fm. This platform offers music designed to help you create and maintain deep focus.

Tip #7: Take deep breaths before each study session

This research study found that breathing exercises increase alertness. They can also reduce stress, anger, and confusion.

By regulating your breathing, you can lower your levels of a stress hormone called cortisol. You’ll also get more oxygen flowing to your brain, thus improving your focus and mood.

Here’s how to get started with a simple breathing exercise before your next study session:

  • Close your eyes
  • Breathe in through your nose for four seconds
  • Breathe out through your mouth for four seconds
  • Repeat this three times

Bonus tip: Try this right before bed to fall asleep faster!

Tip #8: Write down any distracting thoughts

Part of learning how to study productively involves finding a strategy to deal with distractions.

As much as you can try to reduce distractions, they’ll still occur. What’s crucial is how you deal with them when they do.

Here’s what you can do the next time distraction comes knocking on your door…

Write it down.

Let me explain. Let’s say you’re studying for a biology test. Out of the blue, you feel the urge to search for a new show to watch during your leisure time.

You know this will lead you down a rabbit hole. And you can’t afford for that to happen now. So write down “look for new show” on a piece of paper, then go back to studying.

Every time a distracting thought pops into your head, write it down. Then during your next study break, go ahead and “do” the items or activities written on the piece of paper.

Why does this technique work?

Because you’ve acknowledged your urge without giving in to it. With that, your brain can redirect its focus back to what you were doing.

Tip #9: Follow a routine

You’re not alone if you have trouble getting motivated to study.

That’s where following a routine helps. When you establish a routine, it becomes easier for you to get started on your tasks.

Routines empower you to form beneficial, long-lasting study habits.

Let’s say you want to create a timeslot for studying or homework in your schedule. In this case, your routine might be: “Study from 5 pm to 6:30 pm every weekday.”

If this feels too restrictive, start by following the routine for just a couple of days each week. For instance, you could start with only Wednesdays and Thursdays.

With a well-established routine, you won’t have to rely on motivation to get started. You’ll get started simply because it’s a part of your routine.

That said, developing a cue will make your routine even more effective.

What’s a cue?

A cue signals to your brain, “Hey, it’s time to get moving!” It creates an impulse to act.

Researchers have found that cues are a vital part of habit formation.

You can create a cue by associating a specific behavior or place with starting a study session. Some examples include:

  • Hanging a sign on your door that says “Study session in progress”
  • Putting on your noise-canceling headphones
  • Going to the library
  • Placing your electronic devices in another room
  • Brewing a cup of tea

Find a cue that works for you. Then you’ll realize that it isn’t so hard to get started on your schoolwork after all!

Tip #10: Limit your study hours

This probably isn’t the advice you’d expect. After all, isn’t studying more the secret to succeeding in school?

I always encourage students to study smart. Here’s how you can study effectively and get better grades in school: Get enough sleep.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, those between the ages of 13 and 18 should sleep 8 to 10 hours per day.

Doing so improves concentration and reduces the risk of health problems. It also enhances memory and facilitates learning.

Of course, I’m not saying you shouldn’t work hard. But it’s also important to lead a balanced life.

Set a strict deadline to stop studying each day, e.g. 9:30 pm. Then make sure you don’t do any work after that time.

Setting a fixed end time like this establishes a firm boundary, so you’ll be far more likely to get all your work done before then.

Tip #11: Time your study sessions and breaks

Time your study sessionsDoes your focus dwindle after a long study session?

Here’s how to study productively: Take a 5- to 10-minute break every 30 to 45 minutes.

Time your study sessions so you know when to take a break. Likewise, time your breaks so you know when to start studying again.

You don’t want to fall into the trap of procrastination or losing track of time.

To avoid this, set the alarm to go off when it’s time to get back to work.

Tip #12: Prepare a pre-study session checklist

Checklists ensure you don’t miss any steps in an important process.

Pilots, astronauts, and surgeons use checklists to ensure that things go smoothly.

In the same way, you (or your parents) might bring a list to the grocery store to make sure you get everything you need.

Checklists are a practical tool to help you as you learn how to study productively. Plus, they’ll enable you to stay organized as a student.

So what should you put in your pre-study session checklist?

You can include some of the following:

  • Set up study space
  • Place devices in another room
  • Fill a bottle of water
  • Set up timer
  • Hang up “do not disturb” sign
  • Turn on study music

Tip #13: Sit straight and maintain good posture

Research shows that good posture improves mood and productivity. At the same time, it reduces your risk of injury.

Here are some posture tips if you spend hours each day sitting at a desk:

  • Keep your feet flat on the floor
  • Sit with a straight back
  • Your knees should be at the same level as your hips
  • Keep your shoulders and neck relaxed

Here’s a related tip: Whenever you take a study break, move around. Do some squats or some jumping jacks. This approach is called “exercise snacking” and has loads of health benefits.

Also, do your best to avoid studying in bed. You can’t maintain good posture while lying in bed, and you might just fall asleep accidentally!

Tip #14: Break big tasks into smaller ones

studying productivelyMost people get overwhelmed by big and complex tasks. This can cause you to become demotivated.

The trick is to break big projects into smaller, more manageable chunks.

For example, you could break a physics poster presentation down into the following sub-tasks:

  • Read chapter 1 and 2
  • Summarize the main points
  • Research new points to include
  • Plan out the sub-headings for the poster
  • Plan out content to include in bullet points
  • Write the paper
  • Decorate the poster
  • Write the presentation script in bullet points
  • Flesh out the presentation script
  • Practice the presentation three times from start to end

There’s no need to write down all the sub-tasks at one go. Just make sure that you always know what the next sub-task to work on is.

Conclusion

Productive studying is a skill any student can master.

The tips in this article will help you maximize the progress you make during each study session.

Choose two or three strategies from the list and implement them in the coming week. After you get used to applying those strategies, pick a couple more to add to your study routine.

Eventually, you’ll learn how to get into a flow state when studying.

It’ll be worth the effort, I promise!

I encourage you to get started today. 🙂

(And don’t forget to download your quick action guide below, if you haven’t already done so.)

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Filed Under: Education, Motivation, Planning, Time Management

When Is the Best Time to Study? Here’s What You Need to Know

Updated on May 24, 2022 By Daniel Wong 4 Comments

when is the best time to studyDo you ever wonder when is the best time to study?

I’ve spoken to and worked with over 20,000 students, so I’ve often heard some variation of this question:

“Will studying at a specific time help me get better grades?”

Here’s the truth…

How you study is more important than when you study.

Every student is unique. The best time to study depends on your circadian rhythm, schedule, extracurricular activities, and learning preferences.

What matters most is that once you determine your optimal time to study, you stick with that schedule.

Don’t wait until you’re feeling motivated to crack open your textbook. Instead, include study time in your daily and weekly routine.

For example, if you discover that you study best from 4 pm to 6 pm, set a recurring daily alarm at 3:50 pm to remind you of your upcoming work session.

If you do this, you’ll find it easier to stay on track with your study habits — and get better grades in the process, too.

Now, how do you determine the best time of day to study? That’s what the rest of this article is about.

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Top benefits of studying in the morning

girl studying in the morning

Most students I’ve worked with find it hard to study before school.

You want to arrive at your classes refreshed and ready to learn — not mentally exhausted from an early morning study session.

That being said, some students function best in the early hours of the day. So you can consider these benefits of getting your work done in the morning:

1. Your mind is fresh

Do you feel most alert and motivated at the start of your day?

Are you refreshed and raring to go after a good night’s sleep?

If so, you might find that the best time to study is in the morning, before daily decisions, chores, and to-do lists cloud your mind.

2. You won’t disrupt your sleep schedule

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re studying in the evening. Before you know it, the clock reads 11:30 pm — and your alarm is set for 6:00 am the next day!

If you want to do better in school, it’s crucial that you get enough sleep.

Now, you don’t have to follow a morning study routine to become a top student. But you might find it easier to stick to a sleep schedule if you’re not tackling assignments late into the night.

3. Brain-boosting natural light

Studies show that natural light affects our hormones and circadian rhythm while enhancing brain activity. Natural light can improve learning, cognition, mood, and even sleep.

I realise that my own sleep quality is much better when I get natural light in the morning!

If you have a study area where you can get natural light in the morning, you’ll be able to focus and retain new information more effectively.

4. A positive start to your day

When you start the day productively, you’ll often carry that positive energy with you throughout the rest of the day.

Plus, you’ll likely feel more in control and less stressed when you know you’ve completed a challenging task to start the day – before most of your classmates have even rolled out of bed!

Top benefits of studying in the afternoon

students forming a study group

Let’s continue exploring the question of when the best time to study is by looking at the benefits of having afternoon study sessions:

1. Easy access to peers and teachers

One study tip that works for most students is to form a homework group.

Everyone has questions from time to time. When you study with a small group of motivated peers, you’ll have someone you can turn to for help.

If you always study alone, you might get discouraged when you’re faced with a hard assignment.

And if it’s early in the morning or late at night, your teachers and peers might not be available to support you.

2. Public spaces and libraries are open

Many of the students I’ve worked with tell me that it isn’t effective to study at home.

Distractions like video games, siblings, and the TV can make it tricky to focus on the task at hand.

If you focus best in a quiet space where there are other students (like a library or study room), the afternoon might be the best time to study for you.

3. Opportunity to integrate new information

I’ve said it before many times in my previous articles, but it bears repeating: cramming doesn’t work.

What approach works better instead?

Studying smarter by periodically reviewing the new material — starting on the day that you learn the new information.

If you choose to study in the afternoon, you’ll have the advantage of reviewing your notes while the information is fresh in your mind. This is because you would have just covered the material in class earlier that same day.

4. Fewer restrictions on your study time

If you get your work done in the afternoon, you’ll have more control over your schedule.

Your study sessions won’t get cut short because you need to go to school or because of late-night fatigue.

Top benefits of studying in the evening

boy studying at night

Are you a night owl?

Maybe you realise that you have more energy in the evening and at night, and you can concentrate better during those hours.

Here are a few benefits of doing your schoolwork in the evening:

1. Fewer distractions and noise

Many students excel during the quiet and peaceful nighttime hours because there are fewer distractions.

But be sure to go to bed at a reasonable hour so that you still get sufficient sleep!

2. More conducive to a busy student’s schedule

I’m sure you’re a busy student. Between school, hobbies, chores, and exercise, sometimes the only opportunity to study is in the evening.

That’s fine, so long as you keep track of your homework assignments and prioritise them accordingly.

3. Retention of new information could improve

Some research suggests that students are better able to retain new information when they learn it before going to sleep.

Why?

Because when you’re sleeping, your brain is consolidating the new information so that you can retrieve it later on.

I encourage you to try it out and see if it works for you!

In closing…

Deciding on (and sticking with) a study schedule is a great way to improve your academic performance.

But it’s only one step.

If you want to become a focused and effective student, you need a plan.

That’s why I’ve created The Perfect Study Plan. It’s a proven, step-by-step formula to help you become a straight-A student. Learn more about this exam preparation and study skills course here.

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Filed Under: Education, Goals, Planning, Time Management

How to Get Your Children to Set Academic Goals They WANT to Pursue

Updated on September 13, 2024 By Daniel Wong Leave a Comment

academic successAre your children excited about their academic goals?

Do they even know what those academic goals are?

Don’t worry, most parents answer with a resounding “No”.

Motivating your children to do well in school is tricky, and distractions like smartphones and social media don’t make it any easier.

And yet, it is possible to get your children to pursue academic success — no exhausting micromanaging required.

Here’s the thing…

Goals matter, but not all goals are created equal.

It all boils down to setting the right educational goals.

Let’s take a closer look at what it means to set smart academic goals. I’ll also walk you through a proven system to help students set achievable goals and build life-long success habits.

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45 Time Management Tips for Students (Advice From a Lifelong Straight-A Student)

Updated on June 1, 2023 By Daniel Wong 48 Comments

Time management tips for students

Everyone gets the same 24 hours each day.

Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa, Isaac Newton, Eleanor Roosevelt, Leonardo da Vinci – they all had 24 hours a day, just like you and me.

What enabled them to lead such significant lives?

They managed their time well.

This article is all about effective time management tips for students.

As a student, I got straight A’s while sleeping eight hours a night, and graduated from Duke University with a GPA of 3.98/4.0.

(I don’t say this to boast, because education definitely isn’t only about getting straight A’s!)

But given that so many students ask me to share time management tips with them, I decided to compile the best ones I know.

By putting the tips in this article into practice, you’ll become more focused and less stressed.

You’ll have more time to do meaningful things outside of school too!

So let’s take a look at the 45 tips.

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1. Take a study break every 40 to 50 minutes

Research shows that working in blocks of 40 to 50 minutes is optimal for productivity.

If you feel as if you can’t focus for that long, try out the Pomodoro Technique for a start.

2. If you’re feeling unmotivated, set a timer for two minutes

If you don’t feel like doing work, set a timer for two minutes. Then tell yourself that you just need to focus for that amount of time.

Chances are that once you’ve started work, you’ll continue even after the two minutes are up.

3. Make good use of your travel time

It’s tempting to use your commute time to surf the Internet or go through your social media feeds.

But you can use the time to think about a concept you haven’t grasped, write in your gratitude journal, or listen to an audiobook.

This is a simple time management tip that goes a long way in helping you become a successful student! [Read more…]

Filed Under: Children, Discipline, Education, Goals, Learning, Motivation, Planning, Success, Taking action, Teens, Time Management

30 Organisational Tips for School (Finally Become an Organised Student!)

Updated on July 14, 2023 By Daniel Wong 41 Comments

Organised study table

Life as a student is busy.

So when you’re in school, applying organisational tips can have a big impact on how you perform.

If you’re not organised and you feel like you’re not on top of things, you’ll be stressed.

You might end up working late and sleeping less, but this isn’t a good idea.

Getting organised for school is all about developing good study habits and systems.

Through my experiences, I’ve come up with these 30 simple tips that will help students to become structured, productive, and effective.

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Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus 3 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

How to be organised in school (and outside of school, too)

These school-related organisational tips are all about using systems and routines to stay on track.

Implementing these tips will enable you to get your work done on time, be fully prepared for tests, and still have time to relax.

1. Develop a routine

Consistency is the key to student success. So write down your general weekly schedule and create a routine.

Include things like when you’ll do your homework, when you’ll review the things you’ve learned, when you’ll exercise, and so on.

It’s not possible to stick to a routine 100% of the time, but at least set up the framework to keep you focused and on track.

2. Set rules for yourself

Set some very specific rules for yourself. These could be things like “complete all projects and assignments at least two days before they are due” or “start studying for tests at least one week in advance”.

Review your rules once a month and adjust them if necessary.

3. Write everything down

No one has a perfect memory, and trying to remember everything is stressful. So make a habit of writing down all your events, meetings, ideas, and things you need to do.

Use a notebook or planner, or try an app like Google Keep or Any.do that you can use on your phone and computer.

To be organised in school, choose the method you’ll use most consistently.

When you write everything down, you’ll be less anxious because you won’t be relying on your brain as a storage device. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Discipline, Education, Learning, Motivation, Planning, Success, Teens, Time Management

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