8 Bad Study Habits You Need to Eliminate Immediately

Updated on January 6, 2026 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!

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

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The 10 Most Dangerous Things That Students Can Say to Themselves

Updated on July 6, 2024 By Daniel Wong 12 Comments

The way you talk to yourself has a huge impact on how you handle challenges.

It affects how you perform in every area of life, including your academics.

Negative thoughts sometimes become so much a part of your “self-talk” that you’re barely even aware of them.

In this article, I’ll show you the 10 most dangerous things that students can say to themselves, and why these 10 things prevent students from achieving their goals.

(To learn 3 bonus tips, download the free PDF summary below.)

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1. “I don’t feel like it”

There will be times when you don’t feel like doing something that you ought to.

One thing that successful students all have in common is that they don’t allow themselves to be driven by emotion.

To succeed, you must be able to put your feelings aside and follow through on your commitments, even when you don’t feel like it.

For example, if you’ve made a commitment to study for at least 1 hour every weekday, do everything necessary to keep to that commitment.

Or if you’ve decided to go for a 20-minute walk every evening, make sure you do it, regardless of how you feel.

To make it more enjoyable, you could listen to an audiobook or podcast during the walk. (That’s what I do during my walks, and it helps a lot!)

Doing things only when you feel motivated to do them isn’t a reliable way of reaching your goals.

This is because you definitely won’t feel motivated all the time.

It’s important to be able to do productive and meaningful things even when you don’t feel like doing them.

Over time, you’ll build self-discipline.

2. “I’ll do it later”

Procrastination is the enemy of success, because it prevents you from being prepared to perform at your best.

To combat procrastination, the first thing to do is recognise that you’re engaging in it.

If you find yourself frequently saying “I’ll do it later” or “I’ll do it the day before it’s due”, these are common signs of procrastination.

The most effective way of dealing with procrastination is to make specific commitments, e.g. “I complete all my assignments at least 2 days before they’re due”, “I start studying for every class test at least 1 week in advance”.

You can go even further than this and prioritise the very things that you least want to do. This turns procrastination on its head: the things you want to avoid doing, you do first.

Another way of dealing with procrastination is to say no to perfectionism.

Sometimes we procrastinate because we feel that something has to be perfect. The fear of falling short of perfection is what causes us to procrastinate.

If you find yourself falling into this trap, tell yourself every day that progress and the process are what matter most, not perfection.

3. “I don’t have enough time”

We all get 24 hours a day. How is it that some students are so productive while others aren’t?

The answer boils down to planning and prioritisation.

If you feel you don’t have enough time to study and do other meaningful things, the problem could be that you aren’t doing enough planning.

Planning means allocating your time to specific tasks so that you achieve your goals.

When you have a plan, you “make” the time you need to accomplish a particular task.

So when you say “I don’t have enough time”, check that you’ve set aside time in your daily and weekly schedule for the task.

If you haven’t, this would explain why it feels as if you don’t have enough time.

The second aspect is prioritisation.

It’s often the case that students who say they don’t have enough time to study, read, exercise, etc. do have enough time to play video games or watch shows or go on social media every day.

If this is the case for you, then it’s a matter of priorities.

Prioritising is the act of deciding that some things in your life are more important than others.

For example, when thinking about doing fun activities like playing video games, ask yourself: “Will this help me get to where I want to be in 5 years or 10 years?”

Of course, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t play any video games at all.

I’m just saying that the way you spend your time should reflect what you claim is most important to you.

4. “It’s too late to…”

There’s a famous Chinese proverb that says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

This principle applies to almost everything we do.

For example, you may feel that it’s too late to learn to play the guitar. Yes, it would have been good if you’d started learning to play the guitar 3 years ago.

But don’t let that thought prevent you from starting today.

Or you may feel that it’s too late to build a better relationship with your parents, because you’ve had a bad relationship with them for the past 5 years.

But without a doubt, today is the best day to start improving your relationship with your parents.

5. “I’m just not good at this”

When you’re learning a new skill or area of knowledge, do you ever think to yourself that “I’m just not good at this”?

If so, that’s a limiting mindset that will prevent you from growing and developing.

If you have this mindset, you’ll find excuses not to do your homework or to try to master a new topic.

Dr. Carol Dweck of Stanford University has identified two kinds of mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset.

People with a fixed mindset tend to fear failure. They frequently avoid challenges or anything that makes them feel bad about their level of ability.

On the other hand, people with a growth mindset take on challenges. They accept the discomfort that goes along with challenges, because they know it’s part of the learning process.

So the next time you’re learning something new and the thought “I’m just not good at this” pops into your head, remind yourself that this feeling of being stretched is a good thing.

Feel the discomfort and push through it as you put in the effort to improve!

6. “Nothing ever goes my way”

We all experience setbacks, and we all have days when nothing seems to go right.

But if you find yourself frequently thinking that “nothing ever goes my way”, ask yourself if this is accurate.

This kind of thinking is an example of what psychologists call all-or-nothing thinking.

Look back over the past month and make a list of all the situations that turned out well.

Maybe you did better than expected on a test, or maybe you made a couple of new friends, or maybe your physical fitness improved.

Through the process of making this list, you’ll begin to see that this kind of all-or-nothing thinking is rarely objective.

7. “If only…”

A limiting belief that will prevent you from succeeding as a student is the notion that something is holding you back.

This often takes the form of thoughts that begin with the statement “If only…”

For example, you might think to yourself:

“If only I was born into a wealthier family…”
“If only my parents gave me more freedom…”
“If only I went to a better school…”
“If only I didn’t have to travel so far to get to school…”
“If only other people made an effort to understand me better…”
“If only I was better-looking…”

These thoughts are sometimes based on valid observations.

You’ll always be able to find someone who has something you don’t. At the same time, there are always countless things for you to be thankful for.

Don’t let these “if only” thoughts become an excuse for not doing your best.

History is full of people who made profound contributions to the world, but who had to overcome huge obstacles along the way.

8. “I’m not __________ enough to…”

This is another kind of limiting belief that will stop you from making the most of your potential as a student.

It might take the form of something like “I’m not smart enough to get good grades” or “I’m not confident enough to be on the school debate team”.

These thoughts will stop you from even attempting something challenging.

If you struggle with these thoughts, there are two aspects to focus on.

First, ask yourself if the belief is accurate. Is it really true that you’re not smart enough or confident enough?

Second, even if there’s some truth to the belief, what’s to stop you from improving and putting yourself in a better position to succeed?

For example, if you lack confidence, you can take practical steps to become more assertive, improve your communication and leadership skills, contribute to the community, etc. As a result, you’ll become more confident.

Remember that the thoughts you have about your abilities are often self-fulfilling.

As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.”

9. “It’s my teacher’s/parent’s/friend’s fault”

There will be times when people let you down. But at the end of the day, we’re fully responsible for our lives.

After all, if you’re not responsible for your life, then who is?

So even though your friends, teachers and family members may not live up to your expectations, there’s no point blaming them.

Instead, think about what you can do to take ownership of the situation.

For example, if you’re tempted to blame your teacher for not explaining the material clearly, hold your tongue.

Decide what you can do to learn the material. Are there notes you can refer to? Are there videos that you can find online? Would it help if you clarify your doubts with your teacher outside of class time?

If you take this proactive approach, you’ll find that there’s almost always something you can do to take ownership of the situation.

Taking responsibility for your life may seem scary at first.

But it will actually give you a greater sense of control and autonomy, because it puts you in the driver’s seat of your life.

10. “I’ll try to…”

When you say that you’ll “try” to do something, you’re not making a firm commitment to take action. All you’re promising to do is “try”.

This gives you a convenient way out if things don’t go smoothly.

Instead of saying that you’ll try to take notes in class, say that you will take notes in class.

Instead of saying that you’ll try to get to bed before 10 pm, say that you will get to bed before 10 pm. If you need to, set an alarm for 9:45 pm every night as a reminder for you to get ready for bed.

Make an unwavering commitment to the positive changes you want to see in your life.

Conclusion

Are you guilty of any of the negative thought patterns listed in this article?

(To learn 3 bonus tips, download the free PDF summary below.)

If so, don’t be discouraged. It’s all too easy to give in to such thoughts.

The first step in changing these thought patterns is to become more aware of them.

The next time you find yourself falling into one of these thought patterns, ask yourself these two questions:

“Is this thought objectively true?”
“Is this thought helpful?”

Most of the time, the answer to those two questions is no. You can then start to have a healthier internal dialogue with yourself.

By becoming more intentional about the thoughts you think, you’ll be on your way to developing better beliefs.

In turn, this will enable you to find meaning, fulfilment and success in your life as a student!

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What Is Educational Coaching? 10 Ways It Can Help Your Teen Today

Updated on January 6, 2026 By Daniel Wong 1 Comment

You might be familiar with the concept of tutoring, but what about educational coaching?

More than a buzzword, educational coaching is a unique approach to empowering teens to make the most of their potential.

It can dramatically improve your teens’ performance and put them on the right track to reach their academic goals and more.

What is coaching in education?

Think about what a sports coach does.

Let’s say that your children join a basketball team. There are numerous skills your kids must learn, like how to dribble, pass, and shoot.

A great basketball coach wouldn’t just teach these individual skills and nothing else — the team would never win any games!

Instead, the best coaches understand the value of a holistic approach, where the players are motivated and self-driven, and understand how they should operate in the context of a team.

The same is true of an educational coach.

Educational coaches don’t just teach students the subjects they’re struggling with or force them to memorise math formulas.

Instead, educational coaches teach students how to learn. They enable students to become self-motivated, focused, and proactive.

As a result, not only will your teens discover the value of education, they’ll also gain the fundamental skills and character traits they need for long-term success.

Let’s take a closer look at educational coaching and how it can benefit your teens today.

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What is educational coaching?

Educational coaching helps students become better learners by motivating them to solve their problems in an encouraging and empowering environment.

Rather than prioritising a particular outcome (e.g. get a good grade in a certain subject), educational coaching focuses on the process of how to become a self-driven and independent learner.

Through this process, students achieve sustainable and lasting success — both inside and outside of the classroom.

What is the difference between coaching and tutoring?

Educational coaching and tutoring might sound similar, but there are key differences between these two approaches.

Let’s take a look at these two models in education, so you can choose the right one for your teen.

Tutoring

Do your teens struggle with getting good grades in a couple of specific subjects, despite their hard work?

They’re putting in a lot of effort, but they just can’t master quadratic equations.

Or maybe, no matter how hard they study, they can’t seem to do well on their English exams.

In these examples, you might consider engaging a tutor.

A tutor is typically someone who is skilled in a specific subject, like math or English. A tutor would work with your teen to achieve an outcome-related goal, such as passing the next exam.

If your teen has an excellent learning attitude but is struggling with one particular subject, then tutoring might be helpful.

But if your teen lacks focus and intrinsic motivation, then tutoring isn’t going to help.

This is where educational coaching comes in…

Educational coaching

Parents regularly come to me and say things like:

“My teen is smart, but he doesn’t work hard and he gets bad grades.”
“My teen constantly complains about school. I feel like I’m always nagging her to study!”

If this sounds like the situation you’re in, don’t worry — you’re not alone.

Problems like these are all too common, but there’s good news:

Educational coaching can equip your teens with the mindset and skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Unlike tutoring, educational coaching walks your teens through the process of developing intrinsic motivation and cultivating the right learning attitude.

Your teen will learn how to learn, no matter what the subject.

Rather than focusing too much on grades, educational coaching is a collaborative, process-oriented approach that will enable your teen to become more motivated, focused, and disciplined.

Naturally, your teen’s grades will improve too!

How does an educational coach help teens?

The power of educational coaching is that it equips your teens with the skills they need for success long after they graduate from school.

Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 benefits of one-to-one educational coaching for your teen:

1. Cultivate inner motivation and drive in your teen

Do your teenagers procrastinate on their homework and assignments?

When they finally sit down to study, do they get easily distracted?

It’s not easy to cultivate long-term motivation and drive — especially when your teen isn’t inspired to complete the task at hand.

Educational coaching helps students to cultivate important traits like:

Perseverance
Hard work
Focus
Discipline
Confidence

2. Help your teen to understand the importance of education

Do your teenagers struggle to understand why they need to learn history or geography?

Do they complain about having to memorise pointless facts — ones they’re confident they’ll never use in the future?

When we don’t understand why we’re learning something, it’s easy to get frustrated. That’s why process-oriented learning is so vital.

It shifts the focus from the outcome (memorising a set of facts) to the process of learning (finding joy in understanding concepts, developing new skills, mastering the material, etc.).

Educational coaching is a powerful method to instill in your teen the value of lifelong learning.

3. Guide your teen to set meaningful goals that he or she feels inspired to work toward

Some students enjoy planning for the future. Other students get overwhelmed by the thought of doing such planning.

Educational coaching helps your teens to develop short- and long-term goals that are meaningful and inspiring.

Rather than relying on temporary motivation to get things done, your teens will develop a sense of purpose and will set process-based goals they’ll want to work toward.

4. Enable your teen to eliminate negative attitudes and limiting beliefs

Limiting beliefs are false beliefs that stop us from pursuing our goals.

If your teen has a negative attitude toward school, it could be due to a limiting belief. For example, let’s say that your teen keeps getting bad grades on his English essays. He might start to internalise a limiting belief like:

“I’m just a bad writer, so there’s no point trying to improve.”

In reality, your teen might be a decent writer — he just needs to learn how to better structure his essays.

With the right educational coach, your teens will learn how to overcome negative thinking with science-backed techniques, so they can make the most of their potential.

5. Teach your teen responsibility and respect

Do you feel like your teenager doesn’t show you much respect?

Every parent wants to teach their children the value of respect, which will lead to a more harmonious family life.

After all, it’s frustrating to be continually arguing with your children when you just want what’s best for them!

Educational coaching teaches students responsibility and respect by equipping them to invest in their own personal development.

This is done in an empowering environment where the student feels supported, heard, and valued.

When your teenagers feel like they’re in control of their lives and their opinions matter, they’ll become more responsible and respectful, both at school and at home.

6. Build resilience in your teen

It’s not about the goal. It’s about growing to become the person that can accomplish that goal. – Tony Robbins

Academic success is a worthwhile goal to work toward, especially if students want to pursue scholarships or higher education.

But what’s even more important than getting good grades?

The character traits, mindset, and skills your teens will develop along the way to accomplishing their goals.

Resilience is the ability to work through life’s difficulties with determination — and it’s definitely a crucial life skill to develop.

Educational coaching provides students with the guidance and support they need to persevere through challenges, build resilience, and develop a growth mindset.

7. Teach your teen proven techniques to learn information effectively

Homework. Extra-curricular activities. Chores. Social engagements.

It’s hardly any wonder that most teenagers feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day!

Fortunately, getting good grades isn’t about studying more. It’s about studying smarter.

I’ve spent countless hours reading the best articles and research journals to discover how to study more effectively.

These are the tactics I used to get straight A’s throughout my formal education — and the proven techniques I now teach students in my one-to-one educational coaching sessions.

8. Provide step-by-step systems so your teen will prioritise tasks and manage time more effectively

I know I just said that students today are juggling a myriad of responsibilities.

Your teens might feel overwhelmed by their packed schedule, and I don’t want to downplay how much they have on their plate.

At the same time, I also want to say this:

We all get the same 24 hours in a day.

Some students know how to effectively manage their time and prioritise tasks, while others lack the step-by-step systems necessary to be as productive as possible.

I slept eight hours a night and still graduated from Duke University with a GPA of 3.98/4.0. I don’t say this to boast, really! I just want to show you that it’s possible to lead a balanced life while doing well in school.

The key is to implement the time management strategies that I share with my clients in my one-to-one educational coaching sessions.

9. Teach your teen test-taking strategies for less stress and better grades

It’s not a secret that tests are a significant part of your teenager’s life.

Yet many hardworking students underperform in exams due to anxiety, careless mistakes, and a lack of test-taking skills.

There are powerful test-taking strategies your teenager can use to start doing better on tests today.

An excellent place to start is my complete guide to taking tests and exams. For additional help, educational coaching is the best approach.

After all, nothing beats personalised support catered to your teenager’s individual needs and challenges.

10. Empower your teen to improve focus and overcome distractions

We live in an increasingly distracted world.

Statistics on teenagers and social media addiction are worrying, with 57% of teens saying that social media distracts them from homework.

Over time, these statistics will only become more worrying!

Through educational coaching, your teens will:

Eliminate distractions
Improve focus
Create an effective daily plan
Stop feeling unmotivated and overwhelmed
Pre-commit to the healthy behaviours they want to engage in

Here’s the thing…

Distractions and technology aren’t going anywhere. But with the right support through one-to-one educational coaching, your teenager will develop healthy habits and routines, and become an effective student.

Wondering if educational coaching will work for your teen?

If you’re interested in taking the next step, you can learn more about my one-on-one coaching programme for teens here.

(You can also read about my coaching clients’ success stories here.)

I’d love to personally coach your teenager to become motivated, focused, responsible, and resilient!

(If you haven’t already done so, make sure to download your free e-book below.)

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16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.

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

Updated on January 6, 2026 By Daniel Wong Leave a Comment

Are 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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What is an academic goal?

The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score. – Bill Copeland

Academic goals are educational objectives your children set for themselves.

Notice that I said “your children set” — not you, the parent.

I know that’s easier said than done.

I’m a parent, too. As parents, we only want the best for our children.

Even so, our kids want to feel in control of their lives. They need to know their opinions matter.

You can help your children set smart academic goals without dictating the details of those objectives. In turn, they will be more motivated to follow through on their commitments.

They’ll build significant traits like focus, determination, and confidence, too.

When setting academic goals, it’s good to consider both short-term and long-term targets.

Short-term academic goals

When I refer to short-term academic goals, I mean educational objectives that typically take a year or less to achieve.

Short-term goals create powerful opportunities for confidence-building wins. They also provide direction — your children will know which side of the field to run towards to score that game-changing goal.

Plus, short-term academic goals lead to improvements in study habits, character, and resilience.

It’s this process of setting goals (not necessarily achieving the outcome) that sets your children up for ongoing success.

Here are some examples of short-term academic goals:

Get an A on my next math exam
Connect with a mentor who will give me guidance
Finish my research project by [specific date]
Join chess club
Participate in classroom discussions at least X times a week

Long-term academic goals

Long-term academic goals are a student’s North Star.

Motivation is fleeting, and focus may not always come easily.

Sometimes, your children might think:

“It’s only one grade — so what if it’s not an A?”

Relying on inspiration doesn’t work, but long-term academic goals do when they’re compelling.

The key is to help your children identify the why behind their big goals. There must be a meaningful emotional attachment to the dream.

Some students find it exciting to plan for their future. Others get overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of it, and that’s okay, too.

Remind your children that long-term academic goals might change as they develop new interests. What’s essential is creating a long-term educational plan that brings meaning and purpose to their academic studies.

Examples of academic goals

Since long-term academic goals are crucial, let’s take a closer look at some common examples.

Achieve a high GPA

Getting a high GPA (grade point average) is not the main thing to focus on.

A grade is just a letter on a page. There’s no doubt that it’s possible to lead a fulfilling and successful life without straight A’s.

Still, a high GPA is a sign of a hardworking, disciplined student — traits that many scholarship committees, universities, and job boards value. Achieving a high GPA might be a long-term academic goal that makes sense for children and teens.

Get accepted into their dream university

Have your children or teens already selected their dream universities?

Maybe it’s a local university with an esteemed journalism program. Or perhaps your children want to study where you earned your degree.

Acceptance into a dream school can be a motivating and exciting long-term academic goal for students.

Earn a bachelor’s degree

Earning a bachelor’s degree is a necessary first step for many career paths. Even if the subject doesn’t provide a direct job path (like English or Philosophy), pursuing a bachelor’s degree is an opportunity for your children to dive deep into their interests while paving the way for ongoing education.

In addition, university classes build communication, social, and problem-solving skills — all great reasons for your children to want to get a bachelor’s degree.

Earn a master’s degree

Some career paths require a master’s degree. If your children dream of being mental health counsellors or urban planners, they’re going to need to spend additional time in university.

Another reason to consider a master’s degree is for the financial benefits. The data shows that some jobs pay individuals with a master’s degree up to 18% more than those with bachelor’s degrees.

Whether your children and teenagers’ goals are career advancement or financial security, earning a master’s degree might be a relevant long-term goal.

How setting academic goals helps students

We’ve explored different types of academic targets and made a sample list of goals for students. Now, let’s look at how you can help your children and teens to set and attain their academic goals.

Academic goals are a training plan for success

Let’s imagine that your boss tells you that you have to run a marathon.

(Let’s not get into why your boss would want you to do this.)

If you’re not a runner, running 42 kilometres probably sounds exhausting. Impossible, even.

You have no idea where to start, so you don’t. You tell your boss you can’t run the marathon, and that’s the end of it.

Now, picture this instead…

No one is forcing you to run a marathon. You’ve decided it’s a long-term goal that motivates you to become a healthier person. Plus, you’ve always wanted to get outdoors more.

So you find a coach. She gives you a 16-week training plan, and you start with some short runs. The weeks go by and suddenly, you’re on your way to running the full marathon. You have milestones to keep you on track as you race towards a finish line you’re excited to cross.

Long-term academic goals are like a marathon; short-term objectives are the training workouts to help them stay the course.

I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating.

It’s the process — not achieving the outcome — that makes the difference.

Finishing a marathon is fantastic, but what’s even more important than that?

Who you had to become to complete those early morning runs and exhausting training sessions. The mental fortitude and physical strength you gained through the practice of showing up, day after day.

Life is a continuous journey of learning, improving, and developing.

Educational goals enable your teens to develop valuable life skills, regardless of the outcome.

Academic goals measure progress

There’s a well-known business saying that “if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it”.

This goes for academics, too. Short-term educational goals give your children clear benchmarks to track their progress and make any necessary changes along the way.

Academic goals build a sense of purpose

Students need to know that they have control over their lives and that their decisions make a difference.

Having academic goals does precisely that. Suddenly, schoolwork has meaning. Homework no longer seems pointless, and getting good grades becomes exciting.

What’s more, a sense of purpose builds self-confidence, motivation, and autonomy — all excellent traits of responsible teenagers.

How to set and meet academic goals

At this point in the article, you’re no longer wondering what academic goals are. Even better, your children now have (or will soon have) lists of short- and long-term objectives they’re excited to pursue.

But there’s one problem: Not all goals lead to results.

It’s not because your children aren’t working hard enough or don’t care about their studies.

The secret to setting the right academic goals is to focus on achieving progress — not perfection.

Your children are going to face challenges and encounter setbacks on their journey.

Maybe your children or teenagers studied for weeks yet still didn’t ace their big exam.

Or maybe they fell behind in calculus while working on their college applications.

Such disappointments are normal. At the same time, obstacles present powerful opportunities for personal development and growth.

What matters most is making progress towards academic goals.

We can’t control the outcome, but we can manage the processes that move us closer to the desired result. And we do that by helping students set process-based goals.

Here are a few examples of process-based goals:

I will work with my math tutor twice a week.
I will get at least 7–8 hours of sleep every night.
I will sit in the front row of the class to ensure that I stay focused.
I will put my phone on aeroplane mode while studying so that I don’t get distracted.
I will drink at least eight glasses of water daily.

Get specific with your process-based goals.

“I will study for 2 hours every weeknight” is much easier to track than “I will study more”.

Then, every week or two, monitor your progress. Encourage your children to review their process-based goals and assess how they’ve been doing.

Are they getting closer to achieving their short- and long-term academic goals? If not, that’s okay!

Help your children to make any necessary tweaks or adjustments to their process-based goals.

This way, your children will continually be working towards their academic goals without being fixated on a specific outcome.

They’ll begin to enjoy the process of improving and developing — and be much more likely to get the results they want, too.

The difference between academic and career goals

As we begin to wrap up this article, you might be wondering, “What’s the difference between academic and career goals?”

I like to say that academic goals are the stepping-stones to future career objectives.

If your children want to become doctors, they will first have to get specific grades and diplomas.

Job success isn’t as straightforward as getting straight A’s. Employees are “graded” on performance, creativity, teamwork, and leadership — all valuable skills your children will learn through the process of pursuing their goals.

Don’t worry if your children have no idea what career they would like to pursue. Career goals often evolve, and students tend to change their minds over time.

The bottom line is that it’s terrific if your children have career goals, but don’t focus on them too much.

Instead, focus on both short- and long-term academic goals that bring purpose to your children and teens’ studies, and enable them to build vital skills.

Want even more tips?

When you help your children to commit to smart academic goals, you set them up for long-term success.

It’s great if your children achieve their goals. Even better, though, is the process of becoming hardworking and disciplined students with compelling visions of the future.

Setting academic goals is only one way to motivate your children and teens. Want even more tips?

Do you want to learn how to help your children and teens…

Find a renewed passion for learning?
Take responsibility for their education and life?
Build character and resilience?
Do what they ought to — without you nagging?

If so, download my e-book, 16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.

The guide is completely free, and I’ve received countless emails from happy parents who have benefitted from the e-book.

So click the link in the box below and get your copy today!

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20 Test-Taking Strategies and Tips for Anxious Students

Updated on January 6, 2026 By Daniel Wong 6 Comments

Looking for the best test-taking strategies to stop anxiety in its tracks?

Let’s imagine the ideal morning of your next exam for a moment.

It’s early when your alarm goes off. You stretch as the sun peeks through your window. Usually, you’d hit the snooze button a few times, but today you don’t. You feel well-rested and ready to conquer the day.

As you climb out of bed, you realise there’s no swarm of butterflies fluttering about in your stomach.

Instead, you feel successful and resilient. You’re calm as you eat a leisurely breakfast, chat with your parents, and head out the door. Maybe you’re not excited about the big exam, but you’re not worried about it, either.

Now you’re seated at your desk with the test in front of you.

You feel prepared. You know which test-taking skills to use if you get stuck on a question. Later, when you submit your exam, you feel fantastic because you know you did your best.

Sounds like an incredible morning, right?

But if you’re a nervous test taker, this dream scenario might sound like exactly that: a dream.

After speaking to and working with more than 20,000 students, I’m here to tell you this…

With the right tips, you can perform better on exams and overcome test anxiety, too.

Ready to learn more? Let’s explore my top test-taking strategies so you can ace your next exam.

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How to improve your test-taking skills

If you want to learn how to improve your test-taking skills, start by studying the different question styles.

I go in-depth on this in The Complete Guide to Taking Tests and Exams — and reveal my top clues for choosing the correct response when you don’t know the answer.

In this article, let’s look at some tips for popular types of test questions:

Reading comprehension test-taking strategies

1. Understand story structure

You don’t remember the answer to a reading comprehension question, so you re-read the story. You start at the beginning and skim until you find the answer.

Now it’s on to the next question. You can’t recall that answer either, so you head back to the start of the passage and read until you find it, too.

Third question … same process.

Here’s the problem with this approach…

You risk running out of time by continually re-reading the passage.

Save valuable test-taking energy by knowing where to look for the answers you need.

Reading sections typically have a beginning, a middle, and an end.

The opening sets up the story. Look here for questions about ‘when’ or ‘where’. The middle is where there’s a conflict or problem. Search here for more specific descriptions and details. The end of the passage resolves the issue or summarises the story.

2. Take notes as you read

Don’t be afraid to mark up your paper. Underline or circle key information. Recap paragraphs by jotting down a few words in the margin.

It’s great to understand the general framework of a reading passage. It’s even better if you’ve already made a note that immediately directs you to the answer.

Essay test-taking strategies

3. Make an outline

I know it’s tempting to immediately put pen to paper and let your thoughts flow — especially if you’re short on time.

But before you start your essay, take a few moments to write an outline. Even a few bullet points will keep your response organised.

4. Lead with a bang!

Don’t save your best ideas for the end of your essay. Instead, grab your teacher’s attention from the get-go.

You’ll make a lasting impression with these test-taking strategies. And, if you run out of time, you’ll rest easy knowing that at least you wrote down your best ideas.

5. Be persuasive

With a true-false type of question, your answer is either right or wrong. But essay questions are less strict. Many teachers will give partial credit if you explain your thoughts clearly.

So make a statement and back it up with compelling evidence. Don’t forget to revisit your thesis in your conclusion.

Multiple choice test-taking strategies

6. Read all the options in detail

Maybe you’re 99.9% confident that A is the correct option. Still, take a moment to review all the options. You’ll avoid silly mistakes and submit your exam with confidence.

7. Double-check your bubble sheet/scantron

You’re shading in your second-to-last answer when you realise you skipped line 11 on your bubble sheet/scantron — and now all your responses are mismatched.

With only a few minutes left, you frantically start erasing everything and shading the answers again.

Avoid this stressful mistake. Always mark your chosen answer in both your test booklet and your bubble sheet/scantron. Take the extra second to ensure your answers line up after every question.

You’ve worked hard for this — don’t let an avoidable error get in the way of a good grade.

True-false test-taking strategies

8. Watch out for negatives

Cannot. Would not. Did not.

Negative words are often misleading. You might mistake the question for its opposite meaning if you answer too quickly. Read these questions extra carefully.

9. Take a guess!

Don’t leave a question blank. This goes for any test question, but especially true-false questions since your chances of guessing correctly are 50/50.

If the clock is ticking and you don’t have time to read the remaining questions, answer ‘true’. Studies show that ‘true’ is the correct answer more than half the time.

More test-taking tips

Now that we’ve reviewed some tips for tackling different types of questions, here are some of my proven test-taking tips.

Preparing for the test

I don’t believe in last-minute study hacks. That’s why many of my top test-taking strategies are about learning to become a more effective student. Let’s get started.

10. Practise confidence

Confidence is a skill — not a feeling that comes and goes.

Confident test-takers embrace the process. They don’t get fixated on good grades.

Instead, confident test takers know that mistakes are okay, so long as they learn from them. The goal is progress, not perfection.

You might be thinking: “That sounds great, but how do I become more confident?”

Try an affirmation.

An affirmation is a positive statement about yourself that you say frequently.

“I am hardworking.”

“I am capable of getting good grades.”

“I am disciplined.”

Affirmations aren’t wishful thinking. Studies show that repeating positive statements can calm nerves, increase confidence, and improve your chances of a positive outcome.

When you feel the anxiety starting to rise, repeat your affirmation. Take slow, deep breaths.

Confidence is like any other skill — it takes practice. Give yourself time to harness your test-taking confidence, and you will see the rewards.

11. Study the right way

If you want to get good grades, you need to understand the material.

Those last-minute cramming sessions? Research says they don’t work.

Instead, set up a study schedule. Adequate planning will help you stay focused, manage your time wisely, and eliminate distractions.

Remember, just like when you’re learning how to get good grades, it’s about studying more effectively, not studying harder.

If you need help with your study schedule and planning, check out my Straight-A Student Weekly Checklist.

12. Get up and move

Want to improve your concentration, memory, and focus?

It’s time to get moving.

Just as I pointed out in my article on time-management tips for students, your brain loves exercise. Twenty minutes of activity is all it takes to improve brain functions like memory, attention span, and thinking.

Regular exercise also helps you manage stress and anxiety, which is an essential part of maintaining your mental health.

Researchers are still learning why, but one theory is that physical activity releases dopamine and serotonin, which improve your mood.

Make exercise a part of your pre-exam routine. Before the exam, take a short brisk walk or do some other form of light exercise.

Before the start of the test

It’s the day of your big exam. You’ve used the tips above to prepare. You’re visualising success and repeating your affirmations. That’s great!

Keep it going with these test-taking strategies:

13. Create a morning routine

We all have days when we’re a bit frazzled — just don’t let that morning be on test day.

A morning routine will help. Practise it every day, not just before exams. Your routine might include:

Eating a healthy breakfast
Doing light exercise
Using the restroom before class
Arriving at school 15 minutes early

What’s important is that your morning routine works for you.

14. Create an exam checklist

Like a morning routine, your exam checklist will ensure you arrive feeling prepared for your exam, without any last-minute stress.

Make a list of everything you need to bring with you for the test. For example, your list might look like this:

Pencils
Pens
Erasers
Calculator
List of equations
Sweater
Water bottle

15. Avoid excessive caffeine

Do you head straight for coffee or energy drinks the morning of your exam?

If you regularly consume caffeine, you shouldn’t change your routine at the last minute. But if you’re chugging that extra cup of coffee because you think it will help you focus, you might want to rethink that.

Excessive caffeine can cause anxiety, headaches, energy slumps, and jitters — all of which negatively affect your mental clarity.

Avoid consuming too much caffeine in the days leading up to your exam, too. It might help you get through your study sessions, but it can impact your sleep and energy levels come test day.

During the test

The moment is here. You’re seated at your desk, and you’re waiting for the teacher to distribute the exam papers.

Remember these additional test-taking strategies:

16. Listen to the instructions

It’s easy to zone out when your teacher is going over the instructions. After all, you’ve taken dozens or even hundreds of tests before. You know the drill.

Still, listen carefully to your teacher. You don’t want to lose points for not following the instructions. Plus, your teacher might reveal a clue or two that could be helpful during the test.

17. Stay focused — but take breaks when you need them

Your friend Jenny is already turning in her exam. Henry keeps fidgeting with his pen in the seat next to you. You look out the window and see students headed to soccer practice, which reminds you of everything you need to do before your weekend basketball tournament…

There are countless distractions during any exam, and just as you need to learn how to focus when studying, your job before taking a test is to build your concentration skills. Then, you’ll be able to focus on only your test.

That being said, if your mind wanders, take a quick break.

Check your posture. Get a sip of water. Stretch. Take a couple of deep breaths. It’s better to pause and actively refocus your attention than plough on ahead when you’re distracted.

If you find other thoughts or worries popping into your mind, write them down on a piece of paper. You’ll have plenty of time to come back to these recurring thoughts after the exam.

In The Complete Guide to Taking Tests and Exams, I share more tips on how to best manage your time during a test — including my number one trick to ensure you finish your exam on time.

18. Concentrate on what you know

Even if you prepare thoroughly, there will likely be a few questions for which you don’t know the answer.

That’s okay.

There are test-taking strategies you can use to make an educated guess and improve your odds of answering correctly. (More on that below.)

Maintain your confidence. Concentrate on what you do know.

Skip the questions you’re unsure of. You can always come back to them later and make an educated guess.

19. Know that your teacher wants you to do well

Even that super strict teacher who loves assigning trick questions and long essays?

Yes, even your most challenging teacher wants you to succeed.

Knowing that, if you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask!

Your teacher can’t give you the answer, but they might be able to clarify the instructions. And if you have a question, someone else probably does, too.

20. Avoid talking about the exam after the exam

The bell rings. You turn in your exam and find your three closest friends. The polling begins.

What did you answer for Question 10?

What did you write about for that challenging essay question?

I know it’s enticing to learn if you and your classmates chose the same answers. But if your responses vary, it might make you more anxious than relieved.

And if you have other exams later that day or the following day? The unnecessary anxiety can throw off your concentration and performance.

When you prepare well, you submit your exam knowing you did your best — and that’s all that matters.

The ultimate test-taking guide

This article is just a sample of my proven test-taking strategies. They’ll help you to do better on your next exam, so give them a try!

But here’s what you need to know…

The tips I just covered? They’re only an introduction.

Over the years, I’ve discovered the ultimate blueprint for acing exams.

That’s why I put together The Complete Guide to Taking Tests and Exams.

The guide contains more than 90 proven test-taking strategies — and it’s a game-changer for any student who wants to perform better right away. I’m confident that if you apply these tips, your grades will improve by at least 20 to 30%.

Wishing you all the best for your next exam!

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How to Get Good Grades: 10 Useful Strategies for Students

Updated on January 6, 2026 By Daniel Wong 21 Comments

Are you struggling with how to get good grades?

Don’t worry — you’re not alone.

I’ve spoken to thousands of students around the world, and many are quick to say:

“I study hard but I still get bad grades.”

Here’s the thing…

Those successful students that you know? They aren’t necessarily any more intelligent than the rest of the class.

They’ve simply developed study strategies that help them perform better in school.

You can get good grades, too. Your academic goals can be achieved by studying more effectively, not by studying “harder”.

In this article, I’ll cover the winning habits I used to be a straight-A student throughout my academic career — no all-nighters required.

Ready to stop stressing about grades and start doing better in school? Then let’s explore the useful strategies that will help you do just that.

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Why is it important to get good grades?

The first step to doing better in school isn’t cracking open a textbook — it’s understanding why good grades matter.

Now, let me say this…

Your grades do not define your intelligence or self-worth.

Your academic record is only one part of your education, and you can lead a successful life with or without straight A’s.

That being said, there are real benefits to getting good grades.

For example, a solid academic record provides more opportunities for scholarships, higher education, and employment. Academic excellence may be the bridge to your dream career.

More significant, though, are the life-changing skills you’ll gain as you work toward becoming a top student — traits like focus, determination, discipline, and confidence. These values are crucial to achieving any of your goals, inside or outside the classroom.

A good grade is more than just a letter on a page. Achieving academic success after learning how to focus when studying is a rewarding experience that offers long-lasting benefits.

10 ways to do better in school

Now that you know the value of good grades, let’s dive into the habits that will help you get them.

1. Know why good grades matter to you

We already covered why academic success is generally important.

But if you really want to know how to get good grades, it’s essential to understand why academic success matters to you.

What difference will good grades make in your life, now and in the future?

Do you have dreams of attending a specific university or following a particular career path?

Maybe you want to develop your grit and persistence — to have the confidence that comes with knowing you gave school your best effort. Or perhaps you want financial security and the ability to provide for your family in the future.

There’s no right or wrong here. Just ensure that your motivation for pursuing academic excellence is a compelling one.

Even with the best study habits, it isn’t easy to consistently put in the work required to get good grades.

Sometimes, you’ll want to quit. When you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, come back to your why. It will put all those study sessions in perspective — and make the journey to becoming a successful and resilient student a more rewarding one, too.

2. Write down all important deadlines and dates

Upcoming exams. Project assignments. Events and extra-curricular activities.

You’re a busy student with a lot of dates to remember.

It’s normal to think that you can keep track of all your deadlines in your head. The only problem is, relying on memory (and memory alone) doesn’t work for anyone.

Instead, it leads to forgotten assignments, last-minute panic, and low-quality work.

There’s a simple way never to forget another assignment again. Write down every due date. Use Google Calendar or Google Keep. You can even jot it down in an old-fashioned notebook.

Choose the medium that works for you.

The less you stress about deadlines, the more energy you’ll have for completing your assignments. You’ll become a more effective student and you’ll free up valuable mental capacity for the things that matter.

3. Don’t forget to schedule your downtime

In your calendar, take a moment and block out time for relaxation.

That’s right. Not only am I permitting you to schedule downtime, I’m encouraging you to do so.

Relaxation is necessary for mental and physical well-being. You’re not a robot — no one expects you to study like one.

Pursue the activities you love. Allow your mind to be at play. Your overall health and happiness will improve, and you’ll become a better student in the process.

That’s because exercise improves concentration and creativity. Relaxation promotes memory and retention.

Free time to pursue the activities you love outside of academics develops a school-life balance — a lifelong pursuit that brings more meaning to your goals and joy to your life.

Even small blocks of relaxation are helpful. Most students can only maintain deep focus for 30 to 45 minutes at a go. Scheduling short intervals of downtime after longer chunks of work is a strategic and fun way to approach assignments.

And try not to use your phone or computer during your quick study breaks. As studies have shown, your brain won’t fully relax, and the distraction often makes it more challenging to go back to the task at hand.

4. Find a seat at the front

Can you choose where you sit in class? Then grab a seat at the front of the room.

Studies show that students who sit in the first few rows tend to get significantly higher exam scores than their peers.

Why does sitting at the front of the class make such a big difference in test scores?

One reason is focus. If you’re at the back of the room, it’s easy to become distracted by your classmates. If you sit at the front, your attention will be on the teacher — not what is happening around you.

Then there’s the issue of accountability. If you’re tucked away in a corner, it’s easy to get away with passing notes, dozing off, or doodling.

Set yourself up for success by controlling as much of your environment as possible, and you’ll stop fretting about how to get good grades.

5. Take more effective notes

Now that you’re sitting at the front of the class, you’re ready to take notes as you actively listen to your teacher.

You’ve got your notebook open and your pen in hand. What more do you need to know?

For one, there’s how to take notes effectively.

There’s a structure to note-taking that works. Otherwise, you risk jotting down ideas that make little sense later on.

Here are some tips for note-taking success:

Handwrite your notes

Handwriting your notes helps you to process and frame the information in a way that works for you.

You’ll think more deeply about what you’re writing and, as a result, remember more from the lesson during your study sessions later.

Organise your notes

Whichever note-taking method you use, keep your notes neat and organised.

Group together similar ideas. Copy your notes after class if your handwriting is messy and hard to read. Clear, easy-to-navigate notes are crucial for anyone struggling with how to get good grades.

6. Understand the topic (don’t just memorise the information)

Many students think that studying is all about memorisation.

So they make heaps of notecards for dates, facts and names, then hope they can retain enough information for the exam day.

The problem with memorising information is that it only works for the short term.

Have you ever taken an exam, only to forget most of the material a few weeks later? That’s because memorisation is not an effective way to categorise and recall information — skills that become increasingly important as you progress in your studies.

You’ll learn more and become more successful in school when you actually understand the topic at hand.

Note-taking is an excellent first step towards processing information. From your notes, summarise the material. Find connections with other topics, and draw your own conclusions.

When you realise that getting good grades is less about memorising the material and more about understanding the topic, you’ll find it much easier to perform well academically.

7. Create a consistent study routine

The students who do the best know they can’t wait for inspiration to study.

Instead, they consistently show up and do the work, even when they don’t feel like it.

You’ll become a more efficient student when you make your study routine a habit. Soon, you won’t have the mental debate over whether or not you should study. You’ll just do it.

And that’s when the magic happens — better grades and more time for the other activities you enjoy.

The first step to creating a study routine is to set up a schedule. Plan out your week in advance with set blocks of time for your studies. Faithfully stick to your plan.

It typically takes a few weeks to form a new habit, so don’t be discouraged if you find it difficult at the start to follow your routine. With time and dedication, your study schedule will become second nature.

8. Use smart test-taking strategies

There’s no sugar-coating it: If you’re asking how to get better grades, you’ll need to perform well on exams.

But what if you’re not good at taking tests?

Many students get test-taking anxiety or struggle with exam pressure. But you can still perform well on exams, even if you’re not a confident test taker. Here’s how:

Manage your time wisely

When you see the exam paper, note the total number of questions. Calculate how much time you can allocate to each question to finish within the testing period.

If you come to a question you’re unsure about, move on when you reach your self-imposed time limit. Then, you won’t miss answering the questions you do know how to do.

Avoid common mistakes

One of my top tips for how to get good grades is to avoid small errors. Always read questions twice to prevent misreading. If you’re shading your multiple-choice answers, check that you’re shading the answer that corresponds with the correct question.

When you’re nervous, it’s easy to make silly mistakes. Come equipped with the right tools and test-taking practices to stop anxiety in its tracks.

Stay focused for the entire exam

Staying focused is easier said than done. If you’re finding it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand, take a break!

Put your pencil down. Take a sip of water. Breathe deeply. It’s better to pause for a moment to regain clarity than speed through the rest of your exam.

Want to improve your grades by 20-30% right away? Check out my ultimate guide to acing tests and get 58 pages of my best exam-taking tips.

9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Your teachers and parents want to help you in your pursuit of academic success. If you need support, don’t be afraid to ask for it.

A study by Saint Louis University researchers found that students who ask for help are more likely to get straight A’s.

That’s not surprising.

But what if I told you the same study found that only 1 in 5 students take the time to ask their instructors for support?

Be one of the few who asks for help when they need it. You’ll likely discover that you no longer worry about how to do better in school.

10. Reward yourself for making progress

You’ve worked hard to get good grades. When you’ve made progress in terms of your habits and attitude, it’s time to celebrate!

Rewarding yourself now will help you continue to get good grades in the future.

The key is to connect the increased effort to a positive feeling or outcome. You’ll stay motivated to continue working hard — and it’ll make studying more fun too!

Remember, learning how to get good grades is just as important as finding school-life balance. Rewarding yourself when you make progress is an excellent way to do that.

The bottom line

You’re already capable of getting good grades.

All you need are the right strategies to help you become a more effective student.

I guarantee that the tips in this article will help, so try them out today!

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

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30 Excuses That Prevent Students From Succeeding in School

Updated on January 6, 2026 By Daniel Wong 11 Comments

When it’s time to do your schoolwork, do you suddenly come up with all kinds of reasons for why you’ll do it later?

If so, you’re not alone.

Every student wants to be successful in school.

And by that, I don’t just mean getting good grades.

Succeeding in school is also about enjoying the learning process, finding ways to contribute, and leading a balanced life.

In this article, I’ll explain the 30 common excuses that students make for not giving their best effort in school.

Excuses can become powerful ways of sabotaging your own success. So make sure that you’re not making any of these excuses!

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

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1. When I get home from school, I just want to relax

It’s natural to feel tired when you get home from school.

There’s nothing wrong with taking a break. I encourage you to do things that are both relaxing and refreshing, e.g. going for a walk, listening to music, reflecting on the day, reading a book.

These activities will allow you to recharge, as compared to doing things that are “passive” in nature, e.g. watching videos or TV, going on social media.

If you do more of the first category of activities instead of the second to relax, you’ll find that you have more energy to get started on your homework.

2. Studying is boring

The writer Raymond Chandler once said: “There are no dull subjects, only dull minds.”

What he meant by this is that to a curious person, all subjects are interesting.

If you ask the right questions and develop the right mindset, any subject can become interesting.

Cultivate the desire to find out how things work, and you’ll find the learning process more interesting.

3. School isn’t relevant

Anything you want to achieve in life will require concentration, discipline and consistent effort.

These are habits that you can develop in school, even if in the future you don’t make use of every fact you learn in class.

4. I’ll be more focused next term/semester/year

Many students say this to themselves.

The trouble is, next term or next semester or next year, they’ll probably say the same thing again.

The present moment, here and now, is all we ever have. So make a positive change starting right now!

5. It’s too much work

Achieving anything meaningful in life will require plenty of effort.

It’s been proven that it typically takes many thousands of hours of deliberate practice to attain excellence in any field.

I’m not saying you need to spend many thousands of hours on your homework. But the point is, nothing is handed to us on a silver plate – we become competent and knowledgeable by putting in the necessary work.

6. I don’t like the subjects

It’s natural to have a preference for certain subjects. But don’t neglect the subjects you dislike.

Find a way to “make friends” with the subjects you dislike. One way to do this is to find an area where they overlap.

For example, let’s say that you like music but hate math.

Did you know that music is based on math? Octaves, chords, and scales are all based on mathematical concepts. Even if you don’t like math, you still need to use it every single day. And if you really struggle, here are my tips on how to get better at math.

Or let’s say that you like math but hate history. Try studying the history of math, all the way from Pythagoras up to the present.

In life, there will be many things that you dislike doing. But you’ll need to develop a sense of responsibility in doing those things regardless of how you feel.

7. I don’t like my teachers

You don’t need to like your teachers in order to learn from them.

Focus on mastering the material instead of on how much you dislike a particular teacher.

What’s more, it’s an unfortunate reality of life that there will always be people in your life whom you don’t like – bosses, classmates, colleagues and maybe even family members.

So look at school as a training ground for you to learn how to get along with people even if you dislike them.

This is an essential life skill!

8. I don’t know where to start

You can get stuck worrying too much about where you should start.

Most of the time, getting started is the hardest part of the learning process. So you must find a way to take the first small step.

Even if you feel like starting your schoolwork in the middle of the assignment instead of at the beginning, go ahead and do that.

9. I want to be a YouTuber/influencer/gamer/celebrity/professional athlete in the future, so school isn’t important

Anyone who becomes outstanding in any field does so through commitment and hard work.

Successful YouTubers, influencers, gamers, etc. all put in far more effort than you realise.

Make use of every opportunity in school to develop this kind of work ethic. It will serve you well for the rest of your life.

10. I’ll never get good grades

Students often label themselves as “not good academically” because they didn’t perform well in a certain exam. This creates a negative cycle that can go on for years.

But these negative beliefs will hold you back and will contribute to you getting bad grades.

When you begin to focus more on the learning process instead of what grades you want to get, ironically you’ll start to get better grades.

11. I just want to have fun

There will always be things you would rather do than schoolwork.

But it all comes down to the question of what you want now versus what you want most.

What you want now is to have fun, but what you want most is to make the most of your potential and gain knowledge that will enable you to contribute more.

If you want to build a meaningful life, then you’ll sometimes need to have less fun and do more purposeful things with your time instead.

This is a decision you won’t regret in the long run.

12. My parents push me too hard

All parents worry about their children’s future. After all, they want the best for their children.

So if you find your parents continually pushing you to do better, remember that it’s because they love you more than you understand.

At the same time, you can calmly share with them how you feel, so that you can reach a mutual understanding about things related to school.

13. My friends keep distracting me

If your friends are a distraction, form a study group that consists of hardworking students.

The friendships you choose to foster will either make you or break you, so choose wisely.

14. I’m afraid of standing out or being “uncool” if I get good grades

This fear is understandable. After all, when you do well at school you will draw attention to yourself.

That attention may not be welcome, especially if people start to call you a nerd or geek.

It’s safer to be average and to not stand out.

But is that how you want to live your life?

Think of the people you admire, whether they’re writers, entrepreneurs, actors or politicians.

Were they afraid to stand out? They may have been at the start. But would they be where they are today if they had given in to those fears?

Learning not to care about what others think is an essential skill that will help you in school and life.

15. My parents say I’ll never amount to anything

Your parents probably say that in anger, but they don’t mean it.

I know it’s hurtful to hear comments like that, but remember that history is full of high achievers who were told they didn’t have what it takes.

Albert Einstein’s schoolmaster once wrote in his school report: “He will never amount to anything.”

Walt Disney was fired from his newspaper job because he had “no imagination”.

If authority figures have said discouraging things to you in the past, forgive them and move on.

Don’t let those hurtful words prevent you from making the most of your gifts and talents.

16. It’s too noisy at home, so I can’t concentrate

Your home might be noisy sometimes, especially if you have younger siblings.

But there’s always something you can do: use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, or do your schoolwork somewhere else.

17. My friends don’t take school seriously

No matter how old we are, peer pressure plays a big part in shaping our behaviour.

But in the end, we are responsible for what we do with our lives, not what other people do with their lives.

Make an effort to surround yourself with people who will inspire you toward excellence!

18. Everyone at school thinks I’m dumb

Do your best to not be so concerned about what other people think of you.

A teacher once wrote about Roald Dahl, who went on to become a world-renowned writer, “This boy is an indolent and illiterate member of the class.”

A school report card for John Gurdon said that science would be “a waste of his time”. In 2012, Gurdon won the Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine.

The fact is that no one knows what you’re capable of, including yourself.

But if you work as hard as you can, learn as much as you can, and help others as often as you can, there’s no doubt that you’ll be successful. These are important rules for success in life!

19. I don’t understand the material

There’s nothing embarrassing about not understanding the material.

In fact, that’s why we go to school – to learn concepts we hadn’t learned before.

So don’t be ashamed to ask the teacher when you don’t understand something.

If you don’t understand it, chances are that there are other people in the class who don’t understand it either.

If you feel shy about asking questions in class, make time to talk to your teacher outside of class.

20. I don’t feel like participating in extra-curricular activities

Succeeding in school isn’t just about getting better grades on tests.

It’s also about contributing and about developing skills that you’ll need later in life, such as leadership, initiative and teamwork.

It’s through extra-curricular activities that you’ll have the opportunity to do this.

So get involved and contribute to your team, club or organisation. Others will benefit from this, and so will you.

21. I already understand the material, so I don’t need to study

Check if you really understand the material. It’s easy to assume that you understand something, but you may only understand it at a superficial level. Try the Feynman technique. It will allow you to identify gaps in your knowledge so you can improve.

And if you find that you do understand the material, why not go even more in-depth and tackle even more challenging concepts?

Even if these concepts aren’t going to be tested, you’ll gain further knowledge – and knowledge is never wasted!

22. It’s my worst subject, so it doesn’t matter if I do badly

If it’s your worst subject, at some level you know you ought to spend more time studying it.

Every student has strong and weak subjects. By ensuring that you work on your weak subjects too, you’ll develop the mental strength to get things done, even if they cause you psychological discomfort.

In my opinion, this is one of the most valuable abilities to possess in life.

23. The classes are too long and boring

Classes can feel as if they go on for too long, especially if the teacher isn’t engaging.

If you can’t focus for the entire class, you can try focusing for shorter periods at a time.

For example, you can set a timer for 20 minutes and tell yourself that you’ll pay attention fully for those 20 minutes. Then give yourself a break of a couple of minutes before starting another 20-minute “focus” session.

Over time, you can increase the length of each focus session.

Of course, I don’t recommend that you tell your teacher that you’re using this approach.

But this is a better approach as compared to telling yourself that the class isn’t interesting and not paying attention at all.

24. I’m taking so many subjects, so I can’t stay on top of all of them

Yes, there are many subjects to learn, and it may seem overwhelming.

This means that you need a plan and a system for keeping up with your schoolwork, managing your projects, etc.

If you apply the tips listed in this article, I’m confident that you’ll be a more organised and effective student.

25. I’m afraid of trying hard but still not doing well

The fear of failure is universal. It’s something that every student needs to grapple with.

It may seem safer to not try at all, rather than to try and possibly fail.

But what’s much worse than failing is to look back and realise you didn’t even try. This is at the root of the regrets that countless people have.

What’s more, failure is just a story you create in your own mind. Instead of thinking in terms of failure, think in terms of experiments instead.

If you don’t perform up to expectations, then you know that the “experiment” didn’t work. So you’ll need to adopt a different approach or strategy in the future.

By changing your perspective on failure, you’ll discover that giving it your best shot is a meaningful part of the learning process, regardless of the grades you get.

But, of course, with a healthier perspective on failure, you’re bound to achieve better grades.

26. I’ll work hard only when I feel motivated

It’s great to feel motivated. But you can’t expect to feel motivated all – or even most – of the time.

Even the most productive and successful people in the world only feel motivated some of the time.

If you only get down to work when you feel motivated, then your study habits will be inconsistent.

Develop the necessary routines, systems and habits, and you’ll find that you’ll be able to get to work even if you don’t feel motivated.

As writer James Clear has noted, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

27. I’m always tired

Sleep is vital for a healthy mind and body. But most students don’t get enough sleep.

You need at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep every night to be well-rested. If you’re constantly tired, get on a proper sleep schedule.

It’s not easy to change your sleep schedule at one go, so do it gradually. For example, you can go to bed just 10 to 15 minutes earlier each night.

28. I don’t have time to study

We all have the same amount of time: 24 hours each day.

But I’m sure you’ve noticed that some people achieve much more within the same amount of time.

This is because these people prioritise and focus. Prioritising means understanding what’s important and what’s not.

If you feel as if you don’t have time to study, it’s probably because your priorities aren’t clear.

When you get your priorities clear and act accordingly, I’m confident that you’ll find that you do have the time to be an excellent student.

29. I’ll just get my work done at the last minute

Doing your work at the last minute means you’ll be in a rush.

You won’t have time to check for mistakes, and you won’t be giving your full effort to the work.

What’s more, when you do work at the last minute, you’ll be stressed!

I’m sure you already have enough stress in your life, so get your work done ahead of time.

30. My teacher doesn’t explain the material properly

If you feel as if your teacher doesn’t explain the material properly, don’t use this as an excuse not to learn.

Instead, approach your teacher outside of class and clarify your doubts. Your teacher will likely be happy to go over the material with you.

If that isn’t effective, you can use online resources like Khan Academy to learn the material.

Conclusion

Did any of these 30 excuses sound familiar to you?

Are there any excuses on this list that you need to stop making today?

If so, choose to stop making them (as well as any other excuses related to not doing your homework), and instead take full responsibility for your education and your life.

Inspired by this book (which I read several years ago), I’ve made it my life goal to live with no complaints, no excuses, and no regrets.

It’s a journey that I hope you’ll join me on – it’s been challenging but meaningful so far.

There’s freedom in deciding that you won’t make excuses anymore, so all the best as you experience that freedom for yourself! 🙂

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

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