CULTIVATING EFFECTIVE STUDY HABITS (2)

As stated in the previous article, there are three basic factors essential for the acquisition of good and effective study habits. These are, the psychological, the mental and the physical factors, and we shall briefly describe them here.. 

The psychological factor. 
To acquire a good study habit, you should first make the efforts at knowing "Why" you have to study; in other words, what are the reasons, goals or objectives you want to achieve or attain as a result of your study efforts. Obviously, no one plans to embark on any serious study just for the fun of it. Your goals or aims will be your motivating or driving force; the catalyst that you will need to propel or push you onward and upward in your quest to excel in your academic career. 

 You should, and must, clearly define this goal. 

Is it to become a successful medical doctor, a successful Lawyer, or an architect? Whatever it is, it must be tangible by definition and not vague , otherwise it loses the power to motivate and move you forward towards reading or doing any serious study. We shall give more details on this in a later article. 

The mental factor. 
This has to do with your state of mind before, during and after your study periods.It relates very closely to the psychological factor in that it has to do with your emotions. Having set your goal for studying, you need the necessary mental discipline and power to play up your emotions in relation to that set goal. This calls for practice, to be sure, but once you are able to "fix it up", as you will be instructed later, you will come to radiate so much confidence and poise that would surprise even you. More on this in a forthcoming article. 

 The physical factor. 

This relates to the outward manifestation of the products or results of the previous two factors. It has some bearings on your well begin in relation to your physical environment and how you relate to it-your family, your friends, your neighbours, even your country and the world. 
We shall discuss this in more details shortly,in another article. 

 In close association with these three factors, is the important need to develop an intense liking for ALL your subjects, no matter how "difficult" or "hard" they may appear to be; you will have to resolve to "like" them. One practical way to doing this is to start reading or studying that "difficult" subject or topic from its fundamentals; from the elementary or introductory level and gradually advance as you gain steady insight into its basic principles. 

Do remember that every subject has its own "Language" or "style", so try to identify this and gradually adjust to it. 
It is also very wise to start your study of "difficult" subjects at short intervals of 30-45 minutes twice daily. Doing this will allow the brain to relax and be ready for the new job it is being called upon to do, on a gradual basis. This goes a long way in helping the dual processes of assimilation and retention of information and facts. 

Finally, do ensure that you have adequate good rest or sleep prior to embarking on your studies, especially those "difficult" ones. Doing this will allow the mind to be clear, relaxed and more study friendly. 

Sincerely,

P.S: The Next posting will usher in the first topical lesson on Time and tenses