Five Time-Tested Study Methods For Increased Productivity, Focus, Memory, and Efficiency. | Productive Sunday Special | Shreyash Tapare

Introduction :

Hi there, it's Productive Sunday and I'm here to share 5 Study Methods That Really Work! These methods will help you focus better, remember more, and be more efficient. I'm Shreyash Tapare 😎 and I promise you that these methods are time-tested. So, grab your study essentials and get ready to learn something new! Because it's Productive Sunday you know 😉!

Why We Need This ? :

From childhood, many of us have been taught that studying means sitting alone and forcing ourselves to remember information for an upcoming exam. This approach may work for some, but not everyone. Unfortunately, students who don't achieve success through this method may develop a negative mindset (which grows stronger and stronger as the time passes) that they are not meant for studying, which is simply not true.

The truth is, some students may use this following process consciously or unconsciously, for achieving extraordinary results, while others struggle with it. However, this doesn't mean that those who struggle are incapable of learning or achieving success.

It's essential to address this problem by adopting time-tested study methods that can improve productivity, focus, memory, and efficiency.

As Henry Ford said, 

"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young." Studying is a valuable investment in yourself "

विद्या धनं धनानाम्" (Knowledge is wealth), and it should be your first priority after your physical health "शरीरमाद्यं खलु धर्मसाधनम्" (Physical health is the foundation of Dharma/Duty's) to lead the life you want because "ना संसारभयं ज्ञानवंताम्" (Knowledge is the only protection against the fear of the world) More Explanation of "World" down below.

Therefore, prioritizing learning and education is crucial for achieving success in life. To help us on this journey, we can draw on the wisdom of ancient Sanskrit shlokas and other proven methods. Let's take a closer look at some of these methods  that can guide us towards knowledge and success.

Five Time-Tested Study Methods :

1] Cut The Rope Method :

The name is inspired from Maratha Empire, and is also known by other names such as the Odysseus Method and the Secret of Commitment Method. Essentially, it involves making strong decisions ahead of time in order to avoid setbacks when attempting a difficult or seemingly impossible task. This can be especially important when completing the task is crucial for future success. There are numerous real-life stories that illustrate this method in action, which can help in a deeper understanding of how it works.

Once, a writer was running behind schedule to finish his novel and deliver it to the publisher. He noticed that his environment was too distracting, and he kept going outside, which was preventing him from writing his novel. One day, he decided to eliminate all the distractions from his room that might affect his concentration, and he went a step further by burning all his clothes, including his undergarments, so that he could not leave the room. This is how he successfully accomplished his task using the "Cut the Rope" method.

2] Parkinson(s) Law :

Work expands to fill the period of time available for its completion. If you’re into productivity, you’ll know this proverb as Parkinson’s Law.

Parkinson's Law is a powerful insight into human psychology and productivity. It suggests that we tend to use up all the available time to complete a task, even if it could be done more efficiently in less time. To avoid this, it is essential to set strict deadlines for yourself and break your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.

This way, you can work towards specific goals and keep yourself accountable. Additionally, consider creating a schedule for yourself, allocating specific blocks of time for each task. This will help you manage your time better and avoid procrastination. Remember, time is a precious resource, and managing it effectively can help you achieve great things.

3] Pareto Principle :

The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 principle, states that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. In other words, out of 100 tasks, only 20 tasks produce 80% of the desired results, while the other 80 tasks produce only 20% of the results.

Therefore, it's wise to invest your time and effort into those 20 tasks that yield the highest results and delegate or eliminate the remaining 80 tasks. This is important because time is a precious resource and investing it wisely is equivalent to investing your life. Because life is made up of time.

However, in the initial stages, it's important to perform all tasks in order to gain clarity on which ones are important and which ones can be delegated or eliminated.

4] Pomodoro Technique :

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method where you break down work into 25-minute intervals called "Pomodoros," separated by short breaks. To use it effectively for studying, set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on studying without any distractions. When the timer goes off, take a short break of 5-10 minutes before starting the next Pomodoro. Repeat this process until you finish your study session. This technique helps increase focus, productivity and helps in avoiding burnout. Pomodor apps are also available online.

5] Active Recall :

Active recall is a technique to improve memory retention by actively recalling information from memory. To use this technique effectively in studies, first, understand the topic well, then try to recall the topic and write it down in your own words. This process helps to migrate the learning from short-term memory to long-term memory, making it easier to retain information for a longer period. By practising active recall regularly, students can improve their memory retention, recall information more quickly, and perform better in exams.

"I am currently researching effective memorization and productive study techniques and will be sharing additional insights and tips in the future. Stay tuned and check back soon for more updates!"

In conclusion, studying is not just about memorizing information for exams. It's about investing in yourself and your future. By adopting time-tested study methods like the Cut the Rope Method, Parkinson's Law, the Pareto Principle, the Pomodoro Technique, and Active Recall, you can improve your productivity, focus, memory, and efficiency. These methods will not only help you achieve academic success but also prepare you for success in all aspects of life.

Remember, learning is a lifelong process, and anyone who keeps learning stays young. So, don't let setbacks or negative mindsets hold you back from achieving your goals. Instead, use the power of knowledge and these proven methods to overcome obstacles and accomplish your dreams.

So, keep learning, keep growing, and keep achieving great things. The sky's the limit! 💛

The term "world" refers to the world of material existence or "sansara" in Sanskrit. Sansara is often associated with the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth and the idea that living beings are bound to this cycle due to their attachment to material desires and pleasures. On the other hand, "worldliness" generally refers to the quality or state of being concerned with material things or worldly pursuits. It can be seen as a preoccupation with material possessions, fame, power, and other external factors that are often associated with success in modern society. 

In the context of the phrase "ना संसारभयं ज्ञानवंताम्," the focus is on the fear or anxiety that arises from attachment to worldly things, rather than the things themselves. The phrase suggests that knowledge or wisdom is the only means of transcending this fear and achieving a higher state of existence beyond the world of material desires and attachments.