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Study Like a Pro – No Matter the Subject

Study Like a Pro – No Matter the Subject

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You don’t have to be a full-time student in order to study. In fact, all professionals, regardless of field, should keep their knowledge and skills up to date. You might attend conferences, virtual lectures, or read books to keep yourself ahead of the competition.

 

But what if you aren’t the best at studying? The ability to study is just that: a skill that is developed and honed over time. Before we get started, it’s important to recognize how you best receive and retain information that will be essential to setting up a realistic study program. The best part? There is no single answer on what will work for you, so you can customize the experience!

 

Study: What It Is and Isn’t

According to dictionary.com, studying means devoting time and attention to acquiring knowledge and skills, usually through books. We live in an amazing time where information is a click away.

 

Depending on how you learn, you may find yourself reading books, watching videos, or listening to audiobooks or podcasts in order to gain the most up-to-date information. But none of these great resources will be of long-lasting value if you aren’t recording what you are learning.

 

In order to study effectively, we must do more than just read, watch, and listen. Simply reading something doesn’t constitute studying any more than attending a ball game constitutes playing in the game. Something more is required of us.

 

Dr. Frank Christ (1924-2013) developed a system for studying effectively, which he called the Study Cycle. While we won’t go through this cycle in this article, you may want to check it out here. In essence, there are 5 areas of the studying cycle: preview, attend class, review, study, and check. Each step is about preparation, showing up, and returning to the material in small sessions until you are able to recall the information without your notes.

 

Become Your Own Teacher and Learning Advocate

Focus and organize your notes as though you will be teaching the subject you are studying. Define ideas in your own words, highlight words that are new to you, and connect your topic to your life. For example, if you are learning about ROI, your notes might include this:

 

ROI: Return on Investment

The amount of money someone receives when the cost of investment is subtracted from the profit.

Real Life: Investing in hats costs $500. I sell the hats for $750. My return on investment (ROI) is $250.

 

As you learn, particularly in an interactive environment (conferences, classes, online seminars), you will want to be your own advocate. Just as no one can eat for you so you wouldn’t be hungry anymore, don’t be afraid to be an active participant in your own learning. Ask questions, share insights you have, and take risks to network with others who are in your field. You are your best advocate as you navigate your education.

 

Own Your Space

Ideally, you might wish you had a secret library, free from distractions, noise, and the general public. No matter where you study, it’s essential to find a place that is quiet and not too comfortable. Remove all distractions from the area if you can. This includes trying to multitask as you study. Take charge of your schedule and know that saying “no” to some things now will open up so many more “yes” opportunities in the future.

 

Is your topic boring? Reach out for ways to make the subject come alive. Be proactive in finding videos and outsourcing more information beyond the book. Ultimately, realize that this topic is helping you move toward a goal that will be more rewarding.

 

Own your schedule and set your study sessions up in shorter pockets throughout the day. These small efforts will build up over the weeks and months until you have gained and retained a vast amount of knowledge. Remember: that six-season show will be there in the years to come – your learning opportunities are only here for a limited time.

 

Conclusion

As with any other skill you learn and perfect, remember to be kind to yourself. If you make a mistake as you experiment, it’s okay! Enjoy the process and make it your own. Make special snacks, listen to LoFi instrumental music (no lyrics), and give yourself a reward each time you complete a goal. You’ll be amazed by how much you can learn by making your study time more meaningful.