Every time great results are released, the first thing that you see is scores of articles in which the students are questioned about how they achieved their success. And yet, every time that I have been interviewed in such a way, I have tried my best to impress what has worked for me might not work for someone else. However, this is overshadowed by the multitude of student responses that preach diligence, hard work and long nights.
People are eager to lap these up, and push them on their children. “If this girl said she studied four hours every night, why are you only doing two? Don’t you want to do well?” Whilst well-intentioned, the outcome might not be what is expected. There is no one recipe for success. You cannot add three hours of studying, two hours of working past papers and an hour of prayer, to cook up a scholar. We are all individuals. Some of us might need extra classes for a few subjects, others might need to study more for science subjects versus art subjects and for some, they might genuinely grasp concepts faster than their counterparts, and need not do excessive revision.
Success comes from figuring out what is right for you. It is up to the individual to determine what is his/her balance. Which subjects does he/she need to focus on more? Is having a rigid schedule more productive than a flexible one? Whilst it is great to listen to the stories of those who have done excellently to get some of their personal tips, it doesn’t mean for you to be successful that you have to follow exactly as they have done.
If it’s your first time writing a major exam, you may feel pressured by teachers and parents. Be sure not to let that pressure overwhelm you. Know yourself, and know how much you need to learn to be prepared to write the exam, and figure out how you’re going to learn it before the exam date. It’s easy to let others get into your mind and plant doubts about your capabilities, but you have to hold strong. Consider their advice and if necessary, apply it appropriately to your life, but don’t let others mandate how you must study. At the end of the day, you’re the one with the paper in front of you, not your friend, your teacher, or your parents.
And finally, it should go without saying, ensure that you take care of yourself. Do not put studying over your physical and mental health. Be sure to get a reasonable amount of sleep, and eat regularly so that your body can function to the best of its abilities.
