Mikey's Musings

Study Smarter, Not Harder

It's been a few weeks since I've written a post here. My last couple of posts were written on different computers, since my laptop was in the shop for about six weeks. Fortunately I got it back this past Monday, and it is a wonderful feeling. It feels as though a void inside of me has been filled ;^) !

Well, in case you're wondering what the title is all about, it is because I took my first Accounting 210 midterm this semester and got an 80 on it! The average, I've been told, is a 60-something. I'm taking the pre-reqs to get into the Accounting program at BYU - the number Two Accounting program in the Universe, as my professor says (second only to the University of Texas). Therefore, it's not an easy task to get in the program. So I was pretty happy getting a score above average - I just hope this class is curved.

I've learned that it's not necessarily important that you study hard; rather, one should study smart. I remember my second semester at college. I quite ignorantly decided to take Econ 110, Acc 200, Stats 221, German 330, and work 20 hours a week all at the same time. I had no clue what I was getting myself into, and did not realize how much my study skills/habits/whatever-you-want-to-call-it were lacking. Quickly, but too late, reality hit and I was nose deep in homework, classes, stress, all of the above. I didn't know how to study properly, manage my time effectively, or indoctrinate myself well enough the things I needed to learn in my classes. Because of it I suffered immensely. I can show you the grades to prove it.

Since then I've learned a thing or two. The biggest things I learned were that I needed to 1) manage my time better and 2) fix my study habits. That semester I "studied" hard. I remember being up late until two in the morning about two or three nights a week, getting papers and such done. It killed. Not to mention I still didn't do so hot. Now, I'm usually in bed by midnight (unless I choose to stay up doing things like putting posts on my blog), but have all or 98% of my homework for the next day done by six or seven. Plus, I'm doing much better in my classes.

So why the difference? I personally think it has to do with four specific things. Time management is definitely a factor. Concerning time management, I highly recommend two sources: "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey, and "Good, Better, Best" by Elder Dallin H. Oaks. In regards to managing my time, I have been learning to both prioritize my time better and knowing when to say no. Also, it helps to know one's limits.

Learning to study better is the second factor. In the definition of "study" I include taking advantage of all the resources given for each class. For my accounting class, I'm in the TA lab about three to four times a week, spending about two to three hours there each time I go. It's great because when I don't understand a principle or part of the lesson, I ask a TA nearby and he'll explain it to me until I understand. We go over examples so I can apply it, which helps me to retain things better.

Thirdly, I believe desire plays a large role and is the underlying structure beneath the first two factors. If there's not much desire, not much is going to get done. I'm not gonna' lie, I don't have much of a desire to go to my MCOMM class (business writing). Although I like the end result of knowing how to write well, I don't care for the process that much. So that's a struggle for me. Yet, I try to keep in mind that I have to do well to make it in my major, and that helps motivate me more. Along with the desire comes self-motivation. I think what also helps me in my classes is doing extra things on my own. For example, for my accounting class, I like to look at financial statements of real companies (Microsoft is my favorite one to look at) and apply what I learn in analyzing financial statements. It's not required, but I get a real-world taste of how to use what I'm learning. I'm still trying to find ways to apply what I'm learning in my ISYS 201 class with Excel formulas.

Last of all - and I think this is most important - is that I try to involve the Lord. I'm not the best at it. Too often I catch myself wanting to take credit and to do things on my own. However, I do notice a significant difference. When I include the Lord in what I'm doing and try to keep Him a priority, I do significantly better in the things I do. Productivity increases! I contribute all that I've learned to Him. I honestly believe that the Lord helps me retain what I'm learning and is helping me be successful in my classes. For example, when I took my exam today, I said a prayer in my heart. I asked to remember what I learned and that the Spirit would bring things to my remembrance. There were problems on that test that stumped me; then, specific things were brought to my attention and specific formulas came into my mind that I had forgotten (but had studied thoroughly) and I was able to complete those problems (something else that is interesting to note about this principle - there were a couple of problems where I was totally lost and didn't receive any help. Consequently, those problems went over things I neglected to study thoroughly. I believe there is a direct correlation in personal preparation and how much the Lord helps us in our lives....but that's another topic in and of itself).

So there you have it - my two cents on how to study smarter. It's now about one o'clock and I have work tomorrow. Have a good night!