Do you have have problems concentrating? Believe it or not, you are not alone! The first thing we need to do – before we can discuss how to concentrate – is to define the term “concentration”. According to Princeton University’s WordNet, concentration means:
“great and constant diligence and attention”
This is interesting… If concentration is related to attention then that means that we should be able to improve our concentration by simply becoming more attentive, right? Now, here are a few suggestions on how to do just that:
Apply The 5 More Rule
Instead of just quitting the task all together, you tell yourself to do only 5 more things before you quit. When these have been accomplished you promise yourself again to only do 5 more things (such as writing only 5 more pages, solving only 5 more math problems etc). The keyword here is the word ‘only’; by decreasing the size of the task cognitively you feel less hesitant to abandon it altogether. There’s an Arabic proverb that says:
“If you Can’t finish it altogether – Then Don’t leave it altogether”
Treat Yourself Like A Child
What do you do when your little child has accomplished a task? Well, you praise the little fellow and give him/her a reward. Treat yourself in the same manner by offering yourself incentives when ever you’ve completed a task. This will improve your motivation which in turn improves your concentration. For more information on increasing your motivation, please refer to this post on our blog entitled; improve your study motivation.
Why wait? Do it Now! resources
Procrastination is without doubt one of the biggest enemies you will face as a student. The temptation to delay your studies will always be strong, to counter this your will to succeed must be stronger. Why procrastinate and do something tomorrow if the same task can be done today?
Remove All Possible Distractions
The sad thing is that we don’t always notice when we are being distracted! There are really two kinds of distractions:
Those that are visible, such as someone who is having a lengthy (and boring) discussion with you during your ‘offical study time’. Each and every “cell in your body” tells you that this is very disturbing.
The kind of distractions that are not picked up by ‘our radar’. This type is actually worse than the previous one. You can always tell your annoying friend that you’re busy but how on earth will you rid yourself from something that you’re not even aware of in the first place?
Examples of such distractions are (in no particular order); talking with someone on a topic that interests you, watching a movie while studying/working, listening to music and so forth. All of these things are distracting you from your studies even though you’re not thinking about it. The best way to avoid these types of distractions is by avoiding them from the start.
Make A Task List
I wrote about this in an article entitled how to do a to do list. A to do list is basically a tasklist that makes it easier to concentrate on your subject. It does this by making you think only about one issue at a time. Task lists are in some ways the opposite of mind mapping, since the latter involves scattering ones thoughts instead of collecting them. Although that’s a good way to initiate a project, it’s not very useful when it comes to actually doing the task in question.
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this site helped me in very good means. this is a really good article. thanks
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admin Reply:
December 4th, 2009 at 7:07 am
No problem man. Thanks for coming by
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PRAVIN Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 7:07 am
Your advice is good!hey but i was excellent student before I got admitted in Engineering college from distinction I have fallen down to ATKT(allow to keep turn for failed subjects).I am really not able to concentrate during the lectures & morover the main problem is that I cant remain firm on my aims.Please help me.I am waiting for your mail!!!!!!!!!
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admin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:13 am
I’m sorry for the late reply, I seemed to have missed this comment
Anyway, you shouldn’t feel disheartened due to temporary study problems, this can happen to pretty much all of us. What you should do is make sure you don’t fall into this permanently. If you can’t concentrate during lectures it probably because of a) you’ve lost interest in engineering (how dare you
) or b) you’re preoccupied with other types of thoughts.
If it’s because of lost interest in your field then you need to (if you still wish to continue on this road which I presume you do) rekindle that love/passion that you had towards it in the beginning. If it’s because of other types of thoughts then you need to be sincere and stern towards yourself. Do you really have time thinking about unnecessary things or are you man of action?
thanks a lot…this is
a really good advices!
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admin Reply:
December 17th, 2009 at 2:29 am
Glad I could help
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A heartful thanks for all ur advices. They are really helpful and easy to apply.
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admin Reply:
December 19th, 2009 at 6:54 am
No problem, glad I could help
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I m thankful for this article. but my problem seems more severe. I cant concentrate : sometimes becoz others disturb me, sometimes coz my mind just get distracted. I m a 4th years student at a renowned University of Bangladesh and my exam is in nnext month but … what to do? I cant even feel good to write. How to prepare for the exam? How to keep stuffs in memory? Is there any remedy of this problem?
Thanks once again!
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admin Reply:
December 21st, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Salamu alaykum
It always seems more complicated than it really is, if you don’t have a plan for your studies, you are in trouble. There’s an old saying that goes; “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”. Here’s what I would recommend you to do:
Take a piece of paper and list down ALL the topics that are covered in your upcoming exam and then order them into a list where you put the most difficult subjects in the top, followed by the next most difficult thing etc. It always helps to prioritize your problem in this fashion, as you do this you will notice that the task isn’t that big once you’ve broken it into smaller tasks.
Then what you need to do is form a schedule, one you must stick by in all times (except obviously when more important things comes along, e.g family matters, namaz etc) and pick (for example) one, two or three topics each day and try to fully understand these concepts and then the next day three more and so forth. This way, you will make sure you’ve gone through all the necessary parts before the exam comes. The final week before the exam, you review all the material in order to get a good grasp of its entirety.
As for your problem to concentrate, this stems from simple forgetfulness that can happen to all of us. Just remind yourself why you started studying in the first place, how much time you’ve already put in your studies (4 years!) and how much work you had to put in order to get into the university in the first place. Also make sure you have a specific goal with your studies, exactly where are you headed? If you don’t know where you’re headed, you’ll never get there! I hope that helps a little and I wish you the best with your exams.
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smd ali Reply:
February 11th, 2010 at 6:14 am
hellow dont say salamu alaikum it is the wrong meaning say (assalamu alaikum)
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admin Reply:
February 13th, 2010 at 6:51 am
Perhaps the way you say it is the common way of greeting but by removing the “al” I’ve made it into indefinite form but the meaning is still the same.
Correct me if I’m wrong but “May the peace be upon you” and “Peace be upon you” deliver the same message, right?
Heloo..
I am a 3rd year engineering student . My exams are going to start within a week . My problem is i am not being able to concentrate on my studies well . I feel sleepy all the time. This is the first time such things are happening to me . Not being able to get a remedy . Can you help me out somehow ?
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admin Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:59 am
Hello there Pratik!
Well it depends. Where you study, at home or somewhere else? Do you ever get tired while doing other things or is it only studying that makes you feel fatigued?
In my opinion, the most common mistake that people do is that they try to study at home. I’m not kidding, studying at home is by far one of the most distracting places you can study. Countless number of things can distract you, TV, computer, the phone, the doorbell, grabbing snacks etc. If you truly want to be able to focus on your studies you have to make sure to find a place where you can sit in peace. There are usually places where you can sit on campus without being bothered. You shouldn’t be put off to go there during the holiday to study, the place is pretty much empty and you’ll have it for yourself.
You mentioned that this is the first time such a thing has occurred in your life? I’m guessing it’s because you’ve drifted away from your original purpose. Why did you pick engineering to start with (engineering is also my field btw
)? You have to have an incentive to be able to study, make sure you remind yourself what that incentive is.
That’s about it, now go back in there and study until it hurts. No pain, no gain!
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krishna Reply:
February 4th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Thanks lot sir,
i face same problem. Now i’ll do to focus on my dream and concentrate on my study.
thanks again for this helpul guides.
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admin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:25 am
No problem, glad I could be of assistance.
hello
Thanks for the all information you provided above.
but my problem is bit different, I’m also a student of engineering and this is exam time of 3rd year.
I’m trying a lot to study but every time thoughts are coming in my mind ,i avoided everything my mobile, pc even i don’t wanna use them but the only problem is the thoughts coming in my mind.
what happens with me is : book is in my hand and i started studying after reading 1 or 2 topics i started thinking and that goes on and on and on …. and when i see that I’m distracted its already half an hour or 40-45 minutes are gone.
that is sometimes very depressing. a full day is gone and what i did is very less !!
what to do ?
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admin Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 4:51 am
What you need to ask yourself is; why am I being distracted? Be sure to list all the things that distract you during a study session and then remove them (even if it’s unpleasant to turn of your phone) on by one.
You may be interested to read this post on time management skills.
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I suck at concentrating, I could barely read through this page without getting distracted, that’s how bad I am. I’m a fifth year student now, and my exams coming up this year will basically decide if I get into university and whatever. I have had five or more exams already, and I couldn’t bring myself to study for any of them (I just say to myself “wing it”), and it’s been working so far. But I have Science next week and it’s soo hard for me; so I reckon I’ll give studying a go. Thanks for the advice, I am now secluding myself in my garden shed, which is empty, so no distractions.
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admin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:07 am
Haha, it’s okay. I could barley get through this page myself and I wrote the thing.
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When i start my study/ or when i attend my lecture, i understand it. But after a few minutes, i forget what i have learned. Can you give me a solution?
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admin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:06 am
This is completely normal. It takes a while for your short term memory to turn into a long term one. The secret is, repetitiveness as the old Latin proverb went: “Repetition is the mother of learning”.
Instead of studying a lot during one session, skim through the material lightly every now and then so you can grasp it’s general meaning. Finally, the last week or so you can sit with it intensely. This way of studying usually (from experience) is the most fruitful.
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hey there.. I have my exam tomorrow and i cannot concentrate i am easily distracted n my concentration level is zero ifeel like crying when i read something and i don’t remember it. Please help me …
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admin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:02 am
I’m sorry for the late answer, I suppose you’ve already had the exam. However, no matter how it went, you should never feel disheartened or sadden by inadequate study results.
Don’t be depressed because of school, there are way bigger things to be depressed about! Think of everything you have and compare it to the situation that many other people live in all throughout the world. No matter how difficult the studies feel today, it usually becomes A LOT easier once you start digesting it, step by step. Form a study plan that fits your schedule and stick by it stringently.
Remember, quitters never win and winners never quit! Hang in there
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This was good to read & got the tips thanks 4 that.I am in T.Y.Bcom my exam are there in classes.Yet i hav not completed my studies due to that i get more stressed & tensed so that i can’t concentrate on my studies.If i complete than also i forgot what should i do for that.I am also depressed please help out.
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admin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:58 am
Don’t be depressed because of school, there are way bigger things to be depressed about! Think of everything you have and compare it to the situation that many other people live in all throughout the world. No matter how difficult the studies feel today, it usually becomes A LOT easier once you start digesting it, step by step. Form a study plan that fits your schedule and stick by it stringently.
Remember, quitters never win and winners never quit!
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I m student of symbiosis law school pune india….this site really help me alot in my studies..A special thanks those who made “a wonderful site”..love u
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Hi,
i am a medical graduate and preparing for post garduate enterance exam. its hard for me to concentrate..
i am a house wife right now and cant go out to study..
in college times i used to study seeing people around me studing.. discussing things with them.
but now alone i am hardly able to concentrate on study and being at home i have lot of distractions…
i feel very bad about this. can u please help me out with this..
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admin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:56 am
Totally understandable. Your predicament is not unheard of, it’s not always easy getting back into studying when you’ve been away from it for such a long period of time.
).
The important thing to keep in mind is; take it easy. You can’t expect to be at the top of your game, going all rounds when you’ve been outside of the ring for such a long time period (please excuse me for my silly boxing metaphors
Take it as it comes and create a study plan for yourself where you make time for your studies as well as your other activities.It’s very easy to feel overwhelmed when you’ve been away from academia but just make sure you stick in there and take it step by step.
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thank tou very much…………….
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ilove this site……….
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admin Reply:
January 30th, 2010 at 2:42 am
Thanks!
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Hello,
I have some problems in concentrating.Sometimes I can concentrate very well that I can finish many lessons together but sometimes I cant concentrate properly it feels very much boring and distracting to me and the main problem is thatI cant remember this things permanently.Could u plz help me in understanding my problems.
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admin Reply:
January 30th, 2010 at 2:42 am
If you want to remember something permanently you should focus on reiterating that thing over and over again in your mind. How come you never forget your best friends name but you can forget a name of someone you just met? Obviously, it’s because you talk to your friend a lot and you’ve mentioned this persons name a lot and hence it sticks in your long term memory and even if you don’t meet that person in years you’ll still won’t forget the name.
Make sure the topic that you’re studying is important to you in the same matter. If it is, then you would want to revise it a lot and try to grasp it firmly.
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thanks to this site it helped me lot to study thankssssssssssss
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admin Reply:
January 30th, 2010 at 2:38 am
I’m glad you found it helpful!
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its very good advise but i cant resist myself from dreaming nature
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Hi This article helped me a lot to concentrate on study and to improve my results. Thanks a lot
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admin Reply:
February 13th, 2010 at 7:04 am
No problem, thanks for coming by!
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Hi,
I am in a really big trouble i have a really important exam on Monday the 8th ,after this test I have a difficult one in Math in February the 14 th.
And now i am preparing for Math because I haven’t learnt it at all during the year.But I try it hard to focus it has past a all day and i have only read 10 pages.I can not concentrate so in the end of the day I haven’t learn math neither economy.I depressed what can I do? I am hopeless ,aren’t I?please help
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admin Reply:
February 1st, 2010 at 12:53 am
Hello!
The first thing you need to do is calm down and do not panic. The second thing you need to do is – starting right now – construct a plan for how you’re going to tackle these coming exams.
Create a schedule for your studies; write down how much you need to study per day to reach your goal and then follow that schedule stringently.
There are tons of math resources out there, we’ve linked out to several in our math section (I personally learned a lot of math by watching math videos online):
http://www.study-habits.com/subjects/math-help/
Please send me a message if your particular topic isn’t covered yet and we’ll work on getting it up.
If these exams are as important as you say, you need to focus a lot on the coming days and that means, cut down on your usual time wasting entertainment (if applicable) what ever it might be. You’ll feel bad afterward if you failed your exam because something that wasn’t nearly as important.
Finally, what ever you do, do not wait until the last moment to study. You still have enough time to pass these exams as long as you study every day.
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thaaaaaanks a loooooooooot I am beginning to hope now.I will do all my best, I’ll follow your advices.I will write you back with the scores of my test I promise.Once again thank you.:D
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dis month v hav examz n i cant concentrate on my study b cos sum things r in my mind when i was do my study a lods of thoughts cuming n that time i was totally confused can yu help me abt dis situation
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Hope your advice is going to help me
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I like your posts..very helpful and your words touched my hearts..hope i can improve my self..thank you
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Your advice helped me so much!! Scored my o level! Thank you so much!!!! =D
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admin Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 6:46 am
Glad I could help!
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This is gr8888! Thankz a load!
:D
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admin Reply:
February 21st, 2010 at 2:42 am
Hehe, no problem!
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great article………..very realistic..
thanks BUT I NEED SOME SP. ADVICE]
YOU SEE my exams are a month away.and due to the fear i couldn’t
concentrate on my studies…..even though i have been a good student……….FROM PAST FEW MONTHS MY EFFICINCY HAS DECREASED TO MIN. I AM GETTING MORE WORRIED…AND MY TASK IS PILING UP EVERYDAY…
HEELP..
-N
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admin Reply:
February 13th, 2010 at 6:43 am
Why have your efficiency decreased?
Pinpoint what you think could be the cause of this issue (entertainment, sports, leisure, activities etc?) and if you find these new tasks to be time consuming and of little value, simply discard them. It’s really that simple. Never let today’s work become tomorrows worry. If you start to procrastinate, this is exactly what’s going to happen.
Starting today, right now, list all of your studying task in order of their importance and start going through them. Do not stop until you feel you’ve done enough, push your self to the limits because there are no secret shortcuts to hard work. START NOW!
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tat was a nice advice for me……………………………
i am in my 12th standard now!i know tat i hav enough capacity than anyone to read and understand my subjects. but the problem is that i dont sit in a corner or i don’t spend much time for studies rather i simply waste my time. i use to create time tables of myself but i find it very difficult to finish it. i have many dreams abt my future and i want to do many things in my life which could be possible only if i study well but i don’t work hard for those………my exams are on 1-3-2010 and i am sending this comment to you on 12-2-2010. i want to know whether if i can score atleast abt 90% in my board exams if i start working hard from this moment…..pls pls reply as soon as possible…….iwant to suceed in life against all my family problems and my DISTRACTIONS tat generally arises for students and teens in this age…………all my family members and relatives starting from my younger brother to my grand father are hoping good on me.
i write to you all these things as i thought i could you would tell me some way to score good marks and becoz tat you would be the right adviser for me……….i am searching for a adviser like you and i hope you will give me some best advice……….
and the main thing i wanted to say is tat i am not a good scorer in my school exams…………..so i want to know whether i can score more marks……..pls pls reply to my e-mail id………..i am waiting for your reply……..
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admin Reply:
February 13th, 2010 at 6:47 am
Hello SRI,
I am sorry for the wait, I did send you an e-mail as requested but I got an error upon sending it. Anyway, here’s the message in question:
Hello there!
You sent us a message a little while ago regarding your studies. I’m sorry if this response has been somewhat late, there’s been a lot of things going on around here lately.
Albeit, I can see from your words that you are indeed a motivated and intelligent person, there’s no doubt about that. It seems that your problem is mainly one of concentration.
You’re asking whether or not you can improve your grades to meet the required goal? This question is in fact self explanatory, of course you can! You have time, intelligence, support and a strong will to reach your goals. Why on earth should ANY small distraction hinder you or any SMALL obstacle stand in your way?
I’ve written only briefly on this topic (of getting rid of distractions), you can read that post her: http://www.study-habits.com/time-management-skills/
Also, I would say in your particular case. What you need to do is find a time slot for studying every day! No more occasional study periods, make sure you have designated AT LEAST 2 hours/day to study. My deeply guarded secret is to wake up early and study BEFORE going to school. No one does this and I have no idea why people don’t do it because it’s in the early hours of the day that your mind can comprehend the most. Studying 30 minutes in the morning is worth hours of studying during the late afternoon.
Finally, as I said before, I feel that you are fully capable of doing this, you should worry less about your studies and instead use that time to study. Keep reminding yourself why you’re doing this and how much it means to your family and no matter what you do, don’t give up just because you happened to reach a small obstacle. Remove that obstacle and continue on with your journey!
I hope that helped and I wish you the best of luck with your studies,
Best wishes
Adam – webmaster of study-habits
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i m unable to study bcoz every tym i try studin i feel either sleepy or feel like doing some thing else. Pliz save me take me out of this as im desperate to get success
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admin Reply:
February 21st, 2010 at 2:41 am
You may read the response I gave to Rahul on this same issue.
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Hi
I finished those two exams I had and I don’t know the results yet but i think i have done pretty well thanks to your motivating words, thank you Mr Adam.
So I did all my best for the exams I had but there are some students that score better than me and this is not fair because i try the same as they do and some times more and in the end the disappointed one is always me.
how many hours should i learn during this week for the exam i have on Saturday because I always have trouble with time?Could you plz make me an example how to organize the day because i begin studying in the morning and continue until i go to sleep but this is not a good thing because i always end up sleeping over the books.I really really need your advice so please help me.
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i have tried wat is written in the article but i m always distracted when i sit for study i feel sleepy and if i try to do things listed above i got involved in other things. the most common is i starts using computer and tries to find any other simple ways by which i can concentrate.
can u give me some simple tips abt how to not get sleepy while studying????????
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admin Reply:
February 21st, 2010 at 2:40 am
Go to bed early.
That’s my simple advice. I sense you try to study during the late afternoons which I think is a grave mistake (although it works for some). If you go to bed early, you can wake up early and there’s simply no time when you’re as efficient as in the early mornings. Try it out for a week and you’ll see. Wake up before going to school, eat breakfast and try to study for ½ hour or one hour and see the results for yourself. I recommend you finish all your studies before the evening. It’s perfectly okay to review your materials before going to sleep but it’s rather difficult to learn new concepts at that time.
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hey dude. i tried all your hints many times but failed. the problem is that i pick up to do a task like studying, painting, gaming or any other task, first five minutes, i have excellent concentration. but after 10 to 15 minutes, i lose interest and start doing unwanted things. i am an engineering student and. . . . .i i have this problem. i think you understand
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admin Reply:
February 21st, 2010 at 2:35 am
It’s easy, promise yourself that you HAVE to study for at least “X” amount of time and then stick to your promise. Humans, my self included, are weak in nature. We tend to drift away from our goals and loose track of time. Don’t let this happen! Turn of the TV, your cellphone, your PC etc. Don’t let these types of things distract you from your studies. Furthermore, give yourself some incentive to study (e.g I get to do something I enjoy when I’m done studying) and consequences if you don’t (e.g I’m not allowed to eat my favorite food in one month).
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Hi
I am facing a terrible problem. I study in XII standard and my board exams are round the corner.I have got a serious crush on my chemistry teacher. I also used to take private tuitions from her.The second i sit down with my books her face pops up in my mind.I can only concentrate on chemistry.I score pretty well here but i almost fail in Physics and Mathematics. Advices have been pouring in from friends about the threat such a distraction will pose for my future. I know no body takes me seriously but the situation is worsening.The problem is i know i am doing wrong but cant get over it.
Please help me.
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admin Reply:
February 21st, 2010 at 2:30 am
Then don’t take private lessons from her! It’s only going to cause you more anguish and distress and I promise you that it’s better that you take private lessons from someone else even if it’s going pretty well in chemistry at the moment. It’s really a simple matter of strategy, would you rather perform well in one subject and fail the rest or do well in all of them?
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thanx…….
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Hi
Am working as a system engineer in amnc company last 3 year this is a right time to change my job but the reason is i do,t have much knowledge about my technology i want ro increase my technology but when i try to start study i got responce my site like bor,hesitation,concetration problem like that
please help me wat can i do
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admin Reply:
February 21st, 2010 at 2:26 am
Salam aleykum,
How do you mean? If I understood you correctly, you wish to embark on further studies to improve your knowledge in this field?
Keep in mind that you’ve already managed to work yourself through getting your present degree. That wasn’t always easy, was it? It’s the same thing now, if you could do it back then you should be able to do it now! Perhaps, and you know better than me, you’re hesitating because you don’t wish to study further or you’re not really sure if it’s the right decision? If this is so, then you need to first and foremost make sure that you’ve picked the right choice before anything else.
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Hi, i am sayan my exams starts(class 12) on third march.my problem is i have not studied hard and cant focus now.i try to the extent of slapping myself but still cant stop daydreaming,plz help me get over da tranz and concentrate over studies.
[Reply]
admin Reply:
February 21st, 2010 at 2:19 am
It depends, what are you day dreaming about? You can’t stop thinking about something until you decide to stop dealing with it. For instance, if someone is hooked on TV so much that he or she can’t think of anything else during the days, then this person won’t be able to stop daydreaming about their TV programs until they either stop watching them altogether or put a limit to it.
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assalam o alikum
i am currntly doing bioinformatics..
my problem is that i want best marks but unable to plan and concentrate well…my paparz are starting from 1st march 2010 kindly help me..
regards,,
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admin Reply:
February 21st, 2010 at 2:14 am
Wa aleykum salam,
Don’t put forth to tomorrow what you can do today. The problem is the lack of continuity. You’re studying bioinformatics and thus should be well acquainted with pattern recognition. Study your own pattern, how do you spend your days? What are the biggest obstacles and distractions in your studies. If these things carry no meaning and are time consuming you should simply stop and remind yourself of the importance of your studies.
Don’t look at the coming exam and wonder how you could possible learn all the material. Instead, look at each topic and each chapter individually. This way you’ll break it up into doable parts and you won’t be as overwhelmed. Starting today, write down how much you need to study per day and then stick to that plan!
[Reply]
Hi,
I am a student of BCS ( 6th semester started now), so I wanted to overcome a deficiency I have.
My problem might be a little different then what is being discussed over here,
So,the problem is that,
I am not very good at concentration but I can concentrate a little when studying, but afterwards like a week or two, sometimes maybe a day or two, I will forget what I learned, this doesn’t happens with small notes,
it usually happens with big topics or a complete chapter,
And also I take hours to learn a topic when a guy next to me does it with half an hour or so, means I pick up slow.
So i think my question would be: How to make my memory better?
Or if you think its some thing else please let me know.
On a side note, I am not Mental ill or anything, I am a webdeveloper & am also earning my own money, I also do all of my house work & other work with ease, I only have problem with learning but only studying.
Hope you help.
[Reply]
admin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:00 am
Salamu aleykum,
First of all, you sound like you’ve become a little bit tired of all the studying. Albeit, you should keep in mind that you’ve already passed 5 semesters and if you could manage to pass those courses, there shouldn’t be any reason feel disheartened about the present.
I don’t necessarily believe that you are slow in picking things up, instead I believe it’s the circumstances that are different. For instance, if you’ve ever tried to study during the late hours of the night or when you’re sick you’ve probably come to realize that it’s very difficult. Why is that? Is it because we’re all slow learners or simply because we weren’t ready and equipped to study at that particular time.
What you need to do is develop an interest in your studies (or rather, rekindle the old love you had for it in the beginning). When you are seriously interested in something, you won’t have to force it down your throat. Instead it will digest easily and won’t be much of a fuss to memorize. That’s why you see some people who can’t pick up a book for longer than a few minutes while at the same they know everything about football. It’s because of their interests and passions.
Finally I’d also recommend you to read the following post: How to Memorize Fast
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salam
i am a first year student and i have problem concentrating on my studies.. how can i put a daily habit of studying plus i watch alot of tv serials which is alot distracting. how can i overcome them? please give me some ideas on how to stop watching movies and all?
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admin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:16 am
I’ve sent a reply to your e-mail!
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hey there!i too had thought abt those ideas…. but the fact is that it only sticks into my mind & not in my behaviors.. whenever I TRY TO TRY I just feel lazy and those plans; all fades away …i am studying in 11 and my exams r so near.. teachers even say that those who havent started until now are surely done for!! nevertheless i feel i can do but yet i am just like hanging around , dumbfounded …plz i really need ur help..
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admin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:08 am
No matter what you’re teachers said, there’s always time! As long as the exam isn’t today, you have time to study. Sure, you it’s better to study a little everyday during a long time span than it is to study a lot during a shorter time span but for now, this is our only option. As the old proverb goes; “If you don’t have time to do it right you must have time to do it over.”
I don’t want you to redo it and I’m sure you don’t want that either. Thus, we have to what we have to do. Start cramming now! No more excuses, no more laziness. You have to make for yourself a personal study plan and then follow it stringently. Make sure you don’t get distracted with friends, TV, movies or the like. This doesn’t mean you should study from morning to evening, it means you should PRIORITIZE your studies, what they in the medical community call triage. Put all the topics you need to learn in order, starting with the most important to the least important. After that, don’t procrastinate and start studying!
Just do it!
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jazakALLAH I AM overcoming my problem
ALLAH BLESS U
AMEEN
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admin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:16 am
Wa iyaka!
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ok it is my final year of school and i can never remember something i just read for example if we have to read something for homework i read it but its like my mind is somewhere else and im not taking in what i just read and then i can never remember its like im reading but its not staying in my head wat should i do i desperately need help its my last and i need all the advice i can get
ps please write back to my email
thanks
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admin Reply:
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:24 am
I’ve sent out a response to your email.
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i am a IT student,im doin my final year of BCS, & i hav my final exms on april,still i didnt start studing,i find it very difficult to consuntrate on my studies,,im more addicted to movies & facebook,,,,i cant get rid of it,,& most importantly i whnever i take a book to study somthin pops up & i cant study,,im realy in great trouble,,wht can i do,,,i tried to stop watchin movies & not logging in to Facebook,,bt itseems lik its soo difficult,,whnever i go to sleep i promise my self dat i will study in da mornin & whn i wake up 1st thing i do is log in to FAcebook,,& convince my self dat i will study latr,,bt it never happend,,,wht can i do,,plz help me im in serious trouble,,
THANK YOU
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admin Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 1:58 am
Hello Shawn
In my opinion, the most common mistake that people do is that they try to study at home. I’m not kidding, studying at home is by far one of the most distracting places you can study. Countless number of things can distract you, TV, computer, the phone, the doorbell, grabbing snacks etc. If you truly want to be able to focus on your studies you have to make sure to find a place where you can sit in peace. There are usually places where you can sit on campus without being bothered. You shouldn’t be put off to go there during the holiday to study, the place is pretty much empty and you’ll have it for yourself.
You have to make a firm intention to stop, not tomorrow or next week but TODAY. You could start by making a schedule for your studies and then stick to it firmly. Don’t give in and whenever you get the urge to do meaningless things, remind yourself of your priorities.
That’s about it, now go back in there and study until it hurts. No pain, no gain!
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HI!!!
(.So I have one exam left but the bad moments of yesterday keep coming to me over and over again.please please write me back please ,I need to study I don’t want to ruin everything with this exam either.
Now that I am writing you I’m even more depressed that I was at the beginning when i first wrote to you.At the forth exam i failed and i feel super bad about it.I feel like crying all day, this was like the end of the world for me.I didn’t want to fail but yesterday everything went wrong my head ached my stomach too It wasn’t impossible for me to concentrate
Please write me as soon as you can plz, I know that i am wasting my time crying but i can’t stop.please help me.I think that yes i can don’t work for me anymore.
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admin Reply:
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:02 am
Hello,
I’m terribly sorry that I couldn’t reply any sooner. I see your going through some difficult times and wish to assure you that shouldn’t grieve over matters relating to your studies. There are far worse things that could happen, always put things in perspective.
Secondly, promise yourself that you HAVE to study for at least “X” amount of time and then stick to your promise. Humans, my self included, are weak in nature. We tend to drift away from our goals and loose track of time. Don’t let this happen! Turn of the TV, your cellphone, your PC etc. Don’t let these types of things distract you from your studies. Furthermore, give yourself some incentive to study (e.g I get to do something I enjoy when I’m done studying) and consequences if you don’t (e.g I’m not allowed to eat my favorite food in one month).
In closing, remember that people, human beings, just like you have managed to pass these exams. It’s not impossible but you need to work to get there.
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I’ve been having most of the problems discussed here for more than 3 years by now….today i found my cure…thanks to this site, u r going to change a lot in me and my studies…..what an idea sirji??!!
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Hello,
Your article was very good, thank you.
I have an illness which effects my concentration,I’m studying at the moment for my NVQ in teaching and learning. I find applying myself to tasks hard. I have tried writing tasks out in to do lists, i sit down to start on number 1… and… nothing. I make sure there are no obvious distractions like you said, but still i find it hard. I am normally quite an organised person, but recently i have been slipping more and more. Do you have any advice for me????
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admin Reply:
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:07 am
You say these things started just recently? Is it because of your illness or something else?
You should try to locate the source of the problem. Has anything distracting with no or little value entered into your life? Make sure you find this (or these) cause(s) otherwise we would just be treating secondary symptoms.
If it’s because of this illness, then try to have patience and study to the best of your capability. Sometimes in life, you want to go somewhere but end up somewhere else.
Take care and I hope you get well soon!
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your advice are very good.it helps me really to concentrate on my studies.thanks!
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Deepanshu Reply:
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:54 am
because i am a student of 8th class
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YOUR article on concentration while studying is very helpful.pls how can someone keep what he read in his momory for a long time.
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admin Reply:
March 12th, 2010 at 6:53 am
There’s an old latin proverb that says; “Repetitio est mater studiorum”, Repetition is the mother of study!
Repeat, repeat and repeat once more. It’s through the process of repetition that something gets stored in your long term memory instead of your short term, make sure you revise your study material often over a long period of time.
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Hello,
Im a seventh grader and im having problem in maths, no matter how much i try hard i end up with bad grades. And same is the problem with the subject history i cant remember the dats and events of it. And how can i create intrest in these two subjects?
Regards
Fatima Tariq
The City School
……………………………………………………..
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admin Reply:
March 12th, 2010 at 7:19 am
Salamu aleykum
Fatima, math is certainly one of the simplest subjects if you try even though people may claim it to be difficult. As a famous mathematician put it: “If people do not believe that mathematics is simple, it is only because they do not realize how complicated life is”.
The thing with math is, you can’t allow yourself to fall behind schedule. Once you do that, you’ll become lost during the coming chapters (if you don’t have the foundation, you can’t build the roof). I’d suggest you take more time to study these two subjects (math & history), we’ve listed a couple of math videos that may be helpful here: http://www.study-habits.com/math-videos/
Try studying more during the early hours of the day and only revise your material during the night before you go to sleep. Remember to ask your teacher about things that are difficult (make a list of all the things you find difficult before going to class). As for history, you need to repeat, repeat and repeat some more. We remember peoples phone numbers because of repetition. The more you repeat something, the easier it becomes to recall.
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they say chewing gum is gd for concentrating
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Thank You very much for the advice you have given. I have spent like an hour reading this and i didnt even get disracted. Now im going to bed because im trying the new method of studying in the morning and tomorrow i will create my schedule to see how that one goes.
Thanks once again
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admin Reply:
March 12th, 2010 at 7:32 am
Glad I could help!
Remember to be patience and not giving up just because something is difficult. Pretty much all good things in life are difficult.
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