14 Habits I Changed/Improved to Get Better Grades

I used to be the smart kid who does not study but passes all the exams. Don't get me wrong, I pass all my requirements on time. I just don't study at home believing what my teachers teach is enough. I thought they are discussing everything I have to know. Little did I know that there are lots of things they skip.

Before I started Senior High School (SHS), during the three months of vacation I had after Junior High School (JHS), I realized most of my mistakes regarding studying. I was doing nothing throughout my vacation but to think why did I waste four years of my life being blinded with the lie that I am smart? Why did I not even think of expanding my knowledge and just be contented with what I am?

Around a month before the classes started, I watched videos on YouTube about how to improve studying skills, read lots of blogs, and pinned ideas from Pinterest. I wanted to improve myself and not just be a fool thinking that she is really smart and that is enough.

The following are the things that I did to change/improve my studying habits:

1. I bought a notebook and used it as my bullet journal.

There were times I used to forget my deadlines and the dates of my quizzes and exams which made me cram a lot. It honestly helped me to be more organized and better at time management.

2. I lessened my time on social media

I realized I spent too much time using my phone and not being productive. I tried to spend more time in studying. If not, I try to clean my study area or read a novel.

3. Do homeworks right away

Piled up homeworks make it less motivating to do. Procrastinating makes it more stressful when you do them all at the same time. I hated it when I sleep late just because I didn't finish tasks that were given long time ago.

4. Do all my tasks, homeworks, and reviews at home

I promised myself to never ever do things in school so I won't get stressed. That's one of my best habits now, I am relaxed on the days of tests/deadlines. I see my classmates all focused on their books on the day of the exam, and I'm there just listening to them.

5. Read textbooks/notes before the day ends

It helped me to retain more information and easier to study before exams. Consolidation is a key in studying less but smart. It helps you to keep them in long-term memory.

6. I wanted to be regarded as the industrious and studious student rather than smart

I changed my mindset so I will be motivated to learn rather than merely studying. I want people to see that I exert effort that is why I get good grades. It is also one way to motivate my classmates as not everyone is smart.

7. Study ahead of time before exams

I just found it more effective and lessons get engraved in my mind if I study earlier. Repetition is also a key in learning. Procrastination is always the enemy.

8. I became kinder to my teachers

I learned that I did not have the grade I deserved because of my attitude in the previous year. Don't be too "Grammar Nazi" on your teachers, people! It may cause you trouble.

9. Sleep on time

My body was so tired in the past that is why I never studied after school. I learned that I just needed rest to function well. I also learned about the effects of sleep deprivation that affected me in the past. I also see lots of rants among students that they got so much tasks and they can't have enough sleep. In contrary, it have been different for me.

Sleep>Grades

10. Thought that learning is more important than the grades I get

The reason why we go to school is to learn and not to get high grades. I believe that we should not only aim to pass which has been students' goals nowadays. Maybe good grades are just bonus to our hard work.

11. Ranking is not a competition, I study to learn

It doesn't matter to me if I was going at the top, at the middle, or at the bottom. I did not treat my classmates as rivals. Instead, I helped them to increase their grades. Luckily, when the school year ended, I was at the top of my class.

12. Memorizing things with understanding is the best studying method

It is not enough you merely memorize things and not understand the topic. And it is not also not enough the other way round. Most teachers do not assess you solely on your own understanding.

13. Talked to people who are smarter than me so I can expound my knowledge and we can exchange views

I enjoyed hearing the views of my classmates especially when they make sense or when they mention things I have never heard before. I was able to learn more from them.

14. I stopped comparing myself to others

I no longer cared if I get higher scores because I studied and they failed as they did not review. I used to think if I get low scores it's fine because others will get lower than mine. Scores are just figures, they are not something to be judged off. Also, even I fail and they passed, I don't feel envy as I already did my best.

So those are the 14 things I did to improve as a student. So far, I am doing well because of my new habits. I am glad I realized this before I went to college. I hope you get inspired with my story!

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