Everyone who wants to grow and develop in knowledge, academics and/or skills acquisition must study and effective study over a period of time will almost always require planning. Putting together a study plan is highly critical to success regardless of what you’re studying for. Several factors also come into play like your time settings, level of concentration, the period for which you can effectively focus and study, etc. Putting all these things and more into consideration, below are some tips on how to put together an effective study plan.
1. Determine the objectives and goals of the study: objectives are laid down rules that’ll guide you throughout your course and a definite goal keeps you in line with the purpose of your study. Creating an objective is just one of the basic rules of an effective study plan. After all it is said that if you don’t know where you’re going, you won’t know when you’ve arrived.
2. Map out a time chart of your current activities: This is very important because it helps you determine what times of the day you’re freest and when it’s convenient for you to study. Some days may be busier than others and you’ll have to consider all this while putting your study plan together.
3. Draw up a schedule that fits into it: Now that you’ve mapped out a time chart of your current schedule, the next thing to do is draw up a study plan that fits well into your day- to-day activities. Make sure your study plan does not upset your current activities otherwise it could make sticking to your study difficult.
4. Stay on course with your schedule: Staying on course with your schedule is all that matters. It means all forms of distraction and procrastination has to be eliminated. Discipline, timing, focus, concentration and perseverance are all that will keep you to the end of your study plan.
5. Give yourself a break: Even God almighty rested on the 7th day after creation. It’s just an indication that rest is significant. Having or taking a break helps replenish lost energy and helps the brain to better assimilate and process all information that will be taken in subsequently.
6. Get a partner: This doesn’t work for everyone so it could be optional. Some people prefer to study alone while others may like the idea of having someone to read and share with. It can be with a colleague, friend or a muse. Studying with a partner has a lot of advantages. It gives room for discussion, idea-sharing and correction in wrong areas. What’s more? It is said that when you go alone, you may go fast but with people, you go far.
Whether it’s an examination, professional test, religious goal or just for self development, a study plan is key in ensuring you succeed. When there is a viable plan on ground, achievement becomes easier and more feasible and this goes not only for studying but also for any venture worth going into.
