How to make studying so FUN that it almost feels like a video game...

About this video

• Video Title: How to make studying so FUN that it almost feels like a video game...
• Channel: Matthew Smith
• Speakers: Matthew Smith
• Duration: 00:07:57

Overview

This video by Matthew Smith offers strategies to make studying more enjoyable and effective, likening the process to a video game. It focuses on mindset shifts, rewarding study sessions, employing active recall methods, embracing challenge, and practicing dopamine detox to improve concentration and overall academic performance.

Key takeaways

• Mindset Shift: Reframe studying from a chore to an opportunity to learn and achieve future goals (e.g., attending university, securing a good job, supporting family). Replace "have to" with "get to."
• Reward System: Associate studying with immediate rewards (like candy, watching Netflix) to train your brain to connect studying with positive outcomes. The sooner the reward, the more effective the association.
• Active Recall: Move away from passive methods like reading textbooks or notes. Engage in active recall techniques such as using past papers and flashcards, which are more challenging and thus more engaging.
• Embrace Challenge: View challenging tasks, like difficult video game levels or past papers, as opportunities for growth and satisfaction. Setting timers for study sessions can simulate exam conditions and increase focus.
• Dopamine Detox: Reduce or eliminate activities that provide instant gratification (social media, video games, porn) to retrain your brain's reward pathways. This allows for better concentration on more demanding tasks like studying and other self-improvement activities.