Only Well-Organized Work

This is a continuation of the discussion we started this week. Today, I am combining Techniques III, IV, and V so you can take advantage of the opportunities that are presented every day on your path to success while following Technique I - absorbing the information in short spurts.

Technique III - Turn in Only neat Well-organized Work

Unless the directions explicitly state that you must handwrite your work, always use a computer and hand it in printed, if possible. In this digital age, you will likely be instructed to upload your work as a PDF to the teacher's folder. But I recommend you also print a version and hand-deliver it so your teacher can see and feel the work you have put in to learn the material.

It will make an impression on you as well as it will on your teacher.

The computer is your friend, and it makes all writing legible, automatically assists you with spelling, corrects some grammar, and structures your paragraphs, indentations, and pages. This is all-important.

I use Grammarly on my computer and mobile; it’s just plain dumb to not take advantage of today’s technology. Search the net for images to embed into the text illustrating your point. If you don’t own the rights to the image, just reference where you found it.

Technique IV - Steps to learn the Material

• Get ahead of the game and always read the material before it is taught in class. This will not only prep you for questions the teacher may ask, but you will know when the teacher has missed an issue or point - and they do all the time.
• Read the material out loud; record it on a voice recorder so you can listen to it later (a good podcast app will help there). Both of these lessons will help you visualize it as you speak it and listen to it again.
• Know your teacher and understand how they teach. Do they use the whiteboard, PowerPoint, handouts, or do they just lecture to the class? Be prepared for how you learn best with their teaching style.
• When you are studying and you begin to get tired and irritable, the best thing to do is STOP and take a break. You will be more productive by letting yourself absorb what you have already studied than you would if you kept on going.

You should still be using the 10 to 15-minute study burst technique even in a major cram series for exams. Chill, put your feet above your head and let the blood flow back into your brain. Do some yoga or pilates stretches, breathe deep, and/or jog in place to get the cardiovascular system pumping that oxygen from your lungs to your brain.

After a few minutes of break time, get back to your interval study sessions with a refreshed mind. If you need a nutrition boost, do not eat a large amount. Stuffing your stomach turns on the digestive system and takes blood and energy away from your brain to process the food. Instead, eat something small and sweet.

Technique V - Right off the Blocks

Attack your studies with a passion right from the start. Don’t worry about extracurricular activities like Rush Week (if you’re a greek in college), new club meetings, or if you're at a professional conference earning Continuing Education Credits, skip the parties at night. Focus on getting ahead in the course.

The motivation of studying like crazy early on will set a precedent for yourself that you won’t want to change. Do not miss any classes without being well prepared. Know the assignments you will miss. Read and know the material taught during that session so you will be ahead rather than needing to catch up.

If you have homework, get it ahead of time and turn it in before you actually miss the class. Always do your extra credit. Since extra credit work NEVER counts against you, even one point is worth the effort. Usually, extra credit is relatively easy and a huge opportunity you should never miss.

If you ever want to speak with me directly just reach out via LinkedIn or through our mobile community app, Createyourself.com

Have a great week, Gordon

PS - Feel free to buy our Kindle version of How to Createyourself

PPS - you are welcome to share this newsletter with others you feel may benefit!