Developing Effective Study Skills in Students

84% of students procrastinate. Not because they’re lazy because something deeper’s off (and fixable). A 2024 study of 290 med students found two big predictors: -Low academic self-efficacy -Poor emotion regulation Self-efficacy = your belief that you can succeed. When belief drops, procrastination spikes. Doubt → delay. Emotion regulation = managing tough feelings. Struggles with impulse control, self-awareness, or mood clarity →much higher odds of putting work off. The correlations were strong: -Self-efficacy vs. procrastination: r = −0.65 -Emotion dysregulation vs. procrastination: r = +0.70 Translation Confidence fights procrastination. Emotional chaos fuels it. Both off? You’re toast. Common emotional blockers -Low emotional clarity -Fear of failure -Mood-based avoidance -Impulse-driven distractions What actually helps Beating procrastination ≠ better to-do lists. It means: -Training emotion regulation (label feelings, reset, refocus) -Rebuilding self-efficacy (small wins, specific goals, feedback) One actionable idea Teach emotion regulation like a skill, not a byproduct of maturity Brief, recurring practice in classrooms and advising. Procrastination is often emotion management in disguise. What mindset shift or tiny habit will you try this week?

I called 50 business owners before I bought my first one. Some hung up on me. A few told me I was too young. One said his wife would kill him if he sold. One asked me out. Lol. Number 51 sold me the business. Here's the thing: I didn’t magically become a master of cold calling. I just kept making calls. Every morning. One call after another. It was just a numbers game. That business wasn't even the smartest deal I'd ever seen. It was the one I got because I refused to give up. And I never would’ve gotten to call 51 if I hadn't picked up the phone and made call number 1. So many people procrastinate things like calling businesses because it feels daunting. Instead of just doing the thing, they’ll “research” or “plan”… But procrastination isn't really a willpower problem. It’s a framing problem. Here’s how to reframe your goals so you stop putting things off: 1. Shrink. You don't write the book, you just write 1 sentence. You don't launch the business, you buy the domain. The avoidance reflex fires when the task feels too big, so make it small enough your brain doesn't bother fighting it. 2. Specify. "I'll work on it this week" is not a plan. "I'll spend 25 minutes on the outreach list at 7am, at the kitchen table, phone in the other room" is a plan. Give yourself an exact timeframe instead of a general deadline. 3. Stack. After the coffee, open the laptop. After the school drop-off, write 1 sentence. After the morning run, send 1 email. New habits die without an anchor, so strap yours to one you already have. That book I'd been saying I'd write for 3 years? I sat down one morning, set a 5-minute timer, and wrote 1 sentence at the kitchen table. 40 minutes later, I had pages. Those pages became Main Street Millionaire. Every "I'll start Monday" is a vote for the version of you who never starts. The person who builds the business isn't tomorrow you. It's today you. So start by doing 1 small thing for 5 minutes. You might be surprised how far you get. Check out the full episode for an in-depth breakdown on eliminating procrastination. https://lnkd.in/evs5HF7c

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭? For years, we’ve been led to believe procrastination is a time management issue. But what if I told you it's much deeper—it’s an emotional regulation problem. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧. People procrastinate not because they’re bad at managing time, but because they’re struggling to manage their emotions. Anxiety, self-doubt, frustration, boredom—these feelings can all create a mental roadblock that makes it easier to avoid the task than face the discomfort. 𝐀𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐮𝐠-𝐨𝐟-𝐰𝐚𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧. On one side, there’s the limbic system, which craves instant rewards. It’s the part of your brain that says, "Just one more episode" or "I deserve a break—let’s scroll Instagram." On the other side is the prefrontal cortex, the sensible adult, focused on long-term goals and future success. When procrastination strikes, it’s usually the limbic system that wins. Here’s the truth: Procrastination is a habit, not a personality trait. And like any habit, it can be unlearned. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 6 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 1. Start Small: The 5-Minute Rule Tell yourself you’ll work on the task for just five minutes. Often, once you get started, the momentum will carry you further. 2. Reframe the Task: Your brain is wired to avoid pain and seek pleasure. Instead of saying, "I have to do this report," try, "I get to share my brilliant ideas!" This shift in perspective makes all the difference. 3. Reward Yourself: Break your task into smaller chunks and reward yourself for each accomplishment. Think of it like training a puppy—except the puppy is your brain, and the treat is a coffee break or a meme scroll. 4. Use Tools Against the Limbic System: Timers (hello, Pomodoro!), to-do lists, or even an accountability buddy can help keep your prefrontal cortex in charge and prevent the limbic system from taking over. 5. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself when procrastination strikes. Self-criticism only makes things worse, while self-compassion helps you move forward and regain control. 6. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporating a simple mindfulness practice into your daily routine can help you manage the emotions and make better choices. As Greg S. Reid wisely said: “A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action makes your dreams come true.” So, let’s stop waiting for motivation to strike. Start taking small steps, be kind to yourself, and watch how procrastination loses its grip over time. #motivation #productivity #psychology #mindset #management #science

Why Do You Procrastinate? Procrastination isn’t just about being busy or bad at time management. Finding the right root cause creates the change you desire. Procrastination often stems from your brain not associating certain tasks with immediate rewards, making them feel less valuable. Dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, plays a key role in motivation. When tasks don’t trigger dopamine release, they feel effortful, leading to procrastination. For example, research shows that lower dopamine levels in specific brain regions reduce motivation for challenging tasks (Treadway et al., 2012). Let me share a client story: He reached out to me wanting to find a solution to why he procrastinated on key study reports critical to his visibility with senior leaders and future CXO promotion. Here’s how we tackled it: 1️⃣ Break it Down: Divide big tasks into smaller steps and focus on progress over perfection. A 20-page draft might suffice instead of waiting for a 60-page masterpiece. 2️⃣ Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge 10% milestones to keep dopamine levels steady and motivation high. 3️⃣ Redefine Success: Shift the focus from big wins to daily or weekly progress to make the journey more enjoyable. The Result? By applying these strategies, my client completed his report ahead of schedule (yes he got it done ✅). This not only boosted his visibility but most importantly (because it creates a lasting change) helped him redefine his identity - from someone who avoided tough tasks to a proactive and dependable leader. His shift in approach brought him closer to his CXO goal, showcasing the power of small, consistent changes. By rewiring your brain to value and celebrate small, intrinsic rewards, you too can beat procrastination and achieve peaceful productivity. Did this resonate? ♻️ Share the goodness. (Studies cited in comments.)

Navigating the Scholarly Journey as a Doctoral Student: Sharing Insights from "Mindsets That Promote Resilience" As a doctoral student, I've had the privilege of delving into numerous scholarly journals, each brimming with valuable insights waiting to be uncovered and shared. Among these treasures is the journal titled "Mindsets That Promote Resilience: When Students Believe That Personal Characteristics Can Be Developed" by David Scott Yeager and Carol S. Dweck. In this remarkable work, the authors shed light on a topic of utmost significance. Embracing Resilience: The Power of Mindsets in Education In the realm of education and the grand journey of life itself, challenges are steadfast companions. Resilience emerges as the master key that unlocks success, not only within the confines of school but also in the broader scope of life's adventures. The research presented in this journal illuminates the profound impact of students mindsets on their ability to persevere in the face of both academic and social challenges. When students are instilled with the belief that their intellectual abilities can be nurtured and developed through dedicated effort and support, the outcomes are remarkable. They tend to attain higher grades, especially when navigating challenging school transitions, and display unwavering determination when tackling intricate math courses. However, the influence of mindset stretches beyond the academic domain. Adolescents who embrace the notion that their personal attributes are malleable are better equipped to navigate the tumultuous waters of peer interactions. They exhibit resilience in the face of aggression and stress triggered by peer victimization or exclusion, ultimately translating this transformed mindset into enhanced academic performance. The natural question arises: How can educators and parents cultivate these empowering mindsets? The answer lies in a fundamental shift in approach. Rather than solely praising students for their innate intelligence or hastily labeling aggressive behavior as bullying, we must nurture resilience. This entails instilling in students the belief that challenges are not stumbling blocks but stepping stones to personal growth. Challenges become opportunities that can be conquered through diligent effort, the adoption of novel strategies, and the unwavering support of peers and mentors. As students traverse their educational journey, they will inevitably encounter adversity. It is our collective responsibility as educators, parents, and mentors to equip them with the mindset essential for navigating these challenges triumphantly. Let us prioritize the cultivation of resilience by nurturing mindsets that empower students to confront life's challenges with unwavering determination, a thirst for learning, and the patience to persevere. Together, we can prepare the next generation to embrace the hidden opportunities concealed within every obstacle. Photo: Dreamdelion Community Empowerment

Why do we often spend more time avoiding tasks than it would take to just complete them? There are countless reasons we procrastinate: fear of failure, trouble regulating emotions, negative self-talk—you name it. But sometimes, the reason is much simpler than that. It's because we don't know how long a task will take. So we overestimate. By a lot. And when we do that, avoidance kicks in. We postpone, push it down the list, or distract ourselves. This happens especially with tasks that are poorly defined or have no clear time constraints. A prime example of that: Calling Air Canada’s customer support! (Yes, I have strong feelings about this one.) I know I need to call. But how long is this going to take? A minute? Half an hour? Two hours?! Who knows! The uncertainty makes it feel overwhelming, so I keep putting it off. The funny thing? Once I finally make the call, it often turns out to take just five minutes. If that sounds familiar, here are three quick strategies to help: 1. Micro-dose the task. Set a timer for 5 minutes and start. That’s it—just start. For 5 minutes. Often, the act of beginning gives you a clearer sense of how long the task will actually take. For example, if after 5 minutes I’m still stuck in the automated phone menu, I can decide to hang up and try again later. No harm done. 2. Schedule it. If you sense the task might take longer, block off time on your calendar. Scheduling creates structure and removes uncertainty by giving the task a defined space in your day. Bonus: if it ends up taking less time than you blocked out, you just got yourself some free time! 3. Reframe the task as exploration. Instead of thinking, I have to finish this now, reframe it as I’m just figuring out what’s involved. The pressure to “complete” disappears, and the first step becomes manageable. For example, instead of aiming to resolve your customer support issue in one go, your first step could simply be: “Find the phone number and call.” That’s it. The next time you’re stuck avoiding a task, remember: uncertainty is often the real obstacle. By taking small, deliberate steps, you can reduce that uncertainty—and finally tackle that task. And who knows? It might just take 5 minutes! Source: Ahmetoglu, Y., Brumby, D. P., & Cox, A. L. (2020). Time Estimation Bias in Knowledge Work: Tasks With Fewer Time Constraints Are More Error-Prone. Extended Abstracts of the 2020 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 1–8.

End Procrastination: The 3 Critical Questions - Head, Heart and Hand Procrastination isn't a character flaw. Stop delaying critical tasks you have been avoiding, with 3 simple questions in a few minutes. Every executive I know has a task or project they've been putting off for weeks. Ironically, I had decided to write a post on this topic and had the title ready. Yet it took weeks compose this post. But every morning, I'd open the computer, feel my chest tighten, and suddenly remember I needed to check Slack or write an urgent email. The solution isn't forcing yourself to just do it. Here's a remedy that actually works. I learnt from a mentor: Ask yourself three questions before starting any task you're avoiding. Head: "Is this task in line with my priorities and values?" If the task is not aligned, you could invest your time taking other fruitful actions. Heart: "Is it something I am passionate about?" Does the task excite me? Will I carry on the task till completion. Hand: "Do I have the skills to do it?” What's the smallest physical action I can take? Not "finish the post” - just "open the document and type one sentence." Willpower never fixes procrastination. This simple framework works because procrastination has three distinct causes, and willpower addresses none of them. It prevents you from wasting hours feeling guilty while still avoiding the work that actually protects your career. Tomorrow, pick the task you've been dodging longest. Run through these three questions and write down your answers in 5 minutes. You'll work on tasks you've avoided for weeks, because you've removed the real obstacles hiding behind with "I'll do it later."   The tasks you stop avoiding soon become the results that will see your career thrive.

You don't have a procrastination problem. You have a mood problem: Ever noticed how your work suffers when your mood is like? When you feel anxious about doing a good job ↳ you delay starting When you're worried about results ↳ you find distractions When there's too much pressure ↳ you freeze up Or maybe you just plain "Don't feel like it". But think about those times when work felt effortless: - After a great night's rest - Following a great workout - When you're smashing through to-do lists This isn't a coincidence. Your mood impacts your productivity in a big way: A good mood makes you more likely to find flow. ↳ When you find flow, you enjoy the activity more ↳ When you enjoy the activity more, your work improves ↳ When your work improves, you improve your mood And the virtuous cycle continues. So instead of waiting for you mood to improve. Here's what you can do right now: 1. Unblock yourself Get thoughts out of your head through journaling or AI chat so you can start with a clear mind. 2. Get into your body Move physically through cycling or lifting to generate mood-boosting endorphins. 3. Set intentions Review your goals and tasks, ideally planned the previous day, to eliminate decision fatigue. 4. Prime for flow Create your ideal environment with tools like Brain FM, essential oils, and the right digital workspace. Pick a task slightly above your skill level to make focus effortless. Pro - Tip, if something's too hard, use your favourite AI to break it down. 5. Set a timer Work in focused bursts between 33 and 90 minutes, then take a genuine break. 6. Repeat Return to step 1 whenever you hit a wall, regardless of the time of day. Remember: The secret to beating procrastination isn't more willpower. Control your mood, and willpower becomes irrelevant. P.S - Have you ever found flow? Yes or No.

The learning process can be overwhelming at times, but surviving it, and thriving in it—is all about mindset and strategy. Here's how to navigate this journey and come out stronger on the other side: 🔶️Embrace Discomfort Growth happens outside your comfort zone. You may feel frustrated, stuck, or uncertain, but these moments are signs that you're learning something new. Lean into discomfort instead of avoiding it. Every time you push past it, you're building resilience and expanding your skill set. 🔶️Break it Down Large goals or concepts can be intimidating. Break down what you're learning into smaller, manageable pieces. Tackling things step by step makes the process less overwhelming and gives you the chance to celebrate small wins along the way, which boosts motivation. 🔶️Be Patient Learning takes time. It’s easy to get discouraged when progress feels slow, but patience is key. Trust the process and allow yourself room to make mistakes. Mistakes are not signs of failure—they are invaluable lessons that bring you closer to mastery. 🔶️Stay Curious Maintaining curiosity can turn the learning process from a chore into an adventure. Ask questions, explore different angles, and stay open-minded. Curiosity keeps you engaged, fuels your desire to improve, and makes the journey much more enjoyable. 🔶️Seek Support Don't go it alone. Whether it's mentors, peers, or online communities, having a support system can provide guidance, encouragement, and fresh perspectives. Discussing what you're learning with others helps deepen your understanding and keeps you motivated. 🔶️Take Breaks It’s easy to burn out when you're constantly focused on learning. Balance intense study sessions with breaks to recharge. Stepping away from the material allows your mind to absorb what you've learned and come back with renewed energy. 🔶️Stay Consistent Consistency is more important than intensity. Instead of cramming all your learning into a short time frame, try to make learning a habit. Even small amounts of daily practice can lead to significant progress over time. 🔶️Celebrate Progress Finally, take the time to acknowledge how far you've come. Whether it's mastering a new skill or just making incremental improvements, celebrating your progress boosts your confidence and reinforces the value of persistence. Surviving the learning process requires perseverance, adaptability, and the right mindset. But once you embrace the journey and trust in your ability to grow, you'll find that learning is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. #LearningJourney #GrowthMindset #EmbraceTheProcess #NeverStopLearning #StayCurious #LearnAndGrow #PersistencePaysOff #ResilienceInLearning #MasteryThroughPractice #KeepLearning #OvercomeChallenges #ProgressNotPerfection

One of my favorite routines from the best math teacher I knew was called “My favorite mistake.” Each day, she’d post student work from the day before of the trending error that students made. Before she posted, she’d lower her voice to a whisper and say, “It’s time for my ...” Then, in a full-bodied choral response, kids would respond, “FAVORITE MISTAKE!” She’d put a piece of student work under the doc cam and ask the same questions each time she did: “What error did this student make?”  “What would you do to fix this error?”  “What’s our takeaway so we don't make this error?” It took all of about 5 minutes. Every student was nearly jumping out of their seat to find the error. And over the course of the year, she was able to address hundreds of errors in student work by calling on the students themselves to do the heavy lifting. Simple, effective, and routinized, deliberately showing students mistakes that they’ve made and then giving them the time and space to correct them turns out to be a wonderful way to get them to perform better, as research from Yap and Wong (2024) and others has demonstrated. Sometimes, promoting the deepest thinking in class is much simpler than we’ve made it out to be. Find the trending error. Put that work under the doc cam. Ask students to analyze it. And watch their confidence and performance improve.