A few days ago
jsprplc2006

How can I improve my work ethic?

I’m currently a second year physics student at a fairly good university, but I have a problem.

I’ve always been an underacheiver – I coast through courses using my intelligence and a little bit of work to get average (2.7 GPA) grades. I want desperately to be able to ‘buckle down’ and learn everything better, and practising extra problems etc. I know exactly what to do to get a 4.0 GPA. I know I am capable of a 4.0. The problem is, I always feel so incredibly turned off by studying that I don’t do nearly as much as I should.

When I really get going, I can study for 10 hours at a time, but I am rarely able to get myself to START one of those ‘study sessions’, even though it’s easy to sustain once I start.

Any suggestions? I’m sick of mediocrity.

Top 5 Answers
A few days ago
Worldwide22

Favorite Answer

I was the same way. I am now finished with my degree. Though when I look back I have quite a bit of regret. I know I could have done better, easily I could have maintained a 3.5 or 4 GPA. To late now though.

So my advice, think of yourself as if you have already finished your degree, think of having an interview where you are asked a question that should be easily answered had you studied just a little bit more while in college but instead you watched tv, or played computer games or took to many extra hours at your part time job just to buy that stereo or something you wanted. Now think do you want to be that person or the person who can easily answer that interview question!

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A few days ago
Matt M
It really needs to be a concious decision. I was the same way mostly through college but one thing to realize is when you graduate from college now the best jobs out there ask for your transcripts. Mainly they need a way to judge a person and since most people coming out of college have minimal experience they want those with high GPA’s that have the work ethic to be a good employee.

Find a place that you can study mainly and go there constantly. I know its easy to be distracted but just cut it out and make the decision to study hard every day. Remember the saying study hard play hard. That doesn’t have to change you can study hard and still go out and have fun. Just cut out the bs thats just a distraction.

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A few days ago
Anonymous
In my latest book I talk about this problem and I’ve found that procrastinating leaning is because we don’t know exactly how we learn or the optimum time for learning. For example, some people learn best in the library and others in their rooms, some in a bar with lots of noise, some with music, some standing, some at midnight, others first thing in the morning. The point is, try several approches to your problem and I think you will be surprized at your results. Experiement and document.

Good luck in your quest.

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A few days ago
Experto Credo
Note to yourself.

“Any fool can be mediocre; talent takes work.”

Sure, studying is a drag, but the only way to get where you need to do is apply yourself.

It’s 6 o’clock; time to hit those books

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A few days ago
SB’s cafe
How about having a “study group”??

I had the same problem. Maybe take a brisk walk then try to “hit the books”??

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