Many students often confide in me, saying that studying is too hard and it's too difficult to get good grades. It seems as if studying is something they are inherently bad at. Indeed, getting an A*, especially at A-level, is not easy, but is it so difficult that it's completely unsolvable? Definitely not. So what exactly is causing them to feel stuck? Based on student feedback, I’ve summarized three erroneous thinking patterns about studying.
Focusing on "Why It Can't Be Done":
When faced with suggestions or choices, they first analyze the reasons why they can't do it rather than the conditions under which they could succeed. For example, a student interested in economics might think the subject is too hard to get an A in. If you give them some advice, they might respond anxiously: "But my friends/seniors say this subject is inherently difficult, I didn't study economics in IGCSE and I think my foundation is weak, the teacher's explanations aren't good, I don't have time to review because I have to play soccer/compete/learn dance, and I don’t have extra money for tutoring..." A flood of reasons emerges. At this point, they're no longer thinking about how to solve the problem; they're using these reasons to convince you that they can't do it.
Adding a Complex Filter to Things:
Adding a complex filter to things makes it easy to fall into a frustrated state, feeling like the whole world is against them. They think studying or exams are overly complex and require many conditions to succeed, leading to self-defeating emotions. For instance, when preparing for exams, a student might think they need to master all knowledge points, have perfect notes and study plans. Then they realize they can't achieve any of these and feel the exam is too difficult. They start by doubting themselves; the more they think, the more they become trapped by their own thoughts.
Mindset of Withdrawal and Avoidance:
If you have a hint of withdrawal and avoidance, ask yourself what lies behind that retreat. Is it a lack of confidence? Laziness? Or is it greed, wanting everything without doing anything? Students might fear failure, so they avoid trying new study methods or are unwilling to invest time and effort into reviewing.
By changing these erroneous thinking patterns, students can more positively face the challenges of studying and exams and achieve their goals. Here are some specific action steps:
Set Small Goals: Break down large study tasks into small, achievable goals to gradually build confidence and ability.
Action Plan: Develop a specific study plan, making daily progress to avoid falling into the trap of “thinking too much, doing too little.”
Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your progress and shortcomings, adjusting your mindset and strategies in time.
Seek Support: Communicate with teachers and classmates, seek support from parents to gain more motivation and confidence.
Starting now, if you want to do something, think about how to achieve it. Don’t make excuses for yourself, and don’t add unnecessary difficulty to the task. The brain is very good at protecting us; it will help you avoid all potential risks, including “success.”
学生卡点：没有困难要制造困难
经常有学生跟我倾诉，觉得读书太难，太难考到好成绩…… 好像读书这件事，天生跟他无缘。 确实，A*没那么容易，尤其是A-level，但是真的难到完全无解的地步吗？肯定不是。 那究竟是什么导致他们处于“寸步难行”的困境呢？根据学生的反馈，我总结了3个读书的错误思维模式。
专注于“做不成”的原因：
面临建议或者选择的时候，首先分析的是“做不成”的原因，而不是“做得成”的条件。 比如，有一个学生对经济有兴趣，可是他觉得科目很难没办法拿A，给他一些建议，结果对方忧心忡忡的说：可是我的朋友/Senior说这科目本来就很难，我IGCSE的时候没学过经济，认为自己基础差，老师讲得不好，我没有时间去温习因为我要去踢球/比赛/学跳舞，我没有多余的钱去补习…等等。 一堆理由扑面而来，这个时候他已经不是在思考该如何解决问题，而是在用“做不成”的原因来说服你，他做不成这件事。
给事情加入复杂的滤镜：
给事情加入复杂的滤镜，容易陷入郁郁不得志的情绪，觉得整个世界都在跟他作对。他们认为学习或考试过于复杂，需要具备很多条件才能成功，导致自己陷入自我否定的情绪中。比如，学生在准备考试时，可能会认为需要掌握所有知识点、需要完美的笔记和复习计划，结果发现自己什么都达不到，觉得考试太难。他们一开始就否定自己，想得越多，就越容易成为自己行动的桎梏。
退缩和逃避的心理
如果你的内心有一丝退缩和逃避，可以问问自己，那种退缩背后代表的是什么？ 是不自信？还是因为懒惰？是什么都想要却什么都不想承受？还是什么都不想做却什么都想要的贪婪？学生可能会因为害怕失败而不敢尝试新的学习方法或不愿意投入时间和精力去复习。
通过转变这些错误的思维模式，学生可以更积极地面对学习和考试的挑战，实现自己的目标。以下是一些具体的行动步骤：
设定小目标：将大的学习任务拆分成小的、可实现的目标，逐步积累信心和能力。
行动计划：制定具体的学习计划，每天都有所进步，避免陷入“想得多，做得少”的困境。
自我反思：定期反思自己的进步和不足，及时调整自己的心态和策略。
寻求支持：通过与老师、同学交流，寻求家长的支持，获得更多的动力和信心。
从现在开始，如果你想做一件事，就去想如何做成这件事，不要给自己找借口、也不要给这件事本身加难度。 大脑很会保护我们，它为了让你留在舒适区，会帮你规避一切可能的风险，包括“成功”。
Comments