Since early in life, we have all been taught that the more you study the better you perform. Our parents, teachers and the society continue to convey to us that the more time you spend studying, the better your results will be, and the less time you spend, the worse your results will be. But is it ever so? This is something I have been pondering over and, to be honest, I am not entirely certain that more hours of study necessarily yield higher results. Less studying can really produce more results and I believe there are actual reasons as to why this happens.
I would like to tell you about my experience. I needed to spend hours studying, and the results were not always satisfactory when I was in my postgraduation. My mind was weary and I was not able to take in things. However, there were moments when I studied less hours but with complete concentration and the outcome was to my surprise better. In my own practice, I believe that it is the quality of studying that is more important than the number of hours studied.
Now, just to think about it. What would happen when a student studies eight hours a day but without a proper focus and plan? He is only reading the book, however, his thoughts are not on it. What sort of outcome should we anticipate of that? I do not believe that it will be a good outcome. Now assume that another student studies three hours but with full concentration and a focus. He is aware of what and how to study. The likelihood of the second student performing better is high, and I think that most individuals will agree to this.
Honestly, I also believe that there is a limit to the brain. At some stage, it cannot take in new information effectively and pushing it to learn further would only worsen the situation. It is stuffing a bottle even when it is too big. The additional water will simply flow and go to waste. Breaks and allowing the brain to relax can also assist the brain to remember information better. The brain is always fresh, and it therefore performs better when it is fresh.
Stress is another thing I would like to mention. During the time when an individual studies too much, the level of stress goes up. And I know that we all know that stress is not a good performance enhancer. During exams a relaxed and calm mind can easily remember things than a stressed and tired mind. In some way, studying less and having the mind relaxed can be more helpful.
I am not indicating that there is no importance of studying or that it should not be avoided. Naturally, one has to study and there is no quick way to learn. Nevertheless, I believe that the approach is important. It is always wise to study less but study intelligently than to study a lot without any intelligence.
Then, as long as you are a person who spends hours and hours on studying and still does not think that the results are proportional to the efforts, there is a possibility that the strategy should be changed. I think quantity will never be more than quality.