Alex Shalman.comPractical Personal Development

It’s amazing how when we go through life, some people seem to effortlessly stay ten steps ahead of us; even if they’re working their assess off. That’s what I see when I think of my good friend, and future dentist, Nick Levintov.

While being among the hardest workers in our class and always putting in the time when the rest of us are ready to throw in the towel, he still manages to make it look easy. So I asked him to share his philosophy, and I was so impressed that I’d like to share it with you.

The A’s are very possible, for anyone who wants them bad enough. However, if you really want them, you have to start back at the basics, which are organization, consistency, and focus. The three variables that lead to Nick’s success in school, competitive swimming, and life.

1. Organization. Understand the work that is expected of you and how long it will take to complete the work. Plan accordingly, be brutally honest with yourself and your abilities, and do not make it overwhelming.

If you plan and actually finish according to your set schedule, you will start to establish small accomplishments, which over the course of a semester will accumulate to huge successes.

2. Consistency. Plan accordingly and frequently. Adjust the plans if needed, but know that your study plans for the next couple of days influence the way that you study right now. It limits your options and motivates you to do really good work both now and throughout your schedule.

Maintain a level of demand from yourself, reinforcing the notion that you need to do this now to do well on the next quiz. One quiz soon accumulates to many quizzes, so consistently planning ahead follows the whole semester and your knowledge accumulates. Consistency also means reviewing what you did a week ago, at least 30 minutes to an hour.

3. Focus. Do not underestimate the value of focus. With consistent organization, you will plan so that you have enough rest, which will affect your energy levels, confidence, and desire to continue to stick to your work.

When you focus, you apply a conscious effort to your work, instead of breaking your studying down into information gathering, studying the information, and a couple of stages of analyzing minor details. Focus initiates from the beginning of a study session, and stays throughout.

Staying organized will allow this system to take place, being consistent with it will turn it into second nature, and focusing and being present at every moment that you’re studying will allow you to reap the maximum benefits of your time.

If you want to know more about Nick’s philosophy, find out what it means to Finish Strong!

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