June 11th 2011

Dear helpline,

I attend the Ciceron Secondary School and I am currently in form 2. I never study, but I always perform in the top 5. I try to study to improve my grades, but it does not work. What do you think I should do in order to perform better? I tried to read over my notes for common entrance two years ago, but I failed and got 65.67. Please help me.

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

Your situation is not a hopeless case and if you use the correct method, you will find that your situation will change. It is a good thing that you always rank in the top five but remember, you should aim for nothing but the best. Don’t get comfortable just because you’re constantly performing in the top five, yes it’s good but with that kind of attitude it will affect you later on. Remember you need to work hard, so that you can achieve what you want. In everything you do, you need to give your complete best, you need to challenge yourself. Remember that student who always comes first in the class? You need to challenge yourself and hit the books so that you can beat him or her. How often do you come first in your class? Remember you’re aiming for the best of the best. You should take into consideration that things don’t come to us at the push of a button, you have to want it and when you want it, you work towards getting it. Some of us have different ways of studying; some of us study in peaceful surroundings, or in our room with our headphones. If you’re going to use your headphones, ensure that you’re studying and not listening to music. It is rather advisable to do without it, but you do what suits you. Whenever that discouraging voice comes in your head when you’re about to study, remember the kid who always comes first, or the kid who came first that term. When you begin studying, you will not really feel motivated but after a few minutes you will begin to catch up and even like it. You could also start a study group at your school with your friends. Challenge each other so that you can see who comes first every time. It will begin to get interesting and great fun because you will always want to rank at the top. It doesn’t have to be a large group; it could be at least a group of five of your best friends or the most competitive students. You can go to the library with that study group or on your own. Remember a challenge can be fun and helps further your knowledge, at the end of the day, it will be worth your while.

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