Let’s be honest: most of us don’t wake up excited to study. You sit down, open your notes… and five minutes later, you’re checking your phone, rearranging your pens, or suddenly needing a snack. The problem isn’t always laziness, it’s approach.

Good study habits aren’t built in a weekend. They start small, and they stick when they’re manageable.

Try the Pomodoro method: 25 minutes of focus, 5 minutes of break. It sounds simple, maybe too simple, but it works because your brain knows a break is coming. One session turns into three without feeling like a marathon.

Set specific goals, not vague ones. “Review chem notes for 30 minutes” is clearer, and easier to begin, than “study for the test.”

Handwrite when you can. It’s slower, yes, but that’s the point. Writing by hand helps information settle. If you’re typing or highlighting passively, your brain might not be paying attention.

Teach the material out loud. Even if it’s just to a wall or your dog, explaining something forces you to organize your thoughts.

Most importantly, don’t aim for perfection. Aim for consistency. One page today is still better than none.

Because study habits that stick aren’t about cramming, they’re about showing up, even in small ways, again and again.