Study Tips

Embarking on the journey of medical school rotations can be a whirlwind of experiences, challenges, and unexpected moments. Join me as I share my fantastical day during my first two weeks of Obstetrics and Gynaecology rotation, where the realms of labor and delivery, surgeries, and invaluable lessons intertwine. Night Shift Chronicles The adventure kicks off with the notorious night shift at labor and delivery, a shift that spans from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. The stage is set for a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences, with a hint of anticipation for the profound moment that awaited me in clinic. Team Sign Out and Strategy Crafting At 6:30, the night team gathers for the crucial team sign-out, ensuring a seamless transition from...

Medical school is often romanticized as a journey of intellect, resilience, and triumph. However, the reality, as revealed by third-year medical student Maddie, is a nuanced tapestry of stress, burnout, and the often-neglected aspect of mental health. The Stigma Surrounding Psychiatry Maddie touches upon the peculiar stigma associated with psychiatry. Whether influenced by media portrayals or societal misconceptions, seeking help for mental health issues can be hindered by feelings of embarrassment or shame. The notion that one should effortlessly handle their own situation prevails, contributing to a reluctance to acknowledge and address mental health concerns. The Weight of Expectations Imposter syndrome, the fear of failure, and...

Studying can be challenging, especially when we encounter topics that seem too complex or confusing for us. We might feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or even give up on learning. But what if I told you that there is a simple and effective way to study difficult topics that most other students overlook? It’s called mixing, and it can help you improve your understanding, memory, and performance on any subject. In this blog post, I will share with you how I use mixing to study medicine and how you can apply it to any field of study. What is mixing, and why does it work? Mixing is a learning technique that involves using multiple resources and methods to study a topic from different perspectives and angles. For example, instead of just...

Do you want to improve your study skills and get better grades? If so, you might have heard of the SQ3R method, one of the most popular study strategies that students use to read and study for tests. But did you know that the SQ3R method is outdated? It was introduced in the 1940s, which is almost 100 years ago. And since then, research has found better ways for us to study. In this blog post, we will show you how to update the SQ3R method with the latest scientific findings and make it more effective for your learning. We will explain what the old SQ3R method is, what the problems are, and how to fix them with our new SQ3R method. We will also give you some tips on how to apply the new SQ3R method to your own studies. What is the...

How I Wake Up Early Every Day Without Feeling Miserable I’ve always found it hard to wake up early, but as students, we have no choice. It doesn’t matter if you’re a morning person or a night person; if class starts at 7 a.m., you've got to be up. I just hate how it’s always so hard to wake up early every single morning. Or is it? After researching the science of sleep and circadian clocks, I learned that by sticking to an evidence-based morning routine, consistently waking up early can actually become bearable. So, in this blog post, I’m going to share with you a simple yet highly effective morning routine that takes only five to ten minutes to do. It’s effortless, so you won’t miss any days. It’s completely free; you don’t need to...

Do you struggle to focus on your tasks, goals, or projects? Do you find yourself constantly distracted by social media, news, or entertainment? Do you feel like your mind is always wandering, comparing, or worrying about things that are not relevant to your present situation? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are not alone. Many people today suffer from what I call a “distracted mind"—an inability to concentrate on what matters most. A distracted mind can ruin our productivity, our relationships, our work, and our well-being. But what if I told you that there is a way to cure your distracted mind? A way to train your brain to focus on what you want, when you want, and for as long as you want? Is there a way to...

We all live in our own bubble—the bubble of our minds. How we see ourselves, the world, and what we think is or isn’t possible are shaped by our beliefs. But what if those beliefs are limiting us? What if they tell us that we aren’t good enough, that we don’t deserve love, or that we can’t achieve our goals? How can we break free from these self-sabotaging beliefs and take control of our lives? In this blog post, I will share with you some insights and tips on how to overcome your limiting beliefs, based on my own experience and research. I will also introduce you to the concept of self-image, which is the key to understanding how our beliefs are formed and how they affect us. What are limiting beliefs, and where do they come from...

Do you want to ace your exams without spending countless hours rereading the same material? Do you want to learn how to study smarter, not harder, using proven strategies backed by science? If so, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’re going to show you our entire process on how to study for exams from beginning to end, and we’re going to use the Mike and Maddie Map, which is our study blueprint filled with evidence-based study techniques, to make this entire process as effective and efficient as possible for you. The Two Steps of Learning The process of learning involves two steps: understanding and remembering. First, you have to get the information from the books into your brain. This is also called encoding. Second...

Procrastination is a common problem that many of us struggle with. We often put off tasks that we don’t enjoy or find challenging and end up wasting time and energy on distractions. But what if there was a simple way to overcome procrastination and get things done? In this blog post, I’m going to share with you two different 2-minute rules that I learned from reading tons of productivity books. These rules helped me drastically cut down on my procrastination during medical school, and I hope they can help you too. The First 2-Minute Rule: If It Takes Two Minutes to Do, Get It Done Right Now The first 2-minute rule comes from Getting Things Done by David Allen. He says: This rule is based on the idea that the time and effort it...

Are you a medical student looking for some tips on how to study effectively and efficiently? Do you want to know how to balance your academic workload with your physical and mental well-being? If so, you might be interested in learning what a perfect medical student study day looks like. In this blog post, I will share with you how I plan and execute my study sessions, what tools and strategies I use, and how I incorporate inability, nutrition, and relaxation into my daily routine. I am a third-year medical student in the US and one of the affiliates of RemNote, a smart note-taking tool that applies science to your studies. I have my surgery shelf exam coming up next week, so I have a lot of material to cover. Even on busy services...

We all have aspirations. Those grand visions of who we want to be and what we want to achieve. But bridging the gap between desire and reality often feels like scaling a mountain. It's in this struggle that habits become our armor, the tools that shape our days and ultimately, our lives. The good news? Building lasting habits isn't about sheer willpower or superhuman discipline. It's about understanding a simple framework, one championed by leading researcher Wendy Wood: the Habit Loop. This loop, composed of three key components – cue, routine, and reward – is the secret sauce to hacking your behavior and transforming your aspirations into daily routines. Let's break down each element of the Habit Loop and demystify how to use it...

Unleashing Your Inner Scholar: A Lifelong Learning System for the Modern Age Imagine a world where knowledge isn't just a classroom decree, but a vibrant river coursing through your life, enriching every corner of your experience. This isn't some utopian fantasy, it's the promise of a lifelong learning system – a self-curated curriculum that keeps your mind nimble, your curiosity piqued, and your growth continuous. For me, this path wasn't paved with textbooks and fluorescent lights. It was forged in the fires of a love for learning that transcended traditional education. And this, dear reader, is my invitation to join me on this journey – a journey where we build a learning system tailor-made for the dynamic, information-rich world...

We've all been there: staring down a looming deadline with a throbbing sense of dread, desperately scrolling social media instead of tackling the task at hand. Procrastination, that nefarious foe of productivity, has a way of hijacking our good intentions and leaving us feeling overwhelmed and defeated. But fear not, fellow procrastinators! This blog post is your arsenal in the fight against this inner saboteur. Procrastination: Not a Moral Failing, but a Habit to Break First, let's ditch the guilt. Procrastination isn't a character flaw, it's a habit – and like any habit, it can be broken. The key is understanding how it works. The Habit Loop, a simple yet powerful model, reveals the underlying mechanics: Cue: The trigger that...

Ever felt like you've aced a topic after a whirlwind reading session, only to stumble when explaining it to a friend? Or maybe you've become a flashcard whiz, but find yourself clueless when faced with a slightly different problem? Welcome to the world of learning illusions, where your brain pulls some clever, yet deceptive, tricks on you. These illusions can be frustrating, but understanding them is the first step towards overcoming them and boosting your learning efficiency. Let's dive into the three most common culprits: 1. The Illusion of Competence: Ever experienced that "aha!" moment when a complex concept suddenly clicks? While it feels fantastic, beware! This illusion can make you overestimate your understanding. Rushing...

In today's attention-grabbing world, maintaining focus can feel like an uphill battle. Between social media notifications, email alerts, and the constant barrage of information, it's no wonder our minds often wander. But fear not, fellow focus warriors! There is hope. By understanding how our brains work and implementing the right strategies, we can train our attention and unlock the power of deep concentration. This blog delves into the Focus Formula, a three-part framework that breaks down the process of focus into manageable steps: Prepare, Engage, and Sustain. By mastering each of these phases, we can cultivate laser-sharp focus and conquer any task that comes our way. Part 1: Prepare - Setting the Stage for Focus Before diving...

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, the significance of our workspace often goes overlooked. However, a well-designed workspace can significantly impact our productivity, focus, and overall well-being. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects of creating an optimal workspace, covering ergonomics, efficiency, and enjoyability. Ergonomics: Setting the Foundation for Comfort and Health Ergonomics is the science of designing a workspace to maximize efficiency while minimizing discomfort and risk of injury. The video underscores the importance of three fundamental elements for ergonomic success: chair and desk alignment, monitor adjustment, and regular breaks. 1. Chair and Desk Alignment: Achieve a comfortable...

The Greatest Illness of Our Time: Battling Distraction and Reclaiming Focus In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, our ability to focus has become increasingly challenged. A constant stream of notifications, endless social media feeds, and readily available entertainment options leave our minds fragmented and attention spans dwindling. This lack of focus is not simply an annoyance, but a symptom of deeper issues that can significantly impact our productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. This article explores the underlying causes of distraction and provides actionable strategies to reclaim control and achieve a more focused state of mind. The Roots of the Problem An Idle Mind: When our minds lack purpose and...

Procrastination is a seemingly insurmountable hurdle in the path of productivity and success. We've delved deep into the realms of literature, devouring over a hundred books and articles, all in the quest to unravel the mysteries of procrastination. What emerged from this exhaustive exploration were three profound lessons that shed light on this age-old conundrum. Lesson 1: Managing Emotions The first revelation that dawned upon us was that procrastination often stems from the imbalance between negative and positive emotions associated with a task. Evolutionary psychology suggests that humans, in their primal state, were wired to prioritize immediate survival over long-term goals. However, as our brains evolved, so did our ability to...

Are you looking to supercharge your study sessions and unlock your full learning potential? If so, you're in the right place. In this blog, we'll delve into the science behind crafting the perfect study music playlist. Whether you're a medical student like me or pursuing any other academic endeavor, music can be a powerful tool for enhancing focus, retention, and productivity. Understanding the Science: Before we dive into crafting your ultimate study playlist, let's explore the science behind how music affects our brains. Research suggests that certain types of music can influence our alertness, focus, and even memory retention. By harnessing these principles, we can tailor our music choices to optimize our study sessions. A...

Are you tired of starting habits only to watch them fizzle out? If you've ever felt like Link in our tale, eager to excel but finding yourself stuck in a cycle of failed attempts, you're not alone. The truth is, building lasting habits isn't just about setting goals; it's about transforming your identity. In our habit quest, Link's pursuit of top grades led him down a path fraught with pitfalls. Despite his initial motivation, he found himself unable to sustain consistent study habits. What went wrong? It wasn't a lack of effort or motivation; it was his focus on the outcome rather than the process. Too often, we fixate on the end result—good grades, a successful career, financial stability—without considering the person we need to...