You’ve probably heard of the legendary scientist Nikola Tesla. But do you know one of the most inspiring stories about his early life? Let me tell you—and then we’ll get into some powerful, practical steps that can change the way you study forever.
A Candle in the Dark: Young Tesla’s Obsession With Learning
When Tesla was young, he studied for up to 20 hours a day. His father wasn’t happy about this and even took away the candles Tesla used at night to stop him from over-studying. Remember, this was long before electric bulbs existed.
But did Tesla give up? Not a chance.
He started making candles himself. Then, hiding from his parents, he’d continue studying through the night. That same passion drove him even at the peak of his career, working 16 to 20 hours a day on average. His schedule was brutal—almost impossible to follow in today's world.
Still, if you ever feel the need to study 10–15 hours a day, there’s a smarter and more practical way to do it.
No gimmicks. No fancy tricks. Just a step-by-step system that works.
Step-by-Step Guide to Studying Smarter, Not Just Harder
Step 1: Make a Plan
Planning isn’t about making the perfect timetable. It’s about giving your brain some structure so it doesn’t waste energy on confusion.
- Write down what you’ll study tomorrow.
- Break it into time slots.
- Use a rough schedule to get clarity on the flow of your day.
Without a plan, distractions take over. With one, your mind wakes up already knowing what to do. That saves time, energy, and willpower.
Step 2: Find Your Motivation
Motivation fades. That’s normal. But there are ways to keep it alive:
- Know your why: What will happen if you succeed? How will it feel? Visualize it.
- Reward yourself: After every study session, treat yourself—music, a snack, a walk.
- Get inspired: Listen to someone’s success story, watch an interview, or read quotes from your idols.
- Have a big dream: “I’ll do what no one else has.” That fire keeps you going.
- Use your pain: Turn insults, taunts, or tough situations into fuel.
Remember: emotions are energy in motion. Use that energy to push through.
Step 3: Remove Distractions
There’s a famous story of a king tying himself to a pillar to avoid the deadly sirens of a dangerous island. Similarly, if you want to succeed, block out modern-day sirens—your phone and useless thoughts.
- Give your phone to someone or lock it away.
- Turn off notifications and social media.
- Combat overthinking: As soon as you catch your mind wandering, return to the present moment.
- Set boundaries: Tell others not to disturb you during study hours. Learn to say “no.”
Every "no" to a distraction is a "yes" to your future.
Step 4: Create a Dedicated Study Space
Don't study just anywhere. Fix one specific place for serious work.
- Use that space only for studying—no eating, no scrolling, no chilling.
- Your brain will associate that place with focus and learning.
- Psychology proves this: environment builds habits.
Once your environment supports your goals, consistency becomes easier.
Step 5: Use Focus Sprints
Ever heard of focus sprints? They’re a game-changer.
- Set a timer for 60, 90, or 120 minutes—whatever suits you.
- During that time, pick one task and dive deep.
- Afterward, take a short break and start another sprint.
If you do 8–9 such sprints a day, you’ll surprise yourself with how much you can accomplish. It’s not about studying more—it’s about focusing more.
Step 6: Use White Noise
Distractions around you? Try white noise.
- If your home is noisy or you don’t have a private room, play white noise in your headphones.
- It helps drown out background sounds and puts your brain into deep focus mode.
- You’ll be shocked at how long you can study without even noticing time fly.
Step 7: Alternate Between Active and Passive Study
Boredom and tiredness come from doing the same thing for too long. Break the cycle.
- Passive studying: Light reading, revision, or going over easy subjects.
- Active studying: Solving problems, writing notes, practicing tough concepts.
Switch between them:
- Study one subject actively, then switch to passive mode.
- Or split a session: 90 mins active → 30 mins passive.
This keeps the brain fresh and engaged.
Final Tips for Long-Term Success
Here are a few more golden rules:
- Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone has off days. Don’t beat yourself up if you slip.
- Take care of your body:
- Eat well.
- Drink water while studying.
- Get proper sleep.
- Move your body—15 minutes of exercise can refresh your mind.
- Forgive yourself: Some days will be slow. That’s okay. What matters is that you keep going.
Your Study Challenge Starts Now
Write down your weekly plan. Even a rough one helps. Commit to this for a few days, then extend it. Don’t start with 12-hour days. Build your stamina slowly.
Remember:
- Saying "no" to distractions today means saying "yes" to success tomorrow.
- No one else can do this for you—but you’re more capable than you think.
So, what’s your first step?
Write something in the comments below—or better yet, take the challenge and make your plan now.