In the words of George Washington, “Education is the key to unlocking the golden door of freedom.”

There is no education without learning. Being able to learn, unlearn, and relearn makes you a great student of knowledge. To be a successful student, you need to be open-minded and consistently update what you know. How do you achieve this?

You read!

Reading itself can either be a simple task or a demanding one, depending on your perspective. Those who cultivate the habit of reading unlock unknown, unique, and fascinating worlds within themselves.

Developing a habit of reading will ultimately open the golden doors of freedom.

As a student in primary school, high school, college, or university, or preparing for any major examination, you must foster a reading culture. One key discovery about reading is that the more you engage in it, the better you become—just like any other skill.

When you consistently nurture the habit of reading, you develop what we call reading habits.

Reading habits are patterns you adopt when reading that enhance comprehension. These include when you read, how often you read, and where you read. Your reading habits, to a great extent, determine your academic achievement as a student. With a well-suited reading habit, there is virtually no academic goal you cannot achieve.

Here are seven effective strategies to help you achieve academic excellence:

1. Understand What Works for You

Everyone has a unique rate of assimilation, and our cognitive processes vary. Thus, you need to create a reading strategy that meets your intellectual needs. If you absorb information at a slower pace, you must allocate more time to studying. Some individuals grasp concepts quickly and require little or no revision. This does not mean you are unintelligent—you just need more time to read.

2. Time and Place of Study

Your optimal reading time depends solely on your body’s rhythm. Some individuals can read at any time and in any setting, while others concentrate better at night in a quiet environment. Similarly, some prefer studying during the day in a peaceful space. The most important thing is to identify what works for you and remain consistent. Do not force yourself to study throughout the night if your body cannot handle it. The goal is to assimilate and pass—read when conditions are most favorable for your comprehension.

3. Start Early

This point cannot be overemphasized. Start studying as soon as your lectures/classes begin. Do not allow notes to accumulate and then attempt to read 100 pages in one night. If you attended classes for over 100 days, do you think it is possible to read, assimilate, and understand everything in five days?

Some students will say, “It is possible,” but that is a lie they tell themselves. If you want to succeed as a student and have ample time to revise your books, start early so you can finish strong.

4. Be Goal-Driven

We have discussed knowing what works for you and starting early. Being goal-driven will fuel your passion for success. There are two types of students: those who want to just “pass” and those who aim to “excel.” Always aim for the latter.

Never be among those who lack an academic goal. Be determined to create specific goals and be ready to put in the work. For example, saying, “I want to be the best student in my class” is a commendable goal, but you cannot achieve that feat with luck. You must be dedicated and put in the work. I always say, “The amount of work you put into something depends on how much you really want it.” Therefore, establish a well-defined academic goal and be prepared to work hard.

Remember, there is no limit to what you can achieve if you are willing to do the work.

5. Revision

My secret weapon is revision. The more you review material, the easier it is to remember. Never go for a test or examination without revising. It is the finishing touch that solidifies learning. If you always forget information during a test or examination, it is likely due to inadequate revision.

Revise! Revise! Revise!

And watch how you will remember everything you studied.

6. Prioritize Rest

Give your brain the rest it needs so it can function effectively. If you want your brain to perform at 100%, you must give it sufficient rest.

7. Prayer

The God factor is essential in passing your exams and excelling. As the saying goes, “Pray as if you did not read and read as if you did not pray.” There is absolutely nothing you cannot achieve with God’s blessings. Be intentional about praying for your tests and examinations, and watch how excellently you will perform—provided you have done the necessary preparation for success.

Students have diverse reading styles and different rates of assimilation. While these strategies are not one-size-fits-all, they have been effective for me and those I mentor. Reading is an art, and like any skill, you improve with consistent practice.

So, dear student, prioritize your books. Cultivate a love for learning, and it will unlock doors of opportunity beyond your imagination.

Set forth and excel—soar high and aim for greatness.

Godspeed!

Credits: Usman Abdul-lateef. O. (Inspired to write, write to Inspire.)