“It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” – Albert Einstein

Studying smart? More than likely you will have answered yes to this, and you probably are. The fact of the matter is that it’s now 2014; technology has taken us to new heights that we couldn’t have even imagined 10 to 15 years ago. With the majority of phones now smartphones we’re essentially all walking around with fairly powerful computers in our pockets with access to more information then we have ever had at the touch of our fingertips.

The phrase information overload can be often overused but essentially we could be one of the most intelligent generations there has ever been. This idea, although doused in subtle arrogance, hasn’t just been plucked from thin air, rather being based upon the fact that we have access to this material; such as data, statistics and studies, as well as the wonderful world of YouTube of course.

So; why is this important? It’s theory of distraction. What may have been distracting 5-10 years ago may not be perceived in the same way now as it will have been back then. It’s easy to say, turn off your internet, don’t touch your phone, don’t listen to music, sit in a quiet room with a book and crack on but the truth is all these things can be used as aids to your study. Unfortunately the same said devices can also provide you with an infinite amount of distraction too.

The truth is that it is going to vary from person to person; one of the great benefits of modern-day technology is how it can assist you with your learning and productivity. For example; documentaries, further reading resources, and most importantly different opinion – this is an extremely valuable resource to any student or graduate!

Interruptions can come in all forms; some that you can control and some that you can’t. Health is a prime example of this; with things such as sleep deprivationas well as illness and family emergencies for example you have to understand the importance of prioritisation. It’s most definitely not studying smart if you’re forcing yourself to study when your health is at stake! Go to the doctors, and let your college or University know if it is something that is going to affect your work.

Location, location, location. Where you study is just as important as how. Studying with friend’s works for some people, whereas studying alone works for others. A great skill that you can have is that of adaptation and being able to work in each and every environment. Many people now even work from coffee shops.With many small businesses or start-ups gaining access to Business broadband, many people are using free Wi-Fi from their local shops, restaurants and cafes to essentially become a mobile office.

For those who have just graduated and want to set up a business themselves, with the access to internet so readily available as well as portable devices such as tablets, phones and the like it means that we are now living in a world of 24 hour connectivity. The result of this means that a business can be started up from home easier than ever and there is a level playing field when it comes to online competition. Marketing is also extremely important in the online world, but with focus and research there is no reason that a small business can’t use this to grow to rival the biggest businesses there are out there now.

Studying smart can not only benefits you as you learn but for the rest of your life.

By Matt Jones