Struggling to Find a Smooth Study System – How Do You Do It?

When I was in school, I mostly used just a textbook and a pencil with paper. It kept things simple and focused. I understand that nowadays, there are many more distractions, but sometimes going old school can work wonders. Did you use any specific methods for learning, like testing yourself or just re-reading your notes?

I've found that taking notes on paper really boosts my retention. When I dive into something new, I take out my paper to jot down ideas or solutions. I think computers can be distracting, especially for programming. So, when I study, I make sure to have only necessary materials open and turn off the internet. If I'm focused, I can really connect with the material—and it sounds like you might benefit from simplifying your setup too!

I totally get your struggle with the Frankenstein study setup. When I faced the same issue, I shifted my mindset from thinking about where to store information to how it connects with what I already know. I began creating simple flowcharts before every session, mapping out the materials—I found it eliminated a lot of setup time. Instead of wasting time deciding what to open, I just followed the map. A visual representation of your study path can be super helpful!

I really believe that studying effectively should be a skill taught in schools. Everyone has their own unique way of learning. For me, I’m a tactile learner. I have to get hands-on to really grasp the concepts—mixing up methods for studying so I can touch it, break it down, and see how it all works really helps me. I call my approach the FAFO method: 'Find Out, F*** Around.' I often start with materials for reference and then dive in deep to figure out how everything fits together.

Simplifying your approach might help you avoid some of this setup stress. You could start with jotting down your study goals and the relevant materials, focusing on just a couple of resources at a time. The fewer tools you use at once, the less cluttered your mind will be. How about categorizing resources into a couple of main areas instead of everything scattered?