Jan 9, 2025

8 myths toppers tell about their study habits

Trisha Tewari

Lies that toppers tell to other students

The academic world portrays toppers as ‘perfect’ and a benchmark for others to follow. Their study habits are frequently under scrutiny, however, not everything they claim about their success is true. Here are 8 myths that they tell about their study habits.

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"I don’t need breaks—I study non-stop."

Yes, we all have come across this statement a few times in our lives. Many toppers boast about their long, marathon study sessions claiming they do not need breaks. However, reams of research suggest that breaks are important for efficient study sessions.

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"I understand everything in one read."

Another myth propagated by toppers is that they can grasp all concepts in the first attempt. The truth is, that every student needs to revisit the material several times to fully understand and retain the concepts. Understanding stems from consistent revision sessions.

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"I have a special technique that guarantees success."

Many toppers claim to have magical study techniques that they swear by. Well, the reality narrates a different story. Success is rooted in a blend of hard work, consistency, and applying various study methods customised to one’s needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

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"I’ve never failed a test."

This myth glorifies toppers as perfect. While this can be true that they might not have failed any tests, it does not imply that falling behind in tests can take away your chances of scoring well. It can rather be an alarm call to spot your weaknesses and perform better.

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"I don’t need to sleep much."

It is a compelling myth. A healthy mind dwells in a healthy body. Toppers might claim that they trade on their sleep and sanity to earn marks. However, this might not help other students. Science suggests that physical well-being is important for improved cognitive functioning.

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"I don’t need to worry about time management."

A persuasive myth perpetuated by toppers is that they overlook time management practises. However, in reality, successful students meticulously plan their time. They break down tasks into manageable goals, set practical deadlines, and stay organised to maximize efficiency.

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"I don’t make mistakes."

Perfection is not a guarantee of success. Toppers often say that they do not make mistakes but this simply is not true. Mistakes are inevitable in the path of success. What is important is to learn from these mistakes and take them as stepping stones.

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"I study the night before the exam and still do well."

We all have that one friend who claims they have studied just a night before exams and have still ascended to the toppers list. However, this stance can be misleading. Consistency is key to success in academics and otherwise. Last-minute study sessions can be taxing and risky.

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Thanks For Reading!

Next: 10 Smart Ways to Study Without Burning Out

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