Many students find 10th grade surprisingly more manageable than 9th. So why do some still struggle? It's not the syllabus; it's how you handle the syllabus and the new expectations placed on you.
In 10th grade, the content of your textbooks might not seem dramatically different. What changes, though, is the perspective and expectations from everyone around you—parents, relatives, teachers, friends, and society. This shift can gradually alter how you approach your studies and responsibilities.
Your primary focus in 10th grade is the board exams. This isn't just another national-level test for CBSE or any other board; it's your first real goal. My dad always said that the 10th board exam teaches you how to work hard for a significant achievement. At around 15 years old (ages may vary), your main goal should be the board exams. This is where you learn to set specific targets, focus, and put in the effort to reach them. Compete with yourself, not others. Challenge your negative habits and strive to improve.
I strongly recommend quitting social media, gaming, and excessive YouTube watching. This year, minimize your online entertainment. Breaking a 1000-day Snapchat streak or reaching a gaming milestone won't significantly impact your life, but neglecting your studies will. Trust me, many seniors, my classmates, and I regret wasting time online when we should have been studying.
Your phone, tablet, or PC can be your biggest distraction. Even if you study online, you might end up browsing random, time-wasting content. Create a new email account and start fresh. Use YouTube only for academic videos and Google for homework-related searches. This way, you can train the algorithm to show you relevant content and avoid distractions. Delete all distracting apps and games to maintain your focus.
This year, remove the internet from your list of dopamine sources. Dopamine is the pleasure hormone, and instead of getting it from screen time, go outside and engage in real-world activities. If you're attending coaching classes, have brief conversations with friends to keep your social needs met. Balance is key to avoiding burnout. Humans are social creatures, so make time for family, friends, and activities you enjoy. Just ensure that for every hour spent outside, you dedicate at least four hours to studying outside of school (this ratio worked for me, may vary for you so find your balance).
Adopt a weekly cycle for your studies. Work intensely for 5-6 days, focusing solely on studying, practicing, and revising. Then, take a day or two to relax. This rhythm helps prevent burnout and makes your downtime more rewarding when you've genuinely worked hard during the study days.
That’s all for today. Thank you for your attention. Start planning your approach, and remember, I’m here to guide you. Feel free to reach out with questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future blog posts. Share your challenges in the comments, and if many of you have similar concerns, I’ll address them as a senior who went through 10th grade last year.
Thank you and good luck!
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