Millions of students are preparing for finals in the coming weeks.

Yet most don't know the most efficient method to study.

So whether you're a college student, lifelong student, or both—today you'll get 7 tips for studying EFFICIENTLY.

First, why study in a 4-hour block?

The answer is simple: Batching.

Two benefits:

1. You only have to mentally prepare once to study.
2. It eliminates the switching cost of attention between activities.

SUPERHUMAN SCORING

In every edition of All Systems Go, I assess the featured system across four superhuman dimensions: impact, setup, maintenance, and aesthetics.

Unlike your typical product review, I focus on factors that influence personal growth. Get to know the evaluation system.

Impact (9.0/10)

I received an MBA from Cornell with high marks.

My secret to success?

The ability to study for 4 hours straight (with little-to-no breaks).

While 4 hours is the upper bound of our cognitive limit, it IS possible.

But, only if you follow these 7 strategies…

Setup (8.0/10)

1. Study Your Interests

Very obvious, very overlooked.

Learning is infinitely easier when you're curious about the topic.

The harsh truth:

If you're not passionate about the topic, you're going to get beat by people who are.

They won't be counting the hours.

2. Have a Plan

The night before, figure out what you'll study.

Identify a goal for the 4-hour block.

“Read chapters x, watch videos y, etc.”

Prepare all the resources you need and set them up in advance.

You'll have everything you need to start.

3. Hide Your Phone

The best productivity app on your phone is called Airplane Mode.

Would you rather: Be in the library unfocused all-day OR study 4 laser-focused hours and get on with your day?

The choice is yours.

4. Optimize Your Senses

Activate your 5 senses:

👂: Noise-cancelling headphones

👁️: Hide bad triggers (phone)

👃: Consider an aromatherapy diffuser (peppermint & lemon promote concentration)

👋: Set a cool room temperature for alertness

👅: See tip #5

5. Manage Your Energy

Lack of nutrition destroys willpower, mood, and clear thinking.

Stock:

• Water
• Healthy snacks
• Caffeine as needed
• Gum (for concentration).

You'll stay charged.

6. Plan for Contingencies

Coffee shops & libraries can be great motivators.

But you need to plan for contingencies.

If you find yourself without a charger, a bathroom, or internet…

You did not plan your mission properly.

7. Create Incentives

Plan a fun reward for after your studying.

A favorite show? A date or meal with a friend?

You'll be more motivated to focus now.

So you can enjoy your time later.

Maintenance (8.0/10)

Normalize “deep work.”

• Find out your peak state of energy (morning for most).
• Time block 4 hours during that period for studying. Set a recurring calendar invite.
• Show up at the same time—day by day, week by week.

You'll have a knowledge advantage.

Aesthetics (9.5/10)

I mentioned noise-canceling headphones in Step 4 (Optimize Your Senses).

Over-the-ear headphones reduce noise better than earbuds.

I use Bose Quiet Comfort 45, but there are many less expensive brands/options.

The Bose QC45 is comfortable, low-profile, and first-rate at noise canceling. 

BRINGING IT HOME

The TL;DR to study 4 hours straight:

1. Study Your Interests
2. Have a Plan
3. Hide Your Phone
4. Optimize Your Senses
5. Manage Your Energy
6. Plan for Contingencies
7. Create Incentives

You deserve to crush school AND live your life.

All systems go,

Ben Meer

Founder of System Sunday

P.S. If you’re enjoying the free newsletter, it’d mean the world to me if you share it with others. System Sunday just launched, and every single referral helps. Thank you!

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Resources

• Newsletter Archive: Read past issues of All Systems Go
• Energy Dashboard: Get an under-the-hood look at my self-tracking metrics for energy management (updated weekly)
• [Quick Win] Phone Charger Challenge: Save 60 hours every year with this simple morning hack