Four Habits to Become a Top Student

　　We know that only two kinds of animals usually reach the summit: eagles and tortoises. Eagles are inherently fast, while tortoises, though slower, persevere. In fact, academic superstars are essentially either of these two types.

　　Many children are naturally gifted, often indulging in the internet and sleeping in class during their school years, yet they consistently rank at the top of their class and achieve high scores in every subject. Their learning efficiency is high; they ensure they complete their schoolwork before playing, naturally thriving. These children are called geniuses.

　　However, for those with average innate intelligence, diligence is essential. So-called academic superstars must shut out all forms of entertainment—no computer games, no television, no mobile phones—and focus solely on studying. In fact, the learning content in middle school only requires combining classroom learning with self-reflection and review at home; tutoring is unnecessary. Here, we outline the habits that academic superstars cultivate in ordinary children:

　　1. Self-control and self-discipline :

　　Academic superstars are evident from a young age, possessing strong self-control, which is essentially a matter of habit. When they are studying and reviewing, nothing else can distract them. The student's review and reading progress is well-managed; the daily reading amount is planned meticulously, perfectly adhering to the teacher's requirements, and never falling behind. Homework is precise, punctual, and done according to rules. This top student possesses incredible perseverance; once a goal is set, it is always achieved. You'll notice that from childhood to adulthood, top students are rarely overweight; if they say they'll lose weight, they actually do. They are disciplined, attending classes when required and relaxing when appropriate, without indulging themselves.

　　II. Class Notes:

　　Class notes are not about blindly copying everything, but rather highlighting key points and areas of confusion. Mark what's in the textbook, and simply jot down what's not, then systematically organize it after class. Don't let note-taking interfere with listening to the lesson. Plan what to do in each time slot, whether long-term or short-term. The process of planning time is also the process of setting learning goals, and it must be valued.

　　III. Practice Problems: Doing

　　practice problems is the best way to check your learning and review understanding. Be selective when doing problems; don't do every problem you see aimlessly. At the same time, it's important to focus on practice questions. Ideally, compile a notebook of frequently missed questions, ensuring you don't repeat the same mistake. If you get a question wrong during review, once you understand it, don't let it go. In the lead-up to the exam, do one or two practice tests, timed and treated like a standard exam, approaching the questions with a research-oriented attitude. De-emphasize the importance of scores.

　　Fourth, play fewer games and read more books .

　　Another characteristic of top students is that they don't play many games. It's rare for children not to be addicted to electronic devices. Mobile games are okay occasionally, but they should be able to stop immediately and not get so engrossed that they can't put them down. Top students read more physical books and use multimedia less for learning. As the saying goes,

　　diligence can compensate for lack of talent. We don't have innate genius; we only have the effort we put in.