Why do some students succeed multiple times for a prolonged period of time while others don’t irrespective of being class “toppers”? Every Indian parent, teacher, and child to some extent have framed this question. It is not some magic talent, but rather daily choices. There is a clear difference in habits, and examples of highly successful students who are quiet and powerful. These habits are easily teachable, and are useful irrespective of a student being in a board exam, an entrance test, or focusing on complete self-development.
Habit 1: Having a Study Routine, Not a Study Rush
One of the most important habits that students who are successful have is a study routine rather than just studying in the time leading up to an exam. Instead of just studying at the time of an exam, have a study routine that is applied all year. Successful students learn to discipline themselves to study for a set period of time in a designated study spot for a set period of time. This helps train the mind to focus. As a result, students can avoid panic studying and all-nighters, and instead just do a little bit of studying each day. This helps to keep things more completely in memory, and leads to a strong understanding of the material. As a result, this makes it easier to have a more relaxed studying time in the time leading up to the exam.
Habit 2: Goal Setting and Planning
The second thing that is a common trait of all the students that are highly successful is that students are able to set clear goals for their studies.
Rather than stating, “I will study the whole day,” they choose specifics to aim for in a given studying block, like finishing a chapter, completing a certain number of questions, or gaining understanding of a concept. This helps them maintain focus and appreciate their progress, making them even more motivated. Many high achievers balance their schoolwork, hobbies, and periods of rest without losing track or becoming overwhelmed using simple planners, calendars, or to-do lists.
Habit 3: Active learning rather than mere reading
Successful students do not merely read and highlight; they engage with the material in various ways. They restate their notes in their own words, inquire, practice, and self-quiz without their textbooks. These more involved studying strategies require the brain to exert more effort, which makes them more effective for long-term retention. A plethora of research has been conducted around study habits, and self-testing material frequently is emphasized as much more effective than mere passive reading or last-minute studying.
Habit 4: Smart time and distraction management
Effective time management is yet another common practice of successful students. They learn to dissect larger tasks into small, actionable components, allocate extra time to challenging subjects, and take short breaks to rest and recover, avoiding burnout. They are also careful about distractions like mobile phones, social media, and unnecessary multitasking while studying, often picking lower traffic places or specific times to maintain their concentration. By guarding their study time and honouring their own schedule, they accomplish more in less time and still have time left for athletics, pastimes, and family.
Habit 5: Seeking Help Early and Health Care
Perhaps the most underrated habit of high-achievers is the bravery to ask questions when no assistance is provided. Rather than feeling embarrassed or postponing to the last minute, they approached teachers, peers, or relatives for a prompt resolution to avoid minor queries from escalating into major problems. In addition to this, they emphasize rest, nutritious meals, and a little bit of exercise because research indicates that a sound body facilitates smoother functioning focused attention, improved retention, and better emotional regulation.
Building These Habits Gradually
For Indian parents and educators, the good news is that these habits of high achievers can be inculcated in a stepwise manner with some help and perseverance. Teens require soft nudges, achievable goals, and recognition for effort, rather than just the results.
In an environment where homes and schools coordinate to promote routines, planning, active learning, and self-care, average students make strides toward their potential. Small changes, such as setting aside a specific time every day to study, or performing a self-review after each class, can constitute a year of meaningful progress.
At The Adhyayana International Public School (TAIPS), a top CBSE school in Coimbatore, every child is assisted in building these habits through dedicated study guidance, mentoring, and life-skill programmes. Our strategy empowers students to progress beyond academics, and enhance their self-esteem, self-control, and inquisitiveness. To see how TAIPS fosters everyday these habits of successful people, and to experience first-hand our focus on students, visit our CBSE School.
