The Study Habits Every Teen Entrepreneur Needs
A big part of entrepreneurship is constantly learning about new industries, subjects, and perspectives. Studying doesn’t just happen in the classroom. As a business owner, you’ll need to study business strategies, financial reports, customer behavior, and even new software. In this article, we’ll cover a few study habits that can help you stay organized and get the most out of everything you learn.
1. Schedule Your Study Time
Each week, it’s helpful to organize all your deadlines, assignments, and study blocks. Take out your agenda and write down everything on your to-do list so you can start prioritizing each task. You can even divide your list into categories like school, business, and personal development. Scheduling your week ahead makes your workload feel more manageable and gives you a clear, focused plan that you can feel confident following.
2. Eliminate Distractions
You might be determined to focus, only to end up scrolling on your phone or chatting with someone nearby. It’s not enough to simply intend to focus; you need to create an environment that helps you do it. Here are a few strategies you can try:
- Physically move your phone to another room so it’s out of reach, and turn on Do Not Disturb.
- Download an app that blocks social media for a set amount of time, preventing easy access to distractions.
- Change your environment if home isn’t working—try studying at a quiet library, café, or coworking space.
Experiment with different settings to figure out what distracts you most and what helps you stay focused.
3. Study Smarter, Not Just Harder
When you sit down to study something new, follow these steps to make sure you’re truly understanding the material:
- Skim: Look for headings, questions, or sections before reading in depth. Ask yourself, “What will this information teach me?” and jot down any questions that come to mind.
- Read actively: Highlight key points, take notes, and pay attention to whether the material answers the questions you listed earlier.
- Recite: Summarize what you’ve learned in your own words; say it aloud, write it down, or explain it to a friend.
For example, if you’re learning how to use new marketing software for your business, try explaining its main features and walking someone through a short demo to test your understanding.
4. Build a Productive Study Environment
Your study space should motivate you to focus. Keep your desk clean and clutter-free and make sure you have all your supplies, like pens, sticky notes, or chargers, within reach. This strategy saves time and keeps you from losing momentum once you start studying.
Create small habits that signal it’s time to focus, like making your favorite tea or playing instrumental music. Doing these same actions each time builds consistency. You can also prepare yourself physically with light exercise or stretching to increase your energy and alertness before you begin.
5. Celebrate Your Wins
Once you’ve reached your study goals for the week, take time to reward yourself. Celebrating your wins reminds you that progress deserves recognition.
Research shows that rewarding yourself with social connections, like spending time with friends, can reduce stress and boost overall well-being. Other great rewards include:
- Taking a walk in your favorite scenic area
- Treating yourself to a delicious meal
- Taking a day off to relax and recharge
Rewards like these help you stay positive and motivated to continue learning.
Keep Learning, Keep Growing
Studying effectively is a lifelong skill that will help you succeed in high school, business, and college. Keep your environment focused, remove distractions, and remember to celebrate your wins along the way.
If you’re passionate about learning and leadership, the Kantner Foundation Scholarship supports high school entrepreneurs like you as you take the next step. Click here to learn more.
