I want to make the difference clear between good studying and bad studying and I want to do that by a little metaphor.
The two types of swimmers
I’m swimming in competitions and I like to observe fellow swimmers. And I have notice some difference between swimmers.
The one who rushes to the other side of the pool, and rushes back.
This one doesn’t use any technique, just power. SWIM SWIM SWIM and he is on the other side. He joins the swimming club and starts to train 8+ hours a week. Doing some weightlifting besides it and becomes the muscle man! Mostly guys who sound really motivated and who want to reach the top. Sadly, he never gets there. Because he wants it so bad, he over trains himself. Always tired and starting to get injuries. Too bad, he has to quit swimming because of his bad shoulder.
The one who rushes to the other side and then stops to think. Then he swims slowly back.
This one rushes to the other side, think of what he did wrong, and start to change it by swimming REALLY slowly. This is someone who joins the swimming club and starts to train 3 hours a week, slowly building some muscle and enjoys the hours he make. He is motivated, but in a way he doesn’t want to over train himself. After 5 years, his technique is perfected and he joins the national championships.
What has this to do with students?
Everything. These two type of swimmers are resembling two types of students.
The first type
This students wants his diploma really bad and starts to learn a lot! Really a lot, skips nights of sleeping and STUDY STUDY STUDY. But he can’t keep up with this lifestyle. Gets tired during college, falling asleep at important classes and he doesn’t like his classes anymore, they are boring. He quits with his study and will start another study on which he is going to rush.
The second type.
This student wants his diploma also really bad and starts to learn. Couple of hours a day, no more. He keeps fit and can attend class and gets good notes in class. The subjects stay interesting for this guy because they always have new points or views, it’s great. This student will spend a long time in college, but he finishes with his diploma in his pocket, ready for the working life!
Conclusion
Hard working doesn’t equal good working, see these two students/swimmers. Tell me, which one are you? To be honest, I tend to be the first one. But I know that, and I have to limit myself sometimes.
Popularity: 1% [?]
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree. I have trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2004. It is a difficult martial art/sport. In an intense sport like this you have to allow your body to rest or you will begin to collect injuries or become injury prone. I witness new guys who enter the art and want to become champions right away. They train hard for a few months sometimes not missing a single class. But inevitably they fail because they don’t realize that champions are the ones who train for years.
The guys who take it easy and come to class two or three times a week are the ones who last for years. They also become really good. It is the classic turtle and hare tale.
This is not to say that some of the guys who follow the hare route do not succeed. It is just that they usually do not.
Hey Stefan!!
Interesting analogy.
…but i think there are a few other types too.
what about the type that tells everyone how good he’s going to be at swimming, how he’s going to train every day and make the a team, but never does anything?
what about the type of swimmer who focuses on technicalities so much that he gets lost in it and never gets anywhere?
and the trouble with the analogy is that some people will never be able to win gold, and yet anybody can improve their academics. there are physical limitations in swimming but even the “stupidest” person can turn it around and lord academics
cool ideas all round
keep well bra
alex
Very good analogy. I agree with Alex on the other types of swimmers as well.
I feel the most important thing to do is too live a balanced lifestyle. The second type of swimmer will end up enjoying college much more. He also wont burn himself out as much, which will benefit him in the long run. However there are some people that manage to rush and participate in every club and take 20 credits or over a semester and love it. As for me I rather enjoy my time at college, while caring about my studies as well.
@ Bakari
That is a good example of the point I make! They usually do not, great!
@Alex and @Ryan
Should I make another post about it, resembling it to swimmers again!
Good point made out, I really consider another post!
Nice to upward being visiting your blog again, is actually often months for me personally. Nicely this article which possess been waited for so long. We want this article to complete my personal assignment in the actual university, and it’s similar topic your own article. Thanks, great discuss.