I started something different today.
I set aside time for deliberate study sessions where I studied various writing pieces that I had saved and found fascinating.
A few minutes in, my brain got bored. Some moments—of pushing through the boredom—later, I got thrilled.
Studying is a lost art. At best we attach it to the schooling structure; at worst it is some boring activity nitwits engage in.
But our society is built on studies from different individuals.
History itself is a collection from studying what happened in the past. Certain parts of scriptures, like Solomon’s words in Proverbs, are fruits of study.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “study” as this:
Application of the mental faculties to the acquisition of knowledge.
Fancy definition, but you get the point.
The end goal is to acquire some knowledge. The difference is, this information comes from checking different sources, thinking, and making brain connections. We’re not used to such approach in the 21st century. We’re more accustomed to thirty-second reels and 5-minute “courses”.
A study takes a different route. It is longer, requires more patience, and needs your attention.
If you ask me, that’s more fun.
Our brains were made to work. To find connections between what seems disjointed. To scan through other people’s work and draw out a new meaning. A unique meaning.
Here’s my challenge to you this week:
Pick a subject, any topic, and study it.
How do you study?
- Select a starting point. It could be research you want to look into, a conversation you had last night or a Bible verse that caught your interest.
- Observe and ask questions. What stands out? How do you interpret this? Are there any obvious or hidden connections?
- Gather more resources. Ask a friend what he thinks. Check out what other people are saying. If it’s scripture, ask the Holy Spirit for insights. It gets more fun when you link and find hidden connections between different pieces.
- Keep going. Don’t give up. The drawl will creep up on you. You’ll feel bored after a while. But don’t give up. There’s a lot to stumble upon.
- Turn your study into a resource. Record a voice note. Write about it. Draw. Merge the outcome of your studies with your talent and watch a special work come to life.
- Rinse and repeat. Make studying a habit. Invite friends over for a ‘study’ date, or go on mini study-adventures.
The more you study, the better your thinking becomes. The world will be a better place if we study more and spend less time on filler content.
(This piece is an outcome of a study session. It works.)
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Cover image by Iewek Gnos on Unsplash.
