Let us start off from one fact: There is time for (almost) everything

The almost is because, if we get involved in a lot of different activities, we may not be able to develop them completely. If we want to be successful in our studies, the first thing is to think that studying is the most important thing and that, therefore, all other activities should come after it.

Once we have assimilated this idea, without which everything else will fail, we must draw up a study timetable on a clean, well organised page. We should bear in mind projects or exams that require special preparation over a period of time. Weekends and holidays are also included.

Secondly, we must stick to this. There are people who believe that we should study what we need for the next day, while others tell us to study what we have learnt that day (because it is freshest in our minds) and revise what we need for the next day.

Break times must be planned in the timetable. Thus, for example :

Notice how the break times increase the longer the study session is. Of course, this table is a guide only and will depend on the study habit we are in. The timetable in the table may be too intense for a 10 year old student, while a full time student of official exams may study 3-4 hours non-stop.

A timetable should generally be:

• Realistic.
• Personalised
• Revisable
• Balanced
• Written
• Specific

One of the most frequently asked questions when putting together this timetable is: ¿When is it best to study?. It is impossible to give a general answer for everyone and, therefore, each person should observe themselves to determine what time they work better, but, in any case, it is essential to study every day at the same time, as that is how to create a habit.

As a certain writer said: inspiration has to come to you at the work table.