Success does not come overnight

I think most of you know who Thomas Edison is. Yes, he is the scientist who invented light bulbs. However, do you know how many failures Thomas Edison had encountered before he finally found out that carbonized bamboo filament can emit light steadily by electricity ? The answer is more than 1600.

Many times, we think that studying relies on talent. However, from the achievements of many famous scientists, it is evident that what often determines success is self-discipline and resilience. When faced with challenges, scientists break down problems, set small achievable goals, and proceed step by step. When met with difficulties, scientists do not give up, but instead they keep on doing experiments, reviewing and adjusting the results, and then trying again until success. This rhythm makes progress a habit.

Similarly, in terms of studying, we also need two elements: self-discipline and resilience. Self-discipline is not about forcing yourself to do something unwillingly but about setting a regular and reasonable routine. Resilience means actively focusing on finding solutions: for example, keep asking until you fully understand the question, keep practicing what you’re not familiar, or aim to improve a little more than yesterday persistently.

Learning is like conducting an experiment: To begin with, you identify your problem, set a hypothesis and decide a method to solve the problem. Then, you verify the effectiveness of the method, make adjustment repeatedly until you achieve your goal. Every practice in this process is an experience that tells you which methods are working. When you’re willing to consistently take care of small things, like organizing notes daily and writing down mistakes, these small steps will accumulate and eventually lead you to breakthroughs. Finally, you will have a clear picture of how you are improving.

Dear Shungtakians, starting from today, try to build up your routine in your study : Firstly, set a goal and write down the tasks you should do in order to achieve it ; Secondly, set a timer before studying and focus just on the tasks during that period in an environment without any distractions (e.g. you can put away your mobile phone); Thirdly, after you complete your task, reward yourself with a small treat, like enjoying a short break where you can listen to a song or eat your favourite snack. This can give you motivation to move on continuously. When you repeat this routine patiently, your habits will replace your willpower, and you will become a better you day by day.

If you are able to manage yourself, you will naturally feel more confident facing exams in the future. Success does not come overnight, embracing your failure and practising self-discipline will lead you to move forward every day. Not everyone is a genius. However, as long as you are willing to be self-disciplined and resilient, you can achieve remarkable results that belong to you.

Ms Chau YL