16d • 🧠 Study Skills
The RIGHT Way To Solve A Hard Problem
In exams and during revision, many students either force a question for too long or give up too quickly. Both mistakes come from not understanding how the brain actually solves problems.
Your brain switches between two learning modes. Using them in the right order matters.
1) Focused Mode (Struggle here first)
This is when you concentrate deeply.
- Step-by-step thinking
- Applying formulas and methods
- Actively trying to solve the problem
You need to spend real time here.
If you skip this struggle, your brain has nothing solid to work with later.
2) Diffused Mode (Only after)
This kicks in when you stop focusing:
- Your mind relaxes
- Your brain connects ideas in new ways
That’s why this works:
Work on a question seriously first. If you’re stuck, move on. When you return, the solution often becomes clearer.
The rule:
Struggle → step away → return.
No struggle first = no insight later.
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The RIGHT Way To Solve A Hard Problem
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