Studying as an adult isn’t easy.
Long hours, endless notes, and traditional methods often lead to stress instead of success.
But learning doesn’t have to feel this way.
In Study Smarter, Not Harder, I share proven techniques to help you focus better, remember more, and succeed — without burning out.
🟢 Each episode is based on one of the most popular articles originally published at ElArtedelaMemoria.org. It’s been translated with the help of AI so more people can access this valuable knowledge in English.
🧠 Few Have Much and Many Have Little
Have you ever wondered what the secret is for some people to achieve great results while doing very little?
Surely you know someone who studies little but gets excellent grades… or works only a few hours a day but achieves more than others in double the time.
What do they do differently? What’s their secret? And most importantly: what can you do to achieve the same?
The answer lies in the Pareto Principle.
📖 A Personal Story
Years ago, I worked as a Software Engineer. I was always the first to arrive and the last to leave, even taking work home on nights and weekends.
Yet, despite all the hours and effort, the recognition and rewards went to colleagues who worked only their contracted hours.
I kept telling myself: “You need to work harder. You need to do more.” But the results didn’t change.
Then I started paying attention to those “chosen ones.” The difference? They focused only on what mattered most. No extras. No wasted detail. They did what needed to be done, and only that.
Once I applied this principle, my professional life changed completely. And the same applies to studying.
⚽ The Soccer Example
I trained hard, ran up and down the field, assisted teammates, and worked tirelessly. Still, the glory always went to the goal scorers.
Why? Because goals win games.
My 80% effort produced only 20% of the results. Meanwhile, others who focused on the 20% that mattered (scoring) got 80% of the credit.
When I changed my focus — preparing to score goals instead of just working hard — I had more fun, put in less effort, and became the team’s top scorer.
✅ How to Apply the 80/20 Rule
The Pareto Principle isn’t always 80/20. Sometimes it’s 70/30, 90/10, or even 99/1. But the idea is the same: a few key actions produce most of your results.
Examples:
- You wear 20% of your clothes 80% of the time.
- You use 20% of your phone’s features.
- In exams, 20% of the syllabus often determines most of the grade.
- Meeting with your teacher to solve doubts could give you more clarity (and recognition) than hours of isolated study.
So — why spend your time on the wrong 80%?
🚀 Steps to Apply Pareto Successfully
- Observe externally. What do the best students or colleagues actually do? Copy what works.
- Observe internally. Pay attention to which of your efforts give the best return. Double down on those.
- Practice. Keep applying what works until it becomes second nature.
- Let the results come. Don’t chase the 80% that doesn’t matter.
🔔 This Week’s Challenge
Pick one subject, certification, or project.
👉 Ask yourself: What’s the 20% that really matters? Focus there first.
Then decide if the other 80% is even worth your time.
✍️ This is Study Smarter, Not Harder, a blog for adult learners and professionals who want to learn faster, remember more, and pass exams without stress.