“We grow the aspects of our lives that we feed – with energy and engagement – and choke off those we deprive of fuel. Your life is what you agree to attend to." ― Jim Loehr, Author of The Power of Full Engagement

Studying has been a topic of argument, discussion, and debate for many years. Students have suffered by the hand of conventional ways of "learning" advertised by our culture. (Staying up until 4 in the morning, gummy bears on pages and pages of textbook, coffee binges, endless hours of boredom, etc...) This, much more often than not, sets us (the students), up for failure.

Thankfully, there is a new and better way to accomplish meaningful learning. It is called the 50/10 principle. You take 50 minutes to put your best work forward, and ten minutes to do relaxing, restorative activities such as yoga, reading, or drinking a cup of tea. This principle is scientifically proven in the book "The Power of Full Engagement". In the book, the authors illustrate the importance of balance in the "four quadrants," spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental. Through different work/recovery activities, life begins to balance out and success is truly achieved.

We don't need 5 Red Bull's to get us through the study session. We need deliberate, meaningful recovery and rest. It's just like working out! When you lift weights, you tear and build muscle. But, the muscle only builds when it has the proper recovery time.

In the Power of Full Engagement, Jim Loehr stresses the importance of balance. We cannot recover for too long, nor work for excessive amounts of time. Often, he uses physical analogies, such as muscles and running, to illustrate the effects of either choice.

Let's study smarter, everyone. Test the 50/10 principle for yourself, and see the changes in your life!