Don’t Study, Do Something
Unexpected ways to work smarter and have more fun
- Textbook
Don’t Study, Do Something
Unexpected ways to work smarter and have more fun
- Textbook
Description
This energetic and interactive book presents loads of little-known secrets to help learners of all descriptions cut through information overload and tackle academic work effectively.
Readers will learn to move from frustration to confidence, procrastination to practice, with evidence-backed, practical actions. With each page of this book, an ah-ha moment awaits the reader. Don't Study, Do Something offers dozens of adaptable and manageable strategies to suit different learners. It gives readers the ability to create a personalized toolkit for success. Each chapter gives chances to engage, reflect, doodle and to reconnect.
Students can use this book to:
-Beat procrastination and boost motivation
-Take better notes using less time
-Turn GenAI into a creative ally
-Approach assessments with calm confidence, instead of panic
Readers will learn to learn on their own terms, at their own pace, and with their unique strengths in mind.
Table of Contents
Introduction. Start here.
1. Who are you? Start your journey with clarity by defining your core values, beliefs, and personal goals
2. You can do it – Learn to use the science of SMART goals, visualisation, and 'growth mindset' to hack your brain and learn more effectively.
3. Own your space – Master your spaces, materials, and workflow, so you are always ready to do good work.
4. Custom design a routine for you – Go with the flow of your own biology and brain.
PART II: START LEARNING NOW: HOW TO DO THINGS
5. Take better notes in lecture – Three simple note-taking methods to keep you focused and help you perform in exams and assignments.
6. Don't just listen, do something – Use the secret of 'active recall' to build confidence quickly and avoid the stress of cramming.
7. Read smarter, not harder – Experiment with active reading techniques to take control, enjoy reading more, and stop banging your head against the text.
8. Get more than your peers from tutorials, seminars, and labs – Learn to engage without the embarrassment, so you can learn faster and enjoy it more
9. Use AI like no one else – Gen AI isn't a simple tool or shortcut. Use it creatively to supercharge your brain – without cheating.
10. Learn to focus for better work and better mood – Sculpt your surroundings and tweak your tech for less stress and better brain function.
11. Manage your time – Find a practical time management strategy that actually works for you
PART III: ACE YOUR ASSESSMENTS
12. Tackle assignments – Master your assignments before they master you
13. Be the writer – Try the two most common ways to write…and bring them together
14. Be many writers – Get creative with how you write
15. Collaborate wisely – Make group work less stress and more useful
16. Prepare for Exams – No need to 'cram' when you just know stuff.
PART IV: DON'T STOP
17. Use grades and feedback to your advantage – Most students ignore their feedback. Don't be them
18. Boost motivation and avoid procrastination – Use science to beat procrastination and maintain motivation
19. Change your mindset – Use the science of 'growth mindset'
Product details
| Published | 15 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|
| Format | Ebook (PDF) |
| Edition | 1st |
| Extent | 176 |
| ISBN | 9781350590519 |
| Imprint | Bloomsbury Academic |
| Series | Bloomsbury Study Skills |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
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