There comes a time in every student’s academic career when they must ask themselves an important question: should I study harder or get help? Both options have their own set of pros and cons, and it can be difficult to decide which path to take. In this blog post, we will explore both options in detail and help you make the best decision for your academic career.

Study Harder

The first option to consider is studying harder. This entails dedicating yourself to a more rigorous study schedule and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone into the realm of what most would call “overachieving”. This approach can be beneficial if you are already close to achieving your academic goals, but need that extra push to get there.

The Flipside of Study Harder

However, it is important to remember that this path should not be taken lightly. Pushing too hard can have negative effects on physical and mental health, such as lack of sleep or burnout. That said, for those who think they have the discipline and drive to take on a more intense workload, studying harder may be an effective way of reaching their academic goals quickly. 

Ask for Help

The second option to consider is asking for help. This can come in the form of tutoring, online study materials, or even just talking to a friend about what you’re struggling with. Asking for help can be extremely beneficial when done correctly; by seeking out additional resources and support outside of yourself, you can fill any gaps in your understanding and increase your academic performance.

The Flipside to Ask for Help

However, it is important to remember that this path should not be taken lightly either. Seeking out too much help without actually attempting any independent work on your own can create a reliance on others and diminish your ability to learn and problem-solve on your own in the future. That said, for those who feel they need additional guidance and support, asking for help may be the best way to get what they need.

How to Know When to Push Harder or Ask for Help

Making the decision between studying harder or asking for help can be difficult, and in some cases it may even seem impossible. The best advice when it comes to making a call like this is to trust your instincts. If you think that pushing yourself harder will get you closer to where you want to be academically, then go ahead and push yourself. On the other hand, if you feel like asking for help would be more beneficial, don’t hesitate in doing so. For example, if you are not making sense of your math assignments, then math’s tutoring could be an effective solution.

At the end of the day, there really isn’t a “one size fits all” approach when it comes to reaching academic success. What works best for one person might not work as well for another. That’s why it’s important to trust your own judgment and make the decision that you feel is best for you and your academic career. With a bit of self-reflection and consideration, you can find the perfect balance between pushing yourself harder and asking for help when needed.