Organic Chemistry for Life: Unlocking Your Potential in the Classroom and Beyond
By Vy Dong, Ph.D.
The book by Vy Dong is made up of five chapters and includes a four week program to follow, so you can unlock your full potential. In the book Vy Dong writes about helpful methods and how you can apply them in the classroom and beyond.
Chapter 1 is all about mastering time, which is important not just for school or work but also daily tasks. She mentions two techniques, the first is Time-boxing. To put it simply, instead of making to-do lists you make schedules. Then there’s the Pomodoro technique, which is used to stay focused during deep work. How it works: you choose a task, set a timer for 25 minutes and commit to working only on that said task. When the timer rings, take a short break around 5 minutes. Stand up, stretch, look away from your screen, so that means don’t go look at another screen like your phone. The first week of the program you will be focusing on chapter one and how to become a time architect.
Chapter 2 is about retaining the things you learn. Which is why it is important to learn about the Forgetting Curve. The Forgetting Curve demonstrates the rate at which we forget information if we don’t try to actively maintain it. Two ways to retain information is by using Retrieval Practice and Spaced Repetition. Retrieval Practice is the act of actively recalling information from memory without looking at notes or a textbook. Spaced Repetition is a strategy that involves looking over the material and waiting longer each time before looking at it again. For example, first you wait an hour, then a day, then three days, then a week and then a month and so on.
Chapter 3 is about building daily habits and routines. Starting a new task can be difficult, as you need to have discipline and motivation. But professor Dong explains that if you make it a habit it becomes automatic. For example you don’t think about brushing your teeth because it is a habit. In her own words “The goal isn’t to summon willpower every night—it’s to build a routine so frictionless and rewarding that it becomes second nature.” That is what week 3 is about—becoming a habit engineer.
Chapter 4 focuses on the importance of taking care of your body and health. When studying it is important to take breaks, get enough sleep, and get proper nutrition to avoid burnout. “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” - Jim Rohn. Taking a break is crucial for your brain and body to recharge, and so is sleep. Sleep is non-negotiable, if you’re not getting enough sleep it harms your brain’s ability to learn and remember. It also weakens your immune system. To keep up with your health and academic performance you need proper nutrition. Food is fuel for your body and brain, so it is important to use the right fuel. It is crucial to get the nutrition that your body needs to function e.g. fruits and vegetables since they are packed with vitamins, along with fiber which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Week 4 is about how you can add these strategies into your daily routine for a healthier lifestyle.
Chapter 5 goes over life beyond the classroom. In school you tend to focus on what is straight ahead like exams, deadlines, and grades. But when you graduate it broadens your vision, and it can be overwhelming not knowing what is ahead. The book is not only about success academically but also personally. In chapter 5 Professor Dong talks about critical concepts for a thriving life beyond academics, mainly about concepts that will shape your financial future and personal connections. When managing your own money it is very important to approach your finances with humility, patience and emotional intelligence. Even though it is important to secure your finances, you must not forget the importance of quality relationships. The people you surround yourself with have a massive impact on your well-being, it is crucial to know what to avoid in relationships, platonic and romantic. If you surround yourself with people that drain your energy, talk down to you, or worse if it will have a big impact on your well-being in the short-and long-term.
The book has more, and goes a lot more in depth about methods helpful in your academic and personal life. Simply by reading it, it has given me a new perspective about studying and life in general. It is written really well without using hard concepts or complicated words. Even if you just read it it will provide you with great tools and methods to use in life. But it is best to follow the program, as you start by learning how to use your time wisely, then the next week you add more tasks and methods into your daily routine. By changing one thing at a time, it will be less overwhelming. Even if you don’t necessarily struggle with learning or being disciplined, I recommend reading the full book, and following the program.