Necessary Lessons: When Reading Meets Studying

Life is a journey of learning, and some important lessons come not from textbooks, but from life's experiences. There are certain things in life no one can teach you—they come only with time, experience, and priceless wisdom that comes from realizing how clueless you were.

Reading as an Escape vs Studying as a Necessity

There's a magic in books that transports us to new worlds, broadens our horizons, and sharpens our curiosity. As an avid reader, I've always believed in the power of words. However, one lesson that hit me hard was the difference between reading for pleasure and studying for a goal.

When my close friend, preparing for her CA finals, asked me not to gift her a book, it was a wake-up call. She explained, "Do you want me to pass my CA finals or not?" This realization dawned on me that sometimes reading can interfere with our most pressing goals. Reading is a beautiful escape but an indulgence we cannot afford.

The Fine Line Between Reading and Studying

Reading and studying are two entirely different realms. One is an escape, while the other is a necessity. While reading opens doors to new worlds and perspectives, it can also become a distraction, especially when we're preparing for a major exam. In India, the competitive environment often defines one’s career trajectory, making studying not just about acquiring knowledge but also about discipline, focus, and clarity.

Priorities and Realities: When to Read and When to Study

Setting priorities is crucial. When we're juggling multiple goals, it's important to know when to read for pleasure and when to focus on studying. Reading enriches the mind, but studying sharpens it. It’s like comparing free-flowing water to a concentrated jet—it’s focused, targeted, and purposeful.

The truth is, no one enjoys making notes or cramming information for exams. It can feel tedious, sometimes pointless. But it's part of the system, and more often than not, it works. Reading, on the other hand, provides knowledge but often not in the way we need for academic or professional success. It helps us grow as individuals but doesn't necessarily clear the path to where we want to be career-wise.

Striking a Balance: Accepting Reality

To achieve success, it's crucial to keep your priorities clear. Like my friend, you need to understand the difference between what you want to do and what you need to do. This lesson in discipline helps us accept that while reading can be a lifelong friend, there are moments in life where studying takes precedence.

In the end, it's all about balance. Read in your free time, but when it's time to work and study, commit fully to your goals. Keep them separate because when you blur the lines, you risk losing focus on both.

Life is about making choices, and sometimes those choices require us to set aside the things we love for the things that will take us where we need to go. So, let's cherish our love for reading, but don't forget the importance of studying.