The bitter truth is that not all of us get to choose every subject we are studying, sometimes it’s out of compulsion. Whether it was a scheduling issue, university requirements, peer pressure or maybe even family influence, sometimes you may find yourself studying a subject you didn't willingly sign up for. What is rarely discussed is how to excel in this situation and how you can train your mind to adapt to this new challenge. So let’s assume you’re still stewing in frustration and disappointment, it’s time to grab a pen and paper and map out how to not only survive this subject, but to conquer it.
Why Curiosity Feels Missing
Whenever we are forced to make a choice that goes against the vision we had in our minds, it’s normal to feel both dread and an unwillingness to adjust initially. This could lead to stalling and avoidance, all because the outcome of that decision makes us feel uncomfortable. In the case of that dreaded subject, this initial lack of confidence and confusion makes us perceive the subject as either boring or intimidating. If numbers are your strong suit, then opting for an essay-based subject leads to an obvious clash between the subject’s demands and your strengths. So how exactly can curiosity be built to overcome this?
Ways to Stay Curious (even when studying that dreaded subject)
Connect it to what you do enjoy learning about
Maybe you enjoy studying law, psychology, politics or the environment, whatever it may be, try linking your subject to that passion. If you find yourself stuck studying law when really your interest was in business studies, perhaps corporate law or contract law might interest you. If you’re stuck in statistics, maybe try to learn how such data is used in mental health or climate research. The goal is to study the topic from an angle that differs from the textbook, and soon you’ll find your interest piqued.
Change how you study that subject
Perhaps the study technique you usually use isn’t quite right for this subject. You usually get away with reading the textbook, but for this subject all it does is make it drier. Other ways to tackle the subject could be through watching YouTube lectures on it or using visual aids such as diagrams or mindmaps to visualise things.
Bonus tip: If you gamify it by setting weekly challenges or rewarding yourself with a snack after a tough chapter, you will be more likely to press on.
Talk to someone who has already conquered the subject
Sometimes a motivational talk from someone you look up to is enough encouragement to give something new a shot, albeit even reluctantly. You may start to see the subject in a different light, and it’s a great opportunity to highlight what troubles you are facing and how to overcome them. This person can be a mentor, friend who enjoys the subject, teacher etc.
Search for those hidden rabbit holes
No matter the subject, you will always find a weird or controversial topic/theory within it. You might see conflicts between economists trying to refute the other person’s point to prove their theory is superior, or the numerous grey areas in law that might make your jaw drop, or maybe even theories of the unconscious mind in psychology that will make you feel both shocked and intrigued. Turn the subject into a mini investigation.
Let confusion guide you, not push you away
We often stop being curious when confusion hits us. Sometimes we connect this confusion to self-doubt which makes us uncomfortable, and the immediate thought that comes to mind is “I don’t get this, that can’t be good and what does it say about me?”
This kind of mentality stems from fear and discomfort, so try and shift it to “I don’t understand right now, but perhaps if I try again it’ll make sense.” This kind of mindset braces you for inevitable setbacks, and pushes you to not give up in the face of them.
Final Thoughts
You don’t always choose your subject, but you can choose how you engage with it.
Staying curious doesn't guarantee endless enthusiasm, but it does help you ask better questions and in making small connections that help you explore the subject. This process does take time and is similar to a muscle that you build.
And once you do, the subject stops being just a requirement. It becomes another lens through which you see the world 🌍