Running head: PSYCHOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESS

PSYCHOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESS

STUDENT’S NAME

INSTITUTION
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One success principle related to selective attention states that what you focus on grows

stronger the longer you focus on it.

Selective attention is the ability to focus on specific tasks, processes, or objects while

minimizing interference from other non-relevant tasks, processes, and objects. (Hanania, &

Smith, 2010). Selective attention allows one to gain a deeper understanding and comprehension

of the task at hand and allows one to make relevant connections and learning experiences.

Learning is enhanced as a result of using selective attention to immerse oneself in the subject

matter to the exclusion of other material. The longer one immerses himself in the learning

process, the better the material is learned.

I have experienced this phenomenon as I learned to play the guitar. Initially, I had trouble

learning the chords as well as identifying musical keys and notes by ear. I persisted with my

training practice. I applied selective attention by not attempting to learn any other musical

instrument at the time. Within six months I had become proficient in playing the guitar as well as

identifying chords, notes, and keys while listening to music.

A success principle related to spaced repetition is found in the adage that repetition is the

mother of skill.

Khang (2010) points to spaced repetition as being vital to success and states that “practice

…spaced out over time generally leads to superior learning than having the repetition(s) occur in

close temporal succession” (p 13). He also states that spaced repetition allows for stronger

memory association and information processing, leading to a higher learning rate. Spaced

repetition positively impacts learning by allowing for longer retention and better comprehension

of subjects and materials learned. (Khang, 2010, p 13-15).

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I have applied spaced repetition to my typing practice. I wanted to become more

proficient at typing and so I obtained typing training software and did intermittent practice over a

period of two months. After that period I noticed that it was much easier for me to type using all

ten fingers as opposed to my usual “hunt and peck typing” technique. I keep taking refresher

training on the software, and my typing speed is higher than ever.

A success principle related to habit formation states that we form our habits and our

habits mold our life.

A habit is a pattern of behavior, mindset or attitude that one has nurtured in their life

either consciously or unconsciously. As a result of multiple repetitions or strong attachment, a

habit is relatively easy to carry out and very difficult to eliminate. This means that one who has

beneficial habits will tend to succeed while those with poor habits tend to fail. In a learning

situation, students should be assisted in developing beneficial study habits such as the continuous

application of whatever they learn as well as frequent revision of their work in order for them to

succeed. (Khang, 2010).

I plan to put this principle for success into action in my life by creating the habit of

waking up earlier than usual to study daily. In order to do this, I will have to cut out excessive

T.V time so that I can have adequate time at my disposal. I will also go to bed early, set my

alarm to ring earlier and discipline myself to follow through until the habit is set.
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References

Hanania, R. C., & Smith, L. B. (2010). Selective Attention and Attention Switching: Toward a

Unified Developmental Approach. In NIH. Retrieved August 6, 2016, from

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2939469/

Kang, S. (2016). Spaced repetition promotes efficient and effective learning: Policy implications

for instructions. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain sciences, 3 (1), 12-19.