Strategies for Tackling Difficult Subjects

20 April 2025

Studying can sometimes feel like trying to climb Mount Everest—especially when you're dealing with tough subjects. Whether it's advanced mathematics, organic chemistry, or a foreign language, some topics just seem impossible to grasp. But here's the good news: no subject is truly impossible to master. With the right strategies, mindset, and persistence, you can conquer any academic challenge.

This article will walk you through practical, effective strategies to tackle difficult subjects head-on and emerge victorious. Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. Shift Your Mindset: Believe You Can Do It

Before you even start tackling a tough subject, your mindset plays a massive role in whether you succeed or fail. If you keep telling yourself, “I’m terrible at this,” guess what? You will struggle. But if you believe that you can improve, your brain is more likely to cooperate.

Think about when you learned to ride a bike. It wasn’t easy at first, right? You probably fell a few times. But with persistence, you eventually got the hang of it. Learning a difficult subject works the same way. It’s all about patience and practice.

🔹 Tip: Practice growth mindset thinking. Instead of saying, “I don’t get this,” try saying, “I don’t get this yet.” That one tiny word—yet—can make a huge difference in your learning journey.

2. Break It Down Into Small Chunks

Ever heard the saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time”? The same applies to learning difficult subjects. If a topic feels overwhelming, breaking it down into smaller, manageable parts makes it easier to digest.

For instance, if you're struggling with calculus, don’t try to swallow the entire textbook in one sitting. Focus on one concept at a time—limits, derivatives, then integrals. Master each step before moving on to the next.

🔹 Tip: Use the Pomodoro Technique—study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, then repeat. This keeps your brain fresh and prevents burnout.

3. Find Your Learning Style

Not everyone learns the same way. Some people are visual learners, while others are more hands-on. Understanding your preferred learning style can make everything easier.

- Visual learners: Use diagrams, flowcharts, and mind maps.
- Auditory learners: Listen to recorded lectures or explain concepts out loud.
- Kinesthetic learners: Use hands-on activities, like building a model or writing things down repeatedly.

🔹 Tip: Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to learning!

4. Use the Feynman Technique

The Feynman Technique, named after physicist Richard Feynman, is a powerful way to master complex subjects. It’s simple:

1. Pick a topic you’re struggling with.
2. Explain it in simple terms, as if teaching a 5-year-old.
3. Identify gaps in your explanation and revisit the material.
4. Repeat until you can explain it clearly, without hesitation.

If you can’t simplify a concept, you probably don’t understand it well enough yet. Keep refining your explanation until it clicks!

5. Leverage Multiple Resources

Sometimes, a single textbook or lecturer’s explanation just isn’t clicking. That’s okay! Try learning from different sources.

- Watch YouTube tutorials.
- Read blog posts or online articles.
- Join study groups.
- Listen to podcasts.

Each source offers a different perspective, and one of them might explain the concept in a way that finally makes sense to you!

🔹 Tip: Don’t rely on just one textbook—mix it up. Different authors explain things in different ways, and sometimes, a new explanation is all you need.

6. Practice, Practice, Practice

Let’s be real—no one masters a subject by just reading about it. To truly understand something, you have to actively engage with it.

- Doing math? Work through extra problems.
- Learning a language? Speak and write regularly.
- Studying history? Summarize key events in your own words.

The more you practice, the easier things get. It’s like building muscle: the more reps you do, the stronger you become.

🔹 Tip: Try active recall—instead of just rereading notes, close your book and try to recall key concepts from memory. This strengthens retention.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Struggling does not mean you're not smart—it just means you need a little guidance. There’s no shame in asking for help.

- Reach out to your teacher or professor.
- Join a study group.
- Get a tutor if necessary.

Chances are, many people have struggled with the same topics before. A simple explanation from someone else could be the breakthrough you need!

8. Connect Concepts to Real-Life Examples

Abstract theories can be hard to grasp when they seem disconnected from reality. But when you link them to real-world situations, they suddenly make a lot more sense.

For example, physics might seem complicated—until you think about roller coasters, car brakes, or even how a ball bounces. Chemistry? Think about cooking and how ingredients react to heat.

Connecting what you learn to everyday life makes tough concepts feel more practical and less intimidating.

🔹 Tip: Try relating complex ideas to hobbies or interests you already have—it makes learning much more fun!

9. Maintain a Consistent Study Routine

Cramming at the last minute rarely leads to deep learning. Instead, space out your study sessions over time.

- Study a little every day rather than all at once.
- Review older material regularly to keep it fresh in your mind.
- Set a specific time for studying to build a habit.

Studying is like watering a plant—you have to do it consistently to see growth!

10. Stay Positive and Reward Yourself

Progress can sometimes feel slow, but don’t get discouraged. Celebrate small wins along the way.

- Finally understood a tricky concept? Treat yourself to a break.
- Completed a tough assignment? Have a snack or watch your favorite show.

Rewards keep you motivated and make the learning process more enjoyable.

🔹 Tip: Keep a progress journal to track what you've learned. Seeing how far you've come can be incredibly encouraging!

Final Thoughts

Tackling difficult subjects isn’t about being naturally gifted—it’s about using the right strategies, being persistent, and having a positive attitude. Every expert was once a beginner, and with time and effort, you can master anything.

So the next time you feel stuck on a challenging topic, take a deep breath, apply these strategies, and keep pushing forward. You've got this!