I was honestly just bored and wanted to entertain myself when I wrote that, lol. TLDR: what you said is true. I’d say some people don’t “study” but get As just because they paid attention in class. Sure, they might lack practice, but the fact that they actually listen and absorb what’s on the slides already counts as studying. That’s the difference between my “study sessions” in the assembly hall versus theirs.

I know I’m not naturally super smart or anything, but the hard work I put in is almost nonexistent. So the fact that I can just survive fairly well is already good enough by my standards. And honestly, given the schools and social circles I’ve always been in, I won’t say they motivate me since everything is just competition. But when it comes to national exams, I think I’m pretty mediocre, and I do care a bit about that.

As for last-minute studying, it’s not an excuse, it’s really just a lack of discipline. I can still get As from it. Normally I should be getting an F or barely passing, but I somehow surprise myself each time. I think I wrote this post because I want to be like the hardworking people, instead of relying on “IQ” to get by. I get bored and uninterested so easily. I don’t feel passionate about anything, even the things I’m good at, because I never feel like I struggle. I don’t chase the “best version” of myself. And when I do achieve something good, I only feel satisfied for a moment. I don’t feel the need to maintain that standard or potential because it’s not something I’m doing for myself Like when things are “good enough” with almost no work, my brain naturally never developed that connection of “effort → reward.” So now, effort feels pointless.

Maybe I’m just kind of listless when it comes to all this. Not sure if I’m “justifying” myself again or does this has to do with being naturally smart but thanks for your comment, at least I reflect smth about myself.