Personal Concerns and Next Steps

Some personal concerns that i have are that I am unable to think out side the box. I have always learned a certain way to mathematical formulas and how to problem solve. I was never really given opportunities to be challenged and find different solutions. Another concern of mine is that it is so hard for me to take tests and comprehend and make connections while studying that it could eventually hurt me in the long run. Some steps that i can take into account when i am studying is to try and make those connections to real life situtations, and maybe start studying a couple weeks before the text, rather than a couple days before. It is just very hard to study so far in ahead, when we are required to do some much homework in all of my other classes. I am not complaining, but sometimes school gets a little overwhelming and i seem to fall behind in all of my studies. Some other steps i can take in order to improve would be to give myself challenges and make my self solve problems using different strategies.