A/A* Guarantee

7 Day Money-Back
Guarantee

Home > Edgenie Sunday Schroll: Newsletter > The Habit Equation You Need To Stop Procrastinating

Welcome to the 72nd edition of our Newsletter EdGenie's 📜 Sunday Scroll...

Every Sunday I send out actionable tips, tricks and real-world application insights from my 15 year experience coaching students to achieve As and A*s in their Economics A Levels via EdGenie.

Jump to Section:


✨ The Grades You Want Start with the Work You Do Today

Hey Genies, 👋

First, Let's talk about procrastination.

We all know how it feels.

You sit down to work...but the distractions, the delays, the excuses—they creep in. 😩

What if I told you there’s a formula to fix it?

Full disclosure: I just made this up (but it’s 100% science-backed and it works). 🔬💯(Also let me know if this already exists 😂)

Here’s the Habit Equation every student needs:

Here’s how it works:

Trigger: A reliable prompt that reminds you to act.
📚

Example: Setting your study materials on your desk the night before

Frequency: The more often you do it, the easier it becomes.

📅 Example: Studying daily instead of cramming once a week/close to exams

Friction: Barriers or obstacles that make the habit harder to perform🔇

Example: A noisy or messy environment or not knowing where to start (no structure)

Delay: The time between the trigger and action. The shorter, the better.⏱️

Example: Starting your study session immediately after the trigger.

Why does this work? 🤔

🔑 High triggers + frequent action = stronger habits.

💡 Low friction + minimal delay = less procrastination.​

It’s a simple formula, but it changes the game.

Let me show you how to use it:

Let’s say you want to start practicing essay plans every evening.

1️⃣ Trigger:
Set up your workspace and have your materials ready before dinner.

2️⃣ Frequency: Commit to doing just one essay plan or 10 MCQs every other night for a week.

3️⃣ Friction: Eliminate distractions—put your phone on Do Not Disturb (outside of the room), and have your essay topics ready beforehand.

4️⃣ Delay:
Start immediately after dinner, no “I’ll do it later.”

Before you know it, it becomes automatic.

And the best part?

These habits build consistency, and consistency builds grades. 🏆

If you’re ready to take control and stop procrastinating, this is your sign.

Make today the day you create habits that will get you the grades you want.

And remember—at EdGenie, we’ll guide you step by step to keep those habits on track. 💪

Let’s make it happen.

Best,

Emre

​America’s internet giants are being outplayed in the global south

Summary

Amazon's Struggles in India 🚚: Despite being a global e-commerce leader, Amazon lags behind local rivals like Flipkart, Swiggy, and Zomato in India, particularly in quick commerce, which is flourishing in densely populated cities.

Local Champions Outperforming 💪: Regional firms such as MercadoLibre, Shopee, and Nubank are leading in Latin America and South-East Asia, adapting and innovating to address local challenges and needs effectively.

Innovation from Adaptation to Invention 🌟:
Companies in the global south are moving beyond copying Western models, introducing unique innovations like quick commerce and digital banking tailored to local markets.

Booming Quick Commerce 🚴‍♂️:
In India, compact warehouses and two-wheeler deliveries are driving rapid growth, with sales jumping from $200m in 2021 to $7.2bn in 2024, offering everything from groceries to gold coins.

Digital Banking Revolution 📱:
Firms like Nubank in Brazil and Meesho in India are targeting underserved populations with affordable digital services, challenging traditional banks and marketplaces.

Social Commerce Surge 🛍️: 
Platforms like TikTok Shop blend entertainment with shopping, thriving in mobile-first regions like South-East Asia, where this model has reshaped e-commerce dynamics.

Limited Western Adoption 🌍:
Quick commerce faces challenges in the West due to high labour costs and sparse populations, but social commerce is gaining traction, with TikTok Shop now thriving in America.

Lessons for Silicon Valley 📈: Innovations in the global south often take time to reach Western tech giants, but delaying adoption of these ideas risks losing market opportunities and relevance.

A Level Economics Questions:

Q. How might regional competitors in developing markets outperform global firms like Amazon in e-commerce? 🌍
A. Regional competitors leverage their understanding of local cultures, infrastructure, and consumer behaviour to innovate. For instance, Flipkart introduced cash-on-delivery in India to address mistrust of online payments, while MercadoLibre used motorcycles to navigate congested Latin American cities. These strategies not only solve local challenges but also create competitive advantages that global firms, often reliant on standardised models, struggle to replicate.

Q. To what extent can quick-commerce services succeed in countries with low population density? 🚴‍♂️
A. In low-density areas, quick commerce faces scalability challenges due to high operational costs and longer delivery times. However, adapting the model, such as focusing on centralised hubs in towns or offering niche services, could improve feasibility. This contrasts with its success in urban areas like Bangalore, where dense populations make frequent, low-cost deliveries economically viable.

Q. How can social commerce reshape consumer behaviour in developing markets? 🛍️
A. Social commerce blends entertainment with shopping, turning purchasing into a more engaging experience. Platforms like TikTok Shop in South-East Asia use short videos to demonstrate products, encourage impulse buying, and increase user engagement. This approach is especially powerful in mobile-first markets, where traditional advertising often lacks personalisation and immediacy.

Q. Can the growth of quick-commerce in the global south inform strategies for sustainable urban development? 🌆
A.Quick-commerce models, which rely on two-wheelers and compact warehouses, demonstrate how urban logistics can reduce traffic congestion and emissions. By decentralising storage and optimising delivery routes, cities like Bangalore can balance rapid urbanisation with sustainability goals. Policymakers could adapt these lessons to improve public transport and reduce environmental impacts in dense urban areas globally.

Possible A Level Economics 25 Marker Question

Evaluate whether the online retail industry is contestable. ⚖️

Infographic of the Week

The Dollar's Dominance: Winners and Losers in 2024

In 2024, the U.S. dollar strengthened significantly, driving most major currencies to multi-year lows due to robust American economic performance and elevated interest rates. The euro approached parity, reflecting sluggish eurozone growth, while China's economic slowdown added pressure. President Trump’s return to office boosted dollar optimism, spurring rallies on tariff proposals. The British pound fared better, declining only 1.7% amid resilient UK economic conditions and aligned interest rate expectations. Conversely, currencies like the Canadian dollar and Brazilian real experienced sharp declines. Canada’s dollar dropped to $0.69 amidst looming tariffs, while Brazil’s real fell to historic lows, burdened by high inflation and a widening government deficit. Tight credit conditions and rising rates in Brazil signal continued challenges for its currency.

Chart of the Week

2024: The Year of Record-Breaking Heat and Climate Extremes

In 2024, global temperatures soared to unprecedented levels, marking the warmest year on record across all continental regions except Antarctica and Australasia, with significant ocean warming in the North Atlantic, Indian, and Western Pacific. Atmospheric water levels rose 5% above the 1991-2020 average, intensifying heatwaves and heavy rainfall, leading to widespread hardship for millions. These extreme conditions highlight the escalating impacts of climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions and amplified by natural phenomena like El Niño.

Macroeconomic Data


Whenever you're ready there is one way I can help you.

If you or your child are looking to Boost your A level Economics Grades in under 30 days, I'd recommend starting with an all-in-one support network where you get 24/7 access to a SuperTutor:

Join EdGenie 🧞‍♂️: Transform your A-Level Economics essays and exam marks (genuinely) with our comprehensive on-demand learning platform. This carefully curated course blends engaging content with effective exam techniques, the same ones that have empowered over 1,000 of my students to achieve an A or A* over the last 13 years. 
A huge thanks for hopping on board EdGenie's Wednesday Wisdoms newsletter! 
I'm Emre, and I've got a big goal - to make A* education accessible to all A-level students.
And it Starts With You!

Emre Aksahin
Chief Learning Officer at Edgenie

Home > Edgenie Sunday Schroll: Newsletter > ✨ The Grades You Want Start with the Work You Do Today

Welcome to the 68th edition of our Newsletter EdGenie's 📜 Sunday Scroll...

Every Sunday I send out actionable tips, tricks and real-world application insights from my 15 year experience coaching students to achieve As and A*s in their Economics A Levels via EdGenie.

Jump to Section:


✨ The Grades You Want Start with the Work You Do Today

Hey Genies, 🧞‍♂️

This week, I said something to a few of my students on EdGenie that I want you to think about carefully:


"The grades you get on results day are the result of the work that you put in today."


Let that sink in. 🤔

Because what you do today, this week, this month will define whether you improve your grades, hit that A/A* 🌟 or fall short.


Now, what does "the work" look like?

It’s not just hours spent at your desk. 🕒

It’s not just re-reading your notes or making colour-coded flashcards. ✍️📚


It’s purposeful. It’s strategic. It’s the work that gets you results. ✅

Here’s what the right kind of work looks like:


1️⃣ Understand the theory – yes, you need to know your content, but this is just step one. 🧠

2️⃣ Apply the theory – through real-world examples, the extract🌍 and questions. Your essays should include application, not just regurgitated theory.

3️⃣ Practice regularly – build detailed essay plans ✍️, tackle past questions 📄, and practise the types of questions you’re likely to see in the exam.

4️⃣ Get feedback – find out where you’re going wrong and how to fix it. Without feedback, you’re just guessing. 🎯

5️⃣ Iterate and improve – after each question, rewrite, refine, and build better answers. 🚀

So let me ask you this:


Have you done the work yet? 💭


If the answer is no, don’t panic.


Because the next best time to start is right now. 🕒✨

If you don’t know where to begin or you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why EdGenie exists – to guide you step by step and give you the tools to succeed. 💪📈

Don’t let another day pass without doing the work that matters.​

Your future self will thank you for what you start today. 🙌

Let’s make it count. 🔥

Best,

Emre 😊


​Will China’s manufacturing juggernaut run out of road?

Summary

💼 Export-driven economy under strain: Faced with weak domestic consumption due to a property slump, China is relying heavily on exports to sustain its growth, leaving it vulnerable to global protectionist measures and international trade tensions.

🏗️ Policy focus on advanced industries: President Xi Jinping prioritises advanced manufacturing to boost exports and achieve “national rejuvenation”, redirecting investment from property into high-tech sectors like electric vehicles, robotics, and aerospace.

🚧 Risk of overdependence: Analysts warn that China’s reliance on foreign demand makes it susceptible to tariffs, trade barriers, and geopolitical tensions, potentially forcing a rethink of its export-driven model.

🏚️ Domestic slowdown and overcapacity: Declining domestic demand, intense competition, and plummeting profits push manufacturers to seek overseas markets. Yet, some struggle to replicate China’s cost advantages, workforce skills, and supply chain efficiency abroad.

🌍 Shifting production overseas: In response to potential tariffs and trade hurdles, some Chinese firms are considering relocating production to Southeast Asia or elsewhere, though many find it hard to replicate China’s scale and expertise.

• ⚖️ Growing global backlash: China’s colossal output and export prowess fuel concerns that other countries risk becoming mere consumers of Chinese goods, with foreign governments considering more trade restrictions to protect their domestic industries.

• 🚀 Need for a pivot: Economists argue that China must strengthen domestic consumption and services, reduce its dependence on exports, and adopt new strategies to ensure long-term, sustainable growth.

A Level Economics Questions:

Q. To what extent can China continue to rely on export-driven growth?
A. China’s reliance on export-driven growth is increasingly challenged by global protectionism, especially higher tariffs and regulatory barriers. Weak domestic demand stemming from the property slump reduces the economy’s ability to pivot inward. As trading partners become wary of China’s industrial dominance, retaliation and restrictive policies are more likely. Shifting global supply chains, “nearshoring,” and geopolitics further limit China’s export potential. Consequently, while exports remain significant, the sustainability of this model is under strain, compelling China to diversify its growth drivers.

Q. . How might China’s shift towards advanced manufacturing industries influence income distribution, employment patterns, and social equity?
​A. A focus on advanced manufacturing can create well-paid jobs for skilled workers, potentially widening the gap between them and low-skilled labourers. It might reduce opportunities for unskilled workers, increasing income inequality unless accompanied by reskilling and education programmes. Urban areas and innovation hubs could prosper, leaving rural regions behind. Government interventions in training and support for lagging regions become essential. Overall, advanced manufacturing risks reinforcing a dual-track economy unless policies ensure broad-based benefits.

Q. Compare the likely impacts of persistent producer price deflation with those of consumer price deflation on China’s economy.
​A. Producer price deflation, driven by intense competition and overcapacity, compresses margins and discourages investment in manufacturing. It can lead to global price competition, undercutting foreign producers and heightening trade tensions. In contrast, consumer price deflation reduces household expectations and discourages spending, slowing overall growth. While producer price deflation primarily stresses firms and industrial sectors, consumer price deflation can erode aggregate demand and employment. Both forms are detrimental, but consumer price deflation often poses a broader macroeconomic threat to stable, long-term growth.

Q. How might China’s growing manufacturing dominance reshape trade relations and their consequences?
A.China’s industrial supremacy provokes defensive measures such as tariffs, quotas, and investment restrictions among major trade partners. This hardening stance may erode trust, complicate negotiations, and fragment global trade systems. Developing countries may become increasingly reliant on cheap Chinese imports, challenging their domestic industries and diversification efforts. For China, pushback could mean lost markets, retaliatory actions, and evolving supply chains that diminish its competitive edge. In sum, growing dominance risks polarising global commerce and escalating economic tensions.

Possible A Level Economics 25 Marker Question

Evaluate the benefits of increasing exports for China. (25 marks)

Infographic of the Week

Europe’s Growth Outliers in a Challenging Economic Climate

Despite facing a range of economic headwinds—including weaker business activity, currency pressures, and potential U.S. tariffs—a handful of European countries are set to achieve notable growth in 2024. Malta, with its service-oriented economy and strong manufacturing exports, leads the region, followed by Serbia, whose service sectors have helped boost its momentum. Belarus and Russia, despite sanctions and geopolitical tensions, continue to record solid gains, while Ukraine’s resilience amid war-related disruptions and ongoing reconstruction efforts is evident in its projected 3% growth. In contrast to these top performers, the broader European region is expected to grow more modestly, highlighting the unique economic environments and policies that enable certain nations to outpace their neighbours.

Chart of the Week

Global Education Systems Under Strain: Diverse Challenges and Perceptions

A recent Ipsos survey of 30 countries, conducted between June and July 2024, reveals that education systems around the world grapple with a wide array of challenges, ranging from political or ideological bias in the U.S. and Eastern Europe to safety concerns and funding shortfalls in other regions. In Indonesia, unequal access, poor infrastructure and limited technology usage emerged as top issues, while the UK and various South American nations struggled most acutely with insufficient public funding. By contrast, many Asian countries—most notably India and Singapore—held more positive views of their education systems and believed schooling helped reduce social inequalities, highlighting significant regional disparities in both the nature of challenges faced and public perceptions of their severity.

Macroeconomic Data


Whenever you're ready there is one way I can help you.

If you or your child are looking to Boost your A level Economics Grades in under 30 days, I'd recommend starting with an all-in-one support network where you get 24/7 access to a SuperTutor:

Join EdGenie 🧞‍♂️: Transform your A-Level Economics essays and exam marks (genuinely) with our comprehensive on-demand learning platform. This carefully curated course blends engaging content with effective exam techniques, the same ones that have empowered over 1,000 of my students to achieve an A or A* over the last 13 years. 
A huge thanks for hopping on board EdGenie's Wednesday Wisdoms newsletter! 
I'm Emre, and I've got a big goal - to make A* education accessible to all A-level students.
And it Starts With You!

Emre Aksahin
Chief Learning Officer at Edgenie