Put simply – revision is a game of self-management and self-awareness. We are ever-changing creatures and just like the tides our motivation levels experience their own inevitable highs and lows; the way we orient ourselves during those tides define our capabilities as a human. Of course, It’s a lot easier said than done, however, an organised thought process can take you a long way – hopefully, this post helps you do just that!
Something I learnt the hard way is: a haphazard, unorganised approach will only worsen things and amplify panic as you cannot predict when you will conclude the task at hand or when you will commence with the other. This only leads to procrastination and tosses your motivation capacity further down the cliff. As a student, I am required to adapt my moods to my incessant list of chores; I do this by following a simple cyclic approach: The Identify-Manipulate-Execute cycle.
Identify-Manipulate-Execute Cycle:
Identify – What’s the problem?
It is crucial to identify and bring the source of your demotivation into the limelight; You can’t fix a problem if you don’t know what’s wrong!
Ask yourself some questions. How long have you been feeling this way? Was there a specific incident after which your motivation levels plummeted? Is there a specific task you are running from? If so, why are you unwilling to undertake it? Is it repetitive? or perhaps something you just don’t enjoy doing?
Perhaps, this should give you some clarity. Often, not having a crystal clear image lowers us into a clouded mindset barricading us from thinking clearly and performing at our true potential. Escaping that mindset is a challenge but it’s all about getting started to escape it; even if the fog lightens a little – you are on the right track! The only way you can do this is by brainstorming and trying to pinpoint the issue. Inquire: ask questions. Reflect: think about what’s wrong.
Some common reasons for low motivation levels:
- Lack Of Planning
- Putting Off Something For too long
- Not an enjoyable task
- Lack of reward incentive
- Lack of Confidence
- Being Overwhelmed
Manipulate – How can you make this work?
Hopefully, by now, you have sorted the source of your low. Remember, you do not need an elaborate thesis statement, just a slight idea of the root cause is more than enough!
Now, time for manipulation. You have to understand your thoughts and steer them in such a manner that they lead to your ultimate destination.
An example would make this more clear: Humans are simple animals, when given an option we want to do our ‘favourite things’ not our ‘second favourite things’. Similarly, in the absence of our preferred tasks, we opt for our ‘second favourite things’ not ‘third favourite things’ and the ranking goes on. Perhaps, if we built a revision strategy on this foundation, it could work. Now, if I were you, I would grab a pen and paper and simply jot down all the tasks I have to accomplish. Then, sort them – going from most preferred to least preferred. There you have it! A sequence you can perform your tasks in.
It’s all a play on human psychology! Think of it as a magic trick you are performing on your brain.
Execute – Get to work!
At the end of the day, it’s all up to you whether you perform the task or not. Even with sufficient planning and all resources available at hand, if you don’t start doing the job, it’s never going to happen!
My advice is: start working! Even if your motivation levels are slumping, get started. Just getting started will elevate your motivation levels bit by bit. As you continue and fight through it, you will yourself be stunned as you watch your motivation grow and realise the task is coming to you more easily.
A tip: The second you decide to start working, get up to do the task within 5 minutes. This suggestion follows human psychology; In the wake of those five minutes your brain will come up with a million excuses as to why you should not do it. Hence, start immediately before your traitorous mind wanders.
For extreme cases, if the task seems just too hefty to get started on at all, set a reward. It could be anything: a promise of a good meal afterwards or an opportunity to watch your favourite show. Anything that pushes your gas pedals!
So, the next time you are stuck – just identify, manipulate, execute and repeat. Remember, it’s all about self conduct. I cannot emphasise this enough: understand yourself and act accordingly!