I have been browsing the net, looking for problems that students experience. A recurring one I noticed was, ‘How do I motivate myself to study?” I decided It would be a great idea to go over this topic especially considering the current scenario where we all are at home, and finding motivation, especially for studying, can be quite a task!
Before I list out all the methods you can use to motivate yourself, I would like you to follow the following steps.
Step 1: Take your thoughts and feelings into consideration. There must be a reason as to why you feel that way. Why do you have not have the motivation? Just knowing the key reason can help you elevate your motivation by a whole lot since you’ll know what exactly is restricting you.
Step 2: Once you know what is limiting you, I want you to focus on the task you have to accomplish. Ask yourself, “Why is it important to do the task.” Write your reasons down. Writing them down will make you realise how important the task is and therefore give you a reason to complete it.
Many people believe that you need to be motivated before you start doing the task, however, that isn’t the case. Physiological research shows, it’s the action that generates motivation. Therefore, start doing it, because you’re going to have to do it anyway.
Now that you have read those steps, here is a list of things you can do before, during and after your study session to elevate your motivation levels.
- Break Down Big Tasks Into Small Bits
Whenever a task seems too hefty we are instantly not interested in it, therefore, losing motivation. It is advised to break that task down. This way suddenly the task doesn’t seem as terrifying anymore. Just a bundle of manageable chunks to accomplish. This will make the task more welcoming and easier to do. Breaking the task down will immediately boost your motivation levels.
- Use Visual Methods to Present The Content
Mind Maps are an excellent way of putting down information rather than a list. The key reason being that mind maps impersonate our brains operating process. This makes it very easy to understand and learn the topic. Your mind map doesn’t have to be complicated, it could be a very simple one drawn with just a pen and paper!
- Focus On Doing One Task At A Time
Having way too many tasks at hand can serve as a great factor of demotivation. Trying to do two or more tasks at once only makes it worse. Focus on working at one task at a time, prioritize. Decide which task you want to work on first, and focus on completing only that, forget about the other tasks while working on one.
- Come Up With A Study Schedule
As I have talked about this numerous times before, a study schedule helps you remain on track and organised. Being organised helps you remain motivated and less stressed. Therefore, make an effort to come up with a study schedule. Trust me, the results won’t disappoint.
- Set A Reward For Yourself
All of us look forward to prizes, so set one for yourself after you are done. This will make you want to study in order to earn that reward. The reward could be something very simple, a basic snack, anything that motivates you!
- Take Short Breaks
Taking breaks in between is crucial. It gives your mind time to reset. It will also motivate you since you will have something to look forward and it won’t make the task seem as bulky and time-consuming. You should take breaks lasting about 15 mins, not more than that. Do something that refreshes you in the break, grab something to eat, listen to music, anything that makes you happy!
- A Peaceful Environment
The environment impacts your studies a lot more than you think. Studying in a peaceful environment is extremely important. Study in a calm environment, alone, if you prefer. You could alter your environment too once in a while, just to change up things. Make sure the environment you are studying in is comfortable. You don’t want to be studying awkwardly.
- Get Rid Of Distractions
When your highly demotivated about a task, you are more likely to want to avoid it and get attracted distracted. Eliminate all kinds of distractions for the time being. Focus on the task you have at hand. After it, you can do whatever you want freely. If you have trouble studying with someone in the room, study alone, that’s absolutely alright.
- Play Some Music
Playing music is my personal go-to when it comes to studying. Background music is known to improve focus by motivating you and improving your mood. Hence, feel free to play some music while you study. However, some people find music distracting and find it hard to study with. Therefore, decide whether music suits you or not.
- Keep Your End Goal In Mind
Studying, sometimes can be very tiring and seem like a process that goes on forever. It is often hard to see the end result of your hard work, especially in the beginning. If you keep focusing on the process and not on the end result you will further tire your brain out and cause more demotivation. Therefore, keep your eye on the final product.
- Study In A Group
Some people find it much easier to study in a group. I think it’s a great idea if it motivates you and helps you get work done faster and much more easily. Although not everyone is able to do so, accordingly, decide whether you want and will be able to study in a group.
Those were some of my suggestions on motivating yourself to study. If you have some more let me know in the comments below!