Skip to Main Content

Study Skills: Setting Goals and Rewards

Study Skills

Rewards

The Magic of Positive Reinforcement: Why You Should Reward Yourself for Studying

Whether you have a study system in place, or you’re flying by the seat of your pants, there’s a neat little idea called positive motivation that can benefit you...

Use tangible, concrete rewards that are easy to implement in everyday life while you are studying, completing homework or working on an assessment task. Those little study breaks function as a mental reboot and a chance for your mind to digest the information it’s been processing. BUT...the timing and nature of those breaks are important. Discipline yourself by setting a timer and choosing healthy rewards. An hour of study should equal a walk around the block, not three hours of Netflix!

Setting Goals & Working Independently

For more information about Setting Goals, go to the page Foundations of Success: Setting Goals and Working Independently in this guide.

Treats and Rewards

Great Reward Ideas for Study Breaks

Take a walk (even better if you can take your dog with you!)

 Hang out with your pet 

Text a friend

 Read a book

Meditate

Draw or listen to music

Watch a YouTube video or two...set that timer to stop!

 Make a healthy snack

Not Great Ideas!

Not-So-Great Reward Ideas for Study Breaks...!

 Don't snack on junk food

 Don't take a nap longer than 20 minutes

 Don't watch TV

 Don't eat a huge meal - it'll make you sleepy!

 Don't scroll on your phone

 Don't go to the shops or out to eat