Study Skills: Getting Motivated

Is it hard for you to get motivated to study?

Let’s face it…It’s so easy to watch one more video or to scroll through your social media feed one more time.

But your exams are approaching. That assignment is nearly due.

You have a rising sense of panic, but you don’t know where to begin. The more you panic, the harder it is to get to work....

What to do??

Here are some tips to get motivated...and stay motivated.

Break down your tasks into little chunks - assign yourself a certain number of those chunks each day. Suddenly, you’re no longer faced with a scary task, but rather a series of manageable chunks. 

Reward yourself - every time you complete one or two chunks, reward yourself with a short study break. It could be five minutes on your favourite smartphone game, a short walk, or making a healthy snack. Rewarding yourself with short and enjoyable breaks is a key part of the “chunking down” technique.
Create a study routine - we’re creatures of habit. If it’s a challenge for you to get motivated to study, you can put this principle to work for you.
 Be clear about why you want to get good grades - one of the best ways to get motivated to study is to be very clear about why you want to get good grades in the first place.

Understand the topic, don’t just memorise it - understanding a topic is far more rewarding than memorising it. So this approach to studying is not only more effective – it will keep you motivated.

Study in a group - many students find it motivational to study in a group. Of course, it’s crucial that you find the right students to join the study group. These students should have the desire to learn the material well and get excellent grades.

Common Reasons why Students Lack Motivation

• You’ve convinced yourself that your homework is beyond your abilities
• Putting off your homework is a way of rebelling against your parents or teachers
• You’ve decided the topic is boring
• You’re waiting for the “perfect” time to start
• The task has become so overwhelming that you don’t know where to start

Here are some typical things students think about to get motivated to study:

• I want to learn more and develop myself
• I want to develop the habit of pursuing excellence
• I want to become a more focused and disciplined student
• I want to make myself, my family and my teachers proud
• I want to know that I gave it my best shot
• I want to live with no regrets