1. Set Achievable Goals and Practice Self-Motivation
It is important to remind yourself why you are studying. Is it a topic you are passionate about? Will completing the study get you closer to a larger goal? Are there financial benefits that could lead to a more comfortable lifestyle for you and your family?
Whatever your motivation is, make sure you aren’t overloading yourself by trying to do everything at once and give yourself constant reminders along the way about why this is important to you.
Visual reminders, like a vision board or motivational note on your fridge or mirror, can be something of an affirmation each time you see it. You could even set reminders in your phone that will pop up when you need a little jolt of motivation to get you back on course.
Do whatever you need to do to keep your eye on the prize.
2. Commit to a Study Routine
Let’ face it. Life can be pretty hectic at the best of times, and incorporating study into the mix can seem overwhelming, even to the hyper organised.
It’s important to establish a routine that incorporates everything you have going on so that you don’t feel snowed under.
Everyone’s routine will be different depending on their life circumstances, and you need to go with what works best for you. Consider how long you have to complete each assessment, and incorporate that into your routine along with the usual school drop off, work, household duties and downtime.
For example, some people may dedicate time each day to study. This could be while the kids are at school and the house is a little bit quieter, some may choose to continue studying immediately after class while the information is fresh in their minds and others may consolidate their time and study longer periods only a few days per week.
Whichever way you choose, keeping on track with a routine that works for you will make things far less stressful and having this routine in place will help when you simply don’t feel motivated.
3. Eliminate Temptations
No matter what age you are, we are often distracted by things that seem to tempt us into procrastination.
Whether this is scrolling through Facebook, reading the rest of that book you can’t put down, the television and computer, or even people – there is generally always something that can easily steal our attention and put us off task.
Do your best to eliminate distractions during your study time, and save those temptations for your downtime.
You could try leaving your phone in another room so that you aren’t tempted to pick it up, listening to music instead of having the TV on while studying, using that great book as a reward for when you have completed a certain milestone, or getting enough time on your own to commit yourself to your task without being asked for the millionth time where someone’s socks are.
Don’t do it! Stop the scroll…
4. Sleep Routine
It can be hard to stay motivated when all you want to do is fall into a cloud of pillows. Getting enough sleep can really help when you are trying to retain new information and learn a new skill.
If you are usually a night owl but have to be in class by 9am, you might consider changing your routine to align with your current activity.
If this isn’t possible, perhaps due to work commitments, make sure to practice self-care and don’t burn yourself out.
Finding a course that will work with your current circumstances is also important. Especially if you are unable to change them.
5. Surround yourself with people who have similar goals
If you are studying as part of a class, this tip will be rather easy as everyone in the classroom will be working toward completing the same qualification.
If there are a few students you seem to click with, why not suggest a study group? Study groups can be a great way to hear different interpretations and opinions about what you are learning and other students may offer a unique perspective that you had not considered before. They can also be a great way to make new friends.
As long as you don’t submit identical assessments, and put everything in your own words, study groups can really help ease some of that pressure.
6. Don’t Compare and Lose Faith
How often do we look at someone else and think “Wow, they really have it all together”?
In reality, we know that no one really has it all together 100% of the time.
This is why it’s important for you not to compare your study journey to anyone else’s.
Remind yourself that everyone’s circumstances are different, and the person you are comparing yourself to might not have the additional commitments that you have to consider.
Some may understand something more quickly than you or pick up a new skill first go, whereas others might need a few attempts before getting it right.
If you find this happening, simply remind yourself that EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT.
Everyone processes information differently and what may seem simple to one person can take others longer.
There is nothing wrong with taking a different route to the same destination.
And finally, give yourself a break. No one can stay motivated 100% of the time. When you aren’t feeling it, these tips should help you keep yourself going and give you the tools to spark self-motivation.
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