5 Study Motivation Tricks
Learn about 5 tricks that help you keep up motivation and achieve your study goals.
1. Have a clear goal
Motivation stems from the clarity of your goals and the conviction that the effort invested is worthwhile. But having a clear goal is not enough: The journey towards your goal is as important as the destination. If the studying process is too painful for you, no goal will get you to sustain your efforts. The process to get to your goal, has to be at least somewhat enjoyable. There are several things you can do to make the studying experience more enjoyable and by that, keep up your motivation.2. Set up a conducive work environment
Where you study can impact how well you focus. While it's tempting to study from the bed or couch sometimes, these places might not be the best for getting work done. It's important to have a specific spot for studying that tells your brain it's time to focus, not relax.
Here are a few tips for setting up your work environment:- Comfort mixed with study atmosphere: Pick a spot that's comfy for long periods but also makes it clear that you're there to work, not chill. While studying from bed or from the sofa can work occasionally, it is usually not conducive to a productive mindset. Find a balance between comfort and functionality. It is also important to make sure that your chair and desk support good posture.
- What you see matters: Choose a spot with a pleasant view. Ideally you can look out of the window from your study spot, or look across the room instead of staring at a wall every time you look up. Additionally, it helps to keep your study area organized. Have what you need close by to avoid distractions.
- Routine is everything: Stick to a routine by using the same spot for studying. This helps your brain switch into study mode quickly.
3. Create a Strategic Study Plan
Navigating through a large study load can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable tasks through a study plan can make the journey more achievable. It also helps to create a roadmap for your study journey by outlining the key steps needed to reach your overarching goal. This process of breaking down your goal into manageable tasks provides clarity and direction. At the same time, you will get a feeling of accomplishment, every time you hit a milestone.
4. Find the study method that keeps you motivated
Aligning your study methods with your preferences can go a long way in enhancing motivation. To find out what works best for you, you should experiment with various study techniques: Consider your personal preferences and interests. If you enjoy visual learning, incorporate diagrams, charts, and color-coded notes into your study routine. If you thrive in social settings, participate in study groups or find a study buddy.
Whether it's visual aids, flashcards, group discussions, or hands-on activities, the key is to find methods that make learning engaging
and enjoyable for you. One factor which is conducive to memorizing the material you study is active recall.
Active recall describes the act of actively recalling information from your memory. You can do this with flashcards, as well as having a friend quiz you, for example.
No matter which method you choose, you should periodically assess your progress and celebrate small victories along the way!