Studying Can Be Fun – It’s Meant to Be! ( part 1 )

“I have to do my school assignments, but it’s such a pain.”

“My parents keep telling me to study, but I just can’t get motivated.”

“What’s so fun about studying anyway?”

If you’ve had any of these thoughts, you’re not alone.

But I believe that studying is supposed to be fun. In this article, I’ll share why I think that is, what makes studying feel unenjoyable, and some tips on how to rediscover the joy in learning.

What Does “Studying” Really Mean?

Let’s start by thinking about what “studying” actually means.

In Japanese, the word for studying is 勉強 (benkyou), which literally combines the ideas of “effort” and “strengthening.” So, studying is not just about memorizing facts—it means making a strong effort to improve or work on something.

That opens up the meaning a lot, doesn’t it?

It’s not just about schoolwork.

If you’re putting effort into your job, your hobbies, or something you’re passionate about, that’s also studying.

So maybe the idea of studying doesn’t have to feel so stiff and unpleasant.

Why Does Studying Feel Unfun?

Still, let’s face it: when we hear the word “studying,” many of us think of something boring or stressful. Why is that?

1. Studying = School Classes

For many people, “studying” immediately brings school to mind.

And in many school systems, especially in Japan, classes focus heavily on memorizing facts. The purpose of the lessons isn’t always clear, and it’s easy to feel like you’re just doing what you’re told without knowing why.

(That’s exactly how I used to feel.)

2. Studying = Forced Labor

Another reason people dislike studying is because it’s often forced.

You have to go to school, attend classes, do homework, and take tests—even if you’re not interested in the subjects.

It’s like being assigned a job you didn’t choose. If you like the subject, that’s great. But if not, it can feel like punishment.

3. Studying = Doing What You’re Told

In school, you often don’t have a say in what or how you study. You’re expected to follow the curriculum and do what your teachers say. That lack of freedom can make studying feel like a chore rather than something enjoyable.

4. Studying = Chasing Good Results

We’re often told:

“If you study, you’ll become smarter.”

“If you do well in school, you can get into a good college.”

“If you graduate from a good university, you’ll get a good job.”

But life doesn’t always work that way. You don’t have to be the smartest person to live a happy life. Going to a top school doesn’t guarantee success. And studying doesn’t always lead directly to your dream job.

If the only reason to study is to get good results, it can feel empty—especially when those results don’t come.

5. Studying = Being Compared to Others

Comparing yourself to others isn’t always a bad thing. It can motivate you and help you grow.

But studying doesn’t have to be a competition. It can be something you do for yourself, not to outdo others.

When people constantly compare your performance to others’, it can lower your self-esteem and take the joy out of learning.

Summary So Far

To sum up, here are some common reasons studying can feel unpleasant:

• It’s associated with school and being forced to do boring things
• It often lacks freedom or personal choice
• It’s focused too much on results
• It invites constant comparison with others

But studying doesn’t have to be that way