Time to Study

Studying and motivation

Motivation makes us feel good, energizes us, and pushes us to complete tasks. However, it does not always come naturally, and we all go through phases where inspiration is difficult to come by. We may find it difficult to attend class, finish assignments, or study for examinations during these periods.

Motivation-boosting techniques

Fortunately, there are numerous effective methods for increasing and maintaining desire to attain our goals while at university.

Get back in touch with your 'why.'

Reflecting on why you opted to study in the first place is one of the most effective strategies to find motivation. You could do the following:

• To make motivation work for you, you must first understand the many sorts of motivation.

• Positive motivation emphasizes the benefits that can result from taking action. "While writing this essay, I'm learning new things that will come in handy in the future," for example.

• Negative motivation focuses on the negative outcomes that could occur if you don't take action. "If I don't earn a certain grade," for example, "my parents will be disappointed in me."

Act first, and the incentive will come later.

Many people make the mistake of believing that we must be "motivated enough" before we can undertake something. According to psychological studies, it is action that leads to motivation, which leads to more action. This means that we must sometimes begin even if we are not ready, trusting that inspiration will follow, allowing us to take greater action.

Set goals that will inspire you.

It's easier said than done to get started before you feel motivated, but there are some clever ways to set up our goals to assist us build and maintain enthusiasm.

• Break down large jobs into small chunks. Instead of telling yourself to "write your essay," take a little step like "study one relevant journal article and make a list of two or three issues you want to cover in the first paragraph." Taking one step at a time can assist us in concentrating and feeling less overwhelmed.

• Set goals that are specific, quantifiable, and time-bound. Being as specific as possible about what you want to accomplish might help you stick to your goals.
• Keep your expectations in check. It's critical to make goals that are as realistically reachable as possible so that you don't disappoint yourself. Instead of asking, "How much can I do in the next hour?" try asking, "How much can I accomplish in the next hour?"

Create a positive working environment.

Some people study best when they have a regimen, while others require variation and change to stay focused. Consider going to a different study venue, such as the library or your favorite café, or experimenting with alternative study methods, such as listening to instrumental music or using the Pomodoro Technique. Examine your options and see what works best for you.

Remember that you don't have to do it alone; if you find that working with others motivates you, join a study group or surround yourself with encouraging (rather than distracting!) friends who can help you stay on track.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• Small victories should be celebrated. Small rewards (a break or a treat) can help keep your spirits up after you've completed a task. It can also make it simpler to return to studying after a short break, as well as to look forward to another reward after you finish the following task.
• Make self-care a priority. We're all aware that if we don't charge our phones, they will run out of battery. For us, it's the same. So schedule regular breaks, time to see friends, exercise, listen to your favorite music, or get enough sleep to recharge. You may feel pressed for time, but you'll be astonished at how much more clearly you can think and work after a relaxing or enjoyable break.

What am I supposed to do now?

Procrastination might result from a lack of motivation. If this is a problem for you, learn more about how to overcome procrastination.

Academic Skills has materials to help you improve your study skills. You can also sign up for programs or meet with an Academic Skills Adviser.

Speaking with a CAPS counsellor can assist you in developing tailored techniques for dealing with low motivation. We also provide workshops to help you build a variety of skills that will help you learn more effectively during the semester.