Finding the motivation to study can sometimes affect us all. We all study at different stages of our lives and as we get older we may even decide to return to further education. Also in a work environment we may be given the opportunity to improve our skills and this means we have to start studying again. Or we may even opt to learn something new in our spare time. This all involves studying.
For some people studying can seem like a chore. For others, including myself, it can be an adventure. Here are 8 Tips you can use to help you find the motivation to study and avoid procrastination. Start using these tips from today!
8 Tips To Help You
Manage Your Time
In order for you to complete your study on a regular basis, you will need to put time in your diary to do it. The time that you dedicate to studying must be 100% booked in. No Ifs and No Buts. If you start studying and about half way through you remember you need to do something else and stop studying, this is not going to work. Be firm with yourself and dedicate that time. Once you have done it a few times and stuck to your schedule you will find that is will become easier. You will feel more motivated to knuckle down and get on with the studying.
Using the Pomodoro Technique can motivate you to help you manage little sections of studying. To read about the Pomodoro Technique and other Time Management skills, check out my article here. Time management skills
Distractions
So you have started studying and everything is going well then the Distractions start. First your phone rings and vibrates. It is just somebody posting on FB but you cannot help yourself and you have a quick look. Before you know it the studying has stopped and you have already spent another 15 minutes looking at other posts on FB.
I am sure that this is a familiar scenario and as much as it may pain you to do so, place your mobile in a different room. We survived before mobile phones came and we can do so again. Make sure you turn it off so you cannnot hear it at all. Also make sure that you tell your family and friends when you are studying. Explain that it is important to you and they will respect your privacy.
For a more detailed look at remedies to help you with distractions, there is a great article from Behavioral Scientist by Adam Gazzaley and Larry D. Rosen which is worth checking out. Remedies for the Distracted Mind from Behavioral Scientist
Confidence
Some of us find studying difficult because we have had bad results in the past. When we have had a bad experience sometimes this can hold us back from making changes that help us in the future.
If this reminds you of yourself, makes some steps to get your confidence back on track. Not only will it help you feel motivated to study but will help you in other areas of your life. Here are some ways to build your self confidence.
Sleep Zzzzzzzzzz
Sleep is important for our body. It allows our body to repair while we sleep. It also lets us rest mentally which is also crucial to a healthy body.
If we want to have the motivation to study we need to feel energised both mentally and physically. When we study we should concentrate on an end goal. We are trying with all our might to understand and keep new information in our brain. If we are refereshed before we start studying it will be easier to do.
Make sure that you get enough sleep every night. Switch off from any screens and social media at least 1 hour before you go to bed. Give your mind and body the sleep that it needs.
Make Sure You Understand It
The key to studying is to actually understanding what it is that you are studying. Anybody can read some text over and over again. But when you truly understand what you are studying and you can retain it, this is a wonderful achievement.
UNSW in Sydney, Australia have the SQW3R Method  that helps you understand what you are studying and then retain it. As they explain:- “Reading is one of the core activities of study. You need to be able to understand what you read and to be able to recall the main ideas when you need them. You can use the SQW3R method to improve your comprehension, to remember a reading for tutorials, seminars or to review for exams.”
Starting to feel motivated to study? Try out their method and see how your studying method improves.
Focus On The Outcome
When we are studying it is very easy to get bogged down in the actual studying. When you feel like this the studying really does feel like a chore. Change your thinking about studying completely by focusing on the outcome. Every time you start studying take a few minutes at the beginning to think about the outcome, from all of the studying.
Think about the graduation ceremony. Think about the new skill you have and how you will use it in a new job. Think about the feeling of accomplishment. When we start focusing on outcomes instead of the studying itself, we feel more motivated to study to achieve our end goal!
Go For A Walk
It is important to feel relaxed when you study. If you notice that you are not in the right frame of mind to start studying and feel a little stressed, grab your trainers and go for a walk. It does not even have to be a long walk.
Walking is a great exercise. It is an exercise that most people can do and it is completely free. I do about 3 walks a week. I enjoy the fresh air and I always feel energised and motivated afterwards. Give it go and boost your motivation and when you return get a shower and start studying!
Think Positive
Think in a positive way. My article about boosting your self-confidence shows how being positive can make a huge difference in your life. As the mug says above “Think Happy, Be Happy”. I can guarantee that if you allow negative thoughts to enter your mind before, during or after studying you will always have a negative connection with it.
Motivate yourself by changing these thoughts. Make a list of the positive things about studying. If you have a moment when a negative thought about studying rears its ugly head, reach for your positive list and read it. Over time this positive reinforcement will change your thoughts and you will think about studying in a whole new positive way.
Use these tips to improve your motivation to study. This different approach to studying will help you stay motivated and reach your goals!
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Sally Leslie is a motivational coach and optimist. She helps freelancers and entrepreneurs create balance in their lives and work towards their personal and professional goals. Sally is also a B2B freelance writer for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and startups. A lover of plants, freedom, and football!
