Motivation
Open book, check Instagram, make a coffee, open textbook, read a paragraph, watch Tik-Tok video, write a few notes, go to get a snack.
If this sounds like your revision routine, don’t worry, you are not the only one. But it might be a sign that you need a motivation boost!
When you are studying for a looming exam, or working on a piece of coursework whose deadline is creeping up on you, you might find yourself feeling frozen. You know that you want to get started but you just cannot bring yourself to do it. The good news is, that there are a few things you can try out to get unstuck and build up some motivation momentum.
What is motivation?
Motivation is the desire to act in pursuit of a goal. It involves three elements:
- Activation - The decision to start working towards the goal (deciding that now is the time you will start revising or working on the coursework/project)
- Persistence - The continued effort towards the goal despite facing difficulties (sticking to a revision or work timetable and routine)
- Intensity - The concentration and effort that you make towards achieving the goal. Coasting by without much effort (minimal intensity) or regular study and practise of exam papers (greater intensity)
Rate yourself out of 10 (1 being not at all like me and 10 being very like me) for each element to see where your motivation problem lies.
What are the different types of motivation?
Intrinsic motivation - The desire to reach your goals comes from within. This tends to be a more useful form of motivation when working towards long term goals (for example when studying for 2/3 years towards a final exam or qualification).
Intrinsic motivation usually works when the goal matches with your values, and the accomplishments you get from it feel more fulfilling.
When you start to feel like you are losing your motivation for revision or work, try to remember your end goal. What job or life would you like after college, how will your hard work help to get you there?
Extrinsic motivation - The desire to reach your goal comes from outside influences. Extrinsic motivation can be useful when working towards more short-term goals. For example, you may set yourself a task of revising for 30 minutes and then reward yourself with a social media break, or a tasty snack. The reward might be given to you by someone else (for example your parents may offer an incentive or financial reward for good grades).
Whilst revising or working towards deadlines, think about ways that you can boost your intrinsic motivation with little treats or rewards.
Watch out for motivation killers!
All or nothing thinking - If you have a perfectionistic streak this can kill motivation. If you make a small mistake or don’t do as well as usual, you are likely to think there is no point trying. So, keep in mind that no-one is perfect and we all need to re-set our goals and motivation sometimes.
Finding quick fixes - It is easy to lose motivation if you are not seeing immediate results. Remember that studying is a long-term goal, keep focused on the end result.
Social comparisons - What works for one person may not for another. If you see other people who are motivated and working towards their goal happily using strategies that didn’t work for you, that is ok. Play to your strengths, and stay on your own path.
Top tips for motivation boosters
- Use website or app blockers - if procrastination is your enemy, set yourself a timer and use app blockers to keep you on track
- Give yourself a little reward for each small goal that you achieve - this could be having a 2 min break to play your favourite song, or a tasty snack
- Make your study environment a lovely place to be - set up an area in your room where you feel comfortable. Keep it tidy and make it a nice environment to work in.
- Form a study group - other people can be a fantastic source of motivation. If you struggle to keep motivated alone, ask others to hold you accountable (this only works if you are disciplined enough to stay focused on revision for the study session!)
- Start with something easy - when the revision or workload feels overwhelming, chose something that will break you into the routine gently
- Break down the task - feeling overwhelmed can be a motivation blocker. Break down the workload into manageable chunks. Revising a part of a topic is much better than none
- Visualise yourself starting and succeeding - people who have a positive mindset are more likely to achieve their goals
- Ditch the books - if the thought of revising gives you the dreaded dreads, ditch the books and try something new to give you a motivation boost. Past papers, YouTube, podcasts, blogs……. mix it up so you don’t get bored
- Change your time - Think about when you feel most awake and productive and schedule your working/revising time then. It is pointless (and a waste of time) trying to work in the morning if you are a natural night owl
- Remember your why - Sometimes it is hard to see the wood for the trees, so keep a reminder of where you want to be after you have finished college, and why you are doing this
