How to MOTIVATE yourself to STUDY (tips on productivity!)

It feels nearly impossible to study for 5 hours a day to prepare for your important exam. Studying isn't hard- the hard part is making yourself want to study. We all have a hundred different things we would rather do than review information, including binging Netflix, sleeping in, and scrolling through posts on social media- but studying isn't something we can simply walk away from. There is no way to escape studying- if you want to get good grades, it is a necessity. However, there are some ways to prevent yourself from slacking off.

This post provides 5 ways to motivate yourself to study, even when you don't feel like you can.

1. ROMANTICIZE STUDYING (Make it seem fun!)

This is my number one tip to motivate yourself to study. ROMANTICIZE IT! For example, I like to study in the early morning with the windows open. My bedroom is always spotless, and I am always ready for the day. Now imagine studying at midnight in a messy room in your pajamas. You have no motivation to be productive and you're far more likely to end up being lazy. Make studying seem more appealing than it is. Imagine yourself as a dedicated scholar who achieves all of their ambitions. Before long, your dream will become a reality.

I also like to study while drinking something refreshing, like a smoothie, and listening to calming music. These are things I can enjoy in my everyday life, but instead, I only allow myself to do them while I'm studying. It tells my mind that I can only listen to calming music or drink a smoothie while I work. The reward only comes after I am productive. It gets me in the right mindset to study.

2. Don't OVERTHINK Studying!

The hardest part about studying is getting started. We all tend to overthink every aspect of it before we begin. Start by sitting at a productive workspace, such as a desk designated for studying. Then, create a to-do list. Break all of your tasks into smaller parts. Instead of just writing, "study for the math test," span this out over multiple lines. First, tell yourself to watch the video designated for the test. Then complete the practice problems, and finish with a practice test. Instead of overthinking a large landmark, you now have small tasks that you can easily overcome.

Once you continue to do this, you will establish a routine. Your motivation to study will no longer be impacted due to what is going on in your life. If you have a routine, you stick to it. Your level of productivity will remain constant no matter how much sleep you got or what problems are occurring in your personal life.

3. TAKE BREAKS!

Breaks between studying are productive! This does not mean that you should take a break every few minutes. Instead, you have to find the right times to take a step back from studying. Let's say that there is only one chapter left to study, but you are mentally exhausted and distracted. Instead of believing you can complete the last chapter, give yourself a break. Take a walk, clean your room, or read a book. Sing along to your favorite songs- anything you need to relieve yourself of stress.

If you are tired, you won't remember the information you are reading. It will be useless while taking a test because you were distracted while reading it. This is why taking a break for self-care is more productive than powering through. Once you are mentally refreshed, it is less difficult to return to your work.

4. Focus on UNDERSTANDING, not MEMORIZING!

If you want to study efficiently, don't make it your goal to memorize all of the information you need. Instead, work on being able to understand it thoroughly. If someone asks you a question on the topic, you should be able to answer it. For example, while reviewing a math concept, do not only memorize all the formulas you need but think about why these formulas work. How do they help in giving you the answer to the equation? If you understand a topic, it will automatically have a permanent location in your brain.

As you go through grades in school, you will find the connections between all these concepts. If you understand a topic, it is more rewarding than having it memorized for a short amount of time. This is not only more effective, but it also gives you information to keep you motivated.

5. ASK YOURSELF why you are studying!

Sometimes all you need for a push of motivation is to reflect and remind yourself why studying is important to you. Why are you putting yourself under this constant stress and pressure? For many, it is because of your desire to attain a certain career or gain admission into a specific college. Let this desire drive you toward your goal. If you think about this end goal that you truly care about, you will let nothing stop you from achieving it. Constantly remind yourself why you are working this hard. You will be able to accomplish anything you put your mind to if you let your passion power you through the tasks.

After reading this post, we hope you are motivated to begin your studies and utilize these tips to motivate yourself further. You got this!

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