Sometimes it is just hard to get started. It is easy to put the study off with what feel like legitimate excuses, such as highlighting the notes, organising folders, cleaning out the school bag or tidying the house.
Human science tells us that we either will work toward something we want or move away from something we don’t want. This is known as the carrot and stick approach. Imagine a cart driver dangling a carrot in front of a donkey and holding a stick behind it. The donkey would move toward the carrot because it wants the reward of food, while also moving away from the stick behind it, since it does not want the punishment of pain, and as a result pulling the cart.
What motivates you more – the thought of a reward or the threat of pain?
Some people need tight deadlines, as this gets them motivated to get going, as the closer the deadline the more they get motivated. However some like to get a job over and done with, so they can get on with what they would prefer to be doing.
Here are some ideas to create incentives when studying:
Start with something simple or your favourite subject. Spend the first 10 to 20 minutes on this and then switch to a not- so-favourite subject. Often you do need to spend slightly more time on your weaker subjects when studying. You get better at what you focus on.
Use whatever you would rather be doing as an incentive. If you have a favourite TV show to watch, or game to play, set a time that you will watch it and study up until that time. If you need to go back to the study after the program/ game – just turn it off to avoid distraction.
Use positive self-talk. Tell yourself that you can do this – learn the information. Affirm your learning ability by telling yourself affirmations such as “I can do this,” “I learn quickly and easily,” “I have a fantastic memory” or “I love study!”
Sit up straight when you study. This may sound strange, however, when you sit up tall, with a straight back, feet flat on the floor, oxygenated blood gets to your brain faster and more efficiently and therefore helps with memory, thinking, and making connections.
Break your study into achievable steps or chunks. I have recently discovered “Jellybean” study. If you have lots of reading to do, place a jellybean (lolly, sweetie or candy) at intervals on your page. When you have read, summerised and understood that section, you get to eat the jellybean. It is a quick reward that might keep you motivated to get to the next section.
Know that the hard work now does pay off later. I know this is a cliché, yet there is some major truth in this for life. I often hear students say, “I’ll be different when I have a job,” however for most people this is just denial. I’m reminded of the powerful and wise saying by Lao Tzu, a 6th century Chinese philosopher: “Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habit. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”