Have you ever fallen asleep at your study table? Or has social media doom scrolling taken away from your focus to study?
Don’t worry. This has happened to more people than we can count. But if you acknowledge that this is a habit you need to break, you are already one step ahead. Being consistent with your studies is not just about assignments and grades, but a lifelong skill that is best inculcated early. It takes more than willpower sometimes. You may need some smart strategies, routines and the right “smart study mindset”.
Let’s dig deep and figure out how to identify the best motivation for study. Simple, proven and practical tips.
The motivation to study is best started with a purpose in mind. Bring out coloured markers and make a small poster for your study area. Write down what you're aiming for — higher grades, cracking an entrance exam, or mastering a subject that has overwhelmed you earlier.
That “statement of purpose” helps fuel your daily ‘how to focus’.
Break down your study sessions into smaller chunks. Bursts of focused study — Pomodoro technique — is a sure-shot way to do it. Study for 25 minutes. Reward yourself for 5 mins.
This maintains the momentum while making studying manageable and effective.
Ever wondered why you have to follow a timetable at school? That is because routine helps motivate. So go ahead and apply the same strategy to your study sessions. Create a routine for yourself. Set a specific time to study, every day. When it becomes a habit, there is no scope to wonder ‘how to find the motivation to study’. You just do it.
Every child has heard from parents and teachers that phones are a distraction. Probably why they are not allowed in the classroom or at the dining table. Bring that same logic to your study time. Keep that gadget (phone/tablet) on ‘silent’ and away from you. A distraction-free zone helps you remain focused and increases productivity.
Read More: How to Concentrate on Studies: 10 Proven Tips to Stay Focused
Active learning = Effective outcomes. We know of this. Maybe it's time to put it into practice now. Teach a topic/concept to a friend or family member. Bring on the practice questions and flashcards. The effort you put into preparing for the activity itself triggers the ‘active learning’ process. This helps keep your brain engaged, focused on the topic and boosts the motivation to study.
Small wins lead to bigger victories. If you believe that, make it work for you by celebrating finishing a chapter, maybe a short walk for 10 mins, listen to your favourite music while you play with your pet. Anything that feels like a reward will help reinforce consistency.
We have all heard of Vision Boards. Make one of your own! That goal-setting poster we talked of in the first tip, visualise it in your mind. Create a fun collage of your vision with images from the newspaper or old magazines. The creative output will not just be an interesting study space decor, but will also help motivate you to stay inspired.
Just like shuffling your music playlist, switch up your study techniques or subjects. This variety helps refresh your mind. But no matter what, don’t think of doing this in the middle of a chapter! That is a sure-shot way to beat the entire purpose of this exercise. Do what it takes to maintain the daily motivation to study.
At school or at home, you have heard this multiple times - exercise and stay active. Ever wondered why this is so important? Well, simply put, exercise is not just for the body. The blood flow to the brain, as a result, helps sharpen the mind. So make time in your day for a short run, yoga or even stretches. Trust us when we say it boosts energy and focus.
If you promise not to get distracted and get onto social media or games, every once in a while, study with a friend or a study group if there are any. These sessions teach you accountability. Having another person to share your goals and progress with is just the push you need sometimes. Try it.
Read More: Study Smarter, Not Harder: 10 Proven Study Tips For Students
Remember that it is impossible to remain motivated all the time. But your routine and finding the right strategies that work for you can go a long way to finding the right balance. Take the time to imbibe these simple tips. Make them part of your day.
