Updated on Thursday, May 1
QUESTION: How do all of you awesome students find motivation to study/do well in
school? I had a pretty good average until I had a difficult term
(courses, drinking, my job and personal issues all made my marks about
20 - 30% lower than what I'm used to), I've managed to get over a lot of
the aforementioned issues, but ever since I've had a hard time getting
myself back where I used to be - I guess you could say I'm now a lot
less confident and a lot more anxious. Any tips would be appreciated!
As corny as it is, I like to use motivational quotes as my personal mantras. Some of my favourites are:
ReplyDelete- “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This one reminds me that although University is a huge, painfully difficult task, it’s only made up of many small tasks that are all doable. Get out of bed. Go to class today. Hit the gym after work tonight. Eat an apple. Do that assignment question. Each individual thing you do each day brings you one step closer to graduation.
- “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” This reminds me to ask for what I want. If I want to do well on an assignment, I go to office hours for help. If I want a job, I will apply for it, even if I’m underqualified. It’s actually a little amazing how often asking for what you want works.
- “If there is no solution to the problem then don't waste time worrying about it. If there is a solution to the problem then don't waste time worrying about it.” Keeps the stress and anxiety in check. Related: “Think of the solution, not the problem.”
I also set up rewards that only happen if I work hard. Right now, I’m looking forward to a long vacation next summer. I only get to graduate on time and take that vacation if I pass all my courses until then, though, so I have to keep my nose to the grindstone. In the short-term, I’m looking forward to a party this weekend, when I know I can let loose, so I can keep myself in check until then.
Lastly, I find that – everything – is easier if I’m healthy, both physically and emotionally. So I try to eat well, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, have some hobbies, have a social life, and get help for my anxiety. It’s the same advice you get everywhere, but it’s the best advice there is.
Good luck!
Become intimate with what you're studying. This is usually made possible when you really have an interest with your program/course. When you sit down to study; become very concentrated. You will soon lose track of time and are in an amazing flow... it's quite amazing, I don't think a lot of people have discovered it.
ReplyDeleteI use a reward system for myself...like 1 hour of studying = ice cream or a tv show or something. I also use social media blocker apps to prevent me from procrastinating.
ReplyDeleteNo motivational quotes, and usually no special interest in the material. Studying is just something you DO. Its usually hardest to really start a session, like jumping into cold water. You know you'll be fine once you're in, but you keep hesitating to start. You just have to suck it up, remind yourself that its the reason you're doing this shit in the first place, and get to work.
ReplyDeleteMan the same thing happened to me last term, I had an average of 81 overall and then this term came with a lot of personal issues and my average was in the 60s. I was so depressed over my coop term after that academic term.
ReplyDeleteThen Next term came, and i was just so determined that i scored a 97% that term and made up for it all.
I am not bragging I am just saying that if you know you are a good student, just give it you A-game next sem and make up for it. There is no easy way out.
check in with your doc first and foremost because if you're clinically depressed then you might need meds
ReplyDeletei put this on loop http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH0nP4NzS9M when i'm down and just study LOL there's like over 2000 plays this term