How To Motivate Yourself To Study

Effective time management and productivity skills are essential for students who want to succeed in their exams. With so many distractions and competing priorities, it can be challenging to stay motivated and focused during revision periods. However, with the right strategies and mindset, students can improve their study habits and achieve their academic goals. In this article, we will share some tips and techniques to help students get more motivated to study and make the most of their revision time.

So... how to stop procrastinating and motivate yourself to study?

Recall Your “Why”

The first step in getting motivated to revise is to recall your “why”. Why do you want to do well in your exams? What are your long-term goals and aspirations? By reminding yourself of the bigger picture, you can stay focused and motivated during your revision sessions.

To help you recall your “why”, try writing down your goals and aspirations. Then, take a few minutes each day to read over them and visualise yourself achieving them. This will help you stay motivated and focused on your long-term goals.

Set Your Goals With The WOOP Method

WOOP is a strategy for achieving goals and overcoming challenges. It involves visualising positive outcomes and potential obstacles and planning accordingly. Developed by psychologist Gabriele Oettingen, WOOP has been proven effective in improving academic performance, increasing physical activity, and reducing stress.

The WOOP Method stands for Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, and Plan.

WOOP examples that can be used by students

Wish: I want to get a 9 in my GCSE Maths exam.
Outcome: I will be able to pursue further studies in Maths-related subjects at a top university.
Obstacle: I struggle with understanding complex topics and applying mathematical concepts to real-world problems.
Plan:

• Attend after-school Maths clubs to get extra help and practice.
• Create a study schedule and stick to it to ensure consistent revision.
• Focus on areas of difficulty, such as geometry or algebra, and seek extra help from my teacher or tutor.
• Use past papers and online resources, such as Save My Exams, to practise applying mathematical concepts to real-world problems.
• Make use of visual aids, such as diagrams and graphs, to help understand complex topics.

Wish: I want to improve my grades in my GCSE Science exams.
Outcome: I will be able to pursue further studies in Science-related subjects.
Obstacle: I struggle with memorising scientific concepts and applying them to practical questions.
Plan:

• Create flashcards and revision notes for each topic, making use of diagrams and visual aids to help memorise key concepts.
• Use online resources such as Save My Exams Revision Notes to supplement classroom learning.
• Practice with past papers and work through practice questions to improve my ability to apply scientific concepts to real-world problems.
• Attend after-school Science clubs to get extra help and practice, making use of one-on-one tutoring sessions if available.
• Make use of active learning techniques such as teaching a concept to a friend or family member to help reinforce my understanding.

Find Ways to Make Studying More Interesting And Pleasant

Studying can be boring and repetitive, but it doesn’t have to be. By finding ways to make studying more interesting and pleasant, you can stay motivated and focused during your revision sessions.

Here are some fun factors that you can try:

• Study with a friend or study group
• Use colourful pens, highlighters and stickers to make your notes more visually appealing
• Listen to music or a study playlist
• Take breaks and do something enjoyable between study sessions
• Use mnemonic devices or acronyms to remember information
• Prepare your favourite snacks
• Gamify your study sessions, for example, use the gummy bear or Skittles method. Place a gummy bear (or another small treat) on each page or section you need to read. As you finish reading each section, enjoy the gummy bear as a reward for your progress.
• Reward yourself for reaching your goals

Get Organised

Being organised is key to effective revision. By having a plan and a system in place, you can stay on track and make the most of your revision time.

Here are some tips for getting organised (and motivating yourself to study):

• Create a revision schedule and stick to it
• Use a planner or a digital tool to keep track of deadlines and important dates
• Create a designated study space that is clean, comfortable, and free from distractions
• Break down your revision into manageable chunks
• Use a revision guide or textbook to help you stay on track

Quick Tips for Overcoming Procrastination

Procrastination is a common problem for students, but it can be overcome. Here are some quick tips on overcoming procrastination:

Get started

Sometimes, the hardest part of studying is getting started. To overcome this, try setting a timer for 10 minutes and commit to working on a task for that amount of time. Once the timer goes off, you can take a break or continue working. Once you've started working on a task, you're more likely to carry on and complete it. This is because you've already made progress and feel a sense of accomplishment. Keep this in mind when you're struggling to get started and remind yourself that the hardest part is often just getting started.

Break tasks into smaller chunks

If a task feels overwhelming, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. For example, instead of trying to write an entire essay in one sitting, break it down into smaller tasks such as brainstorming ideas, outlining the structure, and writing a paragraph at a time.

Use the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management strategy that involves working for a set amount of time, usually 25 minutes, and then taking a short break. This can help you stay focused and productive during your study sessions.

How to use the Pomodoro Technique?

• Choose a task you want to work on
• Set a timer for 25 minutes (one "pomodoro" last 25 minutes in the original method, but can be adjusted to your needs and preference)
• Work on the task until the timer goes off
• Take a 5-minute break (your break can also be adjusted to your needs)
• Repeat this process three more times, then take a longer 15-30 minute break

Eliminate distractions

Distractions can be a major obstacle to effective revision. To overcome this, try to eliminate distractions as much as possible. Turn off your phone, log out of social media, and find a quiet study space where you can focus.

How To Get Motivated To Study Summary

Effective time management and productivity skills are essential for students who want to succeed in their exams. By recalling your “why”, setting goals with the WOOP Method, finding ways to make studying more interesting, getting organised, and overcoming procrastination, you can stay motivated and make the most of your revision time. Remember, every small step you take towards your goals counts, and with determination and a good study plan, you can achieve academic success.