How To Motivate Yourself To Study

If you're struggling to find the motivation to study, you're not alone. Whether you're revising for GCSEs, A Levels, IB exams, or other qualifications, feeling unmotivated is one of the biggest challenges students face.

You know you need to study and you want good results. But when it comes time to actually sit down and revise, your brain does everything possible to avoid it. 

Luckily, motivation isn't something you're born with or without. It's a skill you can develop using proven strategies and small, consistent actions. In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to motivate yourself to study, stay focused, and create a study routine that actually works.

Key Takeaways

• Motivation follows action, not the other way around. Starting is often the hardest part, but once you begin, motivation naturally builds.

• Environment, routine, and rewards are more powerful than willpower. Design your study space and schedule to make revision easier.

• Small, consistent habits beat occasional marathon sessions. Breaking tasks into tiny steps helps you stay committed without burning out.

Why Motivation Is Hard — And Why That's Normal

Feeling unmotivated doesn't mean you're lazy or that something is wrong with you.

Research shows that motivation naturally fluctuates (opens in a new tab), and your brain is designed to avoid difficult or boring tasks. According to the Harvard Gazette (opens in a new tab), our brains prefer immediate rewards over delayed ones. Studying offers delayed rewards (good exam results months away), whilst distractions like social media offer instant gratification.

Waiting to "feel motivated" before studying doesn’t work. Motivation doesn't magically appear - it develops after you start working.

Think of motivation like a flywheel. It takes effort to get it spinning, but once it's moving, it's much easier to keep going. The secret is learning how to push through that initial resistance.

Recall Your “Why”

One of the most powerful ways to motivate yourself is to connect studying to something bigger than just passing exams.

Ask yourself: why does this matter to you?

Maybe you: 

• Want to get into a specific university

• Are passionate about a subject and want to pursue it further

• Know that good grades will open doors to career opportunities you're excited about

Here's what to do:

1. Write down your "why" in one or two sentences.

2. Be specific. Instead of "I want good grades," try "I want to study medicine, and I need strong science grades to get there."

3. Put this somewhere visible:

   • On your desk

   • Phone background

   • Revision planner

4. Read it every morning before studying.

When revision feels pointless, reminding yourself of your bigger goals helps you push through difficult moments.

Use the WOOP Method to Set Effective Goals

Vague goals like "Do better in Maths" won't motivate you. You need a clear plan.

The WOOP method is a goal-setting technique developed by psychologist Gabriele Oettingen (opens in a new tab). 

It stands for:

Wish

Outcome

Obstacle

Plan

Here's how it works:

Write down your WOOP plan and refer back to it when motivation dips.

Create a Study Environment That Supports Motivation

Your surroundings have a huge impact on your ability to focus and stay motivated.

UCAS suggests (opens in a new tab) that cluttered, distracting environments reduce productivity and increase procrastination. On the flip side, a clean, organised space signals to your brain that it's time to work.

Here's how to set up a motivating study space:

• Clear your desk. Remove anything that isn't study-related. A tidy space helps create a tidy mind.

• Good lighting matters. Natural light is best, but if that's not possible, use a bright desk lamp.

• Keep everything you need within reach. Notes, pens, water, snacks - have them ready so you don't need to get up.

• Separate study space from relaxation space. If possible, don't study on your bed. Your brain associates your bed with sleep, not focus.

• Use visual cues. Pin up your goals, a revision timetable, or motivational quotes to remind you why you're studying.

For more information, check out our comprehensive guide to creating the perfect study space.

Make Studying More Enjoyable

Revision isn't always thrilling. But you can make it more bearable. And, yes, sometimes even fun!

Study with friends (occasionally)

Studying with others can boost motivation, especially if you're working on the same subject. You can: 

• Quiz each other

• Explain concepts

• Share the workload

Just make sure study sessions stay focused. Set a clear goal for the session and agree to take breaks together.

Add rewards

Make studying feel more pleasant by pairing it with small comforts:

• Light a nice candle or use a pleasant room spray

• Play soft background music or white noise (if it helps you focus)

• Have a favourite drink nearby - tea, coffee, or a cold drink

These small additions create positive associations with study time.

Gamify your revision

Turn studying into a game by setting challenges:

• See how many flashcards you can get through in 10 minutes

• Give yourself points for completing tasks and "level up" when you hit milestones

• Use apps like Forest (opens in a new tab) that reward you (or the planet) you for staying focused

Reward yourself after study sessions

Knowing there's something enjoyable waiting for you after studying makes it easier to start. After a solid revision session, reward yourself with:

• 20 minutes of your favourite show

• Time with friends

• A treat or snack

Build Organisation and Routine

Disorganisation drains motivation. When you don't know what to study or where to start, it's easy to give up before you even begin.

Building a simple routine removes decision-making and makes studying automatic.

Use a Simple Weekly Study Plan

A weekly study plan (opens in a new tab) helps you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.

Here's how to create one:

1. List all subjects or topics you need to cover this week

2. Break them into smaller chunks

3. Assign each chunk to a specific day and time

4. Be realistic - don't overschedule yourself

5. Leave buffer time for unexpected events

Break Tasks Into Small, Doable Steps

Big tasks feel overwhelming. Small tasks feel manageable. This is called chunking.

Instead of "revise biology," break it down:

• Read notes on photosynthesis

• Watch a 5-minute video on chloroplasts

• Complete 5 exam-style questions

• Make flashcards for key terms

Each small task gives you a quick win, which builds momentum and motivation.

Overcome Procrastination Using Behavioural Techniques

Procrastination is the enemy of motivation. But you can outsmart it using proven behavioural techniques.

The 10-Minute Rule

This technique is incredibly simple: commit to studying for just 10 minutes. That's it. Just 10 minutes.

It works because starting is the hardest part. Psychologists call this the "Zeigarnik effect (opens in a new tab)" - once you start a task, your brain wants to finish it. Most of the time, you'll keep going beyond 10 minutes. But even if you don't, 10 minutes of studying is better than none.

Our How to Start Revising guide is sure to help you build that much-needed study momentum.

Use the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method that helps maintain focus:

1. Set a timer for 25 minutes

2. Study with full focus until the timer goes off

3. Take a 5-minute break

4. Repeat four times, then take a longer 15-30 minute break

You're never more than 25 minutes away from a break.

Remove or Reduce Distractions

The more you get distracted, the harder it is to get back into flow. Here’s how to combat digital and environmental distractions:

Every distraction you remove makes it easier to stay focused.

Use Rewards and Accountability to Boost Motivation

Motivation is all about setting up systems that make success easier.

Use rewards strategically

Rewards help reinforce positive behaviour. The key is to make rewards immediate and tied to effort rather than outcomes.

For example:

• After finishing a past paper, watch one episode of your favourite show.

• After a full week of consistent revision, treat yourself to an afternoon out with friends.

Get an accountability partner

Tell someone about your study goals: a friend or family member. Check in with them regularly. Knowing someone else is expecting you to follow through makes you more likely to do it.

Track your progress

Seeing progress is motivating. Mark off every day you study by using a: 

• Habit tracker

• Calendar

• App 

Even a simple checklist works. Crossing off completed tasks makes you feel good and gives you a boost to want to continue.

Reset Your Mindset: Motivation Is a Skill, Not a Personality Trait

If you've been telling yourself "I'm just not a motivated person," it's time to challenge that belief. Motivation isn't fixed. It's not something you either have or don't have. It's a skill you build through practice.

Challenge perfectionism: Perfectionism often disguises itself as high standards, but it's actually a form of self-sabotage. Done is better than perfect. A messy study session is better than no study session.

Let go of guilt: Feeling guilty about not studying doesn't help you study; it just makes you feel worse. If you've had an unproductive day, acknowledge it without judgement, then move on. 

Celebrate small wins: Every time you sit down to study, even for 10 minutes, that's a win. Acknowledge it.

How Save My Exams Helps You Stay Motivated

At Save My Exams, we know revision can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help you get the best possible grades with zero overwhelm. Our real examiner written, exam-specific resources simplify revision and build real exam confidence. 

Revision notes: Our revision notes break complex topics into clear, manageable chunks - perfect for quick study sessions.

Past papers: When you're ready, test yourself with real exam-style questions to see how much you've learned.

Clear progress tracking: Watch your progress as you work through topics and questions. Seeing how far you've come is incredibly motivating.

Confidence boosts: Our resources are designed to reduce overwhelm and build your confidence, one topic at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I study when I really don't feel like it?

Use the 10-minute rule. Commit to just 10 minutes of studying. Once you start, motivation often follows. If you still don't feel like continuing after 10 minutes, that's okay, you've still made progress.

How can I stay motivated during long revision periods?

Break your revision into smaller milestones and reward yourself when you hit them and use a weekly study plan to avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

What should I do if I always procrastinate?

Procrastination usually happens because tasks feel too big or overwhelming. Do this:

• Break everything into tiny, manageable steps. 

• Remove distractions. 

• Use the Pomodoro Technique to make study sessions feel less daunting.

How can I stay focused without getting bored?

Instead of just reading notes, explore our huge bank of revision tips to mix up your study sessions and keep you engaged.

How long should I study each day to stay productive?

Quality beats quantity. It's better to study for 1 focused hour than 3 distracted hours. Start small and gradually increase your revision sessions as your stamina builds.

Start Small and Stay Motivated

You don't need to wait until you "feel like" studying and you don't need endless willpower. What you need is a system that makes studying easier - clear goals, a supportive environment, manageable tasks, and rewards that keep you going.

Every time you choose to start, even when it's hard, you're building the skill of motivation. Over time, it gets easier. And, in the end, small steady steps create big results.

References

PMC - Day-to-day fluctuations in motivation drive effort-based decision-making (opens in a new tab)

Harvard Gazette - Brain takes itself on over immediate vs. delayed gratification (opens in a new tab)

NYU - Gabriele Oettingen (opens in a new tab)

UCAS - How your surroundings affect the way you study (opens in a new tab)

Forest App (opens in a new tab)

Psychology Today - Zeigarnik Effect (opens in a new tab)