Experiencing challenges related to your studies can affect your motivation to study. Three important questions you need to ask yourself are:
- Why are you studying? (What do you need most or want that you do not have?)
- What does “success” mean to you?
- How much do you believe in yourself?
Some tips to keep you motivated
- Make sure you have clear goals - try to keep them specific when setting goals (for example, I need to study tonight versus I need to study Chapter 6 of Psychology 101 textbook tonight).
- Have clear short-term goals - you can achieve a lot by concentrating on what needs to be done now (the more you do, the more you are capable of doing).
- Set a time frame - list the tasks you need to get done and tick off the items that you get done. Once you see that you made progress, you can start having more confidence in your ability to get things done.
- Reward yourself! For each goal your complete, reward yourself with a positive result (for example, watching a movie or having coffee with a friend).
- Break tasks into smaller tasks - Reinforce the idea that every bit helps. A little writing often can be very productive!
- Focus on what you have achieved and not on what you have not done - acknowledge that you are managing some tasks and others not.
- Don't make excuses - make progress - everyone has interruptions and crises that prevent them from completing something. If your plans for studying were sabotaged, devise a new plan to start studying again.
- Get a different perspective - when you get stuck or bored or you cannot see the relevance of your studies, consider your long-term goals. Why did you first register for this qualification? Are those reasons still valid? If not, contact a counsellor to discuss your career plans.
- Join a study group/ find a study buddy - other students may also struggle with the same subject you struggle with. Talking to others about your studies helps you to gain perspective.
- Don't fight it - all modules in a degree/ diploma might not be equally interesting or exciting, but they are necessary. Try to change a hated subject into something fun for yourself, or reward yourself more often for completing work in this subject.
- Know where you stand - if your results for an assignment or exam were not what you expected, do a self-assessment (Did I spend enough time on this module? How can I approach this subject differently? Did I follow the instructions?). You can also contact your lecturer to request feedback (on written examinations).
- Try something different - mix your activities to spend not more than 30 minutes on one task (for example, work on a module you struggle with for 30 minutes and then one a module you enjoy for 30 minutes, and so on).
- Other ways: Talk to someone you trust about your difficulties with your studies; do some exercise; reconnect with friends or try focus and meditation activities.
- Can you add more ways to stay motivated?
Adapted from: University of Melbourne Learning Skills Unit. Motivation
Read Study @ Unisa
Study @ Unisa is your study survival kit. Use the information in this guide to help you get started with your studies. In addition, the guide provides quick links to all the support offered by Unisa, and information regarding important processes such as submitting assignments.
Further resources
Attend workshops
Contact the Unisa centre closest to you to enquire about possible study skills workshops that will be offered. If you cannot attend a workshop in person, download the I don't have the energy to study - now what? workshop presentation.