Motivation? Who is she? If you lack motivation, then you know that the end of the quarter brings a seemingly unbearable amount of stress. Having a ton of stress can make it difficult to stay motivated as the end of the quarter approaches. Because of this, the idea of studying for end of term exams and writing papers may seem impossible. The idea of becoming motivated seems like a last resort.
Fortunately, there are a myriad of strategies to choose from when motivation becomes necessary. As someone who struggles with finding the motivation to write papers and study for exams, I often implement a variety of strategies to find my motivation.
From having study sessions at the library or at one of the local coffee shops to setting goals, I will break down the motivation strategies that help me at the end of the quarter.
1. Imagine yourself at the end of the quarter
When my motivation is lacking, I often take the time to imagine myself at the end of the quarter. I imagine myself as having successfully got through all my exams and papers, as well as all the readings I have completed. I find that by using this strategy, I can become better focused on reaching my goals for the week and on setting realistic expectations for myself.
For example, if I am determined to do well on my cognitive psychology exam, then I will set time to complete the study guide, review my notes, make flashcards, and practice exam questions. By focusing on studying for my exam, I find that my motivation increases as I imagine myself doing well.
2. pairing studying with something enjoyable
Pairing studying with something enjoyable such as going to one of the local coffee shops or going to another study location has increased my motivation to complete assignments and to study for exams.
Not only does this strategy increase your productivity on assignments, but it also gives you something to enjoy while studying. Personally, I find that having a coffee while studying at the library helps me to stay productive while studying for exams or writing papers.
3. set goals
Setting goals or working towards a goal is helpful for not only staying on top of assignments, but it also helps you stay motivated when the going gets rough. In my case, rewarding myself with something enjoyable such as going out to eat or having a movie night after getting through a week of exams motivates me to complete assignments because it gives me something to look forward to.
By setting goals such as completing an essay the day before its due or doing well on my abnormal psychology exam, I find that I can manage my time better while working on my assignments and I can make much needed time for myself after reaching my goals.
I hope that these strategies give you some much needed motivation as we navigate the last few weeks of the quarter. Happy studying!
XOXO Her Campus