Motivation Tips

Motivation Tip 1: Get Perspective!

You’ve probably heard the old saying “I’ll never use this knowledge in the real world.” It’s time to set the record straight once and for all—that saying is completely false!
When you start feeling like homework is a drag, it might help to start thinking about the reason you’re doing homework in the first place. The work you do now really is important, even though it’s probably hard to see sometimes.
In truth, your nightly homework is really work that will form the foundation for your future. Right now you are probably being forced to study topics that don’t interest you at all. It may seem cruel and unfair now, but it’s really an important and necessary “evil.”
Why? Because a strong foundation must include a good mix of ingredients. You see, you may not believe that you’ll need your algebra skills later in life, but algebra sets the stage for understanding principles of science, economics, and business.
It’s the same for English homework. You’ll need those skills desperately in college, and you’ll certainly need them to succeed in the world.
“I like one of my subjects. It’s all the others I hate!”

Motivation Tip 2: Get an Attitude!

Are you a math whiz? A great writer? Are you artistic—or maybe good at solving puzzles?
Most students have a special talent in one particular area, so they enjoy doing homework in that topic. The problem comes when they avoid doing the other stuff. Sound familiar?
The good news is that you don’t need to love everything. Just pick one area you love and become the self-appointed expert in your school. Get a serious attitude!
Think of yourself as the very best at that one topic, and then make it a reality. For inspiration, you can create a web site or perhaps a series of podcasts about your topic. Become a star!
Once you become the expert in your field, you will gain confidence in yourself and become more tolerant of the topics you don’t enjoy so much. You’ll start thinking of all your least favorite topics as “supporting” actors in your quest for a career in the area you love.
“Some kids get good grades because of their reputations. The teacher just likes them better. I have to work harder for an A.”

Motivation Tip 3: Get Competitive!

This problem could be real or imagined. Either way, this problem is the best kind! If you have a competitive spirit, you can have a lot of fun with this one.
If you think you’re at a disadvantage to other students, you can turn things around by getting a competitive attitude.
Think of every project as a challenge and set out to do your assignment better than anybody else. Try to surprise everyone—including the teacher—by doing outstanding work.
If you feel like you are part of a misfit crowd, then it might help to team up with a friend or two. Put your heads together and plot to outdo the popular crowd. You’ll find that this can be very inspiring!

Motivation Tip 4: Get Your Eye on the Prize!

If you get bored just thinking about homework, then you may need to focus on setting and reaching goals.
For instance, if you are having trouble getting started on a big science project, then divide your project into steps. Then, reward yourself each time you finish a step successfully. Your first step could be library research.
Set a time line for visiting the library and completing your research. Think of a good way to reward yourself, like a frothy iced coffee drink or another favorite treat. Then focus on the prize and make it happen!
Your parents will probably support you in this endeavor. Just ask!
There are many variations to the “eye on the prize” system. You may want to create a dream box or a bulletin board with pictures of big prizes, like the college of your dreams. Fill the box or board with the objects of your dreams and make a habit of looking at them often.
In other words, keep your eyes on those prizes!
”Why should I care? Nobody else does.”

Motivation Tip 5: Get Support!

It’s unfortunate but true that some students don’t receive much encouragement or support when it comes to school work. Some students don’t have any encouragement from family or don’t even have any family at all.
But that doesn’t mean nobody cares.
There are lots of people who care very much that you succeed in school. Just think about it—this web site wouldn’t exist if somebody didn’t want you to succeed.
There are many people who care. People in your school have a big stake in your success. They are judged on your performance. If you don’t do well, they don’t do well.
Adults from all walks of life are concerned about education and the plight of students just like you. The state of education is a big topic of discussion and debate among adults. If you feel like you don’t get support at home, then find an education forum and talk about it.
You’ll find that there are lots of people who are interested and willing to cheer you on!

Simple Steps to Student Success

Working toward your degree but struggling with getting yourself to do what it takes to see it through to the end? Finals on the horizon as you're having an impossible time staying committed to studying?

Whether working toward earning high-school diploma or advanced college degree, the student motivation quicktips below will help you kick in the motivation you need to succeed.

WHAT'S THE REWARD?
Behind every successful goal or dream is a powerful reason. It's the lifeblood and energy source of the goal, compelling progress each and every day. So what your reason? What rewards will earning your degree bring into your life? New career opportunities? Increased income potential? Pride of accomplishment?

TUNE IN TO YOUR STYLE
Are you a visual learner? Better at listening to instructions or information? Combination of both? Discover the particular learning style that works best for you and put it to use whenever you're presented with new information. By tuning in to your style, you'll more easily take in, comprehend, and recall the material you need.

LEARN HOW TO STUDY
Chances are good you weren't born with the ability to study, and with most school's leaving this out of the curriculum, it's up to you to learn how. Invest a few hours in a guide to studying and discover the tools and techniques you can apply to increase you effectiveness and efficiency in the classroom.

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
If you've ever studied for a test or exam, and you have, you know how easily distractions can creep into the picture can slowly but surely take you away from the task at hand. A simple solution is to shine the light on these time-wasters, discovering what things in particular often take you away from your work and how you can best avoid them during your next study session.

LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES
If you ever toss aside an old assignment or test without looking over your mistakes, you're making another one. In some cases, an error in judgement or memory might lead to a wrong answer, but in others it could be a recurring problem in your work that needs your attention. Learn from your mistakes and you're sure to rise to the top of the class