How do you keep yourself motivated when studying a subject you really don't like?

I take frequent breaks, listen to music that's going to keep my motivation up or I get with a small group and try that way so I can get other people's way of learning something I don't like.

It can be tough taking classes that don't motivate you, especially when you're studies relate to art and entertainment. First, and you may have done, see if there's any way you can relate the course to your main field of study. This can be difficult but it will help you want to do well.

My friend is a huge fan of a reward system. Any time you have to do something you don't want, create an award for yourself. So if you do your homework tonight for the class, then let yourself take a 20 minute break to watch YouTube videos or go get ice cream. Personally, this doesn't work for me, but I know it works for a lot of people. Also, prioritize your lease desired tasks first. This way you get it out of the way and done. Don't procrastinate or you'll just keep pushing them off until it's too late.

If you have a friend or acquaintance in the same class, try doing your work together to at least make it semi-bearable.

You need to realize that you are not alone in tackling this challenge. Everyone is confronted with the same problem. This realization itself will make you feel better. Also, you need to understand that you will not be able to better appreciate things that you like unless you have things that you dislike,

Please take a moment to think through this. This is the only way to be balanced and face situations that you dislike with positive and motivated feeling.

Let's face it - not all aspects of life are enjoyable. As you recently discovered, the same applies to educational pursuits. The above responses to your question all provide creative ways for one to manage uninspiring course work. Try one, several, or all of the above suggestions. The trick here is to find the specific strategy that works for you and apply it on a consistent basis. The more successful you are at dealing with mandatory classes you dislike, the better prepared you will be once you enter the workforce. Even if you ultimately end up achieving the job of your dreams, rest assured that there will be some aspects of that job which are monotonous and boring. If you are able to quickly and efficiently complete mundane tasks, you will not only be recognized for your efforts, but you will also have more time to spend on the aspects of your job that truly inspire your passions.

Thinking about your frustrations, I recalled my own college days and remembered that I was equally incensed about having to take mandatory classes. I was going to business school. At the time, I silently raged: "Why on earth must I take these classes? What possible benefit can be obtained by me having to take classes in science, religion, or philosophy?" Oh, I agonized quit a bit over deciding which class in a particular mandated subject area would have the least likelihood of me losing my mind or dying from boredom. However, upon taking required classes, sometimes I discovered that I really did enjoy the course material. Had it not been for the fact that I had to take a particular class, I would never have learned that I enjoyed the subject matter.

I am 52 years old. Two years ago, on a lark, I enrolled in an online computer programming course. Guess what? I love it. Now, I am studying all I can about programming languages and web development. Never in a million years would I ever have considered taking a programming class. Now, I try to absorb everything I can. My point here is to keep an open mind. Quickly learn to slug through everything you hate, and do what you have to do to achieve your goals in life. Maybe if you are lucky though, along the way you will find that one of those mandatory classes awakens a new interest within you. I wish you the best of luck in your educational pursuits!

it's a continuation to Sundara Vaidyanathan's response above.
Take a pause - why is that course mandatory? is there any one who likes that course? why do i hate it?
may be give it a shot talking to those who like it - why do they like it! you may get a clue.
it's worth an attempt & use it as a stepping stone to overcome with different other options you like.
This process will help you get stronger in conflict resolution & you may come up with some innovative idea that works good for most!
Wish you all the Best!

Hi,

Similar to the people above, my strategy is to tackle the one I dislike first to get it out of the way so I can really enjoy the rest -- and I give myself breaks as rewards for hitting milestones. For me, the best rewards are things like bike rides because that lets me get some fresh air and gets my blood moving (especially important if the topic puts you to sleep:-) )

Good luck!