Yelizaveta
How to stay motivated ?
I enjoy learning and I like school, but I have this bad habit of losing motivation and focus. I usually get discouraged after receiving negative feedback or a bad test grade which then only makes me get even worse scores due to lack of motivation. Any tips on how to stay motivated and ask for help ? #motivation #studying #studying-tips #soft-skills
13 answers
Libby Gray
Libby’s Answer
Leahanne Thomas
Leahanne’s Answer
It's really good that you noticed a trigger for your losing motivation - negative feedback. That's totally understandable. Here's something to keep in mind, that negative feedback is not a judgement on you, your efforts, your intelligence or anything of that sort. It is information - that is all. The grade or the comments from the teacher (verbal or written) are telling you that you haven't mastered the material. They are saying, there is more that you could do to master the material. That's what the feedback is - information. It's like a thermometer telling you the temperature. Then you decide how to act; put on a jacket, take off a layer, etc.
So, how does this relate to academics? The first thing you need to decide before you take each test or assignment is 1) what does success look like for you? What grade would you consider a success for you on this assignment or test? That gives you the power and will increase your motivation, just by taking control over setting the goal for yourself.
I would suggest the goal or target should be different for each class and each assignment. For instance, if you've been taking French for 3 years and you feel it's a really strong subject for you, and you've studied a lot - you might think an A is success. If it's a new class and the material is new to you and you're struggling with it in class - you would want to set a lower bar for success on that assignment. In other words, you want to be realistic about where you are in the learning process - and that's what school is - a learning process. The more realistic you are about where you are, the less likely you are to feel overwhelmed by it.
Once you set your own bar for success, and you receive feedback, you should assess - did you meet, exceed or miss your goal? If you missed it, what can you do to improve next time? I would suggest you start with a conversation with the teacher, get their suggestions and then talk to your classmates.
There are all types of improvements you can make to meet your goals - changing your study approaches, extra help, tutoring by a friend. Once you set your goal for each assignment and treat feedback as information, you can change the dynamic and the cycle that has you losing your mo-jo. Good luck and you're doing great!!
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Regina Soh
Regina’s Answer
What I usually do is to try to break it down into mini goals. Take baby steps each time. If I fail a test, I try to identify the topics that I struggle with and just focus on getting better on those topics. If I can't get dance step, or that tennis stroke, I just keep practicing on that until I get better.. BUT at the same time, I will also remind myself that I am doing well in other areas so I can only get better!
With negative feedback, I think we need to listen carefully to what is being said and why did we get such feedback. With our haters, its not about us so we can pretty much ignore them but often than not, we get feedback from people who cares for us. Those are tough - we need to dig deep into what they are trying to say but ignoring their choice of words or the tone they used. Try to understand why we need to change and change is not always easy so break it down, take one step at the time.
Ayotunde Elegbeleye
Ayotunde’s Answer
A bad grade may mean that you haven't internalized what you've learned and you need to spend more time understanding the instructional material(s). Rather than feel bad (of course, you'll feel bad for a while but don't let it fester🙂), let the feedback prompt you into further actions that are geared towards achieving your goal(s) of learning.
You can make some adjustments to your study habits and allow yourself to be curious. Curiosity motivates you to ask questions and explore more about what you're trying to learn.
All the best as you learn.
Jessica Ramiro
Jessica’s Answer
I would try looking at things from a different perspective. It can be discouraging when you get a bad score on your test, but take 5 minutes to reflect on how you can do better and let that fuel your fire! Study harder and work with people who have created results.
Yolanda Krajnovich
Yolanda’s Answer
Noor-ul- Hudda
Noor-ul-’s Answer
Guilheme Nunes Carnielli
Guilheme Nunes’s Answer
Hi Yelizaveta!
It is always nice to organize your day in it's beginning, you may do a to do list, try to take away from you everything that may distract you like a cellphone or a TV. Another great way to stay focused is determine a time to being productive and a time to relax, maybe doing some little pauses during your day.
Hope it helped you :)
Segun Victor
Segun’s Answer
Philip Adebayo
Philip’s Answer
Nonetheless, we cannot be doing the same thing the same way and expect different result. It's important to acknowledge our fears and do a root cause analysis.
It's important to have a clear focus on what you want to achieve, this alone is enough to spur one to actions. Also, the importance of accountability partner cannot be overstated. Accountability partner can be inform of a mentor or colleagues who share similar values and interest.
In conclusion, external influence or motivation can only do very little, it can serve as an impetuous, nevertheless what will keep you going is your personal motivation, clarity of purpose and determination to succeed.
jamie Kuong
jamie’s Answer
I think you need to try thinking things from a different way. I know people feel discouraged and disappointed when receiving negative feedback.
But don't think that is a negative effect. Try to think it can help you improve yourself and you can do better next time.
When you begin to work, you will be more independent, so not everyone will help you at work. But when others spend time giving you feedback no matter good or not, that makes you better.
Thinking things in a positive way that is not easy, but it can help you live easily and happily .
June Anderson
June’s Answer
Sheila Jordan
Sheila’s Answer
Staying focused while studying can be a challenge but, it doesn't have to be. One of the first things that I do is "get organized." I organize my material by having all the supplies I'll need such as highlighters, pens, sticky notes, etc. Here's an article I found on some additional study tips for your consideration.
• GET ORGANIZED - Always carry a homework planner to help you remember your homework, tests, projects and assignments. Try to keep your study space organized as well, so you can quickly find the tools you need to study successfully.
• EQUIP YOUR STUDY AREA - Equip your study table or desk with all the materials you may need to complete your assignments, such as a dictionary, stapler, paper clips, erasers, pens, pencils, beverages and snacks.
• PAY ATTENTION - Concentrate when your teacher or instructor is speaking. You can practice active listening by focusing on what's being said and writing it down in your own words. This can help you hear and understand what's being taught in class or seminar.
• MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS - Be mindful of things that could distract you while studying, including smartphones and social media interactions with friends.
• MAKE SURE YOUR NOTES ARE CLEAR - Writing clear and complete notes in class can help you process the information you're hearing. These notes can also become study notes that you can review before a test. If you have missed a class, talk to your friends or instructor to ensure your notes are complete.
• ASK QUESTIONS - If you don't understand something, raise your hand and ask questions. If you're not comfortable asking in front of everyone, you can write yourself a reminder to talk to your teacher after class.
• MAKE A STUDY PLAN - When you make a study schedule, review your planner and rank your to-do list from the most important to the least important. Think about the kinds of questions that may be on the test and the topics it might cover, so you know what you should focus on. You can set specific goals for every study session.
• SINGLE TASK WITH INTENSITY - Multitasking efforts usually involve context switching, in which your mind has to restart and refocus. To to study effectively, learn accomplish a single task at a time. Rather than spending time doing low-intensity work with several distractions, you can work for shorter periods of time at higher intensity, with no distractions from social media, emails and smartphones. This way, you can make your studying more effective and achieve greater results.
• THINK POSITIVELY - Think positively while studying so you can be more effective at learning and retaining information.
• QUIZ YOURSELF - To learn information more effectively, try using mock quizzes, flashcards and practice exams. Taking the test can help you learn the information better than just re-reading or reviewing the information.
• OUTLINE THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO LEARN - Making an outline from class materials and notes can be an effective way to study your notes and materials from class. Consider taking your lecture notes and creating an outline of the information you took down in class.
As others have already shared some great advice you can't go wrong with any of the tips provided. Best of luck to you. You can do it! 📚
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