How to stay Motivated?!!

[Peter Thomas]

Okay - I need some serious help here

I'm meant to be late-night cramming for an exam tomorrow, but I can't seem to stay focused very well. I've shut down all my 'chat' programs, like msn etc, and I turned off the T.V and radio (primarily because my brother is in bed and he'd poke me very hard if I woke him). I tried to close AGSforums... but I can't do it...

So..... given that I've got rid of nearly ALL distractions, how is it that I can't concentrate, and how do you guys MAKE yourself concentrate.

If you're interested..... anyone who wants to write a three-page essay on Beach's Five Theoretical Perspectives and Thompson's Six Steps of Response mixed within a reader-centred approach to literature will be hailed by all. Just send me $50 dollars and I'll let you do it for me  

[DGMacphee]

I guess step 1 to being motivated is to stop posting here -- It sucks your motivation right up!

And step 2, don't visit any other sites that could be considered 'fun'.

[Lazy Z]

Turning of your PC completely would definitely help, too many distractions on a PC (I speak from experience).  Other than that, I just try to ignore anything that might distract me, I turn off the TV (sometimes I have others hide the TV controller, haha), unplug the phone, turn off my cell etc. Generally, I try to make things so there's nothing else I can do besides studying.

BTW, I'll write that essay for ya. If you write my 20-pages essay on subjectivism and mysticism in Byron and Blake.

[Chicky]

i have like a massive problem with staying concentrated, im allways in trouble in school for not donig coursework and im soon to go to sixth form, so i really gotta sort it by then.

ALL my coursework ive ever been set has to be in for this friday, this concentration thing will really help me. Im guna try my very hardest to get my work done.

-OSC

[00jon00]

Two words...Stress Toy.

[MillsJROSS]

I think one of the most important tricks is to treat yourself for so much work. Say to yourself, "Alright, I'll work on this for an hour, then take a fifteen minute break to do what I want, then go back to it." You could obviously adjust the time to whatever you want, or need. I don't necessarily agree with getting rid of all forms of entertainment, you just have to make it so your focused for a certain lenght of time.

Although, as a guidline, it's probably not good to treat yourself, by allowing you to go on to a chat room. They can just suck your time away easily. Rather, maybe browse a few websites, or play a few short games. I, personally, treat myself to a game of minesweepers/Freecell/Spider/Hearts, as entertainment. Because either game shouldn't take a real long time, and it allows me to relax, but keeps my mind still going for when I go back to work.

Another thing, and I have trouble with this too, but I'm starting to crack down. Never wait last minute. It's such a horrible habit to get into. You should set aside some time each day (or at least weekdays), to do a little studying or homework. That way when your in a situation where you need to buckle down, you'll be more prepared, and should have done some of the assignment earlier.

I think that people tend to be lax, and then they push themselves harder than the norm, which your mind just rejects. It's like excersize...you don't go hold off going to the gym for a month, and then expect to be in peak health condition, able to lift 5000 pounds (exaggeration). The same goes for your mind, you have to train it.

-MillsJROSS

[Timosity]

I used to find studying really easy when I stayed up late and did it when I was really tired.

Then If I had a test the next day I was really tired, but in a very similar state of mind  to when I was studying, therefore what I studied was very easily retrieved. And I did perform well (when I wanted to).

It might not work for everyone, as everyone learns differently, but it's a method worth trying.

That way you don't have to stay motivated, but It's important not to feel stressed about it.

It is also about prioritising.


Note: Listening carefully initially can also wipe out hours of work.

Note 2: Just remember this might not work for you

[Robert Eric]

If you can't get motivated to jog, just strap a big piece of steak to your back, go near some big, mean dog that isn't chained up.  I garentee that you will be running for quite some time.  Hey, it worked for Jean Claude Van-Damme.