So it’s nearly that time again. Exams are looming around the corner and they’ll be here before you know it. The feeling of dread is starting; that negative voice in your head is telling you that you’re never going to pass. (Especially that really dull subject that you regret picking – seriously, what were you thinking?)
But don’t fear because help is here. There are many ways to motivate yourself when inspiration has run dry and the path to good grades is not quite as tough as you think. It’s all a matter of preparation – if you plan out beforehand, you’ll be amazed at how much time you’ll save in the long run.
One of the best ways to plan is to make a list of all the sub-topics in your subject. Break it down into manageable chunks and suddenly studying won’t seem so daunting. Take each section and decide on a date for tackling the information. Once you’ve finished each chunk, you can tick it off so you can monitor your progress; it’s a great way of keeping track and allowing you to feel like you’ve accomplished something.
If you’re easily distracted, it might be a good idea to turn off the internet as it is so easy for “just five minutes” to become five hours! Nothing beats old-fashioned pen and paper and using different coloured pens can help to keeps notes separate as well as make them more attractive. Find a quiet space where you can work quietly, away from the TV and other people. Perhaps music helps to keep you focussed and in this case it might help to make up a playlist of songs that help you to learn. Associating different subjects with certain songs is another neat trick for jogging the memory!
When you find that there is simply too much, always remember you can talk to your teacher about extending deadlines. They’ll understand if you’re stressed. Don’t forget to prioritise! Look at what subjects you’ll need for your university or college course and focus on them.
Set goals. If you find a course that you really want to do, it can help inspire you to work harder so you can get in. Think about the sense of achievement you’ll feel when you get that acceptance!
If you find that you really can’t motivate yourself, find a study partner. They will encourage you to keep going and tell you when you’re wasting too much time. Just remember that you’re there to revise and not to have chitchat!
Of course, it doesn’t all have to be hard work – remember to take little breaks every half-hour or hour and reward yourself when you feel you’ve achieved something. It might be the latest episode of your favourite TV show or a sneaky bar of chocolate. It’s all about motivating yourself to keep going and you’ll be glad you did when the results come in!
