How to stay motivated about studying hard to achieve good grades?

Question

My study habits (and grades!) follow this negative cycle.

At beginning of a semester I study really hard, being energized from summer break, and I make mostly A's.

After 2 weeks, I'm tired from the long nights of over-concentrated studying, added with a new confidence in myself from the good grades, so I slack off and cram a lot instead--making mostly B's. I keep doing that until I make a C, or end up with some nastly failing grade on a test. (I have made a 97 on a test once only to make a 53 on the next one weeks later.)

Then, it's like a wake-up call and I strive to make A's again.

I really need to act differently this upcoming school year.

So I'm looking for ways on how I might motivate myself, EVERYDAY, to study like I just failed a test--without the experience. Is there some daily ritual I need to go through or something I could do?

Please help!!

Answer 1

Please read the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Book. Not only will you be motivated to study, but you'll know why you're motivated.

Here's a rundown:
1. Be Proactive: recognize that you slack off after a good test, plan for it, write a detailed note of what happens when you slack off (you fail the next test, you lose sleep cramming). Then commit yourself to not procrastinating (tell a friend to keep you on your toes, or just make a promise to yourself--sometimes just an oath keeps us in line)
2. Begin with the End in Mind: See that A. Feel it. Now, work backwards on how you get there. (Set up regular study times, work with someone if you have to, make the goal smaller so that it's less daunting)
3. Put First things First: Is your study time important? More important than fun with friends? More important than family time? More important than eating? (probably not, but you get the point. If you put a list of priorities next to your desk, or on your person, you'll be stronger on your conviction to study. Plus, you'll get more respect from those that you have to put aside for studying; conversely, if you feel studying can be skipped just this once, you won't feel guilty....... you'll know in your heart you need the break, but you're still on track.)

That's the 1st three Habits and I bet even those 3 will improve your outlook.

Here's another tip: remember that High from getting a good grade? every time you're going to let your studies slide....... remember that feeling and how much you want to feel it again. Let yourself know that you only get that feeling with hard work.... and then get to work!

Answer 2

Hi Jason, I am a teacher and have had students at various times who suffered the same problem as you. I was always tough with them, but not harsh. You may be surprised, but I also had the same problem and wish my teachers had been tougher. There are a few things I can suggest:- 1. Discuss it with any of your teachers who are willing to listen. At the end of the discussion with each of them you can thank them and make a commitment to them. If you are sincere you will not want to let them down. This will motivate you and keep you motivated. 2. Yes, take the computer out of the room, as the temptation of having it right next to you might be too difficult to overcome. (I know it would be for me.) 3.Start your homework as early as possible, even before supper if possible, but not on a completely empty stomach - perhaps after an energy drink or snack. This will avoid the tiredness setting in. Continue soon after supper until you feel you have done enough. 4.Try to go to bed early and if you wake early, get up and do a bit more studying, but don't rely completely on studying early in the mornings 5. Ration your TV viewing time. Too much TV can can cause tiredness and, even worse, encourage stopping up late. 6. Allocate specific times at the weekend for homework/studies and make it during the day time. (Don't leave it all until Sunday. 7. Start with the most difficult/boring assignments first. 8. Don't try to do much. 9. When you see that your results improve, that will also encourage and keep you motivated. 10. Finally, find out what subjects/grades you will need when you leave school for you chosen career so that you know exactly what you have to achieve This will be a big motivater and will sustain you. I hope these ideas will help you Good luck.

Answer 3

Remember that every grade you get counts. You could generally do it two ways, depending on how your tests are given. Either study a bit (like 30 min for each class every day) or a lot 2 days/ 1 day before tests (like 2-3 or 4-5 hours depending on the subject).

Also, it's really important to listen VERY carefully in class. Most of the time, teachers already talk about everything on tests so if you listen carefully, you can just remember and not have to study that much.

This probably won't work but for me personally, I've learned to get very mad/upset at myself when I get a bad grade on a test. So, in order not to get that, I just motivate myself by studying a lot.

When you study, take 10 minute breaks every once in a while so you don't get over frustrated. Excercising or watching tv, reading can make a big difference if you're really tired of school.

Although it may be hard, but learn to like to study. Then you'll be really motivated.

Hope this helps!--At least it worked for me!

Answer 4

The most important thing to remember is that you want to do your best now so you don't have to go back to school when your older and have more responsibilities and bills. If you apply yourself now you can make and form your future into what you want it to be. Stay dedicated or you will be like some people I know who want to make a change late in life and pursue there dreams but they can't. Do it now while your still young and full of vigor.

Answer 5

Human motivation is a response that our body has to some
form of either internal or external stimulation.

In simple terms, it means that our body is responding to
stimulation. An example is that we are motivated to eat
something because we are hungry. We are directing a
behavior to a particular goal. Humans need to be motivated
to do just about anything in life. That is why it is so
Important to set goals.

Sure, we may not need to set a goal to eat, sleep or drink.
Those are internal stimulations. But sometimes in life we
find that we need to motivate ourselves to do other
important functions in life.

Some of these include: losing weight, exercising, quitting
smoking, cleaning the house, doing homework or finding a
job. Those are just to mention a few.

The bottom line is, we need to set goals to do some of
these things. Without goals, we really can't begin to get
motivated. As humans, we need to have the reason to do
something. That is how our brain works.

There are three basic types of personalities
that determine human motivation.

1. The need for achievement is the drive to excel at things
and strive to succeed. This type is in it for the
competition only.

2. The need for power is the desire to make people behave a
certain way with the power of human motivation. This type
of person is in it for the power and could care less about
the competition.

3. The need for affiliation is the strong needs for close
interpersonal relationships with others. This type of
person is in it for friends. They will cooperate just to
have the social aspect.

These are all types of personalities that are part of human
motivation. It is what drives us to think the way we think
and desire the things that we desire.

Depending on which human motivation type you are will
determine what motivates you. There can also be a
combination of two or three to make up someone's
personality.

Everyone is different in that different things motivate
each and every one of us. In order to get motivated, one
needs to first set goals out in front of them to meet. They
need to be goals that are within reach.

Then after the goals have been set down, it is time to get
a plan on what it will take to meet your goals. Write it
down and prioritize the things that need to be done in
order to achieve this motivation.

The final stage to human motivation is to make a commitment
to keep focused on the goals. Remember, motivation is what
drives us all. We need to have it to achieve anything.


Although some lucky people seem to be born highly
motivated, if you are of at least average intelligence you
can learn how to be motivated. No matter how unmotivated
you have been up to now you can still become a winner.

A winner is simply someone who
utilizes their resources and
brain power to their best
advantage while maintaining
a positive motivation and
attitude. If you have ever
wished to be a winner, look
for the motivation and attitude
to help you succeed...

Answer 6

you just described me.
try to study at the same time(s) every day and it will become a habit. after school get something to eat then work on something that doesn't require a lot of hard thinking like just reviewing a test or some notes. then chill out for a while doing whatever it is that you like to do then sit yourself down after dinner and work on the thinking stuff like math.

Answer 7

If you're able to stay clear of 500 calorie consumption every day you possibly can shed a pound 7 days.

Answer 8

Bake a healthy breakfast beforehand to ensure you don't grab a sugary scone on the run.

Answer 9

Enroll in an active skill class, such as sculpture or even ceramics.

Answer 10

Get hold of a plant for your office—watering it is going to make you more active.