How do you motivate yourself to actually do your work?

Question

Hi everyone!

I find it very hard to get my Uni work done - I always leave it until the night before, no matter how hard I try. I get distracted, put it off and fall to sleep when I start reading (regardless of what time of day it is!).

Do you have any tips about ways to get yourself motivated? Do you find that going to the library or computer room helps? What works for you? Don't leave a message here saying 'just do it' - that doesn't help! Lol!

xx :-) Emmie

P.S. just to be clear, I was talking about uni work, i.e. assignments and stuff - but it may apply to the big bad world of work too..... although if I was getting paid for it, it wouldn't be so bad :-)

Answer 1

I had parents that were unforgiving of any homework not done so I got in the habit early of doing my homework right away.

I didn't have the option of going to the library--I lived 7 miles away from the nearest one and I didn't have a computer room then. In college, I did find I was better doing much of my homework in the library except typing which I did in my dorm room.

Answer 2

I find I'm much more likely to do work if I actually timetable myself a time to do it. So rather than thinking "I have to do this essay sometime before X" (which means you invariably leave it to the last minute and find six billion other things to do first) I'll plan out my days, taking into account other commitments (including social life) and write it down. I also break things down into specific tasks, because thinking "Today I need to write the introduction" is less frightening than thinking "I need to write an essay this week."
So for example: I might plan to do reading and making notes between 10am and 12am on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Then to write a rough plan for the essay out on Thursday morning, write the introduction, Thursday afternoon write on topic A, Friday morning topic B... and so on.
Don't ban yourself from going out, it won't make you do more work, you'll just sit in your room wishing you'd gone out and not working! Instead plan to have a night out after you've written, say 2000 words, or done two hours of studying. And break up work with other activities - even if it's just doing the washing up, have something else planned to do once you've done your two hours, before going back to it.

I also find sometimes lack of motivation is really a hidden fear that you don't really know what to do or where to start. It gets a lot easier if you start to do your reading and note making and decide which areas to concentrate on early in the course, and do it in small sections, rather than try to absorb huge chunks of material all at once. And start essays/ revision/ projects early enough that you can ask a tutor for guidance if you get stuck about what's required.

Also, try working in different environments. Personally I can't work in libraries (too quiet!), but will produce a good amount of work if I go and sit in a cafe with a bit of background buzz (but pick one that won't be full of your friends!), some people work better in their bedroom, on the kitchen table, outside, everyone's different - try working in a few different places and see what works for you.

Answer 3

When I got an assignment to do, I used to check out the internet and print off anything that might be useful and sort of skim read it, put it in a pile and then think about it for a bit. Its amazing how many ideas whizz around in your head if you do that. Then you don't start from the point of just scratching your head and not knowing where to start. (It does depend what kind of study you are doing of course!) Then a couple of days before the assignment was due, I would just re-read the printed stuff, highlight what I wanted to remember and start writing. Using a highlighter keeps you awake! It seemed to work and mostly I found it interesting. But then I was older perhaps and found it stimulating. You probably have to balance going out for drinks with mates, etc with getting your work done! Hope it all works out for you....

Answer 4

I had the exact problem! I know exactly where you coming from. Whenver I face that kind of issue I always remind myself how mad I'll be once I get the bad consequence for procrastinating so long. Suddenly I'd just feel like working forever and ever! Sometimes you just have to give yourself a little more discipline. You may have to put other things off for a little while untill you can get the important things done. I know it's a challenge, but it'll be worth it in the end! You can do it Emmie!

Answer 5

Hi Emmie, Think of it simply as a means to an end - if you want good results and, ultimately, a good job, then it has to be done.

Remember, this is a very short period of your life - your working life is a great deal longer, so if you make the effort for this short time, then you will reap the rewards for the rest of your life.

You will look back from your high profile position, smart car and big house and thank your lucky stars that you did what was needed at the time. Believe me - it is worth it in the end. Good luck!

Answer 6

I just learned motivation at school last 5 days ago.
First of all you need to know what motivates you intrinsicly (just your own drive to do work), and extrinsicly (money, rewards etc.) To me that's all there is to it. Find a REALLY good reason why you should do it. Not something like "I have to do it or I will get in trouble." Everytime I'm in that situation I pretend....that's right, pretend.....Just pretend your enjoying your work. Before you know it it's done. Oh and about that sleeping thing, work in a place with lots of fresh air, and sun. Also keep a bottled of water. I hope this answer helps.

Answer 7

I go to school or the library to study. Or if my will power is totally gone it means I am probably falling behind in other things, like maybe I don't make appointments I need to or I am loosing sight of my goals. So in that case I sit down w/ a note book and write down everything I have been putting off and each day try to cross off as much as I can. Usually beginning on cleaning or making my environment better. That really helps, Good luck! L

Answer 8

I had problems not finishing my homework, too.
I fixed this by going to the library each day after all my classes.
It only takes an hour or two, and the course material is still fresh in your mind.
Going to the library is essential; there are too many distractions at home or in the dorm. Also, set short-term goals and rewards, (ex. finish that paper before the weekend and you get to go out; don’t finish it before the weekend you stay in).

I know its hard studying right after a day of lectures, but it helped me go from struggling to get C’s to making straight A’s.

You can do it, too.
Good luck, Em

MickeyD

Answer 9

Never had that problem but I wonder if you thought about how you have to scramble because you leave everything to the last minute if that would help. As far as falling asleep while reading, that's pretty common if what you're reading is a drudgery. Splash cold water on your face. Take frequent breaks for a minute or so. Hate to say it but caffeine can help. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and go to bed as close to the same time as you can every day.

Answer 10

Motivation may come in different ways.

One may be to think of what your reward is at the end of your task. This would work well if you know that if you complete the work you are supposed to do, you would get a certain reward, like a treat to the ice cream parlor or to an elegant dinner.

Another way is by goal setting and being specific about it. Write it down and keep looking at it and reading it until your job is done.

One way to keep motivated is to have a study companion who can encourage you to keep working on your project, someone whom you cannot disappoint or "disobeY". Think about someone who is determined to see you through.