Motivation affects how people learn—Here are 6 keys to staying motivated in school

• Often, we’re motivated to learn when we’re just entering school, but we lose that motivation as we grow older.
• Fortunately, we can make some changes to our daily routine to enjoy learning again and become motivated again
• You should reward yourself for performing well at school: celebrate that test score with a treat, time with friends, or a simple pat on the back.
• Also, set SMART goals that you can actually achieve, make a to-do list to keep you on track, and do your best to find the fun in learning.
• Additionally, know when it’s time to take a break; remember, after 25-30 minutes most people lose focus
• Finally, garner support from friends, family, or educators; all of these tips, alone or combined, can help you to stay motivated and achieve more at school.

Do you ever have those days where all you want to do is sip on a hot cup of coffee and watch one of your favorite movies? We all do. But what happens when that feeling repeats itself… every single day?

Motivation is the desire to achieve something greater. Most of us desire to improve our lives in some way, but not all of us know what exactly that goal is or what that goal should be.  Take, for example, when we first enter school. At five years old, we’re excited and motivated to start learning. But what happens when we’re a 15-year-old, or even an 18-year-old, sick and tired of school?  What drives us toward success then?

The good news is we can make small changes to increase our motivation at school again. If you’re having trouble staying interested and inspired in the classroom, try out the following hacks:

1. Reward yourself for good grades.  School can be hard: Challenging curriculum, meticulous tests, after-school activities—all of these things add up and can make school extremely challenging.  That is why it’s even more important to reward yourself for when you do well on an assignment. If you get a good grade, celebrate! It’ll leave you feeling excited and push you to reach that good feeling again. Treat yourself to a sweet treat, go out to eat with friends, take a little extra time for yourself, and most importantly acknowledge your achievement.  You’ll be sure to work hard for that good grade again.

2. Set achievable goals.  Setting goals is a great way to strike your ambition and push you on a path toward success.  When setting goals, it’s crucial to remember to set SMART goals: or specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely goals. Don’t be too outlandish—be realistic.  Maybe you’re going to be a little busier that week, so you know you won’t have a ton of time to spend on a certain task like studying for a final exam. Consider this and other factors when setting your SMART goals so that you can actually achieve these goals.

3. Make a to-do list.  Maybe you have a lot on your plate, and you keep forgetting to do your homework, attend meetings, or fulfill after-school responsibilities. Try making a to-do list and set precedence on those tasks that are of higher priority.  If a list doesn’t work for you, try using a planner or agenda. Sometimes, viewing your responsibilities in a monthly or weekly format can be helpful. Also, seeing things in writing can be a great reminder to stay on task.

4. Find the fun.  School doesn’t have to be boring.  Make it fun! Find a class that sparks an interest in you and take it as an elective.  It will give you a break from your core classes and serve as something you look forward to.  Try doing homework at a coffee shop or a local park. Ask your friends if they want to form a study group.  Switch up your routine—it’ll be sure to give you a fun and fresh outlook on completing your school work.

5. Take a break (or two).  It’s important to get your schoolwork done, but it is equally important to take breaks while you work.  Most people can stay focused on a task or topic for around 25 to 30 minutes before their attention is lost.  If you are studying or tackling a homework task that is going to require a lot of your time, set a timer for 25 to 30 minutes.  When the timer goes off, give yourself a few minutes to let your mind relax. 

6. Maintain a support network.  Whether it be your family, your favorite teacher, or your friends, find a network of people to support you throughout your time at school.  Learning and growing can be difficult—let those people you care about support you!

If you can’t find the motivation to do something, completing that task can seem pretty daunting.  Try using one or all of these 6 tips to help motivate you to do well in school again. And remember: You are always capable of achieving something greater. Keep that in mind the next time you are feeling unmotivated at school.

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