One of the most difficult things for a student while studying for exams is to concentrate and remain motivated, even when you are aware of the exam dates. You may experience distractions, burnout, stress or most importantly, lack of knowing where to begin. The positive aspect is that motivation can be developed in a gradual manner.
This guide will demonstrate to you the five effective methods of motivating yourself in order to study efficiently, be organised and score better on your examinations.
1. Have Specific Study Objectives
First, you need to set clear goals when revising for your exams. They will help you know what you need to complete at the end of every day. Divide your work into specific and small topics instead of studying everything. You can choose to revise one chapter, work on one set of practice questions or summarise one lesson. These divided objectives provide you with guidance, and accomplishing them makes you feel confident.
Make a list of your goals and keep it somewhere you can see it readily, like in a notebook or your study application. This makes your brain realize that you are working and at something meaningful. It is one that also does not leave you feeling overwhelmed since you are always certain of the next thing to do. With each such accomplishment you make, the more you will want to do. One should always keep in mind that it is much easier to work towards something when it is achieved in small steps, which are done daily.
2. Establish a Study Timetable
Having a schedule will ensure that you are focused even when you do not feel like doing it. As you develop some form of a schedule and stick to it, your brain will finally become used to the speed and learning will become a natural activity. The trick lies in making it a routine, which fits the lifestyle. When you are more of a morning person, then schedule your studying time in the morning, etc.
Also, you have to choose an environment that is conducive to studying. This could be your room or a library, a silent cafe or even a section of your house that you are at ease with. Your mind gets into study mode as soon as your surroundings are ready to study.
3. Test Yourself Using Revision Packs
Having the right study materials can be a great motivator. As you know, when you are studying, you are confident, and that confidence motivates you. This is the reason why a lot of students resort to such resources as revision books, online courses, practice questions and premium test exams.
For instance, a good test bank gives you access to real exam-style questions to train effectively. The test bank offers high-quality revision questions that resemble the format and challenge of a real test, allowing you to gauge your knowledge and identify your areas of weakness. They also help you to view the kind of questions that examiners usually ask, learn how topics are organized and apply them to topics of varying questions.
When you work with revision packs regularly, you feel confident because you know what to expect on exam day. This reduces stress and makes revision more helpful. You can change your plan of study intelligently, rather than just reading and reading without purpose.
4. Take Breaks Between Studies
Exam preparation is tedious and studying without a rest is more exhausting, straining and distracting. To maintain the level of energy, you have to rest after every hour or so, for 15 minutes. Take a longer break or wait till the next day after three sessions. These breaks refresh your brain and make you alert.
Moreover, I would suggest that you do something relaxing when you are on break, like stretching your body, taking a snack, listening to music or taking a small walk. You should not indulge in activities that will only overstrain your mind.
5. Have a Support System
There are times when those around you are the greatest motivators. The process of studying alone may be tedious or interesting, and that is why you should attempt to find people who are also preparing for exams. You may belong to a study group, an online discussion group or you may even find a study partner with whom you share the same objectives. You have a feeling of responsibility, explanations and encouraging fellow students when you study with others.
Another way to motivate yourself is to create an inspiring environment. Hang inspirational quotes, send yourself reminders or have a progress reminder. You achieve a lot when you see your progress day by day. You can also find it useful to discuss with your friends, family or mentors on the occasions that you feel discouraged. Even a mere chat would elevate your spirits and bring you back to task.