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06.05.2022

Blog: Where to get motivation?

The forever question. Where to get motivation for studying? If there was an easy answer, we’d know it. As students we often joke with the question “where can I buy motivation?”. Unfortunately, we can’t pay for it, so we must find it elsewhere.

Psychology presents us theory about inner and outer motivations. Inner motivations come from inside oneself, such as in studying the genuine desire to learn. Outer motivations come from outside the person, for example from our teachers, friends, family and society. Rewards and punishments can be associated with outer motivations. Inner motivations are usually considered more effective and lasting. I won’t deny that, but personally I believe that it doesn’t really matter where your motivation comes from in your studies. I don’t mean which one makes studying easier, I just want to say that there are no right and wrong motivations. Whatever gets the job done.

No matter how interested you are about your subject, finding the motivation to complete courses is not given. It doesn’t mean that you aren’t interested in your subject or that you are bad at it. If there is one student who has never had issues with motivation, would you please come forward. I have some questions.

One way to find motivation is to trick yourself. Split your assignments to small, concrete and realistic goals. They are a lot easier to tackle than the assignment as a whole entity. Well planned is half complete. You can reward yourself for completing those small goals.

As learners we are all different. Find the best studying methods for yourself. Some people schedule everything in details while some get anxiety about strict schedules. Try different ways of preparing for exams. Once you find the best methods of studying for yourself, it’s much easier to start an assignment. In my experience, one of the best ways to trick yourself into studying is to study with other people. When there is the social pressure to study, you won’t feel the urge to laze while others are watching. You can study remotely or present with classmates or students from other subjects. Check also Yammer for ongoing study groups. You don’t need to be alone with your motivation problems.

Ronja Mäkinen