Getting and staying motivated is a challenge. In fact, according to the Institute for Social Research, 90 percent of people who make resolutions fail. If you are one of the unlucky, it's probably because you don't know what to do. However, there are some tried-and-true tips and tricks to keep you on track.
The first step is to create a goal list and make sure you include items that are relevant to you. This will help you stay on track and avoid wasting your time on items that won't help you. For example, if you are trying to lose weight, make sure you don't squander your time on petty frittering.
The best part about a goal list is that you can create a reward system to keep you motivated. For example, if you are working at home and you have a few spare minutes, you can reward yourself with a nifty little toy or other trinket. You can also choose to make a reward a habit and try to maintain it.
Using a timer can be a great way to keep track of your progress. To get the most out of your time, you may want to break your study sessions into smaller sub-sets and time your activities with the help of a timer.
If you are a remote worker, you may feel isolated from your colleagues. You can use a video conference to keep in touch with your coworkers or check in with your family during your breaks. You may even want to set up a kitchen table for work only activities.
Another clever way to stay motivated is to make a habit out of the most mundane of tasks. For example, you may want to try to get up at a certain time in the morning, even if you aren't feeling it. Having a morning routine may help keep you on track, and it is also an exercise in itself.
In addition, you may want to get a timer for your phone or a calendar to keep track of your study time. By keeping track of your study time, you may be surprised to find that you've actually completed more work than you thought. This can boost your confidence and make you want to keep going.
Another trick for staying motivated is to find a study buddy. A study buddy may not only keep you motivated, but they may also help you to stay on task and nudge you towards that all-important top of the line. Having a study buddy may be the best thing you did for yourself this year. Having a study buddy might even help you get through a tough class.
Another good tip for staying motivated is to use the Pomodoro technique. Using a timer can be surprisingly effective for those who aren't used to using a timer. This trick has been shown to reduce distractions and make sure you don't waste time checking your email, watching YouTube videos, or reading social media.
Good tips.