How do you develop self-mastery?

[SiriusA]

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As I'm starting to study for the MCAT (while working full-time) I've realized that I have never really developed real self-discipline to any degree. I've just kinda cruised by this whole time and done mediocre work relying on last-minute cramming. I have shot myself in the foot over and over and over again my entire life because of this. I'm questioning my ability to succeed in the coming years.

So how do you:
- Stick to a schedule every day without variation (e.g. get up at 5, do this, do that), ignoring your emotions and tendencies to procrastinate or give up on hard work
- Do exactly what you want for however long you want, without breaking concentration/focus (e.g. if you tell yourself you'll study for 3 hours, actually study for 3 hours instead of getting up 15 times and losing focus halfway through, resulting in only 30 minutes of "hard work")
- Etc.

All advice appreciated!

 

[leon sandcastle]

keep the goal in sight man. have the motivation always

 

[gmcguitar4]

Have an interest and, more importantly, a passion.

I studied a bunch for the MCAT and at times it was hard to keep going but it was my dream to goto medical school..so I studied even harder at those points.

 

[TheShaker]

Honestly, it's a fear of failure. I don't know if it's the healthiest motivation but its worked up to now.

 

[IslandStyle808]

1) Figure out how you study best. What time in the day is it? Are you an auditory, visual, kinesthetic learner? This will maximize how well you retain the material.

2) You definitely will need to take breaks every so often. I take a break every 50 minutes for 5-10 minutes. Remember that MCAT is more like a marathon than a race.

I currently do 3-4 hours 2x a day (6-8 hours a day total). Even during those 3-4 hours I take 5-10 minute breaks in between. The main thing is to slowly build up your endurance.

 

[RedICEE]

For me, personally, I've discovered I need variation in my routine in order to stay highly motivated toward long-term goals. Just little things...like going to a different library, coffee shop, or outdoor patio a couple days a week to study instead of at home in my room. I may study for one unit by doing handwritten flash cards, while another I will rewrite all my notes onto a computer program, group study, audio recordings, short periods of timed repetition, etc

I'm not one of those people who can wake up and walk 3 feet from my bed to the desk, open a book, and just start working on what they did the day before. I would hate every moment of it and it would yield poor returns.

 

[shazzax]

For me, I tried to set a fixed schedule and keep it no matter what. So from around 8 am to 5, whenever I have time, I plan my studying time around that. After 5 pm, I am done. No more work, just relax or read. Making a list of set goals is also helpful too that way if you finish your set-goals and done before 5 pm, you have more free time. Keep in mind that is just my schedule. Your set time to finish everything will vary depending on what else you have going on.

As for the motivation, breaks are great for when you do have time, but like it was said before fear and determination is a great motivator. Try and maybe get a section or two done before taking a 5 minute break, and then continue.

 

[TexasSurgeon]

As I'm starting to study for the MCAT (while working full-time) I've realized that I have never really developed real self-discipline to any degree. I've just kinda cruised by this whole time and done mediocre work relying on last-minute cramming. I have shot myself in the foot over and over and over again my entire life because of this. I'm questioning my ability to succeed in the coming years.

So how do you:
- Stick to a schedule every day without variation (e.g. get up at 5, do this, do that), ignoring your emotions and tendencies to procrastinate or give up on hard work
- Do exactly what you want for however long you want, without breaking concentration/focus (e.g. if you tell yourself you'll study for 3 hours, actually study for 3 hours instead of getting up 15 times and losing focus halfway through, resulting in only 30 minutes of "hard work")
- Etc.

All advice appreciated!

I haven't started studying yet, but I totally know how you feel. I've been feeling this for a while now. It's funny how it comes when you feel like you haven't been doing so well in classes.

For me, personally, I've discovered I need variation in my routine in order to stay highly motivated toward long-term goals. Just little things...like going to a different library, coffee shop, or outdoor patio a couple days a week to study instead of at home in my room. I may study for one unit by doing handwritten flash cards, while another I will rewrite all my notes onto a computer program, group study, audio recordings, short periods of timed repetition, etc

I'm not one of those people who can wake up and walk 3 feet from my bed to the desk, open a book, and just start working on what they did the day before. I would hate every moment of it and it would yield poor returns.

^ I'm like this as well. I get bored by my environment too quickly to keep staying in one place and I get very unproductive. If you have a big library at your university try moving around to get into new spaces. I find that I somehow become more productive.