How do you stay Disciplined?

[GummyWorm]

Studying for the MCAT requires a great deal of self discipline. What are some of the ways you stay motivated/disciplined ?

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[teenyfish]

I'm currently in a gap year job where I know that while I find the work interesting, it's not for me. If I don't take the MCAT this January, chances are that I'd have to sit out yet another cycle... so that's enough motivation for me!

But I agree, it's hard. There are some days where I have to force myself to sit down and do it, but I've never regretted studying - I have however, regretted not studying. But also remember to be kind to yourself - if you feel like you are getting burnt out and need to take a day, take one!

 

[Spectar]

Studying for the MCAT requires a great deal of self discipline. What are some of the ways you stay motivated/disciplined ?

Frequent breaks 🙂

 

[thinkchangeflow]

Studying for the MCAT requires a great deal of self discipline. What are some of the ways you stay motivated/disciplined ?

be able to clearly articulate to yourself why you want to pursue this path....if the reason is genuine and driven from internal motivators, you will have no issue being disciplined to help you continue on this path.

Sent from my SM-A300H using SDN mobile

 

[Zenabi90]

Studying for the MCAT requires a great deal of self discipline. What are some of the ways you stay motivated/disciplined ?

Eliminated all distractions, including video games, social media, and the internet in general. Told everyone important what I was about to do, and for how long. Before studying, my phone went into a locked drawer, and had an egg-timer for keeping track of things like study breaks.

I hung up four papers in my study space:
-Left: My 2012 MCAT score report (27Q)
-Center top: overall study schedule
-Center bottom: daily study schedule
-Right: A paper with a giant red 520: my "target/reach score"

Internal motivation will solve the problem 95% of the time. But for the 5% of the time where it gets too hard, and frustration mounts to the point where you're throwing things, take a walk outside. No music, no distractions, just a meditative walk to calm down and reset and regroup.

 

[GummyWorm]

Eliminated all distractions, including video games, social media, and the internet in general. Told everyone important what I was about to do, and for how long. Before studying, my phone went into a locked drawer, and had an egg-timer for keeping track of things like study breaks.

I hung up four papers in my study space:
-Left: My 2012 MCAT score report (27Q)
-Center top: overall study schedule
-Center bottom: daily study schedule
-Right: A paper with a giant red 520: my "target/reach score"

Internal motivation will solve the problem 95% of the time. But for the 5% of the time where it gets too hard, and frustration mounts to the point where you're throwing things, take a walk outside. No music, no distractions, just a meditative walk to calm down and reset and regroup.

Profound advice Zenabi! Thank you for sharing. Did you reach your MCAT goal?

 

[Gilakend]

Eliminate distractions and listen to Jocko Willink.

 

[SteyrFWB]

Got to put in that proverbial 300 hours of studying, better yet 500 hours.

Most people put in 8 hours, but actual study may be only 2-3 hours of work.

Get the app. "Forest by Seekrtech"

This app will shut your iphone up, keep tap on your actual study time

 

[Zenabi90]

Profound advice Zenabi! Thank you for sharing. Did you reach your MCAT goal?

You're welcome. I got close enough. My true target was 515+, my reach target was 520. I split the difference and scored a 517 with four weeks of rigorous review.

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

If you are a fan of motivational videos check out "Be Inspired" on Youtube. I set aside 10-20 minutes during my morning routine and listen to one of their videos.

 

[GummyWorm]

If you are a fan of motivational videos check out "Be Inspired" on Youtube. I set aside 10-20 minutes during my morning routine and listen to one of their videos.

I love that channel! You should check out their spotify page, they have some great content on there as well.

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

I love that channel! You should check out their spotify page, they have some great content on there as well.

They have a Spotify page?!? Thank you so much!!!

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

My true target was 515+, my reach target was 520. I split the difference and scored a 517 with four weeks of rigorous review.

From a 27Q (equal to a 504 on the current scale) to a 517!!! That is amazing! Congratulations on climbing so high.