Motivation to self-study

[Ezegalan]

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How do you motivate yourself to self-study anything in general?

I am a pharmacy college student. I originally wanted to spend this summer self-studying The Pharmacy Technician textbook because I wanted something to do in case I couldn't find a job. (I want to take the PTCE exam and become a certified tech). But it turns out that I was then able to find a part-time job as an assistant at a local pharmacy.

Now, every day, I work at the pharmacy, then come home pooped and not wanting to think about anything. I waste time browsing Youtube videos and looking up random stuff on the internet. This is not doing anything toward my goal of passing the test and being a certified tech by the end of the summer.

How do I overcome this? And don't tell me something like "think motivational thoughts" or "imagine yourself succeeding" or "think logically about the benefits of passing the test" or whatever. I know myself well enough to know that these things won't work. I need some sort of external motivation to get myself to work.

How do you do this?!?!? 🙁

 

[xiphoid2010]

It's all about willpower and developing a routine.

Willpower: don't stay at home if all you'll end up is surfing the web. GOYA and go to the library, B&N, etc. Anywhere other people are studying and there's nothing to do but to study, that should put you in the mode.

Routine: get into a habit. I hit the gym everyday, rain or shine. So I take one lecture worth of notes with me. An hour on the treadmill/bike, workout is done and so is memorizing the lecture. After a dinner break, then it Barns and Noble for 3 hours. Easy

The last thing isn't a must, but it's fun: enjoy the taste of victory. Watch everyone moaning about the last test, then they ask you... "yeah, it was kinda tough, I only got a 98." Or when everyone is scrambling for the finals, but you only need a 70 for an A. Of course, that big fat scholarship award that comes with good grades is nice too. 😀

 

[rxlea]

My motivation = knowing how much I ****ed up in my past and knowing that I never, ever want to be in that place again. I also read while I work out. It saves time and feels good. I haven't been routine about it lately and I am pissed about that because I have an extra ten pounds to lose before I get back down to my undergrad weight. Working out + reading in order to feel good, look good, and know that I am learning something keeps me going. Take care of both your body and mind at the same time! Yoga works well, too...it helps you learn to stay focused 🙂

 

[crazybob]

Is there someone who can study with you? It's easier to study with someone rather than studying alone. If the other person is focused the entire time, you might be more likely to want to study. When you study alone, if you want to go do other stuff, there's nothing stopping you or pressuring you from doing otherwise.

 

[IndustryPharmD]

I have strugged with the same through school and I still struggle with it. Unless something is really exciting and fascinating, it is hard to force myself to do it. Only hard deadlines help... or carving something into small bite-sized tasks and finishing them one by one. Or just removing all distractions and forcing myself to sit down and get to it - once I start, I work very quickly and efficienty, and can spend hours on something. It's the starting that is difficult for me, something I put off because there are more interesting things to do.