Knowing ‘how’ to learn is just as important as ‘what’ to learn. We often talk about study techniques such as improving focus, skimming effectively, memorising new concepts, taking better notes. But today I want to address something equally crucial: How to keep yourself motivated when things get difficult, or when you feel like giving up altogether.
Take a break
When you’re stuck or exhausted and you have spent hours or days on it without any progress, step away from it completely. Go for a walk or run, binge watching a comedy and laugh out loud, enjoy your favourite snacks, or talk to a friend or a family member about you feel about the work you’re doing. Your brain needs rest to process and consolidate what you’ve learned.
Learning something new is not supposed to be easy
Here’s something important: our brains love familiarity and resist new information. When we learn something unfamiliar, there’s always a level of discomfort however much you love to learn it. This is normal. Recognising this resistance can help you push through it.
Reconnect with your “Why”
When motivation dips, ask yourself: Why did I want to learn this in the first place? What is interesting and fun about it? How does it help me? Think back to a time you successfully learned something challenging. What made it hard? How did you overcome it? Reminding yourself that you’ve done this before can rebuild confidence.
Diversify your learning style
Not everyone absorbs information the same way. Experiment with different approaches:
- Music while studying
- Drawing diagrams or mind maps
- Reading aloud or teaching someone else
- Watching demonstrations or videos
Try one of them or all of them, it’s up to you.
Break it down
Big goals feel overwhelming. Instead of focusing on the end goal, focus on the next best move.
- What do you need to do each day to achieve your big learning goals
- Best to write it down your small, daily goals on your calendar planner.
Ask for help
Find someone who knows the subject well, a tutor, teacher, classmate. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Nobody can figure everything out alone.