What is Motivation and Why Does it Matter?
Motivation is the psychological force that initiates, directs, and sustains our behaviour towards achieving a goal. It's like the fuel that powers your study engine. Without it, you'd be stuck in neutral, unable to make progress. Understanding motivation is crucial because it influences how you approach your studies and determines whether you stick to your learning goals.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
Motivation can be classified into two main types: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation comes from within; it's that internal drive to do something simply because you find it enjoyable, interesting, or personally rewarding. On the other hand, extrinsic motivation arises from external factors, such as rewards, praise, or avoiding punishment.
Cultivating Intrinsic Motivation
While both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation play a role in learning, fostering intrinsic motivation should be a priority. When you genuinely enjoy what you're learning, it becomes easier to stay focused and persist through challenges. Here are some tips to cultivate intrinsic motivation:
Find Your Passion: Discover subjects or topics that excite you. When you're passionate about something, learning becomes an adventure rather than a chore.
Set Meaningful Goals: Set specific, achievable goals that align with your interests and values. Having clear objectives provides a sense of purpose and direction.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating progress boosts your self-confidence and keeps you motivated to continue.
The Power of Getting Started
Now, let's talk about overcoming that initial resistance – the "I don't feel like studying" moment. Getting started is often the hardest part, but once you take that first step, things become more manageable. It's like pushing a heavy object – it's hard to initiate movement, but once it starts rolling, it keeps going due to its momentum.
The Zeigarnik Effect
Psychologists have observed an interesting phenomenon called the Zeigarnik effect, which suggests that people remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones. This effect can work in your favour when it comes to studying. If you start a study session and then take a break, your brain remains engaged with the material, making it easier to resume when you come back to it.
The Five-Minute Rule
To overcome that initial resistance, follow the five-minute rule. Commit to studying for just five minutes. It may seem insignificant, but those five minutes can be enough to break the mental barrier. Once you start, you're more likely to continue for a more extended period.
Source: Matt D'Avella (YouTube)
Building Momentum
The key to maintaining motivation is building momentum. Like a snowball rolling downhill, as you study and make progress, your confidence and motivation grow, making it easier to keep going. Consistency is crucial here – even studying for short periods daily is more effective than occasional long study sessions.
Creating a Study Routine
Establishing a study routine can work wonders for motivation. Our brains love habits, and a well-structured routine helps signal to your brain that it's time to focus and learn. Find a study schedule that suits your lifestyle and stick to it as much as possible. For example, some learners will find that they are most productive in the morning (like me), whilst others may have more energy and motivation to study in the middle of the day or evening.
Conclusion
Understanding the science of motivation is essential for effective learning. Cultivate intrinsic motivation by exploring your interests and setting meaningful goals. Remember that the hardest part is getting started, but once you do, you'll find it easier to keep going. Leverage the Zeigarnik effect and the five-minute rule to overcome initial resistance and build momentum.
Source: Ali Abdaal (YouTube)
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