You open your book with the intent to study, but a couple of minutes later, you find yourself scrolling through your social media feed. It’s easy to get distracted while studying – a study shows high-schoolers find it difficult to study for 15 minutes at a time. A big reason could be lack of motivation.In fact, 69% of students say they dropped out because they weren’t motivated enough. How do you get around this? These 12 tips are a good starting point -

1. Organise Your Notes

A cluttered desk worsens your ability to focus. Keep your learning material in labelled folders and stack them according to priority level. This will help you understand which subject to tackle first. 

2. Plan A Schedule

Draw up your daily schedule. Don’t set unrealistic expectations; instead, take small steps every day. Allot two or three of study time, so you don’t burn yourself out with long hours. This will also help you retain interest in the topic you’re learning.  

3. Set A Goal

Zero in on small and achievable targets. Divide your syllabus into subsets. Cover a few topics each day and set aside the weekends for revision.

4. Keep Your Smartphone Aside

According to a research study, using a smartphone can lower your exam performance.  Don’t use your devices while studying. The mere presence of a smartphone around you can reduce your cognitive thinking. Always keep your smartphone in another room while you study, as it will help avoid temptation. 

5. The Pomodoro Technique

At its core, the Pomodoro Technique is very simple:

• Study for 25 minutes
• Take a break for 5-10 minutes
• Repeat the cycle 4 times
• Take a longer break

This technique programs your mind to stay focused for 25 minutes, with the positive reinforcement of a break after. Instead of repeatedly checking the time on your phone, set a timer or use an hourglass to time your study sessions. Make the most of your break by engaging in physical activity to revive your brain.

6. Find Your Spot

Designate a comfortable study spot in your house. Choose a place with minimum distractions, as this will help you focus better. You can even set up a table lamp and decorate your space for a conducive learning environment. 

7. Limit Human Interaction

It’s easy to get distracted when you’re surrounded by people, even when they’re not directly speaking to you. Sitting in seclusion can help you focus better, thus improving your productivity.

8. Create A Reward System

Positive reinforcement is a great way to improve your motivation to study. List out a few activities you enjoy, like having ice cream, watching a show or meeting a friend. Every time you meet your study targets, treat yourself to one of these activities. 

9. Be A Structured Procastinator 

Structured procrastination was first created and explained by Stanford University professor, John Perry. This technique proposes that you create a to-do list with tasks more difficult than studying. This creates a feeling that studying is the easier activity and you’re more inclined to do it, so as to avoid the hard tasks. “The procrastinator can be motivated to do difficult, timely and important tasks, as long as these tasks are a way of not doing something more important,” Perry explains.

10. Focus On Understanding, Not Memorising 

Your interest in a subject will improve when you understand it. Instead of rote learning, break down the concept into smaller parts and tackle each one at a time. Ask your teachers to clarify any doubts you may have about a specific topic. 

11. Exercise Your Brain

Continually exercise your brain, even when you’re not studying. You can do this by reading, thinking through challenging world issues, solving puzzles or journaling. The greater the variety of ways in which you train your brain, the stronger and more flexible it will become.

12. Get Someone To Oversee Your Progress

Both internal and external factors are at play when you want to stay motivated. While all points mentioned above are your internal efforts, letting someone supervise you would be the external push to achieving your goal. You will want to study when you know you’ll have to report to someone about your progress.

The biggest motivation is by having the determination to go against the odds. Studying is hard work, but these motivation techniques will help you rise to the challenge.