How to become motivated and just study all the time

study

I was trying to achieve the same when I was preparing for the GRE exam and finally, I ended up getting 323 out of 340 marks. The best part was the Aptitude section where I score 170/170. I had a limited period of 4 months for preparation and I just wanted to give nothing less than 100%. During the whole process, I understood that there are five criteria that would set you apart from the rest of the world.

• Motivation is bullshit, Discipline is the key: Motivation is definitely important to get you started for something big but it is temporary. You will be motivated for a week or two and then you will get back to the old lazy and slow life until you get another source of motivation. That’s why you need to understand the importance of discipline in your life. Once you get started, make sure you are looking for another source of motivation. Make a schedule to achieve your goals and then follow it every single day without fail. There should be a set time for everything and you would do them regardless of how your day was and how you were feeling.

• Greats do things even when they always don’t want to: I heard this line from Michael Phelps, most decorated Olympian. Michael Phelps mentioned in one interview that he practiced 2 hours every day for 5 years without taking a break, not even on Sundays. He said when you have to achieve your goals, it doesn’t matter if you are motivated or not. You just have to do the real work regardless of any external situation and that will set you apart from your competitors. Next time you feel lazy or demotivated, read this paragraph and I am sure you will get up and study.

• Set the realistic target at the beginning: On day 1, if you target to study 24 hours per day, there are high chances you will fail. Why? Because your body and mind need time and practice to adapt to a new situation. That’s why it is important to set small goals like “I will start with 6 hours of study each day and then will add 1 hour every week”. That’s more realistic and achievable.

• No need to study all the time: I have never heard of any exam that requires you to study “ALL THE TIME” until and unless you haven’t studied for the whole year and you have to take an exam in next 1-2 days. If you have enough time, plan your day in a manner that it has time dedicated to everything. Definitely, studies should consume more than 70% of your day but rest 30% time should be dedicated to exercise, mindfulness and social activities. A nicely balanced day would help you better achieve your career goals as your body and mind need necessary tonics to get recharged.

• Don’t blindly follow others, discover what works for you: This is the biggest mistake done by most of the people whether you are a student, corporate professional or a sportsperson. Everyone is unique and that’s why what’s working for others may not work for you. If you keep on looking at others and imitate them, you will never be able to identify your success mantra. Follow successful people, pick up their tricks and success methodologies and create your own routine/strategy.

Although I have not given you any secret to study all the time, I am sure you have learned enough now to achieve your goals. Let me know your new study strategy in the comment box.