We all hit that slump moment where the thought of having to open a book or research a paper is a stretch too far. Being motivated to study is one thing (and can consist of reasons ranging from fear to determination) but being able to stay motivated is what’s really tricky. If you’re struggling to stay motivated with your hospitality or culinary studies, here are some tips that may help:

 

Set clear goals and put them up in lights

In order to stay focused, set your study goals out early on and be very specific about each goal. Write them down on a piece of paper, write down when you will achieve each goal, plan incentives and rewards to make the process appealing and finally place your goals on your gorgeous vision board where you can see it every day. Your vision board could contain images of the job of your dreams, the places you’ll travel with your new qualification or the bank balance you’re hoping to achieve through your new qualification. However you choose to showcase your goals, make sure they are realistic, targeted and visual. Being able to visualise these goals every day will keep you motivated to carry on and stick to the study plan. Make your own vision board and make it the brightest and biggest thing you see every day when you wake up.

Get going

There’s no time like the present so jump in and start. Procrastinating is a huge downfall to achieving your goals and staying motivated. Don’t get wrapped up in all the things you’re missing out on – there will always be time to catch up with friends, family or loved ones when your studies are over for the week and you can relax properly. Schedule your time wisely and spend at least 10 minutes every day planning your next study chapter and revising your existing chapters.

Avoid distractions

Easier said than done, right? Definitely. At the end of the day, you alone are responsible for chewing through all the hard work and study hours in order to ace your exams. No one else can take the blame for any bad results (not the TV, the lack of quiet time, the friends who needed you) so make sure you avoid all distractions and take responsibility for your studies. It is up to you to find the place, time and environment to achieve you study goals, so find the coolest most fabulous spot to study and enjoy the setting as a study motivator. Call yourself the president of that study spot and own it. Fill it with a comfy table and chair and bring along your vision board for added inspiration.

Mix it up

If lack of motivation is getting you down, try mixing things up a bit. Wake up at an early hour to study, find an outdoor space to study, do some yoga or exercise before you study to wake yourself up a bit….just change things around for a week and see the motivation pour back into your life. They say a change is a good as a holiday….and holidays are great motivators!

Declutter and invest in funky stationary

Sometimes a good clean out can help focus the mind. Tidy up and clean out your study space and if you’re still struggling to focus, buy some fab new stationary to help you organise your notes in a more vibrant and fun way.

Your attitude makes all the difference

A positive attitude towards your study goals is vital to staying on track. Talk positively about your achievements and form mental images of your successes and where you see yourself at the end of your goal period. Your mind plays a huge role in your motivation and success – feed it well with positivity and self-belief.

Get support

Often motivation comes from those around you who want to see you succeed and do well. Have a coffee with a friend and tell them if you’re struggling – we’re sure that they will be supportive and motivate you to get going again, so lean on your colleagues, family and friends for added motivation and support.

If you have any questions for our students or you would like to know more about any of our study programmes, email info@dev.brokenpony.club or call us on 0861 44 33 00 to speak to a consultant today.

(Source and image references: http://www.planetofsuccess.com/blog/2010/how-to-get-motivated-to-study/; http://learningfundamentals.com.au/blog/5-ways-to-motivate-yourself-to-study-a-boring-subject-andor-complete-a-project/; https://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/studyadvice/StudyResources/Time/sta-distractions.aspx; https://www.examtime.com/blog/study-motivation-tips/; www.womenonthefence.com)