Charles Sturt University - Learning Skills

Self-motivation and Time Use

Goal setting

The absence of goals frequently equates with inefficient, haphazard learning, bad grades, failure and an absence of direction and purpose. Setting achievable, short-term goals gives direction and leads to success.

You need to think about, and preferably write down the answers to the questions below. These will assist in direction and answering the big question: How can I work out exactly where I am going ?

Motivation must be linked to long-term goals, such as:

  • Why am enrolled at university?
  • so that I can?
  • In the next five years I would like to achieve...
  • In the next three years I would like to...
  • In the next year I would like to..

Motivation is also connected to short-term goals/priorities.

Steps in becoming organised

  1. Identify goals
  2. Analyse tasks needed to achieve goals
  3. Rank in priority order
  4. Break into smaller steps
  5. Focus on the NOW.-( This hour I will...)
  6. DO !!
  7. Reward your self when you complete a task

Self discipline

You are in control of your life. You have chosen this path. You have already taken the first steps to achieving a goal. You have chosen to forgo many things (sleep, money, social life ?) to achieve a degree. So be in control - be self disciplined.

  • Concentrate on the task to be achieved rather than the time spent on the task.
  • Balance study and your personal life.
  • Be aware of your concentration span and the times when you work most efficiently.
  • Establish a study setting that suits you.

You can fight the procrastination instinct by breaking big tasks into manageable steps that are quickly accomplished. Do the short, easy tasks first.

Each time you complete part of the assignment, reward yourself

Even if you aren't able to follow your schedules they will help you stay on top of what needs to be done and help you determine your priorities.

You will accomplish more if you have fewer interruptions from others while you study. Here are some signals you can send your family or friends to let them know you don't want to be bothered:

  • Study at the same time and place every day.
  • Give the impression that you are serious. Sitting at a desk and leaving the headphones and television off are ways to show this.

You need to:

  • Set priorities
  • Be flexible
  • Keep projects on the move
  • Alternate activities
  • Study actively
  • Establish regular patterns of study

Suggestions for a study place

  • A regular place where you will be free from distractions and interruptions, and one that you associate with achieving efficient study
  • Appropriate lighting and ventilation
  • Suitable furniture
  • Easy access to resources - books, pens, paper, computer.

Related links

Procrastination. Hang in there: Distance learning support kit, The Unversity of Queensland
Procrastination can be good for us

Based upon: Bucknall, K..B. (1995). How to succeed as a student. Retrieved 12 January, 2001, from: http://www.gu.edu.au/gwis/stubod/stuadv/stu_advice.html