No movitation

[VVVCCCEEE]

Been slacking off lately..

Got 2 sacs next week (Psy and ..)

Psychology has a lot of content and I've been slacking off lately. I barley look through my notes because I can't seem to. Have to learn a lot of definitions in a short period of time


How do you guys maintain focus and how do you guys force yourself to look through your class notes? (Don't mention treats)

[Birb]

Hi! 

You're not alone, I struggle with this issue also. I'm not really sure how much help I can be, but for me, I try to remind myself that this score counts and is important, and by reading my notes / doing homework / studying, I can improve my score, because of course, not trying will generally not end in a high score. You can also reward yourself with simple things like taking a break, however try to do this wisely as texting or watching videos could become distracting beyond a 'good' break time (maybe 5-10 minutes, depending on how long you've worked, although I'm not really sure how long a 'good' break time is, but that depends on you and your workload). 

This being said, if you know something that allows you to relax for a short amount of time without being distracted, this may be helpful to motivate yourself. 

Sorry if any of this is unhelpful or a bad idea, although I hope this helped in a way. I'll be checking back on this thread too since this is something I could improve on too. I hope all goes well with your SACS and you can try your best, and please don't overwork yourself!

[Willba99]

To be honest, whenever I found myself slacking off I'd give myself a mental slap and just get on with it. Make sure you take regular <b>planned</b> breaks though!

[PhoenixxFire]

I find that going somewhere with only your notes/textbook/work or giving anything distracting (phone) to your parents and then sitting down and not doing anything for an hour works. It might take a couple of days but you will get bored enough that you will start doing your work. Bonus points if you do it at the same/similar time each day so that it becomes a habit.

[lazaward]

My motivation is already starting to plummet, so you’re definitely not on your own! I find that watching some videos on topics that interest me in the subject makes me want to study more. Also, as obvious as it sounds force yourself to get up and study. Once you work up the strength to start it’s easy from there. Maybe give your phone to your parents when you get home so you literally have nothing else to do apart from study. I have a box of treats that I get to grab something on if I feel like I deserved it after studying or even before to get me in a good mood. Thinking about your goals and where you want to end up is also a good way to get motivated!

[zofromuxo]

Key word that needs to be eliminated forced.
In my opinion, as soon as you bring that in your not going to do things well.

A couple of things that have worked for me that haven't been mentioned yet.

1. Setting up a clear purpose of your study sessions.
As you have stated in your post, Psychology is notorious for having lots of content. So not having a clear objective makes your focus diminish very quickly because you don't know what your studying for.

"But zofromuxo I do have a purpose to achieve x study score or y ATAR or get z mark on SAC, etc for my study sessions".
That is good, but it isn't enough. You need to have short-terms goals as well. Things that help you go and achieve these long-terms goals.
They can be simply as knowing the definitions of 20 words or being able to know the difference between REM and NREM sleep.

Remember have short-term goals and long-term goals as well.


2. Effectiveness over Efficiency
I'm sure you have heard about the Pareto Principle: 20% of the work creates 80% of the results.

So how do I take advantage of this awesome principle?
Being fully focused in your study sessions, I would rather have a 100% focused one 30 minute session than a 10% focused one 4 hour study session.

This means you have to have no distractions. None at all. This can be as simple as putting your phone on Do Not Disturb/Silence and putting Airplane Mode on and/or giving it to your parents or trusted individual. To the extreme of going to a location where you know no one like another universities library (I do this constantly when I'm doing a research assignment or a task I'm constantly putting off) or complex like locking yourself in a room till you finish a set task (I've done this a few times. Make sure you have someone outside you trust, Do eat food and go the toilet before doing this. Have water as well.

Do what works for you. I just airplane mode my phone and turn it on silent. I also airplane mode my laptop, if I'm typing work on it. I also make sure I'm in a quiet environment as well. This tends to work for me.

3. "From little things, big things grow".
-Get an index card and write 1-5 things you want done.
-Label them from 1-5, But, 1 is the task that must be done. Out of all of these 5 tasks. Task 1 MUST BE DONE TODAY
-Go about your day going from 1-5. Cross off or strike through the completion of each tasks.
-When you finish them all, rip up the index card (My favourite activity at the end of the day is ripping this index card apart )

A note: If you don't finish all the tasks. Its okay. Why? Because 1 is the thing you MOST WANTED DONE. Once you do that then everything is just trivial.

You can also set a timer for 15 minutes and just start working. Your hoping the momentum of just working for 15 minutes fully focused will cascade into you working through what you need to.

I hope this helps, don't disregard what others have said here as it may work for you. Don't take what I or others say as Gospel or the Word of Gods. We are all humans, what works for us may not work for you. Try what you like and modify it to fit you.

[VVVCCCEEE]

Thanks everyone I appreciate the feedback. I constantly feel tired and have lack of energy to study or do anything. I get enough sleep and don't drink coffee at all. I guess I have mental health problem

[Birb]

Thanks everyone I appreciate the feedback. I constantly feel tired and have lack of energy to study or do anything. I get enough sleep and don't drink coffee at all. I guess I have mental health proble

I'm not sure how best to respond to this but maybe talk to a trusted person like a parent / guardian / close friend or a school counselor / psychologist?
Maybe if they can help you find ways to boost your energy levels and talk about any issues you may have, you'll have more motivation to study and feel happier / in a better condition. ATAR Notes is also a great community which can give you advice and be there for you alongside other positive options! 

[K888]

+1 to Birb's suggestion

I'd really recommend seeing your GP - they can help you address your health concerns. For me, making the decision to see my GP about my mental health was probably the best decision I've ever made!