Losing Motivation

[I_I]

Hi everyone
I just wanted to talk to you guys about some motivation issues
Usually, I really enjoy studying because I enjoy being alone in a quiet area (also helps me to organise my life )
But the people around me really makes me unmotivated sometimes. Whenever my parents are around, they pick on EVERYTHING.
I don't really want to go into details but whenever I try to study, they stop me from doing it and talk to me ages on my bad attitude (that I don't smile and laugh as much as I did), my bad lifestyle (that I don't meet enough friends?) etc. etc. They say that good grades don't mean much AT ALL.  After they talk negatively, I just don't want to study when I have tons of work to do It's not like I can get away from them like I could do with bad friends for example.

Does anybody have any ideas on how I can keep my motivation? I really want to do well in VCE
P.S sorry if I sound pessimistic I'm usually not like this but I needed someone to talk

[I_I]

can a moderator delete this post? It seems I can delete it... Nobody is answering anyway

[biy]

I feel the same..

After ALL THIS HARD WORK, I still could not manage rank 1 for chemistry... Coming second one of the worst feelings, it's soo depressing

[TheAspiringDoc]

All right, so to start off, I'm really sorry to hear about your problems. The upside (no, this isn't the right word but meh..) is that the issue you have described is fairly common. I'm only in year nine but I also used to get home and more or less study until bed time. However, I have discovered something far more effective for both study and relationships; taking breaks and setting time limits and plans.
I used to do:
Get home at 4;30
Eat/chat with my parents until 4:45
Study until dinner (~6:30)
Eat dinner
Resume study at 6:45
Start the bed/shower process at 8:15
And trust me, it got tiring. Espiccially tiring was that one of my parents kept having anger moments about my (not very significant) 'rudeness'. Honestly, I think I was just getting too tired cos of all the arguments and overstudy. But anyway, I figured that that obviously wasn't going to work so changed my schedule a little bit
Get home at 4:30
Eat/chat with my parents until 4:50 (I know it's only an extra 5 minutes, but it adds up)
Study from 4:50 - 5:30
Go for a jog
Study from 5:50 - 6:30
Dinner and chat with parents (6:30 - 7:00)
Study 6:45 - 7:20
Chat to parents or relax for 10-15 mins
Study 7:35 - 8:00
Chat to parents/chill
Read book
Go to bed etc.
So although it may seem a bit weird that I'm describing my schedule to you, I'm dong it for a reason; I'm trying to illustrate that taking an extra couple of minutes to relax and "smell the roses" can have a big benefit. It means that friction between my parents and I arises much less often and I can concentrate better when I study. Also, try and cut out computer gaming and excessive television.
Also, the fact the your parents are talking to you about things like the fact that are not smiling as much as you used to indicated that they do have your best interests in mind, although I'm sure it may seem like the opposite.
So basically what I'm trying to say is take a few breaks - both for academic and emotional/social reasons. Talk to your parents and try and maintain a positive relationship, however hard it seems.

P.S. I don't agree with the fact that "good grades don't mean anything at all" I do think that they CERTAINLY aren't everything. I mean, why do you really need amazing grades? Answer: to get into ________ (I'm guessing). But there's always another way in. But don't let that make you think you shouldn't give VCE your best shot, just don't let yourself get too stressed etc.
In terms of motivation, maybe have a look at this thread: Motivation Issues - HELP!!! or Motivation and keep in mind that VCE is a totally awesome experience - in terms of education, you are in one, if not the best country in the world, being given a wide range f subjects to chose from and being able to learn so much awesome stuff. View every opportunity to learn as an opportunity to better understand the world you live in and ADVANCE HUMANITY (if that's what floats your boat lel.)
Hope I helped

[Auralee]

I'm in year 12 this year, and I'm beginning to realise that the greatest feat facing VCE students these days is not in fact attaining the high marks - it's developing the emotional strength to persevere even when times get tough.

I think what's important to recognise is that:

a) These feelings you're experiencing are COMPLETELY normal.
b) There are plenty of other people who feel the same way, or at least go through rough patches during VCE.

On that note, going through rough patches is actually just a fact of life.

In my opinion, your parents seem like they want to take the pressure of you, therefore they're telling you that they're not overly concerned about results. However, I think they really do care about how you go - especially if they're constantly make corrections about your work. My mum still sits at the piano with me sometimes and corrects me when I'm playing, and it bugs the hell out of me!

Just remember that they're only doing it because they want you to be the BEST that you can be. I would suggest maybe approaching them in a different way. The text time they correct you, tell them, 'Oh thanks [mum] for the tip, I'll take it on board.' That way they can see you've taken their advice, and they won't get mad. I also suggest maybe sitting down with them and voicing your feelings. Talk about your hopes and dreams for this year, and how they can help you achieve your goals and desired ATAR.

In terms of tips with dealing with negativity, here are some of my tips:

1) To get out of a negative space, put on your headphones and listen to your favourite playlist.
2) Before you go to sleep each night, write down in a journal or notepad, or a piece of paper, what's on your mind. You can even do this during the day if you want. If you have an argument, write it down in the journal and say to yourself, 'Okay. I've written it in my journal. It's the journals problem now, I'm not doing to think about it.'
3) Try not to over think situations. VCE moves so fast and literally every new day will come with its new challenges. When you wake up, remind yourself it's a new day, a blank page, and you have the power to make it an AWESOME day!
4) Exercise to release those feel-good endorphins
5) If you find yourself worrying or thinking about things constantly, tell yourself that you're going to only think about that particular thing from 3.00pm-3.10pm each day, and during that time you can think about it as much as you want! But, keep in mind that's the ONLY time you have allowed yourself to mull over those thoughts.  If you happen to think about it at another time outside those 10 minutes, just dismiss the thought, but don't get mad at yourself.

In terms of STUDY motivation, here's where rewards come in handy. Whether it's eating your favourite chocolate bar, watching the latest episode of your favourite television show or taking a bubble bath - make sure you have rewards for yourself. That is, in my opinion, the best way to stay motivated. As I mentioned above, talking about your goals is important. Some people I know have a piece of paper with their desire ATAR written on them, decorated with stickers and glitter, on their bedroom wall or shower wall so that they are constantly reminding themselves of what they're working towards!

Remember, every little thing you do contributes to your overall result. It's a marathon, yes, but in the end it will all be worth it.
--

I hope that gives you a bit of help!