how do you motivate yourself to do homework

Daniel Wong

30 Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Find Motivation to Do Homework

Updated on June 6, 2023 By Daniel Wong 44 Comments

To stop procrastinating on homework, you need to find motivation to do the homework in the first place.

But first, you have to overcome feeling too overwhelmed to even start.

You know what it feels like when everything hits you at once, right?

You have three tests to study for and a math assignment due tomorrow.

And you’ve got a history report due the day after.

You tell yourself to get down to work. But with so much to do, you feel overwhelmed.

So you procrastinate.

You check your social media feed, watch a few videos, and get yourself a drink. But you know that none of this is bringing you closer to getting the work done.

Does this sound familiar?

Don’t worry – you are not alone. Procrastination is a problem that everyone faces, but there are ways around it.

By following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to overcome procrastination and consistently find the motivation to do the homework .

So read on to discover 30 powerful tips to help you stop procrastinating on your homework.

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus  3 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

How to stop procrastinating and motivate yourself to do your homework.

Procrastination when it comes to homework isn’t just an issue of laziness or a lack of motivation .

The following tips will help you to first address the root cause of your procrastination and then implement strategies to keep your motivation levels high.

1. Take a quiz to see how much you procrastinate.

The first step to changing your behavior is to become more self-aware.

How often do you procrastinate? What kinds of tasks do you tend to put off? Is procrastination a small or big problem for you?

To answer these questions, I suggest that you take this online quiz designed by Psychology Today .

2. Figure out why you’re procrastinating.

Procrastination is a complex issue that involves multiple factors.

Stop thinking of excuses for not doing your homework , and figure out what’s keeping you from getting started.

Are you procrastinating because:

• You’re not sure you’ll be able to solve all the homework problems?
• You’re subconsciously rebelling against your teachers or parents?
• You’re not interested in the subject or topic?
• You’re physically or mentally tired?
• You’re waiting for the perfect time to start?
• You don’t know where to start?

Once you’ve identified exactly why you’re procrastinating, you can pick out the tips in this article that will get to the root of the problem.

3. Write down what you’re procrastinating on.

Students tend to procrastinate when they’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

But you might be surprised to discover that simply by writing down the specific tasks you’re putting off, the situation will feel more manageable.

It’s a quick solution, and it makes a real difference.

Give it a try and you’ll be less likely to procrastinate.

4. Put your homework on your desk.

Here’s an even simpler idea.

Many times, the hardest part of getting your homework done is getting started.

It doesn’t require a lot of willpower to take out your homework and put it on your desk.

But once it’s sitting there in front of you, you’ll be much closer to actually getting down to work.

5. Break down the task into smaller steps.

This one trick will make any task seem more manageable.

For example, if you have a history report to write, you could break it down into the following steps:

• Read the history textbook
• Do online research
• Organize the information
• Create an outline
• Write the introduction
• Write the body paragraphs
• Write the conclusion
• Edit and proofread the report

Focus on just one step at a time. This way, you won’t need to motivate yourself to write the whole report at one go.

This is an important technique to use if you want to study smart and get more done .

6. Create a detailed timeline with specific deadlines.

As a follow-up to Point #5, you can further combat procrastination by creating a timeline with specific deadlines.

Using the same example above, I’ve added deadlines to each of the steps:

• Jan 30 th : Read the history textbook
• Feb 2 nd : Do online research
• Feb 3 rd : Organize the information
• Feb 5 th : Create an outline
• Feb 8 th : Write the introduction
• Feb 12 th : Write the body paragraphs
• Feb 14 th : Write the conclusion
• Feb 16 th : Edit and proofread the report

Assigning specific dates creates a sense of urgency, which makes it more likely that you’ll keep to the deadlines.

7. Spend time with people who are focused and hardworking.

Jim Rohn famously said that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

If you hang out with people who are motivated and hardworking, you’ll become more like them.

Likewise, if you hang out with people who continually procrastinate, you’ll become more like them too.

Motivation to do homework naturally increases when you surround yourself with the right people.

So choose your friends wisely. Find homework buddies who will influence you positively to become a straight-A student who leads a balanced life.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun! It just means that you and your friends know when it’s time to get down to work and when it’s time to enjoy yourselves.

8. Tell at least two or three people about the tasks you plan to complete.

When you tell others about the tasks you intend to finish, you’ll be more likely to follow through with your plans.

This is called “accountability,” and it kicks in because you want to be seen as someone who keeps your word.

So if you know about this principle, why not use it to your advantage?

You could even ask a friend to be your accountability buddy. At the beginning of each day, you could text each other what you plan to work on that day.

Then at the end of the day, you could check in with each other to see if things went according to plan.

9. Change your environment .

Maybe it’s your environment that’s making you feel sluggish.

When you’re doing your homework, is your super-comfortable bed just two steps away? Or is your distracting computer within easy reach?

If your environment is part of your procrastination problem, then change it.

Sometimes all you need is a simple change of scenery. Bring your work to the dining room table and get it done there. Or head to a nearby café to complete your report.

10. Talk to people who have overcome their procrastination problem.

If you have friends who consistently win the battle with procrastination, learn from their experience.

What was the turning point for them? What tips and strategies do they use? What keeps them motivated?

Find all this out, and then apply the information to your own situation.

11. Decide on a reward to give yourself after you complete your task.

“Planned” rewards are a great way to motivate yourself to do your homework.

The reward doesn’t have to be something huge.

For instance, you might decide that after you finish 10 questions of your math homework, you get to watch your favorite TV show.

Or you might decide that after reading one chapter of your history textbook, you get to spend 10 minutes on Facebook.

By giving yourself a reward, you’ll feel more motivated to get through the task at hand.

12. Decide on a consequence you’ll impose on yourself if you don’t meet the deadline.

It’s important that you decide on what the consequence will be before you start working toward your goal.

As an example, you could tell your younger brother that you’ll give him $1 for every deadline you don’t meet (see Point #6).

Or you could decide that you’ll delete one game from your phone for every late homework submission.

Those consequences would probably be painful enough to help you get down to work, right?

13. Visualize success.

Take 30 seconds and imagine how you’ll feel when you finish your work.

What positive emotions will you experience?

Will you feel a sense of satisfaction from getting all your work done?

Will you relish the extra time on your hands when you get your homework done fast and ahead of time?

This simple exercise of visualizing success may be enough to inspire you to start doing your assignment.

14. Visualize the process it will take to achieve that success.

Even more important than visualizing the outcome is visualizing the process it will take to achieve that outcome.

Research shows that focusing on the process is critical to success. If you’re procrastinating on a task, take a few moments to think about what you’ll need to do to complete it.

Visualize the following:

• What resources you’ll need
• Who you can turn to for help
• How long the task will take
• Where you’ll work on the task
• The joy you’ll experience as you make progress

This kind of visualization is like practice for your mind.

Once you understand what’s necessary to achieve your goal, you’ll find that it’s much easier to get down to work with real focus. This is key to doing well in school .

15. Write down why you want to complete the task.

You’ll be more motivated when you’re clear about why you want to accomplish something.

To motivate yourself to do your homework, think about all the ways in which it’s a meaningful task.

So take a couple of minutes to write down the reasons. Here are some possible ones:

• Learn useful information
• Master the topic
• Enjoy a sense of accomplishment when you’ve completed the task
• Become a more focused student
• Learn to embrace challenges
• Fulfill your responsibility as a student
• Get a good grade on the assignment

16. Write down the negative feelings you’ll have if you don’t complete the task.

If you don’t complete the assignment, you might feel disappointed or discouraged. You might even feel as if you’ve let your parents or your teacher – or even yourself – down.

It isn’t wise to dwell on these negative emotions for too long. But by imagining how you’ll feel if you don’t finish the task, you’ll realize how important it is that you get to work.

17. Do the hardest task first.

Most students will choose to do the easiest task first, rather than the hardest one. But this approach isn’t effective because it leaves the worst for last.

It’s more difficult to find motivation to do homework in less enjoyable subjects.

As Brian Tracy says , “Eat that frog!” By this, he means that you should always get your most difficult task out of the way at the beginning of the day.

If math is your least favorite subject, force yourself to complete your math homework first.

After doing so, you’ll feel a surge of motivation from knowing it’s finished. And you won’t procrastinate on your other homework because it will seem easier in comparison.

(On a separate note, check out these tips on how to get better at math if you’re struggling.)

18. Set a timer when doing your homework.

I recommend that you use a stopwatch for every homework session. (If you prefer, you could also use this online stopwatch or the Tomato Timer .)

Start the timer at the beginning of the session, and work in 30- to 45-minute blocks.

Using a timer creates a sense of urgency, which will help you fight off your urge to procrastinate.

When you know you only have to work for a short session, it will be easier to find motivation to complete your homework.

Tell yourself that you need to work hard until the timer goes off, and then you can take a break. (And then be sure to take that break!)

19. Eliminate distractions.

Here are some suggestions on how you can do this:

• Delete all the games and social media apps on your phone
• Turn off all notifications on your phone
• Mute your group chats
• Archive your inactive chats
• Turn off your phone, or put it on airplane mode
• Put your phone at least 10 feet away from you
• Turn off the Internet access on your computer
• Use an app like Freedom to restrict your Internet usage
• Put any other distractions (like food, magazines and books unrelated to your homework) at the other end of the room
• Unplug the TV
• Use earplugs if your surroundings are noisy

20. At the start of each day, write down the two to three Most Important Tasks (MITs) you want to accomplish.

This will enable you to prioritize your tasks. As Josh Kaufman explains , a Most Important Task (MIT) is a critical task that will help you to get significant results down the road.

Not all tasks are equally important. That’s why it’s vital that you identify your MITs, so that you can complete those as early in the day as possible.

What do you most need to get done today? That’s an MIT.

Get to work on it, then feel the satisfaction that comes from knowing it’s out of the way.

21. Focus on progress instead of perfection.

Perfectionism can destroy your motivation to do homework and keep you from starting important assignments.

Some students procrastinate because they’re waiting for the perfect time to start.

Others do so because they want to get their homework done perfectly. But they know this isn’t really possible – so they put off even getting started.

What’s the solution?

To focus on progress instead of perfection.

There’s never a perfect time for anything. Nor will you ever be able to complete your homework perfectly. But you can do your best, and that’s enough.

So concentrate on learning and improving, and turn this into a habit that you implement whenever you study .

22. Get organized.

Procrastination is common among students who are disorganized.

When you can’t remember which assignment is due when or which tests you have coming up, you’ll naturally feel confused. You’ll experience school- and test-related stress .

This, in turn, will lead to procrastination.

That’s why it’s crucial that you get organized. Here are some tips for doing this:

• Don’t rely on your memory ; write everything down
• Keep a to-do list
• Use a student planner
• Use a calendar and take note of important dates like exams, project due dates, school holidays , birthdays, and family events
• At the end of each day, plan for the following day
• Use one binder or folder for each subject or course
• Do weekly filing of your loose papers, notes, and old homework
• Throw away all the papers and notes you no longer need

23. Stop saying “I have to” and start saying “I choose to.”

When you say things like “I have to write my essay” or “I have to finish my science assignment,” you’ll probably feel annoyed. You might be tempted to complain about your teachers or your school .

What’s the alternative?

To use the phrase “I choose to.”

The truth is, you don’t “have” to do anything.

You can choose not to write your essay; you’ll just run the risk of failing the class.

You can choose not to do your science assignment; you’ll just need to deal with your angry teacher.

When you say “I choose to do my homework,” you’ll feel empowered. This means you’ll be more motivated to study and to do what you ought to.

24. Clear your desk once a week.

Clutter can be demotivating. It also causes stress , which is often at the root of procrastination.

Hard to believe? Give it a try and see for yourself.

By clearing your desk, you’ll reduce stress and make your workspace more organized.

So set a recurring appointment to organize your workspace once a week for just 10 minutes. You’ll receive huge benefits in the long run!

25. If a task takes two minutes or less to complete, do it now.

This is a principle from David Allen’s bestselling book, Getting Things Done .

You may notice that you tend to procrastinate when many tasks pile up. The way to prevent this from happening is to take care of the small but important tasks as soon as you have time.

Here are some examples of small two-minute tasks that you should do once you have a chance:

• Replying to your project group member’s email
• Picking up anything on the floor that doesn’t belong there
• Asking your parents to sign a consent form
• Filing a graded assignment
• Making a quick phone call
• Writing a checklist
• Sending a text to schedule a meeting
• Making an online purchase that doesn’t require further research

26. Finish one task before starting on the next.

You aren’t being productive when you switch between working on your literature essay, social studies report, and physics problem set – while also intermittently checking your phone.

Research shows that multitasking is less effective than doing one thing at a time. Multitasking may even damage your brain !

When it comes to overcoming procrastination, it’s better to stick with one task all the way through before starting on the next one.

You’ll get a sense of accomplishment when you finish the first assignment, which will give you a boost of inspiration as you move on to the next one.

27. Build your focus gradually.

You can’t win the battle against procrastination overnight; it takes time. This means that you need to build your focus progressively.

If you can only focus for 10 minutes at once, that’s fine. Start with three sessions of 10 minutes a day. After a week, increase it to three sessions of 15 minutes a day, and so on.

As the weeks go by, you’ll become far more focused than when you first started. And you’ll soon see how great that makes you feel.

28. Before you start work, write down three things you’re thankful for.

Gratitude improves your psychological health and increases your mental strength .

These factors are linked to motivation. The more you practice gratitude, the easier it will be to find motivation to do your homework. As such, it’s less likely that you’ll be a serial procrastinator.

Before you get down to work for the day, write down three things you’re thankful for. These could be simple things like good health, fine weather, or a loving family.

You could even do this in a “gratitude journal,” which you can then look back on whenever you need a shot of fresh appreciation for the good things in your life.

Either way, this short exercise will get you in the right mindset to be productive.

29. Get enough sleep.

For most people, this means getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. And teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night to function optimally.

What does sleep have to do with procrastination?

More than you might realize.

It’s almost impossible to feel motivated when you’re tired. And when you’re low on energy, your willpower is depleted too.

That’s why you give in to the temptation of Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube videos more easily when you’re sleep-deprived.

Here are ways to get more sleep , and sleep better too:

• Create a bedtime routine
• Go to sleep at around the same time every night
• Set a daily alarm as a reminder to go to bed
• Exercise regularly (but not within a few hours of bedtime)
• Make your bedroom as dark as possible
• Remove or switch off all electronic devices before bedtime
• Avoid caffeine at least six hours before bedtime
• Use an eye mask and earplugs

30. Schedule appointments with yourself to complete your homework.

These appointments are specific blocks of time reserved for working on a report, assignment, or project. Scheduling appointments is effective because it makes the task more “official,” so you’re more likely to keep the appointment.

For example, you could schedule appointments such as:

• Jan 25 th , 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Math assignment
• Jan 27 th , 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Online research for social studies project
• Jan 28 th , 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Write introduction for English essay

Transform homework procrastination into homework motivation

Procrastination is a problem we all face.

But given that you’ve read all the way to here, I know you’re committed to overcoming this problem.

And now that you’re armed with these tips, you have all the tools you need to become more disciplined and focused .

By the way, please don’t feel as if you need to implement all the tips at once, because that would be too overwhelming.

Instead, I recommend that you focus on just a couple of tips a week, and make gradual progress. No rush!

Over time, you’ll realize that your habit of procrastination has been replaced by the habit of getting things done.

Now’s the time to get started on that process of transformation. 🙂

Like this article? Please share it with your friends.

Images: Student and books , Homework , Group of students , Consequences , Why , Writing a list , Organized desk , Gratitude

January 19, 2016 at 11:53 am

Ur tips are rlly helpful. Thnkyou ! 🙂

January 19, 2016 at 1:43 pm

You’re welcome 🙂

August 29, 2018 at 11:21 am

Thanks very much

February 19, 2019 at 1:38 pm

The funny thing is while I was reading the first few steps of this article I was procrastinating on my homework….

November 12, 2019 at 12:44 pm

same here! but now I actually want to get my stuff done… huh

December 4, 2022 at 11:35 pm

May 30, 2023 at 6:26 am

October 25, 2023 at 11:35 am

fr tho i totally was but now I’m actually going to get started haha

June 6, 2020 at 6:04 am

I love your articles

January 21, 2016 at 7:07 pm

Thanks soo much. It’s almost like you could read my mind- when I felt so overwhelmed with the workload heap I had created for myself by procrastination, I know feel very motivated to tackle it out completely and replace that bad habit with the wonderful tips mentioned here! 🙂

January 21, 2016 at 8:04 pm

I’m glad to help 🙂

January 25, 2016 at 3:09 pm

You have shared great tips here. I especially like the point “Write down why you want to complete the task” because it is helpful to make us more motivated when we are clear about our goals

January 25, 2016 at 4:51 pm

Glad that you found the tips useful, John!

January 29, 2016 at 1:22 am

Thank you very much for your wonderful tips!!! ☺☺☺

January 29, 2016 at 10:41 am

It’s my joy to help, Kabir 🙂

February 3, 2016 at 12:57 pm

Always love your articles. Keep them up 🙂

February 3, 2016 at 1:21 pm

Thanks, Matthew 🙂

February 4, 2016 at 1:40 pm

There are quite a lot of things that you need to do in order to come out with flying colors while studying in a university away from your homeland. Procrastinating on homework is one of the major mistakes committed by students and these tips will help you to avoid them all and make yourself more efficient during your student life.

February 4, 2016 at 1:58 pm

Completely agreed, Leong Siew.

October 5, 2018 at 12:52 am

Wow! thank you very much, I love it .

November 2, 2018 at 10:45 am

You are helping me a lot.. thank you very much….😊

November 6, 2018 at 5:19 pm

I’m procrastinating by reading this

November 29, 2018 at 10:21 am

January 8, 2021 at 3:38 am

March 3, 2019 at 9:12 am

Daniel, your amazing information and advice, has been very useful! Please keep up your excellent work!

April 12, 2019 at 11:12 am

We should stop procrastinating.

September 28, 2019 at 5:19 pm

Thank you so much for the tips:) i’ve been procrastinating since i started high schools and my grades were really bad “F” but the tips have made me a straight A student again.

January 23, 2020 at 7:43 pm

Thanks for the tips, Daniel! They’re really useful! 😁

April 10, 2020 at 2:15 pm

I have always stood first in my class. But procrastination has always been a very bad habit of mine which is why I lost marks for late submission .As an excuse for finding motivation for studying I would spend hours on the phone and I would eventually procrastinate. So I tried your tips and tricks today and they really worked.i am so glad and thankful for your help. 🇮🇳Love from India🇮🇳

April 15, 2020 at 11:16 am

Well I’m gonna give this a shot it looks and sounds very helpful thank you guys I really needed this

April 16, 2020 at 9:48 pm

Daniel, your amazing information and advice, has been very useful! keep up your excellent work! May you give more useful content to us.

May 6, 2020 at 5:03 pm

nice article thanks for your sharing.

May 20, 2020 at 4:49 am

Thank you so much this helped me so much but I was wondering about like what if you just like being lazy and stuff and don’t feel like doing anything and you don’t want to tell anyone because you might annoy them and you just don’t want to add your problems and put another burden on theirs

July 12, 2020 at 1:55 am

I’ve read many short procrastination tip articles and always thought they were stupid or overlooking the actual problem. ‘do this and this’ or that and that, and I sit there thinking I CAN’T. This article had some nice original tips that I actually followed and really did make me feel a bit better. Cheers, diving into what will probably be a 3 hour case study.

August 22, 2020 at 10:14 pm

Nicely explain each tips and those are practical thanks for sharing. Dr.Achyut More

November 11, 2020 at 12:34 pm

Thanks a lot! It was very helpful!

November 15, 2020 at 9:11 am

I keep catching myself procrastinating today. I started reading this yesterday, but then I realized I was procrastinating, so I stopped to finish it today. Thank you for all the great tips.

November 30, 2020 at 5:15 pm

Woow this is so great. Thanks so much Daniel

December 3, 2020 at 3:13 am

These tips were very helpful!

December 18, 2020 at 11:54 am

Procrastination is a major problem of mine, and this, this is very helpful. It is very motivational, now I think I can complete my work.

December 28, 2020 at 2:44 pm

Daniel Wong: When you’re doing your homework, is your super-comfortable bed just two steps away? Me: Nope, my super-comfortable bed is one step away. (But I seriously can’t study anywhere else. If I go to the dining table, my mum would be right in front of me talking loudly on the phone with colleagues and other rooms is an absolute no. My mum doesn’t allow me to go outside. Please give me some suggestions. )

September 19, 2022 at 12:14 pm

I would try and find some noise cancelling headphones to play some classical music or get some earbuds to ignore you mum lol

March 1, 2021 at 5:46 pm

Thank you very much. I highly appreciate it.

May 12, 2023 at 3:38 am

This is great advice. My little niece is now six years old and I like to use those nice cheap child friendly workbooks with her. This is done in order to help her to learn things completely on her own. I however prefer to test her on her own knowledge however. After a rather quick demonstration in the lesson I then tend to give her two simple questions to start off with. And it works a treat. Seriously. I love it. She loves it. The exam questions are for her to answer on her own on a notepad. If she can, she will receive a gold medal and a box of sweets. If not she only gets a plastic toy. We do this all the time to help her understand. Once a week we spend up to thirty minutes in a math lesson on this technique for recalling the basic facts. I have had a lot of great success with this new age technique. So I’m going to carry on with it for now.

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How to Motivate Yourself to Do Homework

How to Get Motivated to Do Schoolwork to Achieve Stellar Results

To motivate yourself to do homework, set clear, achievable goals, create a distraction-free study space, and establish a regular routine. Use a timer for focused work sessions, reward yourself after completing tasks, and maintain a positive mindset. Remember to take care of your health and seek help if needed.

• Make a Plan: Break tasks into chunks, set realistic goals.
• Seek Help: Find a mentor or use assignment services.
• Set Small Goals: Break homework into smaller, manageable objectives.
• Stay Organized: Keep workspace tidy and schedule organized.
• Take Breaks: Regular breaks to recharge.
• Give Rewards: Treat yourself for completing tasks.
• Stay Positive: Maintain an optimistic mindset.
• Get Specialized Help: Seek assistance for challenging subjects.
• Hang Out With Like-Minded Peers: Surround yourself with motivated friends.
• Eat Nutritiously: Maintain a balanced diet for focus and energy.

Are you wondering how to motivate yourself to do homework? Transform your study routine with actionable tips like staying organized, taking breaks, making a plan, etc. Read this article to help you foster focus and productivity.

Gain insight on tackling assignments and confidently turning your challenges into triumphs. Find out how to embrace the power of positive habits and witness your motivation soar. Let's break the cycle of boredom and ignite your passion for learning.

Instead of letting deadlines overwhelm you, let's turn them into milestones. With our proven methods, you can easily elevate your academic journey and conquer schoolwork. 

Motivation to Do Homework: Learn Why It Matters

Finding motivation for homework can sometimes feel impossible, especially when you're tired and overwhelmed with many responsibilities. But homework was not given by your teachers or professors as a form of torture.

It's a vital element in your academic journey, and staying motivated is the compass guiding the way to complete them. Consider motivation as the fuel propelling you through your seemingly impossible tasks.

Maintaining inspiration is crucial because it transforms routine assignments into valuable learning opportunities.

When you enthusiastically approach your homework, the benefits extend beyond completion—it fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Embrace motivation as a tool for getting things done and fostering a positive and productive mindset. In the academic realm, staying inspired is the key to unlocking the doors to knowledge and answering the question of how to get motivated to do schoolwork.

Make a Plan to Help Jump-start Everything

Every student knows the feeling of being overwhelmed by homework. Sometimes, students can't help but scratch their heads, wondering how to get motivated to do schoolwork. It is indeed easy to drag your feet and procrastinate. The secret to conquering that mountain of assignments?

Make a plan! Start by breaking tasks into manageable chunks and set realistic goals. The key is finding what inspires you—a cozy study spot, a reward system, or a study playlist. Having a plan helps organize your workload and gives you a roadmap to success.

So, take a deep breath, make that plan, and watch as motivation for homework becomes your trusty sidekick on your academic journey! 

Seek Help and Find a Mentor

When wondering how to get motivated to do homework, seeking help and finding a mentor becomes a game-changer. The benefits are profound, whether it's reaching out to an alumna, a high-achieving peer, or even considering a professional online "do my assignment" service.

A mentor provides guidance, shares insights, and instills motivation by offering a fresh perspective. Alumnae brings real-world experience which may help you understand. Your peers offer relatability and can also help explain concepts.

Finally, assignment services provide expert support to ensure you can beat your deadlines.

Guidance not only eases your academic load but also fosters a collaborative spirit. Seeking help makes your assignments less daunting. Instead of feeling as if you're drowning in tasks, your mind becomes more prepared for learning and growth.

Break Things Down and Set Small Goals for Homework Assignments

When wondering how to force yourself to do homework, the secret lies in breaking homework assignments down into smaller chunks. Transform your daunting mountain of tasks into manageable molehills. Start with bite-sized objectives that feel achievable, gradually building momentum.

It's like turning homework into a series of mini-victories, making your workload more digestible. Small goals and specific tasks not only boost motivation but also promote a sense of accomplishment.

So, rather than overwhelming yourself, slice your assignments into manageable portions and check your to-do list.

Then, watch as each completed task propels you forward. It's a strategy that helps you stop procrastinating and makes you spend time working on relevant current and future assignments.

Stay Organized to Help You Crush Those Goals

Are you curious how to get motivation to do homework? The answer lies in staying organized to help you crush your goals. Picture your workspace as a battleground—clutter is the enemy, and order is your ally. It's challenging to stay focused amid chaos.

Studies show that a tidy environment fosters mental clarity. So, organize your tasks, create a schedule, and tidy up your space. As you conquer the clutter, you'll find motivation thriving. A well-ordered work area reflects a well-ordered mind, making your homework journey smoother and the path to your goals clearer.

Get organized and watch your motivation, propelling you to academic excellence! And start expecting good grades, and not just in your favorite subject.

Take Breaks to Help You Recharge and Achieve Homework Fun

Wondering how to get motivated for homework? Embrace the power of breaks to help you recharge and do my homework . Picture your brilliant mind as a battery! Continuous work drains your brain of energy needed for motivation.

Breaks act as the charger, replenishing your mental reserves. It's not about procrastination. Instead, think of these planned breaks as strategic rejuvenation. Step away, stretch, take a walk, or indulge in a quick hobby. Spend some time alone and rest for a few hours.

You'll find renewed focus and energy as you return, making your assignments more sustainable.

Strategic breaks aren't like other distractions.

In fact, they are essential tools for maintaining motivation. So, intersperse your study sessions with short breaks and witness how recharging catalyzes academic success. 

Give Yourself Rewards

Are you thinking how to motivate yourself to do school work, especially when feeling sluggish and tired? The answer lies in giving yourself rewards when hitting milestones. Consider it a pat on your back for a job well done.

Rewards don't have to be grand. Even simple treats can work wonders! When you associate completing tasks with positive reinforcement, it creates a sense of accomplishment. This becomes a powerful motivator, especially during slumps.

Whether it's a brief break, a favorite snack, or a small celebration, these rewards are energy boosts. They will help you inject enthusiasm into your schoolwork grind. Whether you're working on social studies, classical music, or any focused course, there are many reasons why a reward in the first place will make any assignment progress much faster.

Celebrate your victories, big or small. With each celebration, watch motivation become your constant companion. 

Stay Positive and Optimistic

Maintaining an optimistic mindset is the cornerstone of tackling any challenge, including homework. Want to figure out how to stay motivated to do homework?

It starts with cultivating a positive outlook. Embrace each of your assignments as an opportunity to learn and grow. Positivity breeds motivation! When faced with difficulties, view them as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.

Surround yourself with an optimistic atmosphere—whether it's a neat study space or the support of encouraging friends.

Celebrate small victories and approach each task believing you can conquer it. Positivity makes the homework journey more enjoyable and transforms obstacles into opportunities for success. 

Get Specialized Help When You Need It

Pondering how to be motivated to do homework, especially when facing challenging subjects like math problems or drafting an English essay?

The key is getting specialized help when you need it. College encompasses a spectrum of subjects, from English and humanities to math and statistics.

Seeking math homework help for calculus or essay assistance from experts isn't a sign of weakness. You can think of this as a strategic move. Recognizing when to ask for specialized support is a strength. It alleviates your struggles and fosters a proactive approach to learning.

So, don't hesitate to reach out when faced with academic hurdles.

Specialized help ensures you conquer the complexities and stay motivated on your educational journey. 

Hang Out With Like-Minded Peers

If you're figuring out how to get motivation to do school work, one of the answers could be in the company you keep. Imagine being with friends who party hard and ditch deadlines. Uh-oh, that spells trouble!

Instead, surround yourself with like-minded peers who share your academic goals and enthusiasm. Studying with friends who are equally driven creates a supportive environment that fuels motivation. Exchange ideas and share strategies for work-life balance.

Celebrate your successes together. The collective energy of a group with a common purpose can be contagious, making your academic journey more enjoyable.

When you're in the company of peers who are passionate about learning, the motivation to excel becomes a shared experience, propelling everyone toward success. 

Fuel Your Brain and Body with Nutritious Food 

Listen up! Eat well to stay motivated. Why does your diet play an important role in how to make yourself do homework? What you fuel your brain and body matters!

A balanced diet is the secret weapon for sustained focus and energy. Incorporate brain-boosting foods like fruits, nuts, and whole grains into your meals. Skipping meals leads to fatigue, affecting your concentration.

By nourishing your body, you're investing in your academic success. So, make your plate a palette of productivity. Then, watch how your well-fed body becomes the foundation for a motivated mind. 

Students Tend to Forget Water Intake - Will You?

Hydration is critical when figuring out how to get motivation for homework. Dehydration can significantly impact concentration and focus, putting you in a study slump.

So, as a busy student, it's vital to stay hydrated. Water is not just a refreshing beverage to quench thirst. It's also an amazing cognitive enhancer. Many studies show that even mild dehydration can lead to reduced cognitive performance.

Therefore, keep your water bottle within arm's reach while tackling assignments. And drink before you feel thirsty because you're already mildly dehydrated by then. Water helps with mental sharpness. A well-hydrated brain is focused and ready to take on the challenges of homework. 

Use an Inspiring Music Playlist

Fill your study area with an inspiring music playlist—especially if you're wondering how to become motivated to do school work or contemplating how to do my assignment excellently. Music has a magical quality that can ignite motivation.

Create a playlist filled with fave tunes that uplift your spirits and set the tone for productivity. The right soundtrack can turn mundane tasks into engaging activities.

Whether you need a boost to start your assignments or a rhythm to carry you through to ace a test, music is a powerful ally.

So, put on those headphones, hit play, and let the motivational beats become the backdrop to your academic triumphs. 

How to Get Motivation for Homework - FAQs

How to get motivated to do school work .

Do you wish to unlock how to be motivated to do schoolwork? Think of this as like finding the perfect rhythm for a dance. Start small—break tasks into manageable steps. Surround yourself with a supportive study environment.

Use inspiring music as your soundtrack. Stay positive and celebrate victories. Your academic journey is a dance of determination. 

What can I do when I have no motivation to do homework? 

Feeling the homework blues? When you have no motivation to do homework, start small—break your tasks into bite-sized chunks. Change your scenery, create a dedicated study space, and consider incorporating inspiring music.

Seek support from mentors. Remember, every small effort counts, turning your homework struggle into achievable victories.

Where to find motivation in a few hours for schoolwork when I'm lazy?  

Curious how to do homework when you don't want to? Your journey from laziness to productivity is manageable by breaking tasks into small steps.

Then, create a motivating study environment and consider help. For example, seeking physics homework help or essay writing assistance from professionals when needed.

Every small effort counts because you'll find inspiration in every completed task. 

Is seeking professional help online acceptable? 

Absolutely! When figuring out how to get the motivation to do homework, seeking professional help online is a smart move. Online assistance provides valuable support, guidance, and resources, empowering you to tackle assignments confidently. It's a proactive step towards academic success in the digital age.

If I seek online help, how much will I pay? 

The cost of online help varies based on subject, complexity, and deadline, but consider it an investment in your academic success when exploring how to motivate to do homework. Our platform offers flexible pricing, ensuring accessibility to resources and assistance tailored to your needs and budget. 

Where can I find homework help? 

When wondering how to get yourself to do homework, remember that you're in the digital age and finding homework help is a click away. Explore our online platform for personalized assistance. We provide valuable support, making your homework journey more manageable and efficient. 

Is an online assignment platform legal?

Yes, seeking Python homework help , essay writing assistance, or any other service from an online assignment platform like ours is legal. We are a legitimate resource that aligns with the quest to answer how to get motivated for school work, providing valuable assistance and support to enhance your learning experience.

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How to Get Your Homework Done Fast

Last Updated: March 2, 2024 Fact Checked

Staying Focused

Getting organized, staying motivated, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,150,848 times.

Doing homework can be both time-consuming and frustrating, and you probably want to do more with your free time than just homework. When you have a lot of work to do, it can be tough to work efficiently. By staying focused, organizing and planning, and motivating yourself, you can get your homework done in a timely manner and move onto more fun and exciting activities. But you should start with putting away all distractions such as your devices unless you need them.They are normally the main distraction. You should also work in a quiet place so you are not attempted to go and do something else. For example, you should not work near your TV because you will be tempted to go and watch it.

• Download website-blocking apps such as Freedom or SelfControl to stay focused while using your computer for homework. Some, such as the Chrome extension Strict Workflow, even have the added bonus of preventing you from cancelling the timer once it has started.

• If one subject or type of assignment is taking much more time than the others, you may want to ask for a little extra help in that area from your teacher or parent.
• If you get distracted or go off-task, don't make excuses for yourself. (e.g. "I won't be able to focus until I do this anyway." or "I'm sure it will only take a minute or two."

• Consider consolidating your multiple different subject folders and notebooks into one big binder separated by tab dividers. This way, all of your schoolwork will be in one place.

• Decide how much time you want to spend on your homework collectively.
• Make a list of all the different tasks you need to finish.
• Estimate how much time you’ll be able to spend on each task to finish your homework when you want to.
• Work straight through your list and cross tasks off as you go. [7] X Research source

• A ten page essay that’s due in a week that you haven’t started should be labeled an “A” or “B” while a short five question worksheet due in three days may be labeled a “C”.
• Make sure you don't wait until the last second to get assignments done.

• Try eating celery sticks and apple slices with peanut butter.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Reader Videos

Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

• Wear something very comfortable while you work. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Make sure to hand in all assignments on time. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Try using a planner to help you remember the tasks that you need to complete. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• If you set a timer, it can motivate you to get your homework done more quickly. Be sure to take a 2-5 minute break in between. For example, if you're going to do an assignment that you expect to take 30 minutes, set a timer for 15 minutes. Take a 2-minute break when the timer goes off, then set your timer again for 15 minutes.
• It can be good to have friends over if they help motivate you and are interested in getting their homework done quickly as well. They might be a distraction at times but it can also be easier to work when there are people around you who are working too.
• If you drink something cold during your breaks it can help make you more alert so that you'll finish faster. It might also help to do it at night rather than during the day so you feel more time pressure.
• Try to get your homework done as much as you can in school. You could do it during a flex or study hall. If your teacher gives you time in class to work on it, use it.

• Take your time. If you rush through your homework and don’t try your best, you might end up getting a bad grade. Thanks Helpful 176 Not Helpful 19

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/creating-ideal-homework-environment-for-kids-with-adhd-0913164
• ↑ http://info.achs.edu/blog/never-do-homework-in-bed-3-reasons-why
• ↑ https://childmind.org/article/strategies-to-make-homework-go-more-smoothly/
• ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/take-charge-of-distractions/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/homework.html
• ↑ https://ofy.org/blog/homework-hacks-8-tips-get-done-faster/
• ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.

About This Article

To get your homework done fast, work in a comfortable, well-lit area that doesn't have any distractions. Also, try setting a timer with however many minutes you want to finish your homework in so you can glance at it as you work and see if you're spending too much time on something. You can also make a to-do list before you get started so you don't waste any time figuring out what you need to be working on. To stay motivated, have a snack and some water nearby, and reward yourself with a fun activity once all your homework is done. To learn how to get organized so it's easier to do your homework, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Motivate Yourself to Study: 25 Effective Strategies

Getting that studying motivation can be difficult. You start off on a high, but before long the reality of hard work sinks in.

In this ultimate guide, I show you how to motivate yourself to study by providing you with 25+ inspirational tips and strategies.

No time to waste, here’s my tips on how to get that inspiration every student needs to get motivated to study.

25 Ways to Motivate yourself to Study

1. watch this youtube video on self-discipline by will smith.

For the first 3 points, I want to get you started with some motivational videos to get you into the right headspace to build that study inspiration.

This motivational video gets you to look inwards and think about why it is you should be studying right now.

Here’s some themes Will Smith explores in this motivational video:

Self-Discipline

At the core of motivation is self-discipline.

Self-discipline is the ability to regulate your own behaviors.

It’s about convincing yourself to do things you don’t want to do because they have some longer-term value.

You need self-discipline as a student.

Self-discipline is the ability to do that studying now even if you don’t want to.

Because you’ve got aspirations to be a better you.

As will Smith argues:

“You cannot win the war against the world if you can’t win the war against your own mind.”

Self-Love is all about doing things to help yourself.

It’s about taking actions for your own good in the long run, sometimes at the sacrifice of the now.

Will Smith refers to students when he talks about Self-Love. He says:

“Self-Love is when you have a test on Monday. And I know you really want to go out with your friends but if you fail that test you’re not going to feel good about yourself. I love you too much to let you go out tonight.”

Will Smith argues that your long-term happiness is determined by your actions today. If you have the self-love and self-discipline to do the hard work now, you’ll be happier in the long run.

Self-Responsibility

Smith also talks about how you need to take responsibility for your own life.

He says it doesn’t help to think about why you’re in the situation you’re in.

If you’re poor, or having to re-do university to change careers, sure that sucks.

But your job is to take responsibility for the future because you can’t do anything about the past.

“Your heart, your life, your happiness, is your responsibility and your responsibility alone.”

You’ve got to do this. No one else can do it for you.

2. Watch this Motivational Speech about your University Degree

In this video, the speaker reminds you that you are the only one who has the power to make change.

It starts with a rough message: stop pitying yourself.

The speaker says tiredness, lack of money, or anything else are excuses. People who have succeeded have gone through the same hurdles.

The difference between success and failure is that people who succeed look inside themselves and find the strength to do the hard work.

The speaker says:

“It’s not going to come to you and fall in your lap. It’s always going to be difficult. If you want it, you’ve got to go get it.”

This video is all about digging deep. Put your head down and grind it out.

Success comes to those who earn it through hard work.

Right now, that hard work for you is to put your head down and study.

Don’t make any excuses for yourself. You can overcome the challenges. Dig deep.

3. Watch this Video about Growth Mindsets

I love the concept of the growth mindset .

What’s it all about?

It’s about believing in yourself. It’s about believing in your ability to learn.

“Failing is just another word for growing. And you keep growing. This is Learning.”

I like this video because it’s compassionate. It knows you are going to struggle and fail. And it’s message is simple: that’s okay.

Just believe in yourself and keep putting one step after another.

If you have the self-concept that you believe you can learn anything with hard work, you’re more likely dig deep and do the hard work needed to learn.

By contrast, if you’ve not got a growth mindset, you’ll blame other things. You’ll stop believing in yourself.

You need to grab hold of your growth mindset and tell yourself: “I can achieve this. I can overcome this struggle. I can ace this exam. I just need to work at it. I need to find ways to achieve it and I’ll get there in the end.”

4. Read this Book: UnF*ck Yourself

I’m suggesting you read Gary John Bishop’s UnF*ck Yourself because it’s a fast, simple read that’ll get you thinking about how to improve your own life.

It’s a simple exercise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: That is, it gets you to start sorting out your thinking.

Silence the self-defeating monologue.

It’s mean. It isn’t sympathetic. It tells you how the world is: stop thinking negative thoughts.

That negativity, those excuses, are going to bring you down.

You have struggles, and I’m sympathetic to them. But my sympathy isn’t going to solve them. And that’s what this book’s all about.

Fix the things within your power. Believe you’re capable and take the steps towards achieving what you’re capable of achieving.

The book’s by-line tells it the way it is:

“Get out of your head and into your life.”

Stop sitting around. Seriously. Just stop. If there’s more in yourself to put out there in the world, then do it.

Your life is your ultimate masterpiece. Put everything you have into it.

For you, right now, that’s studying. So get the heck off your ass and freaking study!

5. Print out Motivational Quotes and Place them around your Study Space.

The videos I provided at the start of this post are motivational. Their goal is to remind you to dig deep and try your hardest to work through the struggles you’re facing today.

But you can’t watch videos five or ten times a day. It’s just not practical.

Something that’s both motivational and practical is to select some quotes that you find inspiring.

Motivational quotes for studying might include:

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

Or how about this one:

“You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.” – George Lorimer

I recommend placing these quotes in visible places around your study space.

Some visible places to put your motivational quotes include:

• On your pin board;
• On your study desk;
• On your computer desktop screen

6. Remind yourself of your Long-Term Goals

You need to know where you’re going.

Do you know why you’re sitting at the computer right now, planning to study?

What was the reason you started down the path of getting this qualification you’re studying for?

It might have been:

• For a job you’re passionate about
• To get enough money to care for your family
• To prove something to yourself
• To gather enough knowledge to start a business in your topic

…Or, any other reason!

You need to dig these goals back up when you’re at a low point and lacking motivation to study.

Write them down all over again.

In the video above, the speaker talks about creating A Vision . He says he creates his vision and then he has it handy at his desk:

“I put [my goal] on one piece of paper, I put it on my desk and I review it twice a day.”

Having that long-term goal statement sitting there on your desk visible every single day keeps it close to your heart.

It reminds you that your actions are intentional.

There’s a reason behind your study session today. It’s just one of those steps towards that long-term goal.

7. Look on a Job Search Website for your Dream Job to Motivate You

If you want to envision that long-term goal even more, you might want to do some research into it.

Actually look at it!

Most students’ long-term goals is to break into a certain career.

So, why not go onto a job search website and look at that job you want?

What does it say on there to motivate you?

Take a look at:

• The salary. Does it inspire you? Hopefully it does!
• The list of minimum requirements for the position. What are they?

When you look at the minimum requirements, you’ll probably see your degree name there: “Must have an M.Sc …” It might even say “Experience required.”

That’s okay.

But if you can see that you’re on your way right now to being able to tick off that one key requirement for the job, it might give you some more motivation.

That action of looking at the specifications for the dream job might just remind you why you’re here, today, studying your heart out.

You’ll get there one day.

But today, you study.

8. Create a List of your Medium-Term Goals.

To get to your long-term goal (say, to get that dream job), you need to set yourself a list of stepping stones to get there.

Your stepping stones might be:

• Grow my GPA this Semester to 3.0
• Get a GPA of 3.3 next Semester

…Or, anything you think is achievable with a little hard work.

These medium-term goals appear achievable than the longer-term career goal.

These goals are on the horizon.

And the best thing about these goals is you can take actions today to achieve them.

Because in reality, there’s nothing you can do right now that will tangibly make that dream job land on your lap. It’s over the horizon. You’ve set your ship in the right direction, but you can’t apply for that job today.

So what can you do in the medium-term? What’s within your power? How can you set your ship in the right direction?

These medium-term goals are more achievable, so they’re more actionable.

But they’re still not enough. Once you’ve set that list of medium-term goals, let’s break them down even more .

You need to break down your list of goals so much that you have a goal today that you can achieve.

That’s why you need to write down one short-term goal for today that will be a step towards your medium-term goals.

9. Write down one Short-Term Goal for Today.

It’s hard to see how your study session today might lead to achieving your goal in the long-term future.

But every single action counts.

To prevent overwhelm, I acknowledge that what I’m doing today may only be a miniscule step towards my big life goal.

So, I break down all of my actions into small, actionable, bite-size chunks that I can achieve on a daily basis.

It feels impossible to achieve something massive. But you can achieve a whole lot of small things that build up to that one huge goal that you want to achieve.

So, what I recommend to my students who lack motivation is this:

Write down on a piece of paper one positive thing you want achieved by the end of the day.

It might be to finish taking notes on that one chapter you’re studying.

It might be to complete three practice quizzes to prepare for your test.

Sure, it doesn’t sound like much. But it gives you something to work towards today. It focuses your mind.

And 30 days of minor achievements will eventually lead to a medium-sized achievement. It might bump your GPA up just enough to get over a hurdle, improve your CV, and get you closer to that dream job.

So set yourself one actionable goal for today. Then go out there and do the grind to make today worthwhile.

Go Deeper: 101 Short-Term Goals for Students

10. Write a letter from your future self

Now that you know your goals, visualize yourself at that point when you’ve achieved them.

What will you look back at? What will you be proud of? What hurdles will you have overcome?

You can do a small exercise that’s personal, private, and that you can keep to yourself.

Take out a pen and paper and write a letter from your future self. Put yourself in the shoes of the future version of you who’s made it to the place you want to be.

Write down a letter looking back at the path to get there. What will your future self want to say to you?

Your future self might:

• Congratulate you on overcoming certain hurdles;
• Let you know how hard it is, but also that it feels worth it in the end;
• Tell you to forgive yourself for your failures;
• Tell you to have self-belief;
• Give you some tough love. ‘Future you’ might say: “Get off your backside and start studying!”

Have a think about what letter you think that future version of you will write, and have a go at writing that letter.

It might just motivate you to dig deep today.

11. Write a Letter to your Future Self

Now that you’ve completed your letter from your future self, come back to today.

What do you want to tell your future version of you? Maybe you’ll make them some promises. Let them know that what you’re doing today is for them.

You might talk about how much you want what you’re working towards. You might tell your future self to celebrate on your behalf. You could say:

“I can’t celebrate today. I’m denying myself some pleasures because I want a greater happiness for myself tomorrow. So, please celebrate your success with the family and enjoy the delayed gratification. I did this for you!”

Writing this letter is your chance to remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing. It’s your chance to directly think about how your sacrifices will be for the good of yourself in the future.

This is an exercise in self-love and self-discipline. You’re telling yourself clearly why you need to be disciplined today.

12. Find a Goal Setting Study Partner

If possible, set those short-term goals (from Point 10) with a study partner.

There’s nothing more powerful than a study partner whose motivations and goals match your own.

Together, you can pull each other forward and apply accountability to one another.

The ideal goal setting study partner is another person studying the same course as you. Ideally, you’ll be in the same lectures and seminars as one another and aiming for the same grade as one another.

As a pair, you can work together and put your minds together to work towards your goals.

Here’s some ways to find a study partner:

• I’d start by inviting my personal friends to study with you on a regular basis.
• Add people in your course on your social media pages. This way, you’ll be able to message them on occasion and build relationships.
• Identify people in your class with similar mindsets and start to befriend them.
• Use your course’s Facebook pace (if it has one!) to put a call out for people to join your study group.

Here’s some ways to utilize your study partner:

• Agree to compare notes directly after lectures . Comparing notes allows you to see how other people have interpreted the information presented in class.
• Set up regular formal study sessions at your house, the library or a local café
• Offer to edit one another’s work.

Be aware that you need to find people who are on the same level as you – you don’t want people who are wanting to use you for information but not support you in return.

13. Create a To-Do List

Whether working with partners or alone, each study session should begin with a to-do list.

The to-do list should include points from Step 9, where I encouraged you to set super short-term micro goals. These are goals that are achievable in just one day.

Having a To-Do list gives you another level of accountability to yourself.

You’ve noted down exactly what you expect yourself to do for the day – and now you have to follow it through.

Make sure your daily to-do list is reasonable. The tasks need to be 100% achievable in one day, so long as you put the effort into it.

Next, sort the to-do list based on priority:

• What is the most important study task to complete today?
• What is the hardest task?

You should prioritize these two types of tasks. Finish the most important and hardest tasks first, when you’re most fresh.

There’s an app for that.

A great app for creating and managing to do lists is ToDoist .

The reason I love ToDoist is that I can link it up to my accountability app in Step 16, where I can wager money on whether I have achieved the goals I’ve set in my ToDoist app.

14. Use the Reddit Accountability Thread

Accountability is one of the greatest motivators.

I’ve just asked you to create a To-Do list (see point 13). This is a great step towards accountability to yourself. Now you have actionable goals and targets that should be achieved by the end of your study session.

Now you need to take that To-Do list and make yourself accountable to others.

Recently I came across a great idea on Reddit. It’s a daily accountability thread .

At the start of each day people post the things they need to get achieved for the day.

As they complete a task, they log back on and cross out each point on the accountability thread.

This does a few great things.

I’ve found accountability threads:

• Give you a sense of community. There are people there encouraging you each day and congratulating you on your small successes.
• Give you social accountability. You feel like you want to achieve these goals because there are people out there who will see if you fail.

15. Put some Skin in the Game

To take your study accountability to the next level, you need to put some skin in the game.

How do you do this?

Put some money on the line.

Get in touch with someone you trust. It could be that study partner you have, a spouse, a friend, or a parent.

Then, give them $100. No questions asked. And tell them:

“If I don’t achieve my goal for today, you can keep my $100.”

Suddenly, studying got a whole lot more serious.

If you don’t want to lose $100, you better get to the library, put your head down, and start studying!

Don’t have anyone who’s willing to mind your $100 for you?

Try out one of the accountability apps out there on the market that are happy to hold your money for you. Here’s a few of them:

StickK allows you to wager money that you only get back if you achieve your goals.

But the great catch is this: if you don’t achieve your goals, the money goes to an ‘anti-Charity’.

What’s an anti-Charity?

It’s a charity that you really, really don’t like.

So StickK gives you the option of donating money to a charity you hate like:

• A pro-Choice charity;
• A pro-Life charity;
• A pro-Gun control charity;
• A Gun rights charity;
• A political party whose views are opposite yours.

This gives an extra incentive to motivate yourself to study.

2. Beeminder

Beeminder is similar to StickK but you can link it up to ToDoist, a to-do list app. So, it checks whether you achieved your goals by looking across at your app and checking what you’ve ticked off the to-do list for the day.

16. Try to Beat your Previous Study Records

If you’re a competitive person, this is the strategy for you.

To make this study motivation strategy work, you need to keep clear track of how much or how long you studied for the hour, day or week.

Then, you need to set yourself the goal of beating your previous day’s study record.

For example:

• Between 10am and 11am you managed to study for 35 minutes, and spent 25 minutes procrastinating;
• Between 11am and 12 noon you should aim to study for 40 minutes and procrastinate for no more than 20 minutes.

This works on a daily and weekly basis as well.

17. Remove Technology Distractions

This point is crucial.

If you want to maintain motivation for the duration of your study sessions, you’ll need to cull all distractions.

If you’re anything like me, or just about any millennial, you’re addicted to technology.

Time to break the habit.

At least, it’s time to break the habit while you’re studying.

Here’s two ways to remove technological distractions.

1. Ditch your phone.

Store your phone in a room separate to your study space. Leave it in your bedroom while you’re in your study.

If you’re studying in a library, place your phone in your backpack and turn it onto Airplane mode.

The less accessible your phone, the better.

We have a tendency to reflexively turn to our phones and start scrolling through them when we’re bored. We don’t even know we’re doing it until it’s happening!

You need to take control over your self-discipline again. To start, it’s time to ditch your phone whenever you’re studying.

2. Use website blockers on your computer.

Next, download website blocker extensions into your web browser.

Website blockers allow you to select certain websites to be blocked from access for a dedicated amount of time.

You can input the amount of time you want to study into the apps and select the websites you want to block.

Brainstorm all websites you use to procrastinate and list them in your website blocker app. These include any websites you reflexively turn to when procrastinating. Also include any news websites or sites such as BuzzFeed that you regularly procrastinate on.

Here are some examples:

Lastly, you’re probably wondering what some good website blocker software might be.

Here are a few that you could try out:

• FocusMe . This app also includes a task scheduler and a break reminder to help increase productivity.
• StayFocusd . It’s for Chrome. This one is a nice, simple, clean extension for you to use. It allows you to block all websites or only ones on your block list for a dedicated amount of time.
• Freedom . For both PC and Mac. The cool thing about freedom is that you can link up your devices to block social media on your phone and computer simultaneously.
• OneFocus . A cool thing about OneFocus is that it allows you to set a level of strictness. This means you can set it so you can just set a friendly reminder when you try to access a site, or you can totally block it. It’s a bit on the expensive side at US$9.99.
• LeechBlock . I’ve added this one to the list because it’s a dedicated Firefox plugin. It has many of the same features as the others, although I like that you can set up to 6 ‘blocks’ of time in advance. Set password blocks on sites you reflexively use to make it that little bit harder to access them.

18. Make your Study Space a Dedicated Space.

One of the best ways to achieve self-discipline when studying is to get yourself ‘in the headspace’ when it’s time to study.

To get in the headspace, I recommend having a study area that you exclusively use for studying.

This will mean your don’t use your study space for anything else. Not for reading, sleeping, eating or cooking.

If your study space is only used for study, you’ll tell yourself

“I’m here now to study. That’s what being in this room is for.”

In my current house, I, unfortunately, don’t have a dedicated study space. There isn’t room for it.

That’s why I use public spaces as study spaces. Here are my favorite dedicated study spaces:

• The café: There’s one café that I go to regularly to study. It’s literally my ‘study café’.
• The library: Libraries are purpose-built study spaces. Use them!

If you want to read more about how to find a good dedicated study space, read my post: 21+ best study spaces .

19. Prioritize University.

This is really at the heart of the issue.

If you don’t make the university a priority in your life, you’ll constantly slip into unmotivated slumps.

Your studies should be a part of your identity. For the next 2, 3 or 4 years you will be a ‘student’. This means you’ll be someone who takes learning seriously, puts this huge life project front and center in your life, and makes time for it.

In fact, you shouldn’t just ‘make time for’ studies.

Studies should be a central part of your day. You should put it before other hobbies. You need to be in the headspace that says:

“Studying is an important part of my life and who I am.”

Why? Well, because you’re a person who wants to achieve your goals. This is your priority. Make it a priority and keep in there.

20. Use Rewards and Treats to Motivate yourself.

Rewards are powerful motivators. They train you to delay gratification in order to get something important done.

Delayed gratification is at the heart of the motivation formula.

Start simple with this one.

If you’re literally struggling so hard that you can’t make it through one page of reading without getting distracted, then start with a reward per page.

But, your reward needs to be proportionate.

For example, if you’re rewarding yourself per page, your reward might be something really small like a piece of candy once you’ve finished one page.

Then, build yourself up to one candy per 2 pages, then maybe a larger candy per chapter.

Something I like about the use of a reward system is that it gives you that first little kick-start to start studying, which could really snowball.

You might force yourself to do that first few minutes of study for a small reward. But then, your next 5 minutes will be that little bit easier.

Your rewards kick-start momentum.

21. Reward yourself with that Gift you’ve been wanting for Months.

Once you’ve got in place some short-term rewards, it’s time to think of a longer-term reward to work toward.

This is something you might only have the chance to reward yourself with once per semester. It’s something that you really want but have also been denying yourself.

Maybe it’s an expensive item that you’ve been eyeing off online but haven’t pressed the ‘buy’ button on yet.

It could be a watch, a new phone, or something for your car.

A larger reward needs to be attached to a meaningful medium-term goal.

Your medium-term goal might be the attainment of a certain grade or raising your overall GPA to a certain average.

The reward needs to be hard to obtain, though. It needs to be something that you will be genuinely proud of achieving. It needs to be a reward that you think it just a little too far out of reach, but that you’ll shoot for anyway.

It also needs to be something that you’re genuinely willing to deny yourself if you don’t reach the goal. If you just throw in the towel and buy the reward even if you don’t make it to the goal, then what’s the point?

And when you don’t achieve that goal, then set a new one. In fact, if you’re constantly meeting and exceeding the goals you’ve set for yourself, they’re probably too easy. So set a lofty goal, fail, and then set another one.

Keep on striving.

22. Get an Online Coach

Online coaches are personal trainers and motivators there to show you how to motivate yourself to study. They will keep you on track for achieving your goals on a medium- to long- term basis.

This blog post has hopefully handed you some motivation. But I can’t be there on a daily or weekly basis checking-in on you.

So reading this blog post just isn’t enough. You need to take another step to get on (and stay on) your path to long-term study motivation.

A cheap option for personalized, ongoing support is an online coach.

From $15 per week, you can get someone who can coach you and motivate you on how to gain and sustain good study habits .

I recommend the study coach website coach.me .

Your coach will provide chat and messaging support as well as daily check-ins to make sure you’re sticking to your goals.

The coaches also have a range of strategies to help you prioritize certain parts of your life and weed out all of those distractions that you need gone.

Take a look at coach.me’s list of coaches where you can browse for one that looks right for you.

Give it a go with their free trial before committing to a coach.

23. Make Routine your Friend

You need to wake up knowing exactly what your study goals will be for the day.

If you’re reading this post and you’ve picked up some good ideas that you want to put in place, this tip is the one that’s going to seal the deal for you.

Write down right now your to-do list for tomorrow .

From today onward, you need to have a to-do list written before you go to bed every night.

If you wake up and you need to brainstorm what you’re going to do for the day, you’ve already started the day on the wrong foot.

You need to wake up and know exactly the path that is laid out for you for the day.

Or else, you’ll have to dig deep in the morning and muster the motivation to start studying. You don’t want to be in that situation.

Studying from the beginning of the day needs to be a routine. It needs to be automatic.

To make organization and routine your friend, you need to have a plan laid out for the next day, before the day begins.

24. Make Momentum your Friend

Once you’ve gotten day one of your new study life complete, you need to make Day 2 equally as successful.

The risk you run is that your motivation will wane after the first day or two of a new study routine.

To turn study motivation (short-term inspiration) into study routine (long-term habit), you need to embrace and capitalize on the momentum you got in day 1.

The first week might be tough, but once you’ve gotten a study routine in place, you’ll start feeling more on top of your student life.

You’ll start achieving things like:

• Completing weekly readings and study tasks ahead of time;
• Doing additional extracurricular studies to get higher grades;
• Mentoring and motivating friends to follow you on the path to top grades

25. Come Back to this Post Regularly

If this post on how to motivate yourself to study got you a little more motivated and back on track, I’d encourage you to bookmark it.

Every now and then, come back and watch the videos from the first few points in this post.

Those videos will be your reminder and kick-start to ensure you keep up the momentum that you’ll need in order to be a long-term motivated, inspired and confident student.

Good luck getting motivated!

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

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How to find motivation to do homework

How to find motivation to do homework ? Struggling to motivate yourself to finish homework? You’re not alone! This article has strategies to help you stay motivated and reach goals. Create a positive atmosphere and set realistic expectations . Learn how to motivate yourself and find happiness in studying.

Why is Homework Motivation Important?

Strong Homework Motivation is key for academic success. Parents and teachers must foster the right mindset and goal-setting skills . Create a supportive environment at home and engage students in class through group work and quizzes.

Homework should be viewed as an opportunity , not an obstacle. Incorporate positive reinforcement such as regular study sessions and breaks in between. With work ethic and repetition, success will come with time! Plus, you’ll be able to brag to your parents and teachers.

The benefits of being motivated to do homework

Kicking off the article, motivating oneself for doing homework brings loads of advantages. Productivity increases, thus saving time and creating extra leisure. Plus, understanding becomes easier due to the release of positive hormones.

Apart from good grades, essential life skills are acquired such as setting goals and perseverance. Awards and incentives for excellent performance become attractive too, building character and preparing for future endeavors.

It’s key to have a positive outlook towards schoolwork, rather than seeing it as dull or a chore. This will help to pursue education, rather than just doing it out of obligation.

Evidence shows that completing homework has advantages apart from just following assignments. This could be getting accepted to a university or even a promotion. So, it’s vital to never ignore coursework and work on each learning opportunity.

Not doing your homework is like forgetting your parachute on a skydiving trip.

The consequences of not being motivated to do homework

Procrastination can result in unfortunate consequences for students. Poor grades, missed assignments, and deadline delays cause disappointment and anxiety, leading to a downward spiral of bad academic performance. Not being motivated to do homework can also lead to inconsistent learning outcomes and have a negative effect on career goals. To combat this, setting achievable goals and breaking tasks into smaller steps is essential.

Seeking support, collaborating with peers, keeping a study journal, practicing time management skills, and creating an appropriate learning environment can help boost motivation. Studies have shown that poor academic performance is linked to increased stress levels, leading to anxiety and depression.

Educators should provide conducive learning environments, offer resources such as counseling services, and develop positive relationships with students. Promoting self-reflection and goal-setting activities during student-teacher interactions can effectively support students’ motivation to complete their homework tasks successfully.

Understanding the Challenges: Common Obstacles to Homework Motivation

Homework tasks can seem intimidating for students. Finding motivation is tough. Common roadblocks like distractions, disinterest, and low energy can make students unmotivated to finish their homework. This leads to procrastination, bad grades, and poor academic performance.

To keep motivated for homework, focus on time management, setting goals, and staying focused . Ban distractions for effective studying. Set specific goals for each task; this will help you stay motivated throughout the assignment. Ask teachers or peers for guidance if you struggle.

Emotional distress and cognitive constraints are other obstacles to motivation. Stressful life events can affect schoolwork. Counseling services can help ease the burden.

Pro Tip: Plan rewards after completing homework tasks. This creates a positive feedback loop for future assignments. Without goals, your motivation is lost.

Setting Clear Goals: The First Step to Finding Motivation

To boost motivation for homework, set SMART goals . These should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound . Write them down and keep track of progress. Acknowledge what it would feel like when completed and recognize the reasons behind doing the work.

Incentives are key to increasing overall motivation. Edward Deci and Richard Ryan of Rochester University found that extrinsic motivators such as praise don’t motivate intrinsically. So incentives are important for students to foster intrinsic motivation and achieve success.

Who needs a five-star hotel? Transform your study space into a motivational spa retreat!

Creating a Positive Study Environment: Enhancing Motivation through Space

To boost motivation in building a homework routine, create an ideal study space. It should be uplifting and inspiring. A good study area helps maintain focus, increase productivity, and reduce stress.

Motivational posters and fresh flowers make for an aesthetically pleasing space. Plus, a clean and organized workspace aids concentration and decreases distractions. Clutter causes uneasiness and hinders interest.

Personalize your workspace for comfortability and engagement. Dim lights or soft music can make studying easier.

Pro Tip: Add personal touches or rearrange furniture to shift from boring monotony to an encouraging atmosphere. Need some motivation? Look at your grades and let it spark your enthusiasm!

Finding Your Motivation Triggers: Discovering What Inspires You

Discovering what inspires you is essential to stay motivated and productive when doing homework. Unearth the factors inhibiting motivation. Find Your Inspiration Incentives: Uncover What Revs You Up!

Here are some tips to help you:

• Set clear objectives. Think about why a course was chosen, what interests or people drew attention? Create daily goal checklists for priority tasks.
• Identify intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. Understand learning style via self-assessment surveys. Tailor study approach, don’t use common methods subjectively chosen.
• A fellow student shared their experience of struggling with homework motivation. Various online strategies used without reflecting on suitability. Reflect on psychological needs, tailor rewarding activities. Going for runs to release endorphins, happier moods to work hard! Motivation for homework is like a unicorn, hard to find!

Tips for finding homework motivation

Struggling to find motivation for homework? Here are effective techniques:

• Create a routine . Set aside the same time each day and use it solely to focus on work.
• Break assignments into smaller tasks .
• Find an accountability partner . Share progress with someone who cares.
• Use positive reinforcement . Reward yourself after completing each task.
• Remind yourself of your goals and stay motivated .
• Parents, nagging won’t help . Promise ice cream after they finish!

The role of parents in homework motivation

Parents: to enhance your child’s enthusiasm for homework, motivate them! You have an influential role in boosting motivation. Encouragement, structure and interest in their academic progress can all help.

Set a routine for daily assignments and offer rewards or incentives when they finish on time or get good grades. Use positive reinforcement such as praise instead of criticism.

Each day, ask your child about schoolwork. This promotes diligence and shows education is important to the family.

Show them different ways homework is beneficial. Ask them to contribute ideas on topics they want to learn more about. Create a deeper passion for learning.

Establish healthy routines. Demonstrate enthusiasm for academic mastery, not strictness and punishment. Improve the chances of preventing missing out on future opportunities that higher education offers.

A Call-to-action technique like “fear of being left behind” demands immediate attention from parents to incentivize kids passionately towards successful completion of homework tasks. Teachers can’t always motivate us, but at least they can provide plenty of material for procrastination.

The role of teachers in homework motivation

Teachers have a big part to play in motivating students to do their homework. By offering clear explanations, feedback and a positive classroom environment, they can inspire kids to tackle their assignments with excitement.

Personal help like one-on-one consultations or mentorship can help those who are having trouble, building their confidence and making them view schoolwork more positively.

To make sure learning sticks and to avoid frustration, teachers should use different strategies that suit individual students. For instance, interactive methods such as group conversations or project-based tasks create interesting learning experiences which help with homework beyond just memorizing.

Frequent communication between teachers and parents is also key in holding people accountable and getting parents involved in inspiring their children.

It’s important to take into account that each student is different, and this means adjusting the curriculum to fit varying abilities, as well as social and emotional factors like mental health or external pressures.

Research has shown that parent support is a must for successful student achievements. The National Education Association (NEA) reported that when parents get involved, it can bring many advantages, from an improved school climate and attendance to a higher motivation towards homework.

The role of peers in homework motivation

Peer influence is hugely important for homework motivation. It changes students’ values, attitudes, and behaviors towards their work. Peers can be role models or distractions, depending on the impact.

By watching their friends’ study habits, involvement, and grades, students can become motivated to copy or even exceed these standards. Working together helps share knowledge and get feedback. So, both teachers and peers need to create an environment that encourages learning.

Peer pressure can be a blessing or a curse. Research shows it can cause anxiety and bad performance, if it is negative.

A great example of peer influence in action is high school football players. Poor performers were paired with successful ones. This led to improved grades, thanks to the model behavior and social support from their high-achieving peers.

Managing Distractions: Techniques for Staying Focused on Homework

Maintaining Concentance: Strategies to Keep Your Focus on Coursework.

Stay productive and successful in completing homework by managing distractions. Here are five tactics to help you stay on track:

• Make a work area without interruptions.
• Organize your study materials before starting.
• Set reasonable goals and take breaks when needed.
• Stay away from tech distractions like social media notifications.
• Do the hard stuff first when your mind is sharp.

Good habits and limiting disruptions boost motivation and reduce procrastination. Listen to instrumental music or white noise to stay focused. Self-care is important for concentration.

My friend had ADHD in high school. Medication and other treatments didn’t help. So she got an academic coach. The coach gave her techniques like mindfulness, accountability with peers, and time management. That helped her coursework.

Take a break sometimes. Have ice cream and Netflix. Reset!

Dealing with Homework Burnout: Strategies for Recharging Your Motivation

Feeling burnt out or unmotivated with homework? Combat this! Strategies can help recharge your inspiration. Implement a study schedule that suits your goals, and rest . Break down tough assignments into smaller tasks. This will build momentum and confidence. Incorporate positive affirmations & rewards systems . Utilize these strategies to stay motivated and successful in academics. Recharge your motivation – it’s possible!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is it important to find motivation to do homework?

A: Homework is a crucial part of the learning process as it helps reinforce the lessons taught in class and prepare students for exams.

Q: How can I motivate myself to do homework?

A: Setting goals, breaking tasks into smaller chunks, creating a schedule, and using positive self-talk are effective ways to motivate yourself to do homework.

Q: What if I still can’t find motivation to do homework?

A: Sometimes, it can be difficult to find motivation to do homework. In such cases, talking to a teacher, tutor, or counselor can help identify underlying issues and find solutions that work for you.

Q: How can I make homework more enjoyable?

A: Trying different study techniques, incorporating rewards, and studying with friends or classmates can make homework more enjoyable.

Q: What should I do if I am constantly distracted while doing homework?

A: It’s important to identify distractions and remove them as much as possible. This can include turning off electronic devices, finding a quiet study space, and taking periodic breaks.

Q: How can I avoid procrastinating when it comes to homework?

A: Procrastination can be avoided by setting deadlines, breaking tasks into smaller portions, avoiding multitasking, and prioritizing your work.

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Tips for Staying Motivated Ahead of College

Learn about yourself and your options..

How to Stay Motivated in High School

1. prioritize assignments.

The key to success in school is staying focused on your coursework. Make a list to get an overall picture of your workload before you start to tackle any of it. Then, make a plan.

It's best to prioritize your more challenging and time-consuming assignments. Although it’s tempting to work on the simplest tasks first, you'll be able to manage your schedule better if you start with the ones that take more time and effort to accomplish.

To determine what your priorities are, rank your assignments in order of importance. Then, rearrange your time and devote more energy toward those assignments that have the greatest impact on your overall coursework and your grades. For more involved projects, you'll need to plot out work time over several weeks.

For example, even though all homework assignments are important, studying for a midterm exam takes priority over writing a paragraph for English class. As you complete each task, think of it as another step on your way to success in college.

However, don't let a task fall through the cracks just because it seems "less important." Remember that all assignments must be completed regardless of the impact on your grades.

By tackling your more difficult and time-consuming studies first, you’ll find yourself feeling more motivated to complete the easier assignments that lie ahead. Think of it as descending from the peak of a mountain rather than struggling to scale one.

2. Set Attainable Goals in Smaller Chunks

If you're having trouble writing a 25-page paper for class because it seems like such a big task, stop focusing on that final page count. Break the paper down into its subsections, and focus on each one individually.

It’s much easier to stay motivated and stop procrastinating by setting goals in smaller, more attainable chunks. It’s also a lot easier on your mental health.

3. Create New Challenges

Changing your approach can help you stay interested in what you’re doing. Some high school assignments tend to feel formulaic after a while, and you may end up feeling like you’re just going through the motions. This can cause you to feel demotivated and drained. Change things up to challenge yourself.

For example, if last semester you wrote a narrative piece in your creative writing class, maybe try writing a poem this time. If you wrote a book report on a biography last time around, try picking another subject you haven’t tackled, such as history.

If your eyes are hurting from staring at your math textbook all night, go online and try to find videos from lively instructors who take another approach to solving math problems.

4. Find a Social Support Network

You are surrounded by people who want to see you succeed, so don’t be afraid to ask for help! Mentors can be teachers, family friends, or even your school counselors. They are there to help you reach your goals and can help you create a study plan that works for you.

Try reaching out to your friends and peers in school as well, and see if you can all bring together a focused study group. Sometimes, it can even be healthy to vent your frustrations to others as a way of clearing your head.

5. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

Praising yourself for the things you’ve accomplished is a great way to spark motivation. Give yourself a quick reward when you complete an assignment or task. Perhaps you can turn your phone off and only turn it back on once you’ve completed your work. Or reward yourself by taking a walk or getting a snack—whatever works for you. Then move on to the next project.

How can I make studying fun?

There are many ways to make studying fun. For one, you can reward yourself every time you attain a study goal. Did you memorize all of your biology notecards? Time for a slice of pizza. Did you finally hammer down that complicated math equation? Call your friend to talk about it and celebrate.

Probably the most fun way to study is by forming a study group with your friends and classmates. You can bounce ideas off each other and help each other better understand concepts. But be warned: This can be a double-edged sword. If your group doesn’t create a focused and concrete plan for the study session beforehand, you may end up procrastinating more than studying.

How can I stay motivated to complete homework?

Break down your study goals into smaller, more attainable chunks. Instead of panicking over the final page count for a long essay, take on each subtopic in the essay individually, and overcome them one by one.

Another way to stay motivated to complete your homework is to tie a carrot to the end of the stick, so to speak. For example, you can tell yourself, “Once I finish this assignment, and only when I’ve finished this assignment, I can hang out with my friends or play video games.”

Of course, you can also motivate yourself to complete your homework by thinking about how your accomplishment will positively benefit your future. You can think along the lines of, “If I stop procrastinating on this homework assignment and finish it now, I’ll get a better grade in class. If I get a better grade in class, my overall GPA will be higher, and I will look better on my college applications!”

Why do students lose interest in high school?

Students tend to lose interest and motivation in high school for many reasons, including feeling that they're not in a supportive environment, feeling that they’re just going through the motions, or simply feeling burnt out from everything they're doing in their busy lives.

The best way to combat all these negative emotions is to re-spark your love of learning and your motivation to do well. Refer to our five tips for staying motivated in high school when you need help fighting back against discouraging feelings.

Related Articles

Homework Motivational: How to Motivate Yourself to Do Homework

• By Emily Summers
• October 15, 2019

Let’s face it: no one likes to do homework, it cuts into our time with family, friends, and relaxation, not to mention studies that show too much homework can actually be detrimental to learning . Never the less, the appropriate amount of homework has amazing benefits to the learning process of any student, and while it can be a little tedious, a little motivation can go a long way.

But how do you motivate yourself to do homework?

Finding the motivation to do homework is all about creating a balance between efficiency and consistency. On some days, all we need is a nudge to get started, while some days we need a mighty shove just to get up and open a book. Either way, creating a system that works for you, not to mention having the right mindset, can greatly motivate you to complete all your work.

Start with the Right Mindset

Listen to music, set goals and reward yourself, work hard, but not too hard, keep your eyes on your goals, but most importantly, don’t give up.

As with most things, having the right mindset helps you stay motivated, even if it means being motivated to do homework ! The right mindset includes staying away from negative thoughts like “I’m not really in the mood” or “this is too boring”. Yes, those thoughts might be true, but they’re not very helpful.

Instead, reframe that internal monologue into something more productive, like “I’m excited to do [insert activity here] after finishing my homework!” or “homework might be boring, but at least I’m learning something new!”

Remember: the learning process might not be fun now, but it will be in the future when you’re confronted with a situation that requires you to rely on stock knowledge, stock of which you build in your student years.

A great method to reframing your thought process into something more positive and productive is to stop seeing homework as a chore, but rather, as an activity that will help you achieve your future goals. Yes, it might seem mundane now, but always have your future in mind whenever you’re confronted with a challenge.

Most of the time, students don’t do their homework not because it’s too difficult, but because it’s tedious. So, think of it as that: a challenge that, while not always easy, is surmountable and will give you a sense of accomplishment. Once you get behind the idea that homework can give you that sense of pride and accomplishment, the ease of thinking positively increases incrementally. After all: achievement is an addicting feeling!

Never underestimate the power of music: studies show that listening to music while studying can increase productivity , focus, and give students a positive vibe that will help them finish their homework faster and better than without music.

Of course, it needs to be the right kind of music. There’s no one playlist that will magically make you a better student: music is one of the most subjective forms of art, so make a playlist that helps you relax and be calm. It doesn’t matter what genre it is, as long as lowers your stress levels and helps you concentrate on the task at hand.

When listening to music while studying, keep the volume low: this is because the music is there to soothe you and keep outside noise to a minimum; it’s not supposed to be distracting. With this in mind, try listening to instrumental music; the lack of lyrics in instrumental music helps you focus on your studies rather than in the words being sung. You can try listening to classical composers like Beethoven or Mozart, but jazz and guitar music wouldn’t hurt either!

Finishing your homework gives you a great sense of accomplishment and the best way to do that is by turning your homework into a series of goals for you to reach. Once you reach a certain goal, give yourself a little reward! This reward can be anything from your favorite snack, to a small amount of time playing a video game or just taking a walk outside.

Many students use the Pomodoro Technique : it’s a time management technique that helps you chunk up your task (in this case, homework) into smaller, more manageable tasks. This technique is used by companies, factories, and yes, even students, to maximize their work while remaining fresh, focused, and motivated. To do the Pomodoro Technique, break down your homework into smaller tasks that will take around 25 minutes per task. At the end of each 25 minute task, take a short break, around 3 to 5 minutes, and then resume your work.

Once you get used to the idea of your homework as small challenges that pay off big time, it’ll get easier and easier to finish them!

Homework teaches students how to work hard, even when it’s outside school. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to slave away for hours on end. Not only is this cruel, it’s also bad for your learning: researchers found that not only does motivation drop after only a couple of hours of uninterrupted, intense work. In fact, scientists from Hiroshima University found that, while it might differ slightly from person to person, the best way to work is by working or studying for 52 minutes and then taking a 17 minute break.

This helps your brain ‘reset’ and helps it not be bogged down by something monotonous. During your 17 minute break, it’s best to stretch your legs, take a walk, or just do anything that doesn’t involve thinking about your homework. By the time your 17 minutes is up, you’ll find that you’re rearing to get back to work!

Remember: these times might differ from person to person. Some people might still be refreshed and quick after 52 minutes, and some people might take more or less than a 17 minute break. Find what works best for you, and try to work this into your reward system.

Sometimes, the tediousness of doing homework comes from the fact that students forget why they’re doing it in the first place. So, always remember why you’re studying hard: maybe it’s to get the best grades to get you into your dream school, or maybe it’s to keep your grades up so you can continue playing in your varsity.

Whatever your goal, always keep that in mind when you feel your motivation dwindling down. In the grand scheme of things, your homework is a very small hurdle that pays off in dividends in the future. With that in mind, reframe the idea of homework as less of an activity and more of a requirement for you to get one step closer to your dreams. It might not seem like much, but enough baby steps can get you to where you want to be eventually!

Finding the motivation to do homework might not be easy, but it isn’t impossible. The most important part of finding motivation is having the right mindset not just about homework, but about studying in general.

It might not make sense now, but homework does have plenty of benefits: it helps you build a stronger knowledge base for the future, it helps you focus, and most importantly, it teaches you responsibility. Think of it this way: your teachers are entrusting you to get work done without their supervision. Take it as an opportunity not just to get correct answers, but as a way for you to build character and develop positive values that will help you become a better person.

And if you tried everything and still can’t find the motivation, don’t be afraid to seek help! Talk to your parents, guidance counselors, even your friends. Sometimes, all we need is a gentle nudge to get motivated!

About the Author

Emily summers.

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Self-Motivation Explained + 100 Ways To Motivate Yourself

To demonstrate this point, let’s consider two scenarios you’ve likely experienced:

• You have something you have to do . You’re not excited or passionate about it, but you know you need to get it done. This feeling of obligation motivates you to work hard to complete the task;
• You have something you get to do . You’re interested in your task—you might have even assigned this task for yourself rather than receiving it from someone else—and you are happy to put in the time and effort to complete it.

In which scenario are you more effective? In which scenario are you more efficient? And, in which scenario do you feel the most fulfilled?

I’m willing to bet that your answer to each of those questions is Scenario 2.

It likely won’t come as a surprise that doing something for its own sake and for your own purposes is likely to be more fulfilling, enjoyable, and successful than doing something to meet external standards or to please others.

The feeling described in Scenario 2 is that of being self-motivated . Read on to learn more about self-motivation and why it’s the most effective kind of motivation.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Goal Achievement Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients create actionable goals and master techniques to create lasting behavior change.

This Article Contains:

• What Is the Meaning of Self-Motivation?

3 Examples of Self-Motivation

The psychology of self-motivation: how are self-efficacy and motivation related, the importance of self-motivation, is self-motivation a skill and can it be developed through training, how to foster self-motivation in the workplace, research on self-motivation.

• 17 Activities, Exercises, and Worksheets for Self-Motivation (PDF)

5 Meditations to Promote Self-Motivation

Self-motivation quizzes, questionnaires, and tests, apps for increasing self-motivation, popular podcasts on self-motivation, 22 quotes and messages to ignite self-motivation, 6 images to inspire self-motivation, 15 recommended movies to get yourself motivated, ted talks, speeches, and videos on self-motivation, 7 books on self-motivation, a take-home message, what is the meaning of self-motivation.

Above, we explored a basic example of self-motivation, but here’s a succinct definition of the concept:

“Self-motivation is, in its simplest form, the force that drives you to do things”

(Skills You Need, n.d.).

It’s the drive you have to work toward your goals, to put effort into self-development, and to achieve personal fulfillment.

It’s important to note here that self-motivation is generally driven by intrinsic motivation, a kind of motivation that comes from sincerely wanting to achieve and desiring the inherent rewards associated with it.

Self-motivation can also be driven by extrinsic motivation, the drive to achieve that comes from wanting the external rewards (like money, power, status, or recognition), although it’s clear that intrinsic motivation is usually a more effective and fulfilling drive.

Self-Motivation and Emotional Intelligence

According to emotional intelligence expert Daniel Goleman, self-motivation is a key component of emotional intelligence . Emotional intelligence is the measure of one’s ability to recognize and manage his or her own emotions and the emotions of other people.

Self-motivation’s relevance to emotional intelligence highlights its role within our ability to understand ourselves, relate to others, and succeed in reaching our goals .

Goleman states that there are four components of motivation:

• Achievement drive, or the personal drive to achieve, improve, and meet certain standards;
• Commitment to your own personal goals;
• Initiative, or the “readiness to act on opportunities”;
• Optimism, or the tendency to look ahead and persevere with the belief that you can reach your goals (Skills You Need, n.d.).

• A man who goes to work every only as a means to pay the bills, keep his family off his back, and please his boss is not self-motivated, while a man who needs no external forces to make the trek into work every day and finds fulfillment in what he does is self-motivated;
• The student who only completes her homework because her parents remind her or nag her, or because they ground her when she fails to complete it is not self-motivated, but the student who completes her homework with no prodding because she wants to learn and succeed in school is self-motivated;
• The woman who only goes to the gym when her friends drag her there or because her doctor is adamant that she needs to exercise to get healthy is not self-motivated, but the woman who likes the way exercise makes her feel and schedules time at the gym whether or not anyone encourages her is self-motivated.

As you can see, self-motivation is all about where your drive comes from; if your motivation comes from within and pushes you to achieve for your own personal reasons, it can be considered self-motivation.

If you are only motivated to achieve standards set by someone else and not for your own internal satisfaction, you are probably not self-motivated.

It’s possible to be self-motivated in some areas and not in others. For example, if the man from the first example is not internally motivated to go to work but is sure to make time for his marathon training, he is not self-motivated when it comes to work but might be self-motivated to run.

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Psychologist Scott Geller is at the forefront of research on self-motivation, and he explains that there are three questions you can use to determine whether you (or someone in your life) is self-motivated:

• Can you do it?
• Will it work?
• Is it worth it?

If you answered “yes” to each question, you are likely self-motivated.

If you believe you can do it, you have self-efficacy . If you believe it will work, you have response efficacy—belief that the action you are taking will lead to the outcome you want. And if you believe it is worth it, you have weighed the cost against the consequences and decided the consequences outweigh the cost (Geller, 2016).

Speaking of consequences, Geller considers “consequences” to be one of four vital “C” words that underpin self-motivation:

• Consequences: To be self-motivated, you sincerely have to want the consequences associated with the actions you take rather than simply doing something to avoid negative consequences;
• Competence: If you answer all three of the questions above with a “yes,” you will feel competent in your ability to get things done;
• Choice: Having a sense of autonomy over your actions encourages self-motivation;
• Community: Having social support and connections with others is critical for feeling motivated and believing in yourself and your power to achieve (Geller, 2016).

Much of Geller’s work on self-motivation is grounded in the research of psychologist and self-efficacy researcher Albert Bandura . In 1981, Bandura set the stage for Geller’s current conceptualization of self-motivation with this description:

“Self-motivation . . . requires personal standards against which to evaluate ongoing performance. By making self-satisfaction conditional on a certain level of performance, individuals create self-inducements to persist in their efforts until their performances match internal standards. Both the anticipated satisfactions for matching attainments and the dissatisfactions with insufficient ones provide incentives for self-directed actions”

(Bandura & Schunk, 1981).

From this quote, you can see where Geller’s three questions come from. Believing that you can do it, that it will work, and that it is worth it will drive you to match the internal standards you set for yourself.

We explore this further in The Science of Self-Acceptance Masterclass© .

The DARN-C acronym is a commonly used tool in motivational interviewing. Motivational interviewing is a directive, client-centered treatment that enhances intrinsic motivation to make positive life changes (Miller & Rollnick, 2013).

The DARN-C acronym stands for desire , ability , reason , need , and commitment , which builds the basis of change talk.

1. Desire indicates precisely what the client wants and wishes for. This desire is the motivating factor for change. 2. The ability component of motivation is necessary because clients must believe that they can change, so a realistic perspective on how achievable this change can be is needed. 3. The reason for the change can be motivated by current pitfalls, benefits of a changed future, or aspects of both. 4. The need indicates the urgency of the change without specifying the underlying reason. The needs that arise during motivational interviewing questions reflect the importance of the shift to the individual. 5. Lastly, commitment is about specific actions that the client will take to change, an understanding of how to convert intentions into concrete action plans.

As you have likely already guessed, self-motivation is an important concept. While pleasing others and meeting external standards can certainly motivate us to get things done, such efforts aren’t exactly labors of love.

In other words, doing things because we feel we have to do them or to gain some external reward is enough in many cases, but it doesn’t invoke the passion needed to drive innovation and excellence.

It’s fine to use external sources to motivate you in some areas, but external motivation is less likely to leave you feeling personally fulfilled and finding deeper meaning in your life .

Not only do we generally do better work when we are self-motivated, but we are also better able to cope with stress and are simply happier when we are doing what we want to be doing.

The answer is a definite “yes.”

Self-motivation is driven by a set of skills that are within your control. Read on to learn how to use this to your advantage.

12 Tips and Skills to Motivate Yourself Today

The Skills You Need website lists six vital skills that form the foundation of self-motivation, and they are all skills that you can develop through sustained effort:

• Setting high but realistic goals (e.g., SMART goals);
• Taking the right level of risk;
• Constantly seeking feedback to figure out how to improve;
• Being committed to personal and/or organizational goals and going the extra mile to achieve them;
• Actively seeking out opportunities and seizing them when they occur;
• Being able to deal with setbacks and continue to pursue your goals despite obstacles (i.e., resilience).

Further, there are six things you can do to maintain your self-motivation:

• Continue learning and acquiring knowledge (i.e., develop a love of learning);
• Spend time with motivated, enthusiastic, and supportive people;
• Cultivate a positive mindset and build your optimism and resilience;
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and work on them;
• Avoid procrastination and work on your time management skills;
• Get help when you need it, and be willing to help others succeed (Skills You Need, n.d.).

14 Strategies for Students to Increase Their Self-Motivation to Study

Students are particularly well-suited to reap the benefits of self-motivation, but it can be hard to be self-motivated in the current educational environment.

Luckily, there are some things you can do as teachers, parents, and adult mentors to help students become self-motivated. In addition, there are plenty of strategies that students can apply themselves.

Here are some ideas for how to encourage self-motivation in students:

• Provide students with as much autonomy and freedom of choice as possible (e.g., give students a choice in their seating arrangements or a range of options for their final project, and implement problem-based learning);
• Provide useful feedback, praise hard work, and deliver critical feedback using words like “and” and “what if” instead of “but” to encourage student competence;
• Cultivate a high-quality relationship with your students by taking a genuine interest in them, acting friendly, staying flexible, keeping your focus on the end goal of learning, and not giving up on them;
• Encourage your students to think about, write about, and discuss how what they are learning is relevant to their own lives (Ferlazzo, 2015).

And, here are some ways that students can bolster their own self-motivation:

• Attach meaning to your studies and take personal ownership over your knowledge and learning;
• Create a plan: Map out your semester, your month, your week, and even your day;
• Build a routine and apply time management skills to become more organized and productive;
• Identify several comfortable study environments (they should be quiet and have few distractions);
• Get enough sleep, eat nutritious food, and exercise regularly to stay healthy;
• Tame “time monsters” like the internet, video games, or unproductive time spent with friends;
• Avoid multitasking by choosing one subject or task to work on at a time and focusing all of your attention on it;
• Take planned—and well-earned—breaks to stay refreshed and motivated;
• Connect with a support system of friends and family who will encourage you to do your best;
• Talk positively to yourself (Buckle, 2013).

You may find it much easier to encourage self-motivation in the workplace than in school.

After all, everyone in the workplace is there because they chose to be there, not because they’re required to be there by the law or by their parents. Employees might have vastly disparate reasons for being at work, but it’s unlikely they were compelled to work for their specific organization against their will.

As a manager, there are many ways to foster self-motivation in the workplace, including:

• Giving your employees one-on-one attention, feedback, and recognition;
• Ensure your employees have opportunities for meaningful advancement as well as training and education opportunities;
• Set the example in terms of tone, work ethic, and values . Be a role model for positivity, optimism, and hard work;
• Cultivate an uplifting and motivating culture that encourages employees to want to do their best;
• Foster socialization through teamwork and team-based activities, projects, and events;
• Stay as transparent as possible and open yourself up to questions, concerns, and ideas from your employees. Implement an open-door policy to ensure your employees feel heard (DeMers, 2015).

Writers Nick Nanton and J. W. Dicks at Fast Company offer some further strategies to ensure that both you and your employees stay motivated:

• Sell your mission statement to your team as you would to an investor. Ensure the people working to meet that mission understand it and buy into it;
• Foster a culture in which each employee has a specific job and a specific role with the organization, and give them room to grow and opportunities to implement ambitious new ideas;
• Focus on inspiring your staff instead of just motivating them. Inspired employees will inherently be motivated;
• Show your team recognition and appreciation for the hard work they do;
• Share your passion with your team and lead from the front by developing a positive mindset and displaying a positive attitude (2015).

Techniques to Motivate Yourself at Work

You can also take control of your own self-motivation at work. Some good techniques for becoming more self-motivated at work include:

• Finding work that interests you (This is a vital tip—it’s much easier to be self-motivated when you are passionate about what you do and fully engaged in it.);
• Request feedback from your boss or colleagues to learn about where you can improve and to enhance role clarity;
• Learn a new skill that is relevant to your role (or your desired role);
• Ask for a raise. Financial incentives are generally considered extrinsic motivation, but if you’re happy with your position, being paid what you think you are worth can be very self-motivating;
• Remind yourself of your “why,” the reason you do the work you do. When you are doing meaningful work, you are more likely to find fulfillment and stay self-motivated;
• Volunteer your services to others (This is especially helpful if you have trouble defining your “why.”);
• Take a vacation to allow yourself to rest, recharge, and come back refreshed and ready to work (Stahl, 2016).

The research on self-motivation clarifies its vital role in helping us achieve our goals. Check out the findings on two important and related topics below.

Self-Discipline and Self-Motivation

While self-discipline and self-motivation are two distinct concepts, self-discipline is vital to maintaining self-motivation. It’s not enough simply to be self-motivated—to achieve your goals, you need to couple self-motivation with self-discipline.

A study of online learners showed that even though they might all be considered self-motivated (since they are all taking a voluntary course with the goal of learning), those with self-discipline were the most likely to succeed.

Those who were highly self-disciplined displayed higher competence at the end of the course, fulfilled more external tasks, and were more effective in achieving their goals (Gorbunovs, Kapenieks, & Cakula, 2016).

Self-Motivation and Weight Loss

Very often, self-motivation is a key component of weight loss. Research on the connection between the two is quite clear.

In multiple studies, researchers found that participants who reported greater autonomy support and self-determined motivation were more effective in losing weight, more likely to keep the weight off for longer periods of time, and more positive about their weight loss journey (Teixeira, Silva, Mata, Palmeira, & Markland, 2012).

When we have our own closely held reasons for wanting to lose weight—and these reasons are based on personal fulfillment rather than meeting external standards—we are much more likely to find success.

16 Activities, Exercises, and Worksheets for Self-Motivation (PDFs)

Check out the activities, exercises, and worksheets below to find ways to enhance your self-motivation. Or, share these resources with your clients to help them get self-motivated.

Quick and Easy Motivation Techniques

Some techniques and exercises are more difficult than others. If you’re looking for a quick and easy exercise or activity to boost your self-motivation, try these:

• Listen to motivational music, like: a. Bill Conti’s Gonna Fly Now ; b. Paul Engemann’s Push it to the Limit ; c. Queen’s We Will Rock You ; d. Kenny Loggins’ Danger Zone ; e. ACDC’s Thunderstruck .
• Watch a motivational movie, like: a. Forrest Gump ; b. The Pursuit of Happyness ; c. Life is Beautiful ; d. Rain Man ; e . The Family Man .
• Read books that boost motivation from authors like: a. Napoleon Hill; b. Brian Tracy; c. Tony Robbins; d. Jim Rohn (Mueller, 2012).

Stronger Motivational Techniques

If you need techniques with a bit more power, you can try these:

• Set wisely chosen and deeply personal goals that you are excited about working toward;
• Schedule rewards for yourself when you accomplish your goals (or when you make steps toward your goals, for the larger ones);
• Visualize yourself achieving and fulfilling these goals;
• Create a vision board with your goals, aims, and dreams in mind, and post it somewhere you will see it often;
• Pay attention to your “hierarchy of needs” (à la Abraham Maslow) and ensure you are meeting your lower-level needs (including physiological needs like food and sleep, safety needs, social needs, and esteem needs);
• Consider using Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), the study linking neurology, language, and programming to understand human experience and motivation;
• Envision what could happen when you reach your goals, as well as what could happen when you fail to reach your goals;
• Incorporate things you are interested in and engage your curiosity when setting and working toward your goals;
• Make a commitment to someone or something to ensure your future self will find it difficult to change plans or put things off (Mueller, 2012).

Self-Motivation Workbook (PDF)

This workbook is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to develop self-motivation.

It contains 23 pages of self-motivation information, activities, and exercises to help you find the drive within yourself that’s needed to achieve your goals.

You’ll find sections like:

• What Makes People Self-Motivated?;
• Lack of Energy or Self-Motivation?;
• Making Decisions;
• Don’t Make Excuses;
• Be Clear About Your Decisions;
• The Three Decisions That Will Shape Your Life;
• The NAC Concept of Pain and Pleasure;
• Transforming Yourself.

Please note that you will need to register with www.plr.me to download this workbook. You can find more free motivation tools and worksheets here .

Exercise: Build Self-Efficacy

Building self-efficacy is one of the best ways to develop your self-motivation. It might sound difficult or complex, but there are three simple activities you can do that help get you there:

• Ensure early success by choosing activities or steps that you know you can do;
• Watch others succeed in the activity you want to try—this is particularly effective if the person you are observing is similar to you and/or close to you;
• Find a supportive voice, like a coach, counselor, friendly manager, or mentor to encourage you and give you feedback (Mantell, 2012).

Set SMART Goals

As noted earlier, setting SMART goals is a great way to enhance your self-motivation.

When you set these goals, make sure they are:

• Measurable;
• Attainable;

Creating goals for yourself is one of the best things you can do to build a foundation for self-motivation. And if your goals are SMART, you are much more likely to find it easy to motivate yourself.

Getting Motivated to Change

This PDF from Texas Christian University’s Institute of Behavior Research offers many useful handouts and worksheets on motivation, along with some instructions for how to use them and suggestions for implementing change-focused counseling and coaching (Bartholomew, Dansereau, & Simpson, 2006).

It breaks things down into four parts:

• Motivation 101;
• The Art of Self-Motivation;
• Staying Motivated;
• Making It Second Nature.

All four parts contain great resources, but the Art of Self-Motivation section includes some really useful handouts and worksheets, including:

• Motivation and Change handout (page 28);
• Taking a Hard Look – Pros and Cons (page 29);
• Target Log (page 30).

Some of the resources in this PDF are targeted to people who are recovering from addiction, but it’s easy enough to alter and adapt them for more general use.

Click here to access this 63-page resource.

Meditation can be a great way to help maintain your self-motivation.

Try these meditations to help you stay self-motivated:

• Mountain Refuge’s Meditation for Self-Motivation ( 20-minute guided meditation from Meditainment);
• Meditation to Help Stop Procrastination (guided meditation from Jason Stephenson that’s about one half-hour);

• Guided Meditation—Motivation (11-minute guided meditation from Minds with Integrity);

• 10 Minute Meditation for Motivation and Building a Positive Mindset (10-minute guided meditation from The Mindful Movement);

• Guided Meditation—Increase Motivation and Confidence (nine-minute guided meditation from Michael Mackenzie at Project Meditation).

There are several fun quizzes and questionnaires you can use to explore your level of self-motivation. They aren’t all rigorous and validated instruments, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be helpful.

Self-Motivation Quiz From Richard Step

You can find this quick five-minute quiz from Richard Step at this link . It includes 45 questions rated on a three-point scale (with Rarely, Maybe, and A Lot as the three options).

You can take it with a focus on your life in general, or you can narrow your focus to one of several areas, including:

• Academics and schoolwork;
• Business ownership;
• Career growth and change;
• Creativity;
• Entrepreneurship and self-employment;
• Faith and spirituality;
• Family life;
• Fitness and health;
• Friendships;
• Future vision;
• Goal setting and completion;
• Helping other people;
• Hobbies and casual interests;
• “I was asked to take the test”;
• Just for fun or curiosity;
• Leadership and management;
• Life purpose and passions;
• Marriage and relationships
• Money and wealth;
• Psychological research;
• Retirement and legacy living
• Self-discovery and development;
• Shopping and spending;
• Teaching and training others;
• Teamwork and team-building;
• Trauma recovery.

Your results from this quiz will help you determine what makes you tick and what your main motivators are.

Motivation Style Quiz

If you want to learn what type of incentives you are most responsive to, this quiz from Martha Beck at Oprah.com can help. It includes only 10 questions with five response options each, so it’s a quick and easy way to discover your motivation style.

Your results will be presented via a score on the five different motivator types:

• Connection;
• Accomplishment;
• Enlightenment;

Scores can range from 1 to 10, with higher scores indicating that something is a greater motivator for you. Anything with a score of 6 or higher can be considered one of your major motivators, while anything below 3 is only minimally important. Your main motivational style is the component with the highest score.

Along with your scores, you will see descriptions of each motivation style to get an idea of what your “type” is like.

The Self-Motivation Inventory

For a slightly more research-backed scale of self-motivation, you might want to consider the Self-Motivation Inventory. This inventory will help you determine your level of self-motivation and whether you’re driven more by internal or external motivators.

It includes 30 items rated on a scale from 1 (less true) to 5 (more true), dependent on how well you feel each item describes you.

A few sample items include:

• I frequently think about how good I will feel when I accomplish what I have set out to do;
• If asked about what motivates me to succeed, I would say that the number one factor is a sense of personal fulfillment, that I gave my all and did my best;
• When I think about the reward for doing something, the first thing I think about is the sense of accomplishment or achievement;
• On several occasions, I have given myself a consequence for making a poor or less optimal decision. For instance, if I chose to eat an extra helping of dessert, I tell myself to work out an extra 10 minutes at the gym;
• Even if something makes me feel slightly nervous or uncomfortable, I typically do not have much trouble getting myself to do it.

When you have answered all 30 questions, total your responses for your overall score. Your score will place you within one of the following categories:

• Total Score 113-150: highly self-motivated;
• Total Score 75-112: somewhat self-motivated;
• Total Score 38-74: slightly self-motivated (perhaps in one or two areas, but not overall);
• Total Score 0-37: not at all self-motivated (more externally motivated).

This inventory was developed by Milana Leshinsky and Larina Kase, and you can find it at this link .

If you’ve committed to becoming more self-motivated and working toward your goals, these seven smartphone apps can help you get started and maintain your drive:

• DayOneApp : This journaling app allows you to add pictures, local weather data, and geo-location to each journal entry (iOS and Android);
• MyFitnessPal : This food- and exercise-focused app helps determine the calories and overall nutrition of the food you eat and records your exercise activity (iOS and Android);
• Headout : This app shares exciting, last-minute deals on fun experiences, including nearby activities, events, and tours. Make sure you make time to rest and relax in addition to all the work (iOS and Android);
• Coach.me : This app acts as a sort of digital coach by posing powerful questions that will help you narrow down your desires, set goals, and stay open-minded and on track (iOS and Android) (Boss, 2016).

If you’re a fan of podcasts, you might be happy to know that there are plenty of motivation-related podcasts available.

Here’s just a sample of the podcasts out there focused on this topic:

• The Daily Boost: Best Daily Motivation ( website );
• The Accidental Creative ( website );
• Inspire Nation—Daily Inspiration, Motivation, Meditation ( website );
• The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes ( website );
• Cortex ( website );
• The Tony Robbins Podcast ( website );
• Happier with Gretchen Rubin ( website );
• Beyond the To Do List—Personal Productivity Perspectives ( website );
• The Charlene Show ( website );
• The Ziglar Show—Inspiring Your True Performance ( website );
• Courageous Self-Confidence ( website ).

Check out other great podcasts that are focused on improving your motivation at https://player.fm/ .

Sometimes you just need a quick boost to get self-motivated, and quotes are a great way to get the spike in motivation that you need. Among this list are 17 quotes collected by Lydia Sweatt (2016). Give these quotes and messages a read next time you’re lacking in motivation.

“The only time you fail is when you fall down and stay down.”

“Most people can motivate themselves to do things simply by knowing that those things need to be done. But not me. For me, motivation is this horrible, scary game where I try to make myself do something while I actively avoid doing it. If I win, I have to do something I don’t want to do. And if I lose, I’m one step closer to ruining my entire life. And I never know whether I’m going to win or lose until the last second.”

Allie Brosh

“Always choose the future over the past. What do we do now?”

Brian Tracy

“You are your master. Only you have the master keys to open the inner locks.”

“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.”

Norman Vincent Peale

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Walt Disney

“Where there is a will, there is a way. If there is a chance in a million that you can do something, anything to keep what you want from ending, do it. Pry the door open or, if need be, wedge your foot in that door and keep it open.”

Pauline Kael

“Do not wait; the time will never be ‘just right.’ Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.”

George Herbert

“Press forward. Do not stop, do not linger in your journey, but strive for the mark set before you.”

George Whitefield

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

“Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.”

W. Clement Stone

“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.”

Sam Levenson

“There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, there are no limits.”

Michael Phelps

“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.”

Theodore Roosevelt

“We aim above the mark to hit the mark.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly greater goals.”

Michael Korda

“Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay.”

Simone de Beauvoir

“You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.”

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

Arthur Ashe

“Why should you continue going after your dreams? Because seeing the look on the faces of the people who said you couldn’t . . . will be priceless.”

“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”

Harriet Beecher Stow

Similarly, sometimes a motivational poster, meme, or image can work wonders for your self-motivation. Below are six of my favorite motivation-related images. (Images that are not Creative Commons can be accessed via the links.)

The Classic Road Sign

I don’t know about you, but there’s something that calls to me in this image: the blue sky and clouds, the angle encouraging us to look up, and “Motivation” in big letters. For some reason, it just works!

Looking at this image makes me think about life as a journey and motivation as an important piece of that journey. If we want to reach our next destination, we need to put forth some effort to make it happen. And when we do, seeing that big road sign welcoming us can often be reward enough.

The Yes I Can image also points out that the best motivation is self-motivation; as we’ve learned in this piece, that is truly the case. When we are motivated for our own internal reasons and committed to reach our goals for personal fulfillment rather than meeting the standards of others, we are more likely to succeed.

Sometimes, all we need is a quick reminder that “Yes I can!” Keep this image handy, especially when you’re working towards a particularly challenging goal, and it might give you the boost of motivation you need to stay on track.

I Cannot Change Yesterday, But I Can Change Today

The message of this image  is such an important point to remember, especially for those of us who struggle with leaving the past where it belongs: in the past.

It can be all too easy to dwell on past experiences, mistakes you’ve made, and roads that you should have taken. However, that does nothing to improve your current state. It’s good to reflect on what has brought you to where you are today, but letting worry, shame, embarrassment, and self-doubt based on your past creep into your present is a sure recipe for failure.

Remember that yesterday is done and gone—you can’t change it, so there’s no point dwelling on it. Take your lessons learned and apply them to something you can change: today.

What Matters Most Is How You See Yourself

This is another classic image in self-motivation and self-esteem, probably because it has a kitten in it. Kittens make for popular images.

Besides being cute, it also gets an important point across: The most important thing is the view you have of yourself. What other people think simply doesn’t matter most of the time. It’s what you think and feel about yourself that drives your behavior.

If you want to stay motivated and achieve your long-term goals, make sure to work on your sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy. See the best in yourself when you look in the mirror, and you’ll ensure that the best in yourself is what you manifest through your actions.

(Im)possible

This exhilarating (and potentially anxiety-inducing) image reminds us that what seems impossible is sometimes very possible. Of course, some things are truly impossible, based on things like gravity and the laws of nature, but this image isn’t about those things. It’s about things that seem impossible until you actually try them.

Challenge yourself to try something that seems impossible, giving it at least one solid attempt. You may be surprised at the outcome.

Don’t Worry, You Got This

This meme is both adorable and motivational. Featuring a tiny hedgehog in a victorious pose, this is a great image to go to when you’re in need of self-motivation combined with light-heartedness and humor. It can sometimes give a boost that simply can’t be found in more solemn inspirational quotes.

Looking at the cute little hedgehog and telling yourself, “ You got this! ” might be enough to get yourself in the frame of mind to take on a new challenge with enthusiasm and a smile.

If you’re a cinephile, you might find movies a good source of motivation.

If so, this list of 15 motivational movies (along with the movies listed above) might be enough to give you a boost:

• To Kill a Mockingbird (1962);
• The Shawshank Redemption (1994);
• Queen of Katwe (2016);
• Apollo 13 (1995);
• The Queen (2006);
• Lion (2016);
• Southpaw (2015);
• The African Queen (1951);
• Dangal (2016);
• Field of Dreams (1989);
• My Life as a Zucchini (2016);
• The Finest Hours (2016);
• Begin Again (2013);
• Sing Street (2016).

To see descriptions of the motivational power of these movies, read Samuel R. Murrian’s (2017) article  here .

Don’t have time for a full-length feature film? That’s okay! There are also tons of great TED Talks and YouTube videos on self-motivation. Check out any of the videos listed below to learn more about self-motivation:

The Psychology of Self-Motivation – Scott Geller

Psychology Professor Scott Gellar (mentioned earlier in this article) explains how to become more self-motivated in this inspiring TEDx Talk.

How Can We Become More Self-Motivated – Kyra G.

Thirteen-year-old Kyra shares in this TEDxYOUTH talk how to be motivated by setting goals and looking up to positive role models.

Self Motivation – Brendan Clark

Another young TEDxYOUTH speaker, Brendan Clark shares his own philosophies on motivation and success in this video.

Of course, there’s always the old-fashioned option to learn more about self-motivation: reading.

Check out these excellent books on self-motivation if you want an in-depth look at the topic:

• Why We Do What We Do: Understanding Self-Motivation by Edward L. Deci and Richard Flaste ( Amazon );
• The Self-Motivation Handbook by Jim Cathcart ( Amazon );
• Self-Theories: Their Role in Motivation, Personality, and Development by Carol Dweck ( Amazon );
• The Motivation Manifesto by Brendon Burchard ( Amazon );
• The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win by Jeff Haden ( Amazon );
• No Excuses! The Power of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy ( Amazon );
• The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson ( Amazon ).

17 Tools To Increase Motivation and Goal Achievement

These 17 Motivation & Goal Achievement Exercises [PDF] contain all you need to help others set meaningful goals, increase self-drive, and experience greater accomplishment and life satisfaction.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

In this piece, we covered what self-motivation is, how it fits into similar concepts in psychology, how you can boost it in yourself, and how you can encourage it in others.

It’s possible to increase self-motivation, and in turn, to increase your productivity and success. Hopefully, this article gave you some techniques and tools for achieving this.

What’s your take on self-motivation? What works best for you? Do you find yourself motivated more by external rewards or by internal drives? Did you find that your motivation differs in different areas of life? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Goal Achievement Exercises for free .

• Bandura, A., & Schunk, D. H. (1981). Cultivating competence, self-efficacy, and intrinsic interest through proximal self-motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 41 , 586-598.
• Bartholomew, N. G., Dansereau, D. F., & Simpson, D. D. (2006). Getting motivated to change. TCU Institute of Behavioral Research. Retrieved from http://ibr.tcu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/TMA06Sept-mot.pdf
• Boss, J. (2016). 7 apps to help integrate tech with self-improvement goals. Entrepreneur. Retrieved from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/254636
• Buckle, K. (2013). 10 tips for self-motivation for students. Gratia Plena. Retrieved from https://gratiaplenacounseling.org/10-tips-for-self-motivation-for-students/
• DeMers, J. (2015). 6 motivation secrets to inspire your employees. Inc. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/jayson-demers/6-motivation-secrets-to-inspire-your-employees.html
• Ferlazzo, L. (2015). Strategies for helping students motivate themselves. Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/strategies-helping-students-motivate-themselves-larry-ferlazzo
• Geller, E. S. (2016). The psychology of self-motivation. In E. S. Geller (Ed.) Applied Psychology (pp. 83-118). New York, NY, US: Cambridge University Press.
• Gorbunovs, A., Kapenieks, A., & Cakula, S. (2016). Self-discipline as a key indicator to improve learning outcomes in e-learning environment. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 231 , 245-262. Mantell, M. (2012). Four strategies that build lasting motivation (and how to use them to achieve your goals). LifeHacker. Retrieved from https://lifehacker.com/5958782/four-strategies-that-build-lasting-motivation-and-how-to-use-them-to-achieve-your-goals
• Mueller, S. (2012). Self-motivation techniques: Proven motivation tactics to boost your motivation. Planet of Success. Retrieved from http://www.planetofsuccess.com/motivationtechniques/
• Murrian, S. R. (2017). 15 inspiring, uplifting movies you can watch right now on Netflix for a hopeful new year. Parade. Retrieved from https://parade.com/632586/samuelmurrian/15-inspiring-uplifting-movies-you-can-watch-right-now-on-netflix-for-a-hopeful-new-year/
• Nanton, N., & Dicks, J. W. (2015). 5 steps to keeping your employees—and yourself—motivated daily. Fast Company. Retrieved from https://www.fastcompany.com/3041620/5-steps-to-keeping-your-employees-and-yourself-motivated-daily
• Skills You Need. (n.d.). Self-motivation. Skills You Need: Personal Skills. Retrieved from https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/self-motivation.html
• Stahl, A. (2016). Seven ways to get motivated at work. Forbes: Leadership. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2016/11/22/seven-ways-to-get-motivated-at-work/#414d52633cd5
• Sweatt, L. (2016). 17 motivational quotes to help you achieve your dreams. Success. Retrieved from https://www.success.com/article/17-motivational-quotes-to-help-you-achieve-your-dreams
• Texeira, P. J., Silva, M. N., Mata, J., Palmeira, A. L., & Markland, D. (2012). International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 9, 22.

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Thank you for the abundance of information.

This article very helpful for me. For me, intrinsic motivation work for me. Thank you so much to the writer.

Wow.. wonderful article. Covered all corners .. its so inspirational and insightful.

thanks alot of information

Excellent resource and information for all areas of life. I look forward to reading some of the books your listed.

SIMPLY PHENOMENAL ARTICLE.

Thank you so much for this wonderful post. Really great

This is the one of best example “A man who goes to work every only as a means to pay the bills, keep his family off his back, and please his boss is not self-motivated, while a man who needs no external forces to make the trek into work every day and finds fulfillment in what he does is self-motivated;” Thanks for sharing this helpful post in fast-changing life!

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3 Goal Achievement Exercises Pack

• How to Get Motivated to Do Homework
• How to Motivate Yourself to Do Homework?

How to Get Motivated to Do Homework – Basic Rules

Eliminate the influence of distractions, how to get motivated to do homework and fight your laziness, tip # 1 - choose a convenient place, tip # 2 - set a goal for your motivation to do homework, tip # 3 - find something interesting, tip # 4 - bet with someone, tip # 5 - do lessons with classmates, tip # 6 - make the computer your assistant, tip # 7 - ask parents for help.

Students of all the ages face the problem of getting down to studying and wonder how to get yourself motivated to do homework. It is not surprising; there are many temptations surrounding them: good weather outside, social networks, video games, movies, serials, etc. This list can be just endless.

Not doing tasks is absolutely wrong, because you can get a gap in knowledge, which will be reflected in the annual assessment. It may seem unimportant; this gap can sometimes make you feel embarrassed when you do not know the elementary things from the school program.

The most reasonable thing is to force yourself to study at home and find your own motivation to do homework. In this post, we will talk about how to get motivated to do homework, reasons why homework is good and get the maximum benefit from studying at home.

Another way out is ordering homework help from professional writers. You should simply leave the order details and we will assign the most competent writer in your area. By getting professionally written pieces you can study more efficiently and make much progress at school.

The most effective ways to get inspired to work on assignments are simple and do not require any special knowledge, preparations, and money. Just follow these rules, and you will elaborate a habit to do home assignments routinely. Make sure to follow other rules; there will be no result. Be aware of how to get motivated to do homework .

The most important and decisive moment will be when you will change your habits and eliminate the things that may potentially disturb you from doing assignments.

• Turn off the TV in your room;
• Close the door - there should be silence in the room;
• Turn off the computer and, if possible, the phone;
• Hide entertainment magazines.

That is, ensure that nothing could take away your time or attention, as focusing on an assignment and performing tasks at home are extremely important. Firstly, the more concentration is on the task, the faster it is performed. Even a short phone call can bring down the concentration during half an hour. Always remember how to get motivated to do homework and how to focus on school work . 

Excluding distractions is easy and useful. If you are overcome by laziness, it will be difficult to find time and motivation to do homework. You will constantly take breaks and will not be able to study effectively; this will lead to your poor academic performance. To fight with your laziness, we recommend you to set a clear schedule. Decide on the exact time/ day to do your studies.

Click here to read about who invented home assignments and what purpose it practically serves.

A lot of people believe that the place of doing assignments affects the learning motivation. There is no universal rule, and the place one should adjust to his specific case. Some people find it easier to do home assignments in the school library, where the necessary literature in place. Others find their perfect place abed, where they can conveniently lay out with notebooks and books. Most people find it easier to set themselves up for lessons at the desk in their room. If you do not feel yourself tuned to home tasks, try new places; changing even the landscape outside the window will positively affect the desire to do tasks. Find your ideal place and beaver away at home tasks effectively.

Setting a goal can be a useful exercise when it comes to finding motivation to do homework. You can even set several objectives you would like to reach. Finishing a quarter with good grades, joining a scientific club, and graduating with honors sound as a good plan. If the goal is set correctly, it will encourage you to do homework lessons in any mood and condition. Everything will be easy. To accent attention and not to forget about your task inadvertently, you can attach stickers with the set goals are written to the desk.

Despite the monotony of school classes, you can find a lot of interesting and cognitive things in them in order to know how to get motivated to do homework. Let's talk about how to make homework fun . You were asked to read some literary work or a new chapter on World History. Try to read this in such a way as to find those facts that would interest you. Do not try to remember everything but keep in mind the main essence and a couple of points. Regarding those subjects containing nothing interesting, always remember that you are not going to engage yourself in doing such a boring activity in the future. This will inspire you. You need to spend several hours per week studying this subject to reach your goal. If the lesson or a task is boring, think of the slightest detail that can become interesting.

This method brings an amazing result to those who consider themselves to be risky. Bet with someone from your classmates that during the next week you will receive a higher grade than he will. Choose those who study at the same level as you or even better. In such a way, you will know how to get motivated for homework and do your home assignments effectively. In such a bet, there will be neither losers nor winners, as both students will strive to study more thoughtfully. If you want to reach the best result, bet on it.

Sitting in silence and doing home assignments is a boring occupation; performed in two, it can become an interesting and exciting activity. It is even easier to find answers together. If you wonder “how do I get motivated to do my homework?” invite a classmate to work on the home assignment together. If you find such “companion” studying useful, we recommend you to do home assignments in the school library in order to save time.

Wonder why students are given a lot of homework ? Find answers in our post.

It's no secret that the computer is the air to the younger generations; they cannot live without it. Although being quite a useful thing, a pc has a number of drawbacks, such as video games and social networks. Parents are extremely unhappy when their children spend hours in front of a pc. If you are fond of working on a computer, find a way to do your home assignments using a pc!

You will be more interested in doing tasks, and parents will not mind it. The main thing is that the computer should help you do assignments without distracting you from performing it or playing your favorite video games. Remember, it should only help you, speed up, and make the studying process effective. Use it in your struggle of how to get motivated for homework.

If none of the methods help, we recommend asking your parents for help. Honestly explain the situation. This is a courageous and adult act. You will rise in estimation of your parents; they will understand that their child is growing up. They will never refuse to help you and will ensure that the conditions at home are comfortable for studying and recreation. In any case, you will always win! Should parents help with homework ? The answer is yes, as long as your parent gives extra explanations rather than doing all the assignments instead of you. 

Wondering how to get yourself motivated to do homework and make homework fun? Remember that the above methods will be hardly effective if not applied in all together. If you take them in a complex way, the result will surprise you to the upside; we do hope that the article was useful, and you found an answer on how to get motivated to do homework. Discipline yourself, set the most convenient studying conditions, and do not be afraid of asking for help. These will help you in the future!

By the way, you can always use some homework apps  to ease your work on home assignments.

The question of whether students should have homework is not new. With more and more kids and their parents stating that they have almost no time to live because of homework children get at school, educators start wondering whether giving them homework is really such a good idea.Homework assigned at...

Nowadays children are born and get to the university at once. Parents are obsessed with children’s success and try to create a genius long before getting to a kindergarten. One of these attempts concerns homework. A question ‘How to do homework?’ touches both children and parents. Here you can read ...

The questions of how to focus on homework are acute for many - thousands of students have problems with poor performance due to their inability to cope with tasks assigned to them to be done at home. There are many reasons of the issue; the most common mistake of modern students is associated with t...

• How to Do Homework Fast: Useful Tips
• How to Do Homework Fast: Expert Tips on Planning and Motivation

Doing Homework: Healthy Amount of Assignments

How to do your homework faster.

• How to Motivate Yourself to Do Homework
• How to Finish Homework Fast?

How to Do Homework Efficiently?

How to do your homework without doing it.

• Final Thoughts
• Frequently Asked Questions
• 1. What are some good places to do homework?
• 2. How to do homework when you don't want to?

3. How do I stay awake to do homework?

Need to learn how to do homework  faster ? Go no further if you are one of those students wondering whether the amount of assignments is fair and how to manage your busy schedule successfully. In this blog post, our academic writing experts share insights into how to finish homework tasks until your deadline expires without sacrificing quality. This article explains what a healthy amount of assignments is and gives a hint on how to do your homework without delays. Do you have a tough deadline? Consider using an expert academic service that can easily help with assignments. Say ' do my homework for me ' and get any task done quickly and on time.

Doing homework should help students digest gained knowledge. Children are not robots, but many teachers forget about this and assign lots of school work and tons of homework assignments . Even 4th-grade kids complain about having at least 5 subjects per night.  What is a professional opinion? Most experts suggest that an average school child should spend no more than 20 minutes per day solving after-class assignments in the 1st grade . Time for tasks increases by 10 minutes with each new grade. It doesn't mean that high school graduates should spend countless hours on after-class tasks every day. If the 10-minute rule is broken, students may face stressful situations. Is it fair? No, it's not. For this reason, you should know how to get homework done faster , no matter which grade you are studying in. Let's dig deeper into the ways to finish homework assignments with the help of these inspiring tips for students .

If you are a high-school or college student, you may wonder how to get homework done fast. In most cases, it's procrastination and distraction that prevents students from finishing assignments. Any distraction in the surrounding environment may cause procrastination – a student gets stuck in the start/middle of the writing process.  You can overcome this phenomenon by using these simple tips on how to do homework without getting distracted. 

• Do your assignment in a well-lit place. Your workspace should be well-lit, meaning the light is okay for the student's eyes during the reading or writing process.
• Choose the right place. The worst places to do the assignments are the floor and bed because you may feel uncomfortable and experience difficulties focusing on the process. Choose a sofa/chair near the table to start doing school work. Doing homework in a bed may result in a deep sleep.
• Isolate yourself from electronic devices . Any type of online communication is not a good idea while a student is doing the tasks. Turn off the social network accounts. Read the messages from friends later. Online or phone communication is not urgent as your school or college assignment is. 
• Prepare necessary resources. Make sure you have all the things you will need to get your homework finished. These are books, notes, computers, some special tools, papers, pens., etc.
• Set up website-blocking applications. If you constantly get distracted by messages from your friends, install any website-blocking app available online. This tool helps prevent yourself from visiting gaming websites or social networks.
• Have some healthy snacks. No coffee, sweets, or other snacks that contain a lot of sugar would be an option. On the other hand, healthy snacks such as nuts, fruits, and vegetables would be nutritional for your brain. Also, remember to drink fresh water.
• Track time you spend on tasks. Decide on the amount of time required for task completion and set the alarm. If you fail to complete this mission before your deadline, it's time to find a fresh approach. Your timer will show how good you are at time management.
• Ask for assistance. Seeking homework help is okay, but do not get involved in a long conversation. Turning to your professor or asking your classmates for pieces of advice would be a great idea. Also you can find many useful resources online (e.g., websites for homework answers ).

How to Motivate Yourself to Do Homework 

Read the tips that will help you find motivation to do your homework. Here's  how to get motivated to do homework :

• Think of the consequences. What if you fail to do your homework? Although it may not be very pleasant, think about consequences you may face after leaving your schoolwork for the last minute. How will you feel when submitting the task or receiving your grades for it. It might motivate you to start doing assignments in advance.
• Take a break when tired. Studying without a break does more harm than good. Take a brief 5-10-minute break every 30 minutes so that your brain and eyes have some rest from hard work. It would be great to have a walk as fresh air stimulates brain activity.
• Always reward yourself. How to get motivated to do homework? A good motivation is some reward a student can get after finishing an assignment. That is what makes the study process so much fun. If your parents do not pay you, come up with personal prizes to motivate yourself (examples: sweets, 30 minutes of a favorite show, playing a favorite game for 20 minutes, getting a new piece of cloth, meeting with friends, etc.). Think about punishments as well.
• Watch your health! A student should think about health first: drink water all the time, consume healthy food (people involved in the activities requiring regular brain work lose more calories than others), and do not stay up too late. What is the benefit of being good at planning? A student with such skill will never get stuck in doing all assignments over a single night without having a healthy sleep.

How to Finish Homework Fast? 

To understand how to finish homework faster, a student should focus on planning and organizing . Your success depends on the amount of time you plan on each task. Come up with the homework plan. Do not grab the 1st textbook in the bag to start your research – it may be the wrong source to begin with. Here are the expert steps that allow doing your homework fast and easy:

• Start in advance. Do not leave your assignment for last night. Starting beforehand might save you from sleepless nights and stress. This way you will be rewarded with fantastic results. 
• Plan ahead. Think about the amount of time you need for the entire homework. Calculate the amount of time a student would require on each assignment and preparation. Use a homework planner app to keep track of your schedule.
• Make a list. Create a list of various assignments you must complete overnight. Cross tasks off while working on your homework step-by-step.
• Check your task. A great idea is to check your assignment at school or college just after receiving it. Read through it to know whether you understand the assignment well or need some help from your teacher.
• Don't postpone. Start doing homework once you return from school or college. It's important not to postpone assignments to the last minute. You can get done with after-class tasks in time and do anything you want afterward. 
• Start from complex tasks. Determine the most challenging assignments in your homework and start with them. When you get stuck on one of them, switch to a more manageable task. Once you have completed some easy assignments, it is good to return to the difficult ones.
• Set priorities. Life is about setting priorities and speaking about learning how to get homework done, it is not an exception. Write down the most valuable, urgent homework assignment given by your teacher first. This way, a student risks failing minor tasks. 

A mobile device or personal computer is a double-edged sword when it comes to solving homework assignments. On the one hand, devices such as entertainment apps and games may distract students from schoolwork. On the other hand, some applications make the learning process easier .  These unique educational tools fall into several categories:

• Fun & games

Helpers are the general name for tools that help students cope with their homework.  Checkers and generators are homework helpers. The checkers help students check written assignments for any grammar, spelling, punctuation mistakes, or typos. They can identify wordiness, wrong word choices, and other errors. Such apps also check papers for plagiarism . The generators were designed to create citations, references and generate complete paper templates. They save a lot of time as they can generate in-text citations or a complete reference list in a couple of seconds.  Fun and games is a group of applications that distract students from doing homework. If you want to cope with your homework fast, avoid gaming applications and focus on your task. If you do it quickly, you will have more time for fun.  

There are cases when you need to do your homework but don't want to. But there is a smart solution. Would you like to learn the answer? One of such solutions is the third-party application created to help students with education. There are many mobile apps for students available on the market today. Free or paid, they can help with the assignments of various difficulties: from writing English essays to learning algebra  and even creating Business plans for MBA. Scanning the web for the best educational software is essential. 

Final Thoughts 

Hopefully, these tips were of great help. Use these methods to increase your productivity and do school tasks faster. Another thing that allows addressing "how to do my homework" request is an online academic writing service. This best homework help website is available 24/7 and always has writing experts ready to take your order. No matter what time it is, you can go online and buy a custom paper. Entrust your assignment to native-speaking writers, and they will complete any academic assignment for cheap.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. what are some good places to do homework .

In case you get distracted when studying at home, looking for a silent place would be a great idea. Here're 5 best places to do homework with ease: 

• School library 
• Coffee shop 
• Local park 
• Classmate's place 

2. How to do homework when you don't want to? 

If you don't want to do your homework alone, you may need a study buddy. Another idea is to use mobile apps that can help you with different subjects. But since technology isn't perfect, the best suggestion would be seeking academic writing assistance. One of such services is Just Do My Homework, offering professional help with any assignment. 

Though staying up too late to do homework isn't the best idea, there are some things that can make you awake. If you have lots of assignments to do at night, take a nap in the afternoon. Once you wake up, have a hot drink to activate your brain. Try to focus on your task to finish them quickly.   

Each day you return home after school and classes, tired and annoyed. And instead of having a rest, you have to start working on your studies. It is tough to focus on homework when you want to join mates or spend some time on the net. "So how to stay focused to do my homework?" you would ask. We hav...

Have you ever wondered who was that "good man" who invented a bunch of problems for students all over the world who need to do homework? Nothing appears from nowhere, so there are several versions concerning invention of this type of academic activity.The first claim belongs to the group of people w...

Are you a student looking for the best homework planner app? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you face challenges with tests and coursework projects, or simply want to spend meaningful time instead of doing homework assignments, we have a smart solution for you. Online student planners will b...

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How to Stay Motivated When You Are Working From Home

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk,  "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

• Working remotely is even more challenging during COVID-19 with extra stress and added distractions from family members.
• A few simple strategies can help keep you motivated and on task.
• Don't be too hard on yourself right now; we're all doing our best under these unprecedented circumstances.

Most people find working from home to be challenging—especially at first. From piles of dirty laundry to daytime TV, there are tons of distractions.

And sometimes, pajamas and a comfortable seat on the sofa just don’t provide the same type of motivation you get from a suit and an office chair.

Whether you’re home alone and the house is too quiet, or you’re home with the family and the kids are out of control, you may find it’s tough to stay on task, get your work done, and feel productive. Fortunately, the following strategies can help you stay motivated when you work from home.

1. Create a Schedule

Without a structured workday, time can get away from you. You might find that you start shifting your workdays later and later as you sip an extra cup of coffee. Then, your work hours extend later into the evenings, which causes you to stay up later at night, as well.

Or you might find that you easily get off track or distracted while working. Projects that used to take 20 minutes are suddenly lasting 2 hours.

That’s why it’s important to have a clear schedule. Establish a time to begin and end work. Try to stick to it as much as you can.

2. Establish a Dedicated Workspace

You might be tempted to work in bed. After all, it’s likely the most comfortable space in the house.

But when you associate your bed with work, it can interfere with your sleep. And trouble sleeping will affect your performance the following day. Most sleep experts recommend reserving your bed for sleep and sexual activity.

So even though your bed might feel like a comfortable spot, create a workspace somewhere else. The kitchen table or a desk in the corner of the living room might be better alternatives to your bedroom.

3. Work in Small Blocks of Time

Blocking out small amounts of time—and planning what you’ll do during that timeframe—can make big tasks feel more manageable.

You might find you have more motivation when telling yourself that you just need to complete one invoice in the next 30 minutes, rather than telling yourself that you have 50 invoices to create by lunchtime.

Scheduling your time will also hold you more accountable. You’ll be less likely to get lost on social media when you know you only have 15 minutes to complete a task. And you’ll be less likely to procrastinate when you’ve given yourself a tight deadline.

4. Limit Distractions and Interruptions

You might find that you struggle to get back on task each time you’re interrupted. You can stay motivated by limiting the distractions and interruptions you experience.

This may mean muting your phone notifications and only checking your email once an hour. Or placing your phone on “Do Not Disturb” until you complete a specific task.

If you’re working from home with kids, keep them occupied to reduce how often they interrupt you. Give them tasks to do and plan to check on them at a certain time.

Establish some ground rules about what constitutes a legitimate reason for them interrupting you while working. Then, you can reward them for playing well on their own with a chance to do something extra fun when you’re finished working.

5. Practice the “10-Minute Rule”

It can be hard to convince yourself to start working on a task you really don’t want to do. Whether you know it’s going to be boring, frustrating, or just really challenging, convincing yourself to get started is tough.

One of the best ways to get moving on something you don’t want to do is by using the “10-minute rule.” Tell yourself that you only have to work on something for 10 minutes. Then, after the 10-minute mark, you can take a break if you want.

More times than not, you’ll likely find that at the 10-minute mark you’ll choose to keep going. Usually, getting started is the toughest part. But once you do, it’s easy to keep the momentum going.

6. Reward Yourself

You might find you work best when you know there’s a little reward waiting for you. For example, tell yourself you can watch your favorite show if you get your work done by 6 p.m. Or tell yourself you can have a cup of your favorite tea as soon as you finish this report.

A little incentive can often go a long way toward helping you get work done efficiently. And it’ll help you see what you’re capable of accomplishing.

7. Challenge Yourself

Sometimes, a little challenge can help get you moving, too. For example, you might try to write a certain amount of words in 30 minutes. Once you see how many words you write in 30 minutes, you might try beating that during the next 30-minute time slot.

You might also make some discoveries about yourself. Maybe you type faster when you’re sitting at the kitchen table, or perhaps you have better focus right after lunch. Learning these things about yourself might help you set up your day for success.

Being more aware of your time helps you use it wisely. And challenging yourself in some way might provide the extra incentive you need.

8. Practice Good Self-Care

You’ll never be at your best if you’re exhausted and running on caffeine and sugar only. You need a healthy diet, plenty of rest, and good self-care strategies to perform at your peak.

But meeting your physical, social, and emotional needs right now will be a bit more challenging than usual. Eating a healthy diet might not be as easy when you’re limiting your trips to the grocery store. And video chatting with friends isn’t the same as meeting in person. 

So take a step back every once in a while and ask yourself what else you can do to better take care of yourself. As your stress level increases, your self-care should increase right alongside it.

9. Experiment With Different Strategies

There are plenty of online tips about how to work well from home. But everyone is different. And what works for one person might not work well for another.

So it’s important to experiment with different strategies to discover what works well for you. You might find you feel more motivated in the evenings, or you might have more energy after a morning workout.

10. Practice Regulating Your Emotions

Research shows we tend to put off tasks that stir up uncomfortable emotions. If you’re anxious about a medical appointment, you might not be motivated to call the doctor. Or, if you’re afraid studying will bring frustration, you might find yourself binge-watching Netflix instead.

In these cases, the lack of motivation stems from your desire to avoid discomfort. And when you’re working from home, there are always plenty of opportunities to engage in something more fun than the work you’re supposed to be doing.

So consider what emotion(s) you’re trying to avoid feeling. Acknowledging the emotion might make it feel less scary. Remind yourself that you can handle feeling uncomfortable.

Additionally, remind yourself of how good you’ll feel when you get the project done, as opposed to how bad you’ll feel if you don’t do the work. This might remind you to take action regardless of whether you feel like it.

What This Means For You

Working from home can be challenging in the best of circumstances. But if you find yourself working remotely during the coronavirus pandemic, the added stress of the situation will make it harder than usual to stay motivated.

Be willing to cut yourself a little slack if your productivity isn’t on par. Rather than beat yourself up for not being motivated enough, you might find a little self-compassion goes a long way toward helping you feel your best.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page .

Eckert M, Ebert DD, Lehr D, Sieland B, Berking M. Overcome procrastination: Enhancing emotion regulation skills reduce procrastination . Learn Individ Differ . 2016;52:10-18. doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2016.10.001

By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk,  "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

How to Motivate Yourself to Work Out Even When Life Gets Hectic

Posted: September 30, 2023 | Last updated: October 4, 2023

Sometimes, finding the motivation to work out can be just as hard - if not harder - as doing the workout itself. That's why learning how to stay motivated is an essential part of any fitness routine, whether you've been working out for years or you're just beginning a new health journey. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to encourage yourself to get moving and motivate yourself to work out.

Ahead, you'll find 15 tips for finding the workout motivation you may be sorely lacking right now. Some have worked for me personally, others are backed by research, and a number are directly from an expert: Kelly Froelich, an NASM- and ACE-certified trainer and cofounder of the digital fitness platform Balanced , who was kind enough to share how she keeps herself (and her clients) motivated.

As you read through them, remember that it doesn't reflect on your character; no fitness journey is linear, and even the most dedicated gym-goers, athletes, and trainers experience dips in motivation at one point or another, too. If you're not feeling motivated to work out, also consider what might be causing those feelings in the first place: are you exhausted, burnt out , stressed out by work, or feeling pressured to do other things instead of taking time for yourself? Addressing the root cause of your lack of motivation could help you prevent tough moments where you rely on sheer willpower alone to get a workout in.

In the meantime, though, these tips for finding workout motivation can help. Keep reading for some inspiration, and keep in mind that one of these motivational strategies could work for you today, and another might work for you tomorrow. Keep them all in your arsenal so you're always ready to find some energy to make a workout happen.

- Additional reporting by Lauren Mazzo

Just Get Dressed

As someone who deals with depression and anxiety, I find that breaking tasks down into small steps can help me build the momentum needed to get stuff done. In my experience, this tactic works with exercise as well. When I'm not feeling motivated to work out but I know exercising will make me feel better, I tell myself: You don't have to exercise. Just get dressed. More often than not, simply getting dressed helps me feel motivated enough to get out the door and on the trail. It might work for you, too.

Stick With Workouts You Actually Enjoy

For me, this is key to staying motivated to exercise on a regular basis. I used to work out nearly daily, spending hours in the gym each week. I looked forward to intense cardio and strength training - but for the last couple of years, I've only been interested in exercising outdoors and stretching in my house. Hikes, long walks, bike rides, and kayaking trips are my workouts of choice these days. Currently, I'm working out less than I did for most of my 20s and my workouts are easier, but I wouldn't be exercising at all if I only allowed myself to do HIIT.

This isn't only true for me. Experts say , time and time again, that the best workout is the one you enjoy doing, because it means you'll stick with it since you'll want to do it again.

Find a Workout Buddy

"For extroverts or people who like being around people, I think accountability buddies or simply workout buddies are great. Sometimes, it is easier to let yourself down by skipping a workout than letting a friend down by missing it," Froelich tells POPSUGAR. "My favorite go-to activity to catch up with a friend is a workout and a meal afterwards."

Research confirms this benefit, showing that working out with a partner (even a virtual or simulated one) encourages people to work out harder. You don't need to do every workout with a friend , but having a standing weekly workout date for a yoga class or run can become a regular thing you look forward to - and you're much less likely to cancel on a friend than you are to cancel on a workout with yourself.

Try "Habit Stacking"

This term was coined by SJ Scott, author of "Habit Stacking: 127 Small Changes to Improve Your Health, Wealth, and Happiness" ($16). In the book, Scott suggests "stacking" new habits into a single routine, so that the new behavior you're trying to encourage is tied to something you already do. "I like to start my day with a coffee, a workout, and a meditation," Froelich explains. "That coffee, which I love, puts into motion the rest of my day, as I know after the coffee, I work out, and then meditate." Here's more on why habit stacking works , and how to try it yourself.

Pair Long Walks With Your Favorite Podcasts

I habitually listen to podcasts on walks, because it's a surefire way to get me moving and keep me moving, even when all I want to do is sit on my couch and watch "Insecure". Try it! A good podcast can make even hour-long walks fly by, and you'll probably learn something to boot. For a double dose of health and wellness, consider listening to one of these mental health podcasts the next time you take a stroll.

This workout motivation technique works so well, it's the entire impetus behind the viral hot girl walk - though with that trend, feel-good music playlists are fair game as well as podcasts.

Pay For a Workout Class

If paying for a workout class simply isn't in your budget right now, don't do it - you can work out outdoors, or at home , for free. If it is possible for you to pay for a workout class, however, doing so might be a good way to motivate yourself to exercise. If you're anything like me, you won't waste that money by skipping out.

Join a Challenge (or Create One For Yourself) and Pick a Prize For Following Through

"Challenges are a great way to self-motivate, as well. A 30-day challenge with a significant prize at the end - a massage or a dinner out with friends - is a great way to stay motivated," Froelich says. "Intrinsic motivation, such as an internal desire to do something, is great to stick to something in the long run, but sometimes you need a bit of extrinsic motivation, such as a prize, to start you off."

That challenge can totally depend on your goals and interests. It could be deciding to follow a workout plan , signing up for and completing a 5K, or working out three times a week for a month straight. Many workout apps have built-in challenges or training programs you can easily sign up for, and are often affordable, if not free.

Take Your Workout Outdoors

Exercise is medicine, no matter where you do it. But research shows that spending time in nature can be especially beneficial for overall health and wellness. (It's also just more fun, in my opinion.) So if you're struggling to find the motivation to work out, take your workout outdoors. Whether you walk, bike, hike, roller blade, play pickleball , or run, knowing your workout will double as quality time with nature might help you feel more motivated to get it done.

Remember Why You Started Working Out

"I also think it's important to come back to why you started," Froelich says. "When I train for a marathon, there are many, many times when I simply do not want to go on a long run for whatever reason - it could be too cold, too hot, too late in the day, not enough sleep. But, I always come back to the reason I was going on a run."

Signing up for a race or training for a specific event - whether that's a big hike or activity you want to do on vacation - can put the pressure on, but in a good way: if gives you a concrete "why."

If your "why" is simpler (for exmaple, that it feels good or leaves you with a clearer head) that's not any less valuable. Try to remind yourself of that post-workout feeling, and it could be the thing that helps you find some workout motivation.

Consider Fostering or Adopting a Dog

This one is certainly not a quick fix, and fostering or adopting a dog is no small feat. You definitely shouldn't take it on if you know you don't have the disposable income, emotional capacity, or bandwidth to provide a dog with the care they deserve. That said, if it's possible for you, fostering or adopting a dog would give you built-in motivation to stay physically active. Research shows that people with dogs tend to exercise more, just by nature of being good pet parents.

Think of Your Sleep Routine

Research supports a link between exercise and better sleep - so if nothing else motivates you to work out, think about how much faster you're likely to fall asleep , and how much more satisfying your sleep routine is likely be, if you don't skip your workout.

Set Goals You Can Realistically Achieve

Froelich encourages her clients to set realistic goals, such as working out three times a week for 30 minutes. "The key is that the goal isn't 'work out Monday, Wednesday, Friday' and, if you miss a day, you miss the goal. The goal should be flexible to how you are feeling and what times work for your schedule," Froelich explains. When your workout goal feels atainable vs. intimidating, that removes one more blockade that could mentally stand between you and getting to your workout.

Don't Compare Your Body or Fitness Journey to Others

Froelich says she's happiest and most likely to stick to her workout routine when she turns off Instagram during the week. "There are amazing communities and positive inspiration on Instagram, but there is also a lot of comparison. Comparison can be the enemy of happiness," Froelich says. And it can also very quickly zap your motivation.

"Instead of comparative 'body inspiration,' use your own body as inspiration," Froelich adds. "It can already do so many incredible things, and working out is a way to push your body in a safe way to do even more." Instead of thinking about how many push-ups someone else can do, pride yourself on getting in two more reps today.

Create a Workout Motivation Playlist

For much of my adult life, I've worked remotely as a writer. Over the years, I've discovered having a few designated writing playlists helps me switch into "writing mode," even when I have to work in the same room where I sleep and watch TV. It's a simple tactic that can be applied to finding workout motivation, too, and one I've relied on in the past. Creating a "workout motivation" playlist or two might help you find the will to exercise as well. Here's a list of the best workout songs for 2023 - with an entire playlist, ready to go - to get you started.

Say Kind Things to Yourself, Even When You Miss a Work Out

Tearing yourself down won't make you want to get up and do better tomorrow. "Be gentle with yourself. You are setting new goals for challenging things," Froelich says. "Progress is not a straight line, but it does tilt upwards. If you have a bad workout or miss a workout day, say motivating things like you are talking to your best friend. Sometimes, we can be our own worst critic."

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