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How can I motivate myself to study more and to stop procrastinating on simple things?
I believe a bunch of things in my life would be better/solved if I figured this out.
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6 answers
Updated
Zakari’s Answer
Hello Skyllar!
I think what helped me stay motivated to study more was my understanding my purpose. I think you should start with evaluating if this something you are passionate about, figure out your “why”. Yes, sometimes you will have your lazy days, and sometimes you need to take breaks in between but get back to. I used to struggle with this too, and I realized it wasn’t really about motivation, it was more about discipline and having a system.
I think what helped me stay motivated to study more was my understanding my purpose. I think you should start with evaluating if this something you are passionate about, figure out your “why”. Yes, sometimes you will have your lazy days, and sometimes you need to take breaks in between but get back to. I used to struggle with this too, and I realized it wasn’t really about motivation, it was more about discipline and having a system.
Updated
Md Parvez Hasan’s Answer
Hey, Skyllar.
Your question is interesting.
“Look, a lot of things in your life will get better once you start taking small, consistent steps toward studying and stopping procrastination. The key is not to wait for ‘motivation’; you just start tiny and keep going.
First of all, it’s completely normal to feel this way. Almost every student struggles with motivation and procrastination at some point.The main problem isn’t that you’re “lazy”—it’s usually that your brain is overwhelmed or not clear about what to do. So instead of trying to suddenly become super motivated, focus on building small, simple habits.
The first step is to break your study tasks down into tiny parts. For example, Instead of saying, ‘I have to study 4 hours,’ say, ‘I’ll study for 25–30 minutes right now.’ Open your book, set a timer, and promise yourself you can stop after that short time. In most cases, once you start, you’ll keep going longer.
Another important trick is the “5-minute rule". Tell yourself: “I will just study for 5 minutes.” Starting is the hardest part—motivation often comes after you begin, not before.
Turn distractions off: put your phone away, block social media, and create a clean, quiet space where you can focus. And every time you finish a small task, reward yourself—even if it’s just 5 minutes of scrolling, a snack, or a short walk. These little rewards train your brain to like studying instead of fear it.
Also, stop talking badly to yourself. Don’t say, ‘I’m lazy’. Instead say, ‘Today I did a little, and tomorrow I’ll do a little more.’ Progress is not about being perfect; it’s about being consistent.
You should also make a simple daily plan. Since you prefer morning study, try to fix a time every day. Even 2–3 consistent hours daily is more powerful than random long sessions.
Most importantly, don’t wait to “feel motivated". Successful students don’t rely on motivation—they rely on discipline and routine. If you start today—just today, just a little bit—you’ll be surprised how quickly your confidence and results start to change. You don’t have to change overnight; you just have to start and keep going.”
Progress matters more than perfection!
Your question is interesting.
“Look, a lot of things in your life will get better once you start taking small, consistent steps toward studying and stopping procrastination. The key is not to wait for ‘motivation’; you just start tiny and keep going.
First of all, it’s completely normal to feel this way. Almost every student struggles with motivation and procrastination at some point.The main problem isn’t that you’re “lazy”—it’s usually that your brain is overwhelmed or not clear about what to do. So instead of trying to suddenly become super motivated, focus on building small, simple habits.
The first step is to break your study tasks down into tiny parts. For example, Instead of saying, ‘I have to study 4 hours,’ say, ‘I’ll study for 25–30 minutes right now.’ Open your book, set a timer, and promise yourself you can stop after that short time. In most cases, once you start, you’ll keep going longer.
Another important trick is the “5-minute rule". Tell yourself: “I will just study for 5 minutes.” Starting is the hardest part—motivation often comes after you begin, not before.
Turn distractions off: put your phone away, block social media, and create a clean, quiet space where you can focus. And every time you finish a small task, reward yourself—even if it’s just 5 minutes of scrolling, a snack, or a short walk. These little rewards train your brain to like studying instead of fear it.
Also, stop talking badly to yourself. Don’t say, ‘I’m lazy’. Instead say, ‘Today I did a little, and tomorrow I’ll do a little more.’ Progress is not about being perfect; it’s about being consistent.
You should also make a simple daily plan. Since you prefer morning study, try to fix a time every day. Even 2–3 consistent hours daily is more powerful than random long sessions.
Most importantly, don’t wait to “feel motivated". Successful students don’t rely on motivation—they rely on discipline and routine. If you start today—just today, just a little bit—you’ll be surprised how quickly your confidence and results start to change. You don’t have to change overnight; you just have to start and keep going.”
Progress matters more than perfection!
Updated
Rachael’s Answer
Hi Skyllar, I completely agree with Jezlea's and Karin's answers. However, to add on to that, I will share that I also have this challenge of procrastination from time to time. For me, this is often around tasks that I am not familiar with or am not looking forward to completing. One thing that I have found valuable in addition to the recommendations from others is to recognize it out loud. It is motivating for me to state openly to myself, "I am procrastinating on this and I need to stop. I am going to set aside X time to do this and be done with it". I would recommend to try this to see if it is a fit for you also.
Updated
Jezlea’s Answer
Hi Skyllar! Setting up a reward system might be helpful. For instance, if you study for an hour, you can treat yourself to a movie or a small snack. This gives you something to look forward to and helps you take breaks during your study time.
Thank you!! I'll definitely try out this method!
Skyllar
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
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Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Skyllar,
Procrastination is a common problem and not easy to overcome. And while many people have issues with procrastination, nobody can tell how severe it is in your particular case. It could be just a bit annoying or it could be really debilitating. Your reasons for procrastination and techniques that work to overcome it might be totally different from the next person.
Procrastination is also a typical symptom of ADHD. It might be worth it to get tested or at least read up on techniques that work for the ADHD brain to be more productive. For some people, medication is necessary or at least helpful.
For some people, breaking down a task into smaller chunks and setting up a reward system works. You could set a timer to e.g. 20 or 30 minutes, work for that time period and then "allow" yourself a break or a treat before you start the next 20 or 30 minutes. This won't work if you need a long time to get started on a task but can focus just fine once you have started. In that case, the constant interruptions would be just distracting.
For some people, working with a study partner or in a study group can he helpful because it adds companionship to help solve difficult problems. You can find a study group or a study partner at your school. Groups should not be larger than 3 or 4 to be productive, and you need to set weekly tasks that you want to work on and limit social chit-chat during group meetings. You can work together on a project, homework or just compare notes and discuss the last lectures and problems you had with the material.
Sometimes, you don't even need an active study partner but just the presence of another person to add accountability. You work on your things and they work on their things without interrupting each other. You can do this with a person from your school or there are services that pair you up with a body double over Zoom.
For some people, changing the setting, e.g. going to the library or to a coffee shop can help. It also adds a sense of accountability and some stimulation to a fundamentally lonely task. This won't work for someone who is easily distracted by sounds or other people.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Procrastination is a common problem and not easy to overcome. And while many people have issues with procrastination, nobody can tell how severe it is in your particular case. It could be just a bit annoying or it could be really debilitating. Your reasons for procrastination and techniques that work to overcome it might be totally different from the next person.
Procrastination is also a typical symptom of ADHD. It might be worth it to get tested or at least read up on techniques that work for the ADHD brain to be more productive. For some people, medication is necessary or at least helpful.
For some people, breaking down a task into smaller chunks and setting up a reward system works. You could set a timer to e.g. 20 or 30 minutes, work for that time period and then "allow" yourself a break or a treat before you start the next 20 or 30 minutes. This won't work if you need a long time to get started on a task but can focus just fine once you have started. In that case, the constant interruptions would be just distracting.
For some people, working with a study partner or in a study group can he helpful because it adds companionship to help solve difficult problems. You can find a study group or a study partner at your school. Groups should not be larger than 3 or 4 to be productive, and you need to set weekly tasks that you want to work on and limit social chit-chat during group meetings. You can work together on a project, homework or just compare notes and discuss the last lectures and problems you had with the material.
Sometimes, you don't even need an active study partner but just the presence of another person to add accountability. You work on your things and they work on their things without interrupting each other. You can do this with a person from your school or there are services that pair you up with a body double over Zoom.
For some people, changing the setting, e.g. going to the library or to a coffee shop can help. It also adds a sense of accountability and some stimulation to a fundamentally lonely task. This won't work for someone who is easily distracted by sounds or other people.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Updated
Ganeshkumar’s Answer
Hey there! You're definitely not alone in this—many of us go through it too. I suggest starting with short, focused periods without interruptions. If that works, try using a Pomodoro timer to gradually increase your focus time. The trick is to get rid of distractions like your phone or apps. Set a timer and concentrate on just one task at a time. Break big tasks into smaller, manageable steps so they don't seem overwhelming. And don't forget to treat yourself with a little reward after you finish, like a snack or a fun break.
Remember, be kind to yourself. Making progress is more important than being perfect.
Remember, be kind to yourself. Making progress is more important than being perfect.