Motivation pointers for Studying Members
It’s easy to know what you should be doing, but it’s even easier to avoid doing it! All too often the motivation to knuckle down and study for CIM qualifications is lacking. If you’re waiting to hear your results before you start your next module, why not use the time to complete the simple self-diagnostic test. It’s been created by Jon Twomey of the Student Support Group to help you pinpoint the cause of common motivational dips and point you in the right direction for getting back on track.
Take the test and follow these tips
Which of these attitude statements most accurately reflects how you feel about your CIM studies right now?
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"I did fine at college/university and at work I always get things done on time, even if I don’t enjoy doing them. But with my professional studies, I can't seem to get organised. I don’t understand". See Tip 1 |
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"I’m committed to my career and I know that qualifications play an important role but I get fed up with my studies. I tend to be apathetic, and procrastinate a lot over my assignments. Sometimes I feel alienated and it all loses meaning for me." If this is you, see Tip 2 |
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"I get distracted a lot. There is always something to do other than study - and usually, it's more fun." If you feel like this go to Tip 3 |
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"I get bored with studying. Often when I'm reading, my eyes are tracking along, but nothing is sinking in, and before I know it, my head is down on the table and I'm asleep." Read Tip 4 immediately |
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Tip 1 - Create your own learning structure
Most educational and work contexts are quite highly structured. With studies which you carry out in your own time, no one is watching to make sure you attend tutorials, start your assignments on time, read books, study for exams, and so on. Many of us, given the choice of doing something difficult and possibly unpleasant, will choose not to do it, even if we know that in the long run, it’s for our own good.
No matter how supportive your Study Centre or the CIM is, no one is in charge of your part-time studies except you. No one can supply a structured environment to help you learn, you will have to do this yourself.
Apply basic time management techniques:
- Schedule time for studying
- Monitor when, how, and how much you study
- Set time aside to review and work on assignments
- Schedule time to meet and study with others on your course, and share the work
Remember that working with others is a great motivator, since you will be more likely to meet your commitments if your friends are counting on you.
Tip 2 – Give yourself short-term rewards
If you don't show up at work and do your job, there are immediate consequences. Your boss calls you, you don't get paid and you eventually get sacked. If you don't show up at college or complete your assignment, it’s only you that it affects. After all, you are the one who is paying (with your time if not your money) and you’re the one who will lose out. There are no immediate consequences and no immediate rewards. There is nothing to reinforce your diligent study and nothing to immediately deter slacking. Research indicates that long-term rewards don't really help with motivation and that short-term consequences are much more effective.
Add a rewards structure to your learning structure. It could be as simple as:
- Taking a coffee break or doing something you enjoy for 10 minutes, after each 40-50 minute study session.
- Booking time out with friends after you finish one of your study sessions, so that you study effectively rather than waste time putting in hours but not learning much.
- Treating yourself to a takeaway or a catch-up TV binge but only once you complete the study milestones you’ve set yourself.
Above all, keep reminding yourself of the reason you decided to study and how CIM qualifications will help you in your career.
Tip 3 – Get distracted in line with your study schedule
Whilst the act of studying is seldom immediately rewarding, activities such as TV, sport, family, gym and socialising offer instant fun. They compete directly with studying for your precious time and attention. So you can be forgiven for getting distracted. Don’t try to cut these activities out of your life, just find the right place for them, such as using them as short-term reinforcements that can be earned with effective studying.
It depends on your personality type but many people find that setting up or joining an online Study Group helps them enjoy their studies more. Members meet regularly to quiz one another, to share notes and to discuss the course content. When you make a commitment to study that involves others, it's a strong motivation for action.
Tip 4 – Replace an inappropriate learning strategy
Many people complain of lack of motivation because of boredom. This may be an indication that you’re using an inappropriate study strategy – it’s probably too passive.
Boredom may indicate that you are not challenging yourself enough with the strategy you are using. Once a better strategy is applied, motivation returns and learning improves.
For example, if you find that you are bored with reading, try another way:
- Create a mind map of the material you have read
- Produce a simple PowerPoint of the key information
- Video yourself explaining what you’ve read.
Find your own method of making your learning technique more active and more effective. Once you know you’re making real progress, you’ll be spurred on to achieve more.
You can call the Student Support Group helpline on 01784 463057 which is free for CIM members in the Greater London region. SSG also provides a range of help with assignments and exams, fees apply to some services. Contact caroline@studentsupportgroup.co.uk or call 01784 463057 for details