[cuterebs22]

Back again, I am still stressing out about school and my classes. I am not doing so great but I know I can pull the grades up, I just need to study and go to class.

But it's the whole execution I am having troubles with. I have no motivation to go to class, and there is one that I can't stand. I don't pay attention at all so why go if I am not paying attention, you know? And the other two are very difficult classes anyways.

I am looking for some motivational tips, or things that might help. I am in contact with a tutor for Chemistry. So I need some other ideas. I just don't care for school, but I know I can't quit school and work full time.

Thanks!

[Rohag]

Hi, Cuterebs22! Regarding the class you can't stand, what is it about the class you can't stand? Is it the instructor? Is it the mode of instruction? Is it the subject itself? Is it the room? Is it the assignments? Is it the textbook(s) or readings?

I realize nailing down the specific problem(s) with that one class won't solve the depression side of the motivation issue, but it might offer something to work with.

May you experience success beyond your expectations!

[jazzmataz39]

Hi i am a highschool student and i know exactly what you are talking about. What helps me is setting goals. Like one big main goal (mine is getting into Brown) and little goals to help get to your big goal (like getting at least a B on a quiz). I am still struggling with motivation but things are getting better and i hope they bet getter for you!

[cuterebs22]

Well the class is intro to psychology, and I find the content to be boring. Much of this I learned or know already. I also find my teacher condesending and judgmental. And her teaching style is to read her power point that she has posted online.
So i guess all would be crap.

I try to set goals for myself or have a written schedule, but my follow through is a problem. I know what I need to do or should be doing, but doing is hard.

[justfloating]

Hi,

I deal with a lot of motivation issues surrounding school as well.

This post reminds me of a song called Closer to Fine by the Indigo Girls. In it there's a line that goes "I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind, got my paper and I was free." Pretty much describes my school experience perfectly. I find with a lot of the work that I don't want to do, rewarding myself during/after I do it works really well. For instance, I will buy myself a chocolate bar to eat while I do a reading, or I'll take a nice walk or treat myself to a movie when I finish an essay. Focussing on the rewards helps take my mind of the blistering boredom of the actual work. What also helps is breaking things down into small steps. If I have several pieces of work to do, I'll read one chapter here, write one paragraph there, research a particular concept after that ... Sometimes I find I'm more productive if I don't spend all my time focussing on the same thing. Switching it up periodically gives me the second wind I need to keep working.

Hope that helps.

[Rohag]

Introduction to Psychology: Given the realities of your familiarity with the subject, the availability of the key material online, and the character of the instructor, do you really need to worry about paying attention in that class? You could show up and write in a journal or make vacation plans... (I know; that's not the normal advice one is "supposed" to offer a student. By the way, if they hand out class/instructor evaluation forms at the end of the term, do future cohorts of students a favor and tell the administration exactly what you think of the instructor and the class.)

Originally Posted by cuterebs22

I try to set goals for myself or have a written schedule, but my follow through is a problem. I know what I need to do or should be doing, but doing is hard.

When planning, preparing, and an assortment of motivational tricks and techniques fail to work, it's a sign you have a challenge/problem beyond the norm. That is something you do well to address with an expert -- counselor, doctor, etc.

Again, may you experience success beyond your expectations!

Sometimes you need to remind yourself there are many things in life you do not want or like to do but nevertheless they must get done. Getting your degree is important and will affect your career chooses. Choosing to excel at those classes you do not care for often is a good strategy. You have to be your own champion. Find a way to feel good about what you have accomplished. Good luck.