How to Find Motivation for School

When the why is clear, the how is easy

When you feel like quitting, think about why you started

When your why is big enough, you will find your how

Mark Twain said, "The two most important days of your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why."

From 25 years of teaching public education, I feel the best way to stay motivated in school is to discover your "why." At first glance you may consider this study tip silly and not very important. You also may think that this is not even a study tip, but it is important. It is important because it gives your studies purpose, which leads to intrinsic motivation. The why will push you through excuses, and will help you become unstoppable.

Your why will give you passion and focus.

Take your typical student. If you ask them what they are doing, they can easily answer you. They can tell you there current schedule.

Ask them how they are completing their classes, and they will tell you how they study and when.

However, ask them why, and most students will not be able to answer you.

They may say because their parents make them, or they have to go to school, but that is not really a why

Taking the time to discover your why can literally change your life.

I would like to show you a simple activity for discovering your why.

First get a piece of paper and divide it into four sections.

Next, think about your four most important areas of your life.

For example, your four areas may be relationships, occupation, finances, health. Or it may be spiritual growth, adventure, travel

In my life I would label them adventure, family, occupation, finances.

Your next step is to think 5 years into the future. In five years what do want each of these four areas to look like. This would be your dream life. The ultimate situation.

For me in the occupation category I would like to run a family business, have 10 sources of revenue, make four times the amount of income I currently make. Make a positive impact on my community

This activity should take some time. Really think deep about this for several days. Ask yourself, what will make my life awesome?

Next, you will begin to develop the why of school. Even if you don't enjoy school don't underestimate the power of a good education.

It can open doors, introduce you to successful people, and teach you skills you will need in your life.

For thousands of years wise people have understood that knowledge and a solid education can elevate you.

The final step is to look at your list and see where your education will help you accomplish your goals. It may be as simple as, to be a dentist I need to go to college, make good grades, and go to dental school.

You may want to play sports in college, and good grades will increase your odds of being recruited.

For this activity to be powerful, you need to make your own connection. How will my performance in school now, help me get to my dream life four years from now?

When you have answered this question, then you have begun to find your why for attending and doing well in school.