Not just the goals themselves. If just thinking about finishing your course does not sound all that exciting, then think instead about the great, high-paying career that may come afterward and the things you can do with that income.

Even your small successes. As you begin a project or approach studying for a test, think about your past success on a different project or test.

Remember how good it feels to succeed. Know you can do it again.

It is a lot easier to stay focused in smaller time frames, so break the work up into smaller tasks.

Don't start out thinking, “I need to study the next four hours,” but think, “I’ll spend the next 30 minutes going through my class notes from the last three weeks and figure out what topics I need to spend more time on.”  

Never, ever multitask while studying!

You may think that you can monitor email and send messages while studying, but in reality, these other activities lower the quality of your studying. 

For some people, looking ahead to goals, or to anything else, may lead to daydreaming that keeps them from focusing on what they need to do right now. If your mind keeps drifting off you may need to reward or even trick yourself to focus on the here and now.

For example, if you cannot stop thinking about the snack you are going to have when you finish studying in a couple of hours, change the plan. Tell yourself you will take a break in twenty minutes if you really need it—but only if you really work well first.

Does a friend always seem better able to stick with studying or work until they get it done? What are they doing that you are not? We all learn from observing others, and we can speed up that process by deliberately using the same strategies we see working with others. 

When you complete a task, but only when you are done. Some people seem able to stay focused better when there is a reward waiting.

Concentrate on the things that matter most first. Do not try to fool yourself into feeling you are accomplishing something by doing something else rather than studying. Stay focused!

“I’m going to study now for another hour before I take a break—and I’m getting an A on that quiz tomorrow!”

It's amazing how saying something aloud puts commitment in it and affirms that it can be true.

The goal is to find, or create, the best place for studying, and then to use it regularly so that studying there becomes a good habit. To avoid distractions, begin by thinking about your needs, preferences, and past problems with places for studying.

> Where do you usually study?

> What distractions are most likely to occur there?

> What are the best things about that place for studying?

Make sure it is not a place already associated with other activities (eating, watching television, sleeping, etc.).

Over time, the more often you study in this space, the stronger its association with studying will be, so that eventually you will be completely focused as soon as you reach that place and begin.

If your home or flat has distractions, then it is probably better to look for another place, such as a study lounge or an area in the library.

> An open desk or table surface usually works best for writing with a comfy but upright chair.

> You need good light for reading, to avoid tiring from eyestrain.

> If you use a laptop you will need a power outlet so that you do not have to stop when your battery runs out.

Experiment to find the setting that works best for you—and remember that the more often you use this same space, the more comfortable and effective your studying will become.

> Some people may need total silence with absolutely no visual distractions.

> Other people may be unable to concentrate for long without looking up from reading and having a mini break.

> Some people may find it easier to stay motivated when surrounded by other students also studying.

Ākonga living at home often need the support of family members to maintain an effective study space. The kitchen table is probably not best if others are passing by!

> Be creative, if necessary, and set up a small table in a quiet corner of your bedroom or elsewhere to avoid interruptions.

> Put a “do not disturb” sign on your door.

You want to prevent sudden impulses to tidy up your study space (when you should be studying).

> Put your phone on silent, or try a focus app

> Turn your notifications off on your computer and close all unnecessary programs or browser windows.

Everyone needs to take a break occasionally when studying.

Think about the space you are in and how to use it when you need a break.

> At home, stop and do a few exercises to get your blood flowing.

> In the library, take a walk up a couple of flights of stairs and around the aisles.

Have a plan ready in case someone interrupts and asks you to join them in some fun activity. Know when you plan to finish your studying, so that you can make a plan for later and have something to look forward to.