3 Activity 1: Motivating Yourself
Estimated time: 25 minutes (can be one class period or split between two)
Objectives:
Students will be able to
- Set goals that are achievable, realistic, and measurable
- Develop methods designed to motivate themselves based on their personalities and learning styles
Materials
- Seven-day schedule
- Learning style/True Colors information
Activity
Part 1: Introduction
Brainstorm a list:
- Why are you here?
- What is the purpose of this class?
- How does this class fit in with my educational goals?
Share students’ lists with the class. Possible answers may include:
- This class is required
- I need the credits
- I’m not sure
- Someone told me to take it
These are all important reasons. The main reason for this class is to prepare you for the next class in sequence and for all the classes beyond. The skills you learn in this class will form a bridge between where you are now and where you want to be.
Education isn’t always easy. It’s often really difficult. It’s important to find ways to motivate yourself so you can keep going through the difficult times.
Part 2: Setting Goals
How many students have goals? List some examples of goals you have.
Take a few minutes to write down some goals. Write down at least one goal in each category:
- School
- Career
- Personal
What does every goal need?
- A deadline (I will achieve this by _________________)
- A plan (this is how I will achieve it)
- Realistic expectations (this is something I can do)
- Measurable factors (this is how I’ll know I’m done)
For each goal you listed, fill in the four bullet points. (This could be done in class or as a homework assignment.)
Part 3: Eyes on the Prize
Share your goals with the class.
- Do you have a deadline for achieving them?
- Do you have a plan to achieve the goal? Be as specific as possible.
- Is it possible to complete this goal, given your current resources (time, money, support network, etc.)? If not, what would need to change?
- Does your goal have a clear endpoint that can be measured?
Keeping your mind on your goals is one way to stay motivated. What are some other ways Students brainstorm a list with a partner or group. Share ideas in class.
Some more ways to stay motivated are:
- Manage your schedule (see Unit 2, Exercise 3.3). If you can plan your week so that you aren’t doing everything last-minute, your work will be easier and more satisfying.
- Take time to relax. Schedule short breaks in your studying. Find time every week to do something you want to do. Get enough rest and sleep.
- Find a supportive group. Talk to your friends, fellow students, and/or family members about what you’re going through. Remind each other that it’s worthwhile and that you are working toward bigger goals.
Part 4: Motivation Based on Your Personality
Review the information you learned about your personality and learning style in Unit 1. This may be the one of the multiple learning styles exercises or the True Colors exercise.
How could people with different learning styles and personalities motivate themselves? Circle the motivators that would be most meaningful for you based on your personality and learning style:
- Keeping a positive message or inspirational quotations near your study area
- Listening to interviews or podcasts about your heroes while you exercise or commute
- Rewriting your goals in an attractive way and posting them near your desk or setting them as your phone wallpaper
- Listening to music that pumps you up
- Keeping a checklist and crossing off a list item every time you achieve it
- Setting up a study group that meets regularly
- Listening to lectures or audiobooks on earbuds while you go for a walk
- Calculating what percentage of your goals you have achieved and how far you need to go
- Making a timeline for your goals on a bulletin board and moving a pushpin every time you take another step toward your goals
- Have an accountability buddy. Encourage each other to achieve your goals and motivate each other to keep going when things seem difficult.
- Post a photo of something you want to achieve (a car you want to buy, a trip you want to take, etc.) in a place you look at often.