Some students practice self-defeating behaviors because they don't have both long and short-term goals to work towards, because they don't really value what they are learning, or because they don't really want to be in college. In addition, some students have a hard time being motivated in college because, unlike high school, in college no one is telling them what do to; it is up to the student to make intelligent choices and stick to them.

Self-defeating Behaviour

Although it is very helpful to be knowledgeable about and practice effective study skills and test taking skills, all the academic skills in the world won't help you if you are practicing other self-defeating behaviors. These behaviors contribute greatly to students' academic problems.

Students practicing self-defeating behaviors. . .

• Don't attend classes regularly
• Don't inform instructor of absences
• If they do miss class, don't go to their professor and ask "Did I miss anything when I was gone?" or "What can I do to make up my work?"
• Don't ask questions - even when confused about something
• Don't make connections with other students in classes - to get missed information, clarify assignments, form study groups, etc.
• Don't ask for help from academic/student services: tutors, counseling, financial aid, career services, student health, advisors, professors, staff members, administrators, department heads, etc.
• Turn in substandard work - aesthetics as well as content
• Don't have an ongoing, regular study schedule
• Don't have enough hours allocated for studying
• Don't buy the textbook, and if they do, don't bring it to class
• If they get bored while reading, they assume it's a boring, badly written, "stupid" book; one they're better off ignoring
• Ridicule anyone who talks about class subjects outside of class
• Don't plan for exams or papers: count on that heady burst of adrenaline to pull them through at the last minute
• Don't read or refer to the syllabus
• Procrastinate (on projects, papers, and assorted other assignments)
• Are perfectionists (project must be perfect - if the student doesn't feel it is, he/she does not hand anything in)
• Work full-time while taking a full-time load of classes
• Cram for exams
• Take classes for which they do not have an appropriate background
• Have poor time management skills/or just do not use time management tools like calendars, planners, etc.
• Don't know their professors' names or how to reach them if a problem comes up
• Allow friends, roommates, etc. to distract them from their studies
• Spend a lot of time worrying and fretting over an upcoming test while at the same time putting off their studies
• Blame the professor, the school, their tutor, and anyone else they can think of for their poor grades
• Don't reflect on their own skills and strategies as learners in relation to course content and demands
• Don't have a goal (big/small, short-term/long-term) that they are working toward, or don't know why they are in school
• Don't pick up returned assignments for feedback
• Don't prepare for upcoming lectures by reading assigned materials prior to class discussion
• Don't keep track of current standing in class
• Don't remain attentive in class--instead they sleep, eat, or gossip
• Show up to class drunk/hangover

Promoting Motivation

The following are a few things to think about regarding your motivation.

• At the start of each new semester, set a short-term goal for each class you are taking. For example, you may want to get a certain grade in a class, or you may want to get all the readings done before they are lectured on in a certain class. You may also just set the goal of not missing a class. Setting short-term goals like this will help keep you focused and give more purpose to your daily study routine.
• Think about your long-term goals. For example, you may want to become a teacher when you graduate. Keep this goal in mind and remember that each class you take is important because (A) it may give you information that will help you become a better teacher, (B) the grade you receive in each class will contribute to your overall GPA, which, if it is good, will help you get a job and (C) it will make you a more knowledgeable person who is better able to make informed decisions and judgments. In other words, think about how what you are doing right now will affect your larger goals.
• Think about how you do or don't value learning in general. It is very hard to maintain good study habits if you don't value what you are learning, or if you don't see the usefulness in obtaining new knowledge.
• Think about why you are in college in the first place. Are you here because you value a college education? Because your parents want you to be here? Because all your friends are going to college and you don't know what else to do with your life right now? Think about what is best for you right now and it will be much easier to stay motivated. Motivation that doesn't come from within is difficult to maintain

Motivational Spurs

You can boost your motivation by:

• Being clear why you started the degree
• Reminding yourself of the benefits of gaining the qualification
• Writing the benefits down and put these where you can see them
• Setting yourself manageable short-term goals
• Finding a source of inspiration: who or what could inspire you to complete your goals?

Celebrate Success

• When you achieve a target or goal, give yourself a reward
• Set rewards that are likely to motivate you
• This will vary depending on what you deprive yourself of whilst studying
• Congratulate yourself for meeting targets

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