By Tan Yun Jun (27S03M)

“I Lack Motivation to Study”

We have all heard it, or perhaps said it ourselves. It is a universal sentiment amongst students, the frustrating feeling of dread that makes academic tasks feel like ascending Mount Everest. Some would then attempt to inject motivation into their souls wistfully through online study motivation content.

Fortunately, they come in various forms to cater to each pained soul. Studytok, which provides short-form videos of aesthetic notes, mini vlogs and a multitude of study tips. “Study with me” videos and vlogs that motivate students through providing a virtual companion and productive environment. Targeted at the drama enthusiasts, drama-based study motivation videos compile study scenes from various K-dramas and C-dramas.

I have once been a devastated soul, hoping dearly that with each video viewed, something would click. Perhaps the newly acquired motivation would be capable of fueling me to finish my tasks at the speed of light, or so I thought.

Realistically, after hours of consuming motivational content visually, my ominous pile of work remained standing tall at the same spot. Those videos did not help me get acquainted with my weak concepts; all they did was eat into my already limited time.

The allure of study motivation content

Despite it not being a direct source of assistance, study motivation content has a unique allure that magnetises students to keep going back to it.

Its primary selling point: romanticising study and creating a sense of hope. Study on its own can be an arduous process, but study motivation content charms with its alternative image, portraying study as “simple, beautiful and almost romantic”.

From immaculate desk set-ups to aesthetic notes, everything that one rarely sees in their mundane schooling life is enlarged on their social media feed. Not to forget the student who is a varsity sports player, valedictorian and winner of every competition possible. The student looks unbelievably radiant through the screen, beaming brightly as he/she walks viewers through his/her hectic day, calm and poised. 

Simply put, study motivation content reveals that there is an “ideal” student out there who is achieving the dream life. It causes viewers to hope that by just working harder, it could be their life too. Momentarily, viewers get this realisation that they must “lock in” instantly, or risk that dream slipping away. Then, they start on their task. Study motivation does seem to work, doesn’t it?

Sorry to break it to you…

It isn’t sustainable, trust me. Despite starting on their work, students often find themselves spiralling right back into watching study motivation content again once the initial rush has worn off.

It becomes a vicious cycle: Watch, study, quit, repeat. There are several key reasons behind its lack of sustainability.

#1 Study motivation content relies on a dopamine rush

Study motivation content influences viewers strongly by triggering a sudden burst of emotion. This creates a desire to act immediately in hopes of achieving academic returns.

However, such feelings are inevitably temporary, and the same problems with procrastination persist underneath. After all, study motivation content fails to resolve root causes behind the lack of motivation, which often stem from a deeper range of factors. Without a reliable system for getting work done in place, progress is bound to be short-lived.

#2 Unrealistic goal setting

Study influencers often document their own studying process, which could include a variety of habits and systems that work for them. Viewers may attempt to emulate these behaviours, without considering their own personal lifestyle and commitments. Unrealistic goal setting arises, where students try to chase the idealised version of productivity, and force themselves into the “prescribed” template.

Eventually, inspiration morphs into pressure that creates more frustration and self-doubt rather than real progress. It is critical for us to realise that no two people are the exact same—what works for the study influencer may not be suitable for you. What truly matters is building a system that works for yourself, taking into account your own abilities.

#3 Fixation on results, not the process

Plenty of study motivation content fails to emphasise the process of learning and growing that comes with study, and instead fixates almost entirely on results. The preached formula is always “productivity = stellar grades = happiness”, rather than “productivity = learning something new = happiness”. This result-oriented mindset encourages students to study out of fear of failure, rather than because of the wealth of knowledge that could be gained. 

So, should we cancel study motivation content entirely?

With so much being said, you may be wondering if the right thing to do is cancel study motivation content and unsubscribe from all study related social media accounts.

The short answer is no. 

The key to consuming such study content is to use it as a mode of entertainment and exercise close judgement.

Many study influencers, who are university students themselves, often document their lives attending specific courses and the academic demands involved. However, it is crucial for viewers to note that footage shown is carefully curated and may not present complete realities. If anything, they should only act as starting points of curiosity.

Videos also tend to glorify unhealthy habits, such as pulling all-nighters or dousing copious amounts of caffeine. It is essential to take a step back and realise that these habits are neither sustainable nor beneficial for most people in the long run. Sleep deprivation is already a prevalent enough issue faced by all students, why introduce sleep avoidance? Do not blindly follow these “study hacks”, for your own good.

Finally, study motivation content should be viewed during break times, just for the fun of it. Admittedly, it is intriguing to peek into the life of another fellow student out there. Especially for study influencers with a unique sense of humour, their content can give you a good laugh. 

How do I find motivation to study then?

Having read this far, you are probably expecting some kind of alternative technique to overcome the lack of study motivation. Honestly, I am still in search of a definite solution too. The following shall be my two-cents on overcoming “studying inertia”.

First off, admit that you need a break and take it whenever you can. Mental and physical exhaustion is an enemy that seems to hinder all progress. 

Unfortunately, fighting a battle with it often ends with defeat and wastes time. Just admit that you need a break and try to do something non-academic (not doomscrolling) for a handful of minutes or take a nap. Sometimes, this much needed break would lead to a slightly better study session later on.

Next, find your own personal learning style and embrace it with discipline. 

Truly, there is no “one-size fits all” solution as everybody’s energy level, health and commitments vary drastically. Trying out different study times and techniques is the only way to understand your own preferences and hence the motivation to study. Afterwards, discipline is what keeps this system running for long. It is hard, even for this writer, to do so, but attempts have been made.

Finally, grab some friends and conquer your workload. 

Sometimes, your best pals are the ones who can drive you to complete your long overdue tasks. Of course, that is assuming your study session does not become a ranting session instead. With them around, there is someone to keep you on track and provide help when required. Maybe the pile of work would seem less daunting.

Before you head back to tackle outstanding homework…

If there is anything to take away from all this, it is that motivation is never meant to carry you all the way—it only gets you started. 

Study motivation content may look convincing, but it cannot do the work for you or fix what is holding you back. At some point, the screen must turn off and work has to begin. No matter how messy or imperfect it is, it is alright. You are making progress that belongs to you. In the end, it is not the most motivated student who succeeds, but the one who keeps going after motivation fades.