How do you motivate yourself to work hard?

[Lem0nade Inlay]

Hey guys.

Just a quick question really, as I'm starting another year of school here (School year starts on 1st of Feb for Australia) I was thinking about how to motivate myself to work hard.

In general, I'm not a very hard working person. I am in the top 5-10% in my year level though, I'm intelligent (that's not meant to sound arrogant), and I do all my homework/assignment, but I really don't put in the extra effort in my work unless it's on an exam or an important assignment. In most classes I hang at the back of the room with my friends, don't contribute a great amount to class discussion, but I do my work quickly and generally get a good mark.

However when it comes to studying, and normal homework, I slack off a bit, and usually it gets the better of me. A lot of the time I simply don't have the willpower to study hard.

So I was wondering, escapists, since most of you are the same age or older than me, how do you motivate yourself to work hard?

 

[Alexnader]

I don't.

Yeah to be more helpful I think of how hard I'd have to work if I put it off, true laziness is actually application and hard work

 

[Infinatex]

I don't. Relaxing is better for your health. And to be honest the only year worth putting effort in at school is the final one - and then only if you require a high mark to do what you want to do. I got a crappy mark in the HSC but still ended up with the job I wanted!

 

[Radeonx]

In terms of my career, I realize that I work for Microsoft, am making more than my father does in my first year out of college, and enjoy my job. I have a huge opportunity for my career, so not fucking it up by turning everything in half-assed and late would be a stupid idea forme. I still procrastinate sometimes, but when I'm actually working, I put a lot of effort into what I do.

 

[Alexnader]

I don't. Relaxing is better for your health. And to be honest the only year worth putting effort in at school is the final one - and then only if you require a high mark to do what you want to do. I got a crappy mark in the HSC but still ended up with the job I wanted!

Oooh, is there hope for me yet? What'd you get for your ATAR/UAI and job if you don't mind me asking? (Just going into Uni now)

 

[SovietSecrets]

I don't. If I already do good enough to place high and get good grades (I am around the A/B range) then I am not going to do any extra work. I like to relax. Keeps me sane.

 

[Drakmeire]

I like to imagine my future if I fail at the current task at hand and how it may effect me in the long run.
but most cases I just use fire.

 

[Infinatex]

I don't. Relaxing is better for your health. And to be honest the only year worth putting effort in at school is the final one - and then only if you require a high mark to do what you want to do. I got a crappy mark in the HSC but still ended up with the job I wanted!

Oooh, is there hope for me yet? What'd you get for your ATAR/UAI and job if you don't mind me asking? (Just going into Uni now)

Haha hell yeah, there's hope for everyone! I ended up getting a UAI of 52 and now have a job as a footwear and apparel designer and also work for myself on the side as a freelance designer. Plans are to pick up as much skills and info as I can to start up my own streetwear company.

 

[Redlin5_v1legacy]

"I don't feel like working on that project today." - Lazy side of me

"Hey, excuse me...." *taps on megaphone* "YOU PAID A LOT OF MONEY TO BE HERE!!" - Checkbook side of me

"Oh, right."

 

[Dragonclaw]

I own my business so if I half ass anything it's pretty much MY ass on the line...fortunately I own a comic book and toy store so the stress level other than having invoices and rent paid isn't too bad

 

[Betancore]

The 1st? Damn, I thought it was the 4th. Wait, it still is. Some genius decided that it'd be a good idea to start the term on a Friday. I guess for the most part, I just terrify myself into doing work. I tend to leave it until the last day, but I do my best work under a lot of pressure anyway. I'm going to try and be organised for at least two weeks, and hope it becomes a habit after that.

Since my desk and my computer and all my work things are all in my room, it sometimes helps to grab all my stuff and go downstairs to work in the dining room or something, where there are no distractions. That way, I'm so mindnumbingly bored after ten minutes that it's almost a relief to start reading a textbook. But honestly, I rarely study, and I do most of my homework ten minutes before the class (or in some cases, while the teacher's taking attendance) and I'm fine. Really. It's just a little stressful.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to sit in the corner and hyperventilate about Year 11.

 

[Naheal]

A few, very simple words that I keep in my head when things get tough:

"I will NOT be beaten."

 

[Aur0ra145]

Rocking a 3.2, gotta take 22 hours this semester. I need a 3.0 to apply for OCS, so I'd say that's all the motivation I need.

 

[Wyma]

For me to personally work hard, I actually have to enjoy what I'm doing to an extent. SO to work hard do what you enjoy/are interested in