Reward YourselfIf you have a hard time staying motivated when you are trying to study, then maybe you could try to organise a reward system for yourself.
One thing that I do that helps me is to buy some Pokemon booster packets, and then open one for every hour of study. I really enjoy the anticipation of wondering what is in the packets, and I get my work done. If you want to try to reward yourself, but you don't know if you have the self restraint to wait to receive your reward, then why don't you ask someone to help you? Maybe a partner, or your parents? Surely there is someone who would be willing to hold onto your rewards, and give them to you when you have achieved your goal! It can be anything you want, and your goals can be whatever you want. You don't have to reward yourself every hour. You could go task by task, or whatever you deem appropriate. And, remember, this is about encouraging you to study, so don't get so caught up in the reward that you forget to put in the effort needed to study!!! |
In the Background...
One thing that helps me keep focus and motivation while I am studying Japanese is to have an anime playing on the TV in the background.
Lately the anime that I have been using is Nichijou: My Ordinary Life. It is such a random anime, a very weird series, pretending to be a slice of life comedy. Anyway, it is perfect to play in the background because it is separated into little chapters, so there is no long plot that you must pay attention to, and it is in Japanese with English subtitles (sometimes if an anime has the English dub, I will automatically play that, which is less effective I think). Other anime that I use is Lucky Star and Azumanga Daioh. I think the reason that these series work so well for me is because they are about Japanese high school girls, who (for the most part) work hard to get good marks. Watching people strive to do their best is a very effective motivator for me! By the way, if I watch shows with really nice bedrooms or apartments in it, I get highly motivated to clean, so it may work for you in that way too!!! So, give this tip a go, and maybe let me know if it works for you : ) |
Why Are You Studying?One thing that may help you remain motivated when studying something as difficult as a second (or third, or fourth, or fifth, etc.) language is to really think about why you are studying that language.
Maybe you are interested in the country that the language comes from, perhaps you wish to work and live in that country, maybe you just want the challenge. Really think about it. In my case, I am studying Japanese because I am interested in Japanese culture, history, language and pop culture (manga, anime, music, television and such). The next step of this tip is to constantly remind yourself why you are studying. When you are feeling like you are going a little crazy, pulling your hair out because you cannot understand that one grammar point, think about why. I remind myself that my ultimate dream is to live in Japan, and be able to live everyday life in Japan. And, read manga in Japanese : ) Thinking of this reminds me why I am putting myself through such difficulty. An optional step here is to have visual reminders of the reason you are studying around you, so you can always see it. I have a map of Japan on the wall in front of my desk, I use products from Japan, I have plushies and other products of Japanese characters (Hello Kitty a good example here), and I have lots of pictures of Japan. I will one day become fluent, and if you remain motivated, and work hard, you will too!!! |
|
Cute Stationary!!!
One way that I motivate myself to do more study is to use cute stationary.
I know that this may seem a little strange or superficial, but I have always loved stationary! If I have just bought some new stationary, especially if it is cute, then I will want to use it as much as possible. So, that helps motivate me to actually sit down and study.
Since buying this set of Hello Kitty stationary (which is actually Korean, but oh well) I have studied a lot more than I usually do. I am actually starting to be able to read some kanji I couldn't before, because I have done the extra study!
And, once you start experiencing this success, you generally feel motivated to continue. I know that I do!
So, if you like stationary, and you like cute stationary, please try this tip. It doesn't have to cost a lot (I paid about AU$6 for this set). You may find that it helps you though. Let me know!!!
Oh, are you curious about the pill shaped item?
I know that this may seem a little strange or superficial, but I have always loved stationary! If I have just bought some new stationary, especially if it is cute, then I will want to use it as much as possible. So, that helps motivate me to actually sit down and study.
Since buying this set of Hello Kitty stationary (which is actually Korean, but oh well) I have studied a lot more than I usually do. I am actually starting to be able to read some kanji I couldn't before, because I have done the extra study!
And, once you start experiencing this success, you generally feel motivated to continue. I know that I do!
So, if you like stationary, and you like cute stationary, please try this tip. It doesn't have to cost a lot (I paid about AU$6 for this set). You may find that it helps you though. Let me know!!!
Oh, are you curious about the pill shaped item?
It is actually a pen!!!
You pull the pill apart (in half), and then the pen slides out. To close it you push the pen back in and place the other half of the pill back on.
I was so excited when I opened it and discovered this. I can't read Korean, so I had no idea what it was before I bought it. I thought that maybe it was a lead case for the mechanical pencil!
You pull the pill apart (in half), and then the pen slides out. To close it you push the pen back in and place the other half of the pill back on.
I was so excited when I opened it and discovered this. I can't read Korean, so I had no idea what it was before I bought it. I thought that maybe it was a lead case for the mechanical pencil!