By Mark Story, Head of Learning Innovation
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How to Stay Motivated in Your Learning Journey
Learning can be challenging, especially when the benefits are not immediate. We often find ourselves faced with the choice between making a “good” decision that requires effort and time now but promises future rewards, or making a “bad” decision that offers instant gratification but comes with a price tag down the line. As someone who is passionate about learning and the power of education, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we can stay motivated to make good choices that will benefit our future selves. And that’s where the idea of “FuturU” comes in – a service that provides universal access to free healthcare education. In this blog, I want to share some tips on how to use the relationship you have with your future self to maintain your commitment to learning.
Visualize Your Future Self: One way to stay committed to your learning journey is to establish a relationship with your future self. Close your eyes and visualise who your future self is, where they live, what they do, and how happy they are with the choices you’ve made. Imagine them thanking you for investing in your education and giving you a sense of purpose. Having a clear vision of who you want to be and what you want to achieve can help keep you motivated when things get tough.
Use Commitment Devices: Commitment devices are ways to manage your own commitment to a task. For example, if you want to avoid snacking in the evening, don’t buy snacks when you go to the store. When it comes to learning, set aside a specific time each day or week to focus on your studies. This way, you’re less likely to skip your learning sessions and more likely to stay on track.
Integrate New Habits: Small changes can make a big difference in the long run. Read BJ Fogg’s “Tiny Habits” for inspiration on how to build new habits into your daily routine. Try to find moments in your life where you have some free time, like when you’re on the bus or waiting for your kids to finish their karate lesson, and use that time to study. By integrating your learning into your everyday life, you’ll make it easier to stick to your goals.
Find the Instant Hits: Learning doesn’t always have to be a chore. Sometimes, working towards a long-term goal can give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment in the moment. Look for ways to gamify your learning experience and earn rewards or badges as you progress. This will give you a little dopamine hit and help you stay motivated.
Find a Buddy or a Group: Learning with others can be a great way to stay motivated and accountable. Find a study buddy who shares your goals and interests, and support each other in your learning journeys. You can discuss what you’ve learned, how you’ll apply it, and hold each other accountable.
Staying motivated to learn can be challenging, but by establishing a relationship with your future self and using commitment devices, integrating new habits, finding the instant hits, and connecting with others, you can stay on track and achieve your goals. At FuturU, we’re committed to providing universal access to free healthcare education and supporting learners in their journeys. We believe that education is the key to a better future, and we’re excited to be a part of your learning journey.
