How to Build Motivation to Help You Revise
Last week, we explored different study techniques to make revision less painful. But what if the problem isn’t how you revise — it’s getting started in the first place? What if you sit down to work, but suddenly everything else feels more interesting, you’d literally rather watch paint dry! Maybe you feel overwhelmed by how much there is to do, or revision just feels pointless because you don’t even know where to begin.
Trust me, you’re not alone. Motivation can feel like the hardest part of revision, and when you’re stuck in a cycle of procrastination, it’s easy to beat yourself up for not being "disciplined enough." But here’s the thing — motivation isn’t just something you "have" or "don’t have." It’s something you can build and the best part, the more you build it, the easier it gets. And that’s what this blog is all about. Let’s break it down into simple, practical steps to help you find the motivation to start (and keep going!).
1. Make It as Easy as Possible to Start
The hardest part of revision is often just getting started. The trick? Lower the effort needed to begin because much like most things in life, your brain will take the path of least resistance.
Set up your study space the night before so there’s no faffing around in the morning. Put your notes out on your desk and have pens at the ready.
Start with something small and easy — a five-minute task, a single flashcard, or even just opening your notes.
Use the “two-minute rule” — tell yourself you’ll revise for just two minutes. Once you start, it’s much easier to keep going.
The goal is to remove as many barriers as possible between you and your work.
2. Break Big Tasks into Tiny Steps
If “revise chemistry” is on your to-do list, it’s no wonder you’re avoiding it — it’s too vague and overwhelming. Instead, break it down:
“Go over acid-base reactions”
“Do two past paper questions on organic chemistry”
“Make a mind map for electrolysis”
Each small step feels manageable, and every time you complete one, you’ll gain a sense of accomplishment that can help build momentum.
3. Tackling Task Transitions
If you’re stuck in a cycle of procrastination, try this: count down from five, then immediately start your task. Sounds simple, but it works. It’s called the 5-Second Rule, and it helps interrupt hesitation and push you into action before your brain can talk you out of it. If you struggle with that, try interstitial journalling. Write down what it was you were doing before (i.e. doomscrolling, watching your favourite show) and what you are about to start doing (i.e. doing 3 questions from a past paper, reviewing yesterday’s notes). This can help your brain process the transition between tasks and get you in the mood to start working.
4. Create a Study Routine (and Stick to It)
Relying on motivation alone is risky — some days it just won’t be there. Instead, focus on building a habit.
Pick a regular time to revise each day so it becomes part of your routine.
Attach revision to something you already do, like “after breakfast” or “before dinner.”
Keep your environment consistent — study in the same place to signal to your brain that it’s time to focus.
Once revision becomes a habit, it takes way less effort to get started.
5. Reward Yourself (Because You Deserve It)
Your brain thrives on instant gratification, so use that to your advantage. Set up rewards for completing tasks — whether it’s a snack, an episode of your favourite show, or a guilt-free scroll through TikTok.
A simple system is “If I do X, then I get Y”:
If I finish these flashcards, I can go for a coffee break.
If I complete a past paper, I can watch an episode of my show.
The key is to make the reward feel earned — this helps train your brain to associate revision with positive reinforcement.
6. Romanticize Your Study Sessions
Yes, revision can be boring. But if you’re struggling to focus, try making it feel more enjoyable:
Light a candle, grab a hot drink, and create a cozy atmosphere.
Use nice stationery or digital note-taking apps to make your notes look aesthetically pleasing.
Listen to instrumental music or ambient sounds to help you concentrate.
Sometimes, a little effort in setting the mood can make studying feel less like a chore and more like something you want to do.
7. Remind Yourself Why You’re Doing This
When motivation is low, go back to your why. Ask yourself:
What do I want to achieve? Maybe it’s getting into your dream university, passing a subject you struggle with, or proving to yourself that you can do it.
How will I feel when I’ve finished this exam? Think about how good it will feel to have put in the effort.
What’s the alternative? If you don’t start now, will you regret it later?
Sometimes, just reminding yourself of the bigger picture can help shift your mindset.
Motivation isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment when you suddenly feel like revising. It’s about creating habits, making tasks more manageable, and rewarding yourself along the way. Some days will be easier than others, and that’s okay. The important thing is to keep going — even small progress is still progress.
If you struggle with the actual method of revision, check out last week’s blog on how to revise if you hate revising for alternative study techniques that might work better for you. And remember — you can do this. One step at a time!