Key Takeaways:

• There is a difference between intrinsic rewards and external motivation. If you are relying on extrinsic rewards (such as a pay raise) to keep you motivated, you may come up short. Research shows that learning for personal growth leads to the best outcomes, driven by curiosity and a desire for progress.
• Some of the simplest strategies for maintaining your motivation are remembering your personal “why” and setting up milestones that are easier to achieve. Large goals can feel overwhelming, so break them down into smaller milestones. For example, if you want to learn new language, set a goal of learning a module on a language app like Duolingo, then aim for a conversation with a friend. Apps like Habitica or GoalsonTrack can help track your progress.
• Take advantage of technology that can support your endeavors, no matter what they are. For example, Skillshare can help you to learn from thought leaders in a variety of industries. Khan Academy and Coursera have lots of diverse classes. Incorporate Shift as your app-integrated browser to manage all of the apps and accounts that you use.
• It probably comes as no surprise that consistency is key for maintaining motivation. Recent research suggests that consistency is more important than motivation alone in mastering new skills or accomplishing life goals. Staying consistent is just as crucial as having initial motivation.
   

Imagine embarking on a new learning journey, filled with enthusiasm as you dive into a subject that piques your interest. At first, every lesson feels exhilarating, each new concept a step toward mastery. However, as time passes, that initial excitement often fades, replaced by boredom or frustration. This is a common experience for many learners and you’ve probably been there (more than once).

To ensure that your learning on how to get motivated remains engaging and effective, it's crucial to sustain our motivation and excitement over time. This article delves into some simple ways to maintain motivation and take your learning to a new level.

Understanding Motivation

Generally speaking, there are two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation comes from within; it’s the internal drive to learn for the sake of personal satisfaction. Examples of intrinsic motivation could be learning new skills or having a sense of purpose. It reflects our own curiosity or desire for self-improvement, and involves learning or doing something to make our lives better in some way.

On the other hand, extrinsic motivation relies on external factors like rewards, praise, or recognition. While external motivators can provide a temporary boost, they often fall short for long-term success. Relying solely on external rewards can lead to a dependence that diminishes intrinsic motivation, making it essential to cultivate a love for learning that stands independent of external validation.

Most of today’s research shares that while both forms of motivation have their purpose, intrinsic tends to be the best for long-lasting, meaningful change. Studies show that intrinsic motivation usually leads to the most positive outcomes.

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Strategies to Stay Motivated

If there was a simple secret to maintaining motivation, the entire world would have learned it by now. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to become proficient at something. Consistency is key, and understanding intrinsic rewards is important. Other than that, you can try these strategies.

Reconnect with Your Why

Understanding the underlying reasons for your learning is crucial. Take time to reflect on what initially drew you to the subject. Was it a personal interest, a career aspiration, or the desire to acquire a new skill? Write down these motivations and keep them visible—whether it's on a sticky note on your desk or as a wallpaper on your phone. Regularly revisiting your motivations can help rekindle your passion and remind you of the bigger picture when motivation wanes.

Set Milestones

Large goals can feel overwhelming and lead to procrastination or burnout. Break these big objectives into smaller, more manageable milestones. For example, if your goal is to learn a new language, set milestones for completing specific units, mastering vocabulary lists, or holding a simple conversation. Celebrate each milestone as you achieve it. This structured approach not only simplifies your learning process but also provides a sense of accomplishment that fuels further motivation.

Switch Up Your Methods

Variety is the spice of life—and learning is no exception. Plus, everyone has a different learning style so it’s worth understanding which one is best for you. Some people are more visual learners, some need to talk things through, while others do better with repetition.

Experiment with different learning methods to keep things fresh and engaging. If you usually read textbooks, try listening to podcasts or watching instructional videos. Join live classes or webinars to interact with instructors and peers. Consider utilizing apps to help, such as:

• Skillshare, which features a variety of classes on creative skills, technology, and more
• Khan Academy for courses on diverse subjects, most for free
• Coursera, which offers classes from universities and institutions worldwide
• YouTube for visual learning on virtually any topic that interests you
• Duolingo or Babbel for learning a new language

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Celebrate Wins

Acknowledging your progress, no matter how small, can significantly boost your motivation. Create personal rituals to celebrate your achievements—this could be as simple as treating yourself to your favorite snack after completing a challenging module or sharing your success with friends and family. Consider keeping a “celebration jar” where you note down your achievements, big or small, and revisit them whenever you need a motivational boost. A journal that you maintain regularly could have the same effect. Recognizing your hard work reinforces the positive feelings associated with learning and encourages you to keep pushing forward.

You may also want to incorporate social learning, because engaging with others can really amplify your motivation. For example, join study groups, online forums, or social media communities related to what you want to learn. Sharing insights, discussing challenges, and celebrating successes with fellow learners can make the process more enjoyable. The more fun you’re having, the more fulfilling the process will be and the more likely you are to stick with it.

Dealing with Setbacks

Though your favorite influencers might make things look streamlined and simple, real life doesn’t work that way. Setbacks are a natural part of learning anything new, and it’s important to normalize feelings of frustration. Instead of viewing challenges as failures, reframe them as opportunities for growth. Journaling apps like Day One or progress trackers such as Habitica can help you reflect on your journey and visualize your growth over time.

When enthusiasm wanes, consider re-energizing your interest by joining a community of fellow learners or teaching others what you’ve learned. Engaging with others can provide new perspectives and renewed excitement about the subject matter. And as always, remember that consistency is key. Nothing good happens overnight and the best things take time to develop. If you give up at your first sign of trouble, you’ll never achieve the outcomes you were initially excited about.

Embracing the ups and downs of your learning journey is essential for long-term success. Remember, the path to mastery is rarely linear, and it’s natural to experience fluctuations in motivation. Reflect on your learning goal—how can you make it exciting again this week? Perhaps you can try a new method, set a new milestone, or engage with a new community.

Look for new ways to incorporate technology into your processes and day-to-day routine for added support. For example, consider using Shift, an app-integrated browser designed to streamline your tasks and keep your learning on track. You can add all of the various tools that you’re using and even set up custom workspaces with all of the apps and accounts you need in one place.

Embrace the journey, and let your passion for learning help you to level up.

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