The psychology of motivation – how to keep going? Tips from one of the trusted schools in Chakan
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” - Robert Collier
Understanding what drives motivation can help students stay focused and motivated to reach their goals. Motivation comes from a mix of personal interests, goals, and external factors such as rewards and expectations from others. Students can better focus on what truly inspires them by recognising these influences.
As one of the leading schools in Chakan, Khed, Pune, we share insights into the different types of motivation and how students can keep going, along with insights into the psychology behind them.
The basics of motivation
Motivation can generally be divided into two types: intrinsic and extrinsic. Both types help students stay engaged and productive in different ways.
| Type of motivation | Description | Impact on students |
|---|---|---|
| Intrinsic motivation | This is when students do something because they enjoy it or find it personally rewarding. They might feel passionate about a subject or a goal they set for themselves. | Students with intrinsic motivation are more likely to stay focused for longer. This type of motivation is driven by personal interest, not just rewards. |
| Extrinsic motivation | This type is driven by external rewards such as grades, praise, or recognition. It can be helpful for short-term goals, especially when there is a clear objective or deadline. | While extrinsic motivation can work in the short run, it can cause burnout if relied on too much. Students may lose interest if the rewards don’t feel exciting anymore. |
How can students stay motivated?
Staying focused and motivated every day isn’t always easy. Sometimes students feel tired, bored, or unsure of their goals. But with the right habits - and a basic understanding of how the brain works—students can stay on track and feel more confident.
1. Set specific, meaningful goals
What to do:
Set clear goals that connect to your interests. For example:
- “I want to complete a science model this month.”
- “I will read one new English book each term.”
Why it works (psychology):
The brain likes clarity and reward. When you give it a specific target, the brain knows where to focus its energy. Achieving small goals activates the dopamine system - a part of the brain linked to motivation and pleasure. That’s why it feels good to check something off a to-do list.
2. Create a routine and stick to it
What to do:
Follow a regular daily schedule that includes time for study, breaks, and sleep. Use planners, alarms, or apps if needed.
Why it works (psychology):
The brain builds habits through repetition. When you do something at the same time each day, it becomes automatic. This reduces the mental effort needed to make decisions, freeing up your brain to focus better. Routines also lower cortisol (the stress hormone), which helps with calm thinking.
3. Find relevance in everyday tasks
What to do:
Try to connect schoolwork with your future goals or real-life interests. For example, link learning communication skills to future college interviews.
Why it works (psychology):
When you understand “why” you’re learning something, it activates the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which controls decision-making and planning. Relevance creates stronger memory connections and makes tasks feel more personal and valuable.
4. Celebrate small victories
What to do:
Take a moment to enjoy your progress - finishing a chapter, improving in a subject, or getting good feedback.
Why it works (psychology):
Each small success gives the brain a dopamine boost, which builds confidence and motivation. These small wins train the brain to expect success through effort, which strengthens a growth mindset—the belief that abilities improve with practice.
5. Build a support system
What to do:
Talk to friends, teachers, or family members when you feel stuck or unmotivated. Join a study group or peer team.
Why it works (psychology):
Humans are social learners. Talking to others can reduce anxiety and activate mirror neurons, which help you learn through observing and sharing. Emotional support also boosts oxytocin, a hormone that helps you feel safe, connected, and motivated.
6. Use positive self-talk
What to do:
Replace negative thoughts like “I can’t do this” with “I’m learning, and I’ll get better.”
Why it works (psychology):
Your brain listens to your inner voice. Negative self-talk triggers the amygdala (the fear centre of the brain), which increases stress and blocks focus. Positive self-talk activates the prefrontal cortex, helping you stay calm and make better decisions. Over time, this builds self-efficacy - the belief that you can succeed.
7. Visualise success
What to do:
Imagine yourself reaching your goals - giving a good speech, getting top marks, or joining your dream college.
Why it works (psychology):
The brain doesn't fully know the difference between real and imagined experiences. When you visualise success, it activates the same brain pathways as actually doing the task. This builds confidence, reduces fear, and prepares you to succeed when the moment comes.
Bonus psychological tip: Manage distractions wisely
What to do:
Keep phones away while studying, and avoid multitasking.
Why it works (psychology):
Distractions break your brain’s attention cycle. Each time you switch tasks, your brain needs time to refocus (called attention residue). Reducing distractions helps you enter a state of deep work, where learning is faster and more enjoyable.
Want to learn more about how schools in Chakan, Khed, Pune, motivate students to keep going forward?
As one of the leading schools in Chakan, Khed, Pune, we understand that motivation is key to both academic success and personal growth of students. Therefore, we have a faculty that keeps students motivated beyond just assignments and exams. We develop an environment where students feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to overcome challenges and keep going with their tasks.
We believe that motivated teachers are crucial in keeping students engaged. That is why our teachers focus on creating a dynamic and supportive classroom environment. This helps our students stay motivated and keep progressing towards their goals.
To learn more about our school admission in Chakan, Khed, Pune, you can contact us at:
Email Address: admissions@podar.org
Telephone No: 6366437834
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