Two months into the semester, and midterms, projects, and assignments are piling up before you know it.

When motivation wears off, having so many goals in mind and things you want to achieve can make you feel stuck.

Here are 10 ways that can help you stay motivated, feel productive, and push yourself to the best of your abilities for the remainder of the semester:

1. Set Reminders, Keep a Planner, and Break Down Big Tasks.

You know that gut-wrenching feeling when you realize the test was this week and not next?

To avoid last-minute stress, write down key tasks, keep a planner, and add important events to your calendar to organize your time. Whether on paper or digital, setting alarms and breaking tasks into smaller chunks can help you stay organized and in control. Planning ahead can be the difference between chaos and calm.

There’s always time for both work and play. Find that balance by organizing your week!

2. Sleep! Keep Your Brain Rested.

Caffeine alone won’t save the semester.

Staying up all night to finish assignments only leads to more burnout, which is why time management is so important. It’s hard to maintain a steady sleep schedule when things get hectic, but rest is non-negotiable. Even a short nap can restore focus and energy (Kish, 2023).

Prioritize sleep and manage your time wisely so you ca

n recharge and function at your best.

3. Start Your Day with the Right Media

How you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. Create a morning ritual that will serve you best. Listen to upbeat music or an inspirational/funny/calming podcast while getting ready.

Write daily affirmations and set clear intentions. Feed your mind with positive music, people, and energy. These small steps can genuinely improve your mood and determination. (Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d.)

4. Try New Study Habits

Rewriting notes and reviewing slides can get boring and repetitive after a while.

Break old habits by changing even small parts of your routine, like studying in a new location or experimenting with different techniques. In this day and age, with the internet, there are countless study tools that can make learning dynamic and enjoyable. Make studying feel fun, like an experiment, not a chore you only do when mom reminds you to do.

Websites and Apps to Try:

• Monica: Turns PDFs into podcasts so you can listen while on the go. With tools like this, you can make studying interactive and ask questions back to the podcast. Making the study interactive will prepare you with critical analysis skills and quick thinking.
• Quizlet: You can access hundreds of thousands of helpful flashcard question sets on your chosen topics to help you ace your exams. You can also create your own! Of course, it comes down to personal preferences; you could also do flashcards by hand.
• Studoco: Converts your notes into quizzes and detailed summaries. Test how much you know and study from these unique personalized practice quizzes.

Study Methods to Try:

• Active Recall: Read, understand, then recall the information you obtained and write down everything you remember without looking. This method strengthens long-term memory.
• Pomodoro Technique: Study for 20 minutes, take a short break, repeat!
• Feynman Method: My personal favorite method. Explain concepts simply, as if teaching a child. Breaking down complex information into your own simple words. Using analogies and connecting terms to pop culture references or inside jokes makes studying creative and fun, especially when studying with friends.

5. Hack Your Dopamine with the 20-Minute Rule

Hack your dopamine for motivation and reward yourself after doing a task for 20 minutes. Whether you’re cleaning your kitchen, finishing a paper, reading a book, or studying for a test, give yourself a 20-minute rule.

Chances are that you’ll work on that task for longer, as you have some sort of treat or reward to pat you on the back after completing it. Reward the effort you’re making to complete a task rather than the outcome. It’s all about the momentum. 

6. Spend Time Away from Electronics

Put your phone on Do Not Disturb. Take breaks away from electronic devices, go for a walk, exercise, meditate, journal a bit, or simply sit outside and breathe fresh air. Disconnecting for a moment clears your mind and restores your focus. Sometimes, the best break is silence with yourself.

7. Don’t Isolate Yourself During Stressful Times

Study with friends, grab a quick meal together, go on a coffee run, or simply talk things out.

Social interaction boosts your mood and reminds you that you’re not alone in the struggle.

8. Consistency Over Perfection

Staying grounded and consistent is far more effective than executing everything flawlessly. Productivity isn’t about doing it all; it’s about doing something, even on tough days. Small, consistent efforts add up over time.

Focus on one task at a time. Progress beats perfection. 

9. Remember Why You’re Here

Whether it’s working toward your dream career or making your family proud, think about why you’re doing this.

In the future, you can thank your past self for staying motivated and consistent instead of regretting things you never tried. Reconnecting with your purpose can reignite your drive and remind you that every small effort counts toward something bigger.

10. Be Realistic with Yourself

Burnout is normal.

Sleep patterns change, moods fluctuate, and sometimes a little TikTok break is necessary. Feeling stuck is part of the journey. These moments will later feel like small bumps on the road to success. Finding balance while juggling deadlines, work, and personal life can be challenging, but it is possible.

Recognize your limits, set boundaries, and work at your own pace!  

Best of luck. You’re already halfway through.

References: 

Kish, S. (2023, February 17). Nightly sleep is key to student success. Carnegie Mellon University. https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2023/february/nightly-sleep-is-key-to-student-success

Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950

iLovePDF. (2025, January 2). 13 effective study methods and how to use them. iLovePDF Blog. https://www.ilovepdf.com/blog/best-study-methods-techniques