how do i study? self motivate myself? be disciplined? more assertive?

[mashamontago]

i need help. i'm trying to study for my final but i can't seem to care. i'm trying small chunks at a time.. but i just feel restless and angry and nothing seems to be getting done. i'm being so lazy. please help. 7 hours passed and i think all i've accomplished is 40 minutes of reading. seriously.

[orangepink, NP]

1.) develop study habits. set aside a study schedule.

2.) be positive. see the good in others then you will see the good in yourself.

3.) visualize your future clearly and stick to that goal.

4.) listening to motivational tapes/cds (e.g. Louisa Hay) works then you'll get use to generating your own positive self-talk.

[caliotter3]

I have found that when I don't/can't study, I am making a positive choice for failure. When you don't like to see the results of not working hard enough, then you will buckle down and do the work. And sometimes, a person needs to take a long, hard look at what is deep down inside of them that wants to sabotage their goals. If you can't change the subconscious drives toward failure, you will always have a problem.

[wbc]

Well, this is a great question. When I was a nursing instructor one of the beginning workshops I taught was how to study and test. It's ironic because I had severe test anxiety as a student. Here's how to study: Reading a text--always read the chapter intro and conclusion section first, review the glossary if there is one, remember for each chapter there is some throw away info, read the paragraphs seeking clues to important messages such as words like "always, therefore, never, however, but, and other leading words, as you read have your lecture notes beside you--if something shows up in the text that reflects what your instructor has focused on remember it because it will show up on an exam.

Taking notes: Draw a line down each page of your notebook about one third of the way in from the left margin. Take your notes in the other two thirds. The column you drew in will be for notes from the text. For instance--if this is an OB lecture and the text has a great graph or sidebar note the page of that in the left column. It will correlate your notes to your text.

This will help study and retention. It will give you more confidence. Preparing for finals is incredibly stressful. Just remember you've heard it, seen it, or read before. The answer is there.

Good luck,

Winona Cross BSN RN

[on eagles wings, ASN, RN]

I'm in your shoes right now. I find out that what helps me is to change my setting. GET OUT OF YOUR HOUSE to study when you feel like that, because then you won't have the TV, facebook, etc to distract you. When I got to the library I find that I get a lot more done. I can't horse around at the library so it helps. Any other place may work for you, like starbucks or BN. Somewhere were they have snacks to keep you going. After ever 50 minutes treat yourself to a low fat latte or frap so you'll get motivated for the next one lol

[wbc]

Tons of useful info on this request. I wanted to be a nurse more than anything, when my youngest son started kindergarten I started nursing school. Five years later at the age of 34 I received that symbolic pin and walked across the stage. Being a nurse is a calling. That is such a cliche, but it's a true one. I tell students to pay attention to the staff nurses around them. Notice the good things you admire and would want to emulate and pay attention to the negatives, don't emulate those. Combine the traits of the good example with your dream. You will become the good, caring nurse you want to be.