Choose something that you really want: a box of cookies, a break to go for a run, a trip to the movies, etc. Whatever it is, use it as a reward for completing a study session. Maybe you buy some cookies but only allow yourself to eat them once you’ve studied for an hour. Maybe you decide to go see a new movie, but you can only go once you’ve studied for three hours or mastered 20 terms. Maybe you pick up some candy and pop one in your mouth every time you correctly answer a question or complete a practice problem. Maybe you make your favorite snack, but decide that from now until your test, you can only eat this snack while you’re studying.
Creating shorter reward intervals as in the example with the candy after each question might work better at first if you’re really having trouble focusing. Once you get in the groove or start to find a little more motivation, you can work up to more delayed gratification.
To really put the pressure on and encourage yourself to do well, try creating a reward for yourself that you can only receive if you do well on the exam or in the course as a whole. Having your parents get in on this can be helpful, too. Maybe your parents will take you out to your favorite restaurant if you get an A on the exam, or maybe you’ll take a trip to an amusement park if you get a B in the course.
The point is this: in order for a reward system to be effective, it needs to be customized to you. Don’t set up a reward for getting an A if you know that getting an A is next to impossible. Similarly, don’t reward yourself with a trip to the mall if you don’t like shopping or if spending money is going to stress you out.
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