How to Study

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
Motivators are either intrinsic or extrinsic. What’s the difference? 
You sign up for a voice class. While the hours certainly apply to your
graduating requirements, you attend class because you love singing.
You also signed up for biology. You hate the thought of dissecting 
frogs, and you couldn’t care less whether they have exoskeletons,
endoskeletons, hydroskeletons, or no skeletons at all, but the class is
required.
In the first case, you’re motivated by intrinsic factors— you are 
taking the voice class simply because you truly enjoy it.
The second scenario is an example of extrinsic motivation. While 
you have no interest in biology, your reward for taking the class is
external—you’ll be able to graduate.
Extrinsic motivation can help you make it through boring or unpleas-
ant tasks that are part of the process of reaching your goals. A vivid
image of your final goal can be a powerful motivating force. One 
student thought about what his job as a computer programmer would
be like whenever he needed some help getting through class.
Chapter 2
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How to Organize Your Studying
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Try imagining a day in your life 5 or 10 years from now. If you can’t,
no wonder you’re having a hard time motivating yourself to work
toward that career as a final goal!
A specific role model may also be an effective motivator. When 
she was a first grader, my daughter Lindsay became particularly
enamored of Wilma Rudolph. Growing up black and poor was a minor
part of Wilma’s childhood problems. When she contracted polio, 
doctors told her she would never walk again. My daughter thought 
it was amazing that Wilma, through sheer guts and determination,
not only walked again but became the fastest woman in the world,
winning multiple Olympic gold medals. When confronted with her
own (smaller!) problems, my daughter still reminds herself that 
“If Wilma could do it, I can, too.” What a great way to motivate 
yourself! Think of your own role models in life. And if you don’t have
any, find some!