Why Should You Motivate Yourself to Study Something for the Third Time?

Seems counterintuitive to study something for a third time, especially if it doesn’t engage you. Yet, sometimes, we find ourselves in this situation because external pressures or unavoidable circumstances lead us there. This guide will help you understand and address the reasons behind studying a topic for the third time and how to stay motivated during the process.

Understanding Your Motivation

Firstly, you need to analyze why you wish to study a topic a third time. There are usually two reasons for this:

Previous attempts did not result in a complete understanding, and you are revising for better comprehension. You are striving to strengthen your knowledge and understanding of a concept or topic.

Revisiting Your Understanding

If you found the topic challenging to grasp in the past two attempts, there are often reasons beyond your control. Your capacity and the level of difficulty can change over time with continuous effort. Here are a few strategies to help you better understand the topic:

Reflect on your past experiences. Identify the methods you used that did not work, and find the areas where you struggled the most. Change your approach to keep things fresh. For example, if you studied in a linear, chapter-by-chapter manner the first time, mix it up the second time. Try skimming through a few chapters at a time or focus on important sections first before going into the details. Believe in improvement. Credible quotes can inspire, such as “In spite of the odds, what are you?” -Thomas Edison.

Strengthening Your Concepts

On the other hand, if your goal is to strengthen your concepts, this is an excellent and commendable endeavor. Here’s how you can achieve it:

Recognize the effort it takes to continually improve. Embrace the challenge and the growth it brings. Each re-study or repetition is unique. The more you engage with the material, the more you’ll observe and appreciate different aspects of the topic. Remember the adage from your father: “Every time you read a book, it’s different.” Reflect on why improving is important. Assess if it’s necessary, beneficial, and worth the time investment. The answer is typically a strong positive.

Final Thoughts and Best Practices

Staying motivated when revisiting a topic a third time requires a mindset shift and a proactive approach. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Set clear objectives and track your progress. Break down the material into manageable parts and celebrate small victories. Find a study partner or join a study group. Collaboration and exchange of ideas can provide motivation and support. Take breaks and practice self-care. Mental and physical well-being plays a crucial role in learning and retention. Stay positive and remain resilient. Not every learning journey is linear. Sometimes, revisiting a topic is necessary to deepen your understanding and mastery.

By taking these steps and nurturing a positive mindset, you can successfully motivate yourself to study a topic for the third time and beyond.