Competing Reinforcements

While studying is seldom immediately reinforcing, a huge number of immediately reinforcing activities are available at university; and they compete directly with studying, for your time (watching t.v., socializing, going to movies, going to parties, and so on).

You are best off to reduce the opportunities for temptation to arise, than to attempt to resist it. Unplug the phone, rather than count on being able to say "No" when your friend phones to see if you want to go out. Or use fun activities as short-term reinforcements that can be earned with effective studying.

You may be interested in checking out our Self Management Checklist.

The Learning Skills Program offers a number of resources in this area.

More on motivation.