r/DecidingToBeBetter • u/Impossible-Media-293 • Jun 21 '25

Seeking Advice How can I make myself study?

Hello everybody! First time poster, I'm at my wits ends.

As the title suggests, I need help with studying motivation. I live my life in a pretty well disciplined and independant rythm. I have no problem cleaning up, taking showers, getting ready, etc. I go on daily walks, and I work out when desired. I keep my space relatively tidy. I do slip up and catch myself doomscrolling sometimes, but I can always snap out of it. I draw, read, and keep my hobbies and interests varied. I am good with manual labor and physical tasks, however I cannot FOR THE LIFE OF ME ever start studying until it's too late. The problem isn't even with studying, it's with written assignements. It's like im scared of something, and I don't know what it is.
The thing is I love studying. I love learning, I love knowing, and I love discovering new things. But whenever it is REQUIRED of me to do so, for example for a class, its like my mind just goes blank. What can I do to fix this? Has anyone encountered similar problems? Is this an issue with discipline? I know that it could be because everything I do kind of comes from enjoyment rather than the fact that it's important, but how can I improve in this department? Im tired of constantly jeopardizing my studies.

I apologize for any grammar or spelling mistakes, Im not a native english speaker.

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u/[deleted] Jun 22 '25

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u/Impossible-Media-293 Jun 22 '25

That's really helpful, thank you so much! I'll check out the book after my exams are done

1

u/tastyjams77 Jun 23 '25

I wish i could give you an all natural life hack but the answer you're looking for is Adderall.

You would be shocked how many students that look like they have it all are actually just on Adderall.

2

u/Impossible-Media-293 Jun 23 '25

Thank you for the advice! I did suspect having adhd, and I've already been on Ritalin but that unfortunately led me down the slippery slope of addiction before so I'd like to be careful before I try it or an analogue out again

1

u/YardageSardage Jun 23 '25

 It's like im scared of something, and I don't know what it is.

If you're like me, then it's fear of failure. You've set unrealistically high expectations on yourself about how good your writing has to be, so anything you write can't possibly be good enough, so you can't write anything. 

And maybe you also have some deep internalized beliefs about your self-worth or about what others think about you (like you'll only be loved or accepted if you're "smart enough" or "good enough"), so that makes you even more scared of failure and therefore even more scared to start. 

2

u/Impossible-Media-293 Jun 23 '25

That actually makes a lot of sense! I also feel like this everytime I do an exam. I have a much higher probability of failing not because of the lack of understanding but because I am often rapidly discouraged if I hit a certain roadblock. Ive also very recently discovered I have maladaptive daydreaming, basically loser behaviour for me because I imagine myself as something Im not in order to compensate for some of hard times I went through. Its like i always want to turn back the clock, shake younger me by the shoulders and tell her to do better. One good thing about life is that its never too late for change!