You know you should open your notebook. You’ve been thinking about it for an hour, perhaps even for several days. But as soon as you think about everything that still needs doing, you put it off again. Then you feel guilty for putting it off. This cycle can become exhausting.
Just because you don’t feel like revising doesn’t necessarily mean you’re lazy or incapable. You might be tired, overwhelmed by the amount of work, worried after getting a bad mark, or at a loss when faced with a task that’s too vague. Before you start giving yourself a lecture, try to understand what’s holding you back today.
1. Reduce the lead until it becomes feasible
«Catching up on the whole chapter» might seem impossible. «Reading the first question and writing down the facts» is more manageable. Choose a five-minute task with a clear end point.
You can open your workbook to the right page, prepare an exercise or write down a question to ask. If you carry on after that, all the better. If you stop, you’ll at least have laid the groundwork for next time. This small start shouldn’t become a ploy to force yourself to work for three hours.
2. Change one thing in your surroundings
You don’t need a perfect desk. Just try to get rid of the things that distract you the most: the phone next to your notebook, an open tab, or bits and pieces you can’t find. Get everything you need ready before you start.
If you can, move to a different spot or choose a quieter time. If your home isn’t quiet enough, try to find a realistic solution with a friend or family member. Avoid blaming yourself for circumstances beyond your control.
3. Talk about what’s holding you back, using simple words
You could say to a parent, a teacher or a friend: «I want to make progress, but I don’t know where to start.» You could also show them an exercise and ask for help with the first step.
UNICEF advises young people who feel overwhelmed by exam stress to [1] Talk to a trusted adult. You don’t need to wait until the situation becomes extreme to ask for support. Sometimes, someone can help you lighten the load or clarify an expectation.
4. Have a proper rest, without letting the notebook weigh on your mind
If you’re feeling tired, decide to take a break and allow yourself to do so. A walk, a leisurely meal, some time with someone, or an activity you enjoy could all be part of that break.
«Keeping to yourself, »I really ought to revise” over and over again throughout the break doesn’t help much. You could write down the next small task before closing your notebook: that way, you won’t have to decide what to do next. If you’re really tired, you can take a longer break before getting back to it.
5. Find a goal that means something to you
You don’t have to have your whole life mapped out. Your goal can be something more immediate: finally understanding this chapter, being able to answer questions in class, or approaching the next test with a little less anxiety.
Choose something you can turn into action. «Being better» is too vague. «Solving two equations without help this week» gives you a clear direction. And if your goals come mainly from other people, it’s worth discussing them with them.
For today, just choose to start afresh
You could try this: have a glass of water, set yourself a task, put your phone away and work for five minutes. At the end, calmly decide whether to carry on, ask for an explanation or take a break.
You don’t have to follow all five tips at once. A difficult day isn’t necessarily fixed by adding another list of things you have to do. Keep what helps you and adjust the rest.
When the problem goes beyond revision
If your lack of motivation persists, affects even the things you used to enjoy, or is accompanied by significant distress, speak to a trusted adult or a professional. A revision timetable alone is not enough to tackle all these difficulties. UNICEF advises seeking [1] support when stress has a long-term impact on daily life.
If you’re struggling mainly with one subject, you can write to Elite Academy, mentioning your year group and the chapter you’re finding difficult. You can start with a simple question. And if a friend is going through the same thing, share this article with them without putting any pressure on them.
Ask Elite Academy your first question →
→ See also: How to organise your revision at secondary school: a simple method that works · The Pomodoro Technique adapted for A-level revision
