Motivation for doing well in school is different for every student. Many students are motivated at the beginning of the year to improve from previous years. This motivation, however, changes when they approach challenges throughout the semester, such as a low grade on a test or difficulties learning information. By the time the second semester begins, students have may have lost motivation to excel academically, trying merely to pass a class.

Motivation is necessary for good grades and self-esteem. When students show motivation, they develop responsibility and drive. While motivation can sometimes be difficult to have or keep especially during the second semester, one can use different tactics and habits to keep up her motivation.

Using incentives is one successful tactic to improve motivation. Students should celebrate achievements such as a good grade on a test or project. Setting incentives, such as a trip to the movies on the weekend to celebrate a busy week of school, is beneficial as well.

Setting goals is another way to keep up motivation throughout the school year. Setting goals, especially for school work, helps one’s motivation immensely. Finishing one discipline and then taking a break to stretch and get a snack allows students to take a break from long school work nights.

Music is also another successful motivation tool. Making a playlist including upbeat songs with inspirational lyrics encourages students to do this work and feel good while doing it. While music is a helpful motivational tool, students should be careful not to pay attention to the music so much that they lose focus from their work.

To keep up positive motivation, students must not procrastinate. Procrastination is counter productive and does not foster motivation in students. By procrastinating, students fail to reap rewards that they would have received if they had taken action. Taking action, in itself, is self-motivating for students.

Motivation is beneficial to have during the school year. The positive effects that come from motivation affect the student as well as the people around her.