Set a long-term, ultimate goal. This is exactly what you hope to achieve with your education. A long-term goal should be specific. For example, graduating college with a bachelor's degree in finance in four years is a specific long-term goal.
Create easily achieved short-term goals. Think of short-term goals as stepping stones for achieving your long-term goal. For instance, if you want to graduate in four years, set a short-term goal for how many credit hours you need to complete per semester. Maintaining a certain grade point average is also a good short-term goal.
Monitor your performance. Tracking your progress is essential to achieving your educational goals. Write down your goals in a notebook or dry-erase board. Having your goals in sight while you are studying helps motivate you and keeps you accountable. If you see problems arising with your short-term goals, you are able to recognize this early and modify the situation accordingly.
Reward yourself. Several well-timed study breaks during a cram session can help relieve stress and keep you focused. When you accomplish a short-term goal, reward yourself with a movie, special dinner or shopping. Having something to look forward to after completing a goal can help give you an extra push when you are feeling unmotivated.
Share your goals with a supportive friend. This keeps you accountable. If you feel you are losing focus, talk to your support system. Good friends push you to what they know you are capable of doing.