Stuck in a Motivation Slump? 5 Simple Hacks to Get Your Work Done

Let’s face it—sometimes, the last thing you want to do is schoolwork. Whether you're buried in assignments, dealing with tough subjects, or just in a mood, motivation can feel miles away. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. We all hit those moments when we’re just not feeling it. But the good news is: you can push through this and get things done—without stressing out. Here are five simple tips to help you find your motivation again, even when it feels impossible.

1. Break It Down Into Smaller Tasks

When you look at your homework or project as one big, overwhelming thing, it’s easy to feel like you’ll never get through it. Instead, break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. For example, if you have a huge essay, don’t think about writing the entire thing. Focus on just the introduction, or maybe writing a body paragraph. Breaking it down helps you feel like you're making progress, and checking off even small tasks gives you a sense of accomplishment. Once you knock out one little part, you’ll realize it wasn’t as hard as you thought, and you’ll be more motivated to keep going. If you aren't sure how to take an assignment and break it down into smaller steps, ask your teacher, a peer or an adult.

2. Create a Fun, Motivating Environment

Okay, I know what you're thinking - a fun environment for studying? That doesn't exist. Let's think about it this way - your workspace can make a big difference when it comes to getting in the zone. Try creating an environment that helps you feel relaxed and focused, but also inspired or motivated. Make it a space you want to use. This might mean putting on a special playlist only used for studying, having a preferred scent at your desk, organizing your desk, or even having preferred snacks and beverages on hand that you only have when studying (sour soothers are my go-to). A clean, quiet space can help your mind feel clearer, and a little vibe change can give you a boost.

If you’re the kind of person who gets distracted by your phone, put it in another room or use an app that blocks notifications while you work. You might be surprised by how much more you can focus when there’s less stuff pulling your attention away.

3. Use the “10-Minute Rule”

Sometimes, just starting is the hardest part. The idea of doing an entire assignment can seem like a mountain, but what if you only had to do it for 10 minutes? Set a timer for 10 minutes and commit to working for just that short time. Chances are, once you start, you’ll get into a groove and want to keep going.

Even if you don’t feel like doing the whole thing, telling yourself “I’ll just do 10 minutes” makes it feel way less daunting. And the best part? You’ll usually find that 10 minutes turns into 20, 30, or even longer once you're in the flow.

4. Reward Yourself (Seriously, It Works!)

Sometimes, the best way to stay motivated is to give yourself a little incentive. Set up a reward system for when you finish certain tasks or assignments. For example, after you finish a math worksheet, you could treat yourself to a 5-minute break on your phone, a snack, or even watching a quick video your friend just sent. The idea is that by giving yourself something to look forward to after each task, you’ll stay motivated to keep going. The reward doesn’t have to be huge—it’s the little things that make all the difference.

5. Find a Study Buddy or Group

If you can, find a study buddy or group to work with. It doesn’t have to be someone in the same class as you—just having someone around to talk through problems or hold you accountable can make a huge difference in staying motivated. Plus, studying with others can help make the work feel less isolating, and it can be a lot more fun. You can quiz each other, bounce ideas around, or just chat between tasks. You’d be surprised how much easier it is to get stuff done when you’re not working alone. Just remember though, the purpose is to get work done. Don't get caught socializing the entire time. Again, use the chatting as a reward between tasks.

Motivation can be hard to come by, especially when you’re tired, distracted, or just plain over it. But with a little strategy and mindset shift, you can get back on track and crush that schoolwork. Try out these tips, and see which ones work best for you. And remember: you don’t have to be motivated all the time to get things done. Sometimes, it’s just about starting and seeing where that takes you.