Motivation and Learning Strategies for College Success : A Self-management Approach

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302 APPENDIX B

Current Symptoms of My Problem

Unfortunately, as demonstrated by my past semester’s grades (a

GPA of 2.9 out of 4), my problem still exists in college. I have earned

mediocre grades, because I am not disciplined and I procrastinate on

important tasks. I believe that my lack of discipline is a direct result

of my motivation. It is difficult for me to stay motivated, no matter

where I study. I get bored and often fall asleep studying at the library

or at home. The classes that I seem to have the most difficulty in are

those that require daily attention. For example, because math classes

have such requirements, my grades reflect my disinterest.

Although motivation tends to be a constant problem, there are

times when I am focused on my assignments. Unlike A students, I can-

not keep myself highly motivated throughout the semester. Instead, I

tend to be more motivated at the beginning and end of each semes-

ter than I am during the middle of the semester. When I am moti-

vated, I notice that I am more persistent and less inclined to wait until

the night before an assignment is due to begin working. As a result,

I tend to earn higher grades. This is evident in my quiz scores for this

class. However, during the middle of the semester, when I am less

motivated, I tend to procrastinate on my assignments. This behavior

is not good, because my lack of motivation stops me from achieving

the grades I am capable of earning in school.

Diagnosis of My Problem

The internal beliefs that contribute to my problem are irrationality

and pride. I believe that because I’ve done well in the past with little

effort, I can do the same thing in college. A key difference is that in

college I can’t simply memorize and regurgitate information. Profes-

sors expect me to think and analyze the information they give me.

My stubborn and irrational pride, however, tells me that I can put in

the same amount of time and effort and do well. The problem is that

I’ve been telling myself the same thing since junior high. Thus, I

believe that if I can reduce my irrational thinking and pride, I will

start my assignments earlier and I will be more motivated to see my

assignments through to completion. This should help me reach my

long-term goal of earning all As in my courses.

GOAL SETTING AND STRATEGIC PLANNING

Because I have an important research paper due in my international

relations class, my short-term goal is to finish this paper in 5 days. I

will accomplish this goal by breaking this paper into manageable parts

according to the following schedule: