While I’ll show you in Chapter 4 how to ensure that poor scheduling
does not become a habit that dooms you to such choices, I suspect
that far too many of you do not take the natural differences among
your teachers into account when scheduling homework, preparing
papers, or studying for tests.
Likewise, I suspect that far too few of you try to create a bond with
one special teacher—a mentoring relationship— that could help you
avoid some of the bumps and swerves and reach your goal with far
less trouble. Why should you go out of your way to find a mentor?
Because you probably need more help—in life, not just in school—
than your friends or parents can provide. A mentor can give you that
perspective, advice, and help.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
Motivators are either intrinsic or extrinsic. What’s the difference?
You sign up for a voice class. While the hours certainly apply to your
graduating requirements, you attend class because you love singing.
You also signed up for biology. You hate the thought of dissecting
frogs, and you couldn’t care less whether they have exoskeletons,
endoskeletons, hydroskeletons, or no skeletons at all, but the class is
required.
In the first case, you’re motivated by intrinsic factors— you are
taking the voice class simply because you truly enjoy it.
The second scenario is an example of extrinsicmotivation. While
you have no interest in biology, your reward for taking the class is
external—you’ll be able to graduate.
Extrinsic motivation can help you make it through boring or unpleas-
ant tasks that are part of the process of reaching your goals. A vivid
image of your final goal can be a powerful motivating force. One
student thought about what his job as a computer programmer would
be like whenever he needed some help getting through class.
Chapter 2 ■ How to Organize Your Studying 21