Greetings,
It is my hope that the following response will prove beneficial to you.
As previously stated, you are proficient in your academic pursuits and possess the capacity to excel. However, you exhibit a reluctance to do so. You tend to engage in distracting behaviors, such as checking your phone or seeking alternative forms of entertainment. This leads to feelings of exhaustion and a sense of having accomplished nothing, resulting in a loss of motivation. Additionally, you experience anxiety about falling in the rankings if you continue this pattern of behavior. You find it challenging to focus on your academic responsibilities. This has led to a vicious cycle.
To break this cycle, we can begin by modifying our objectives. We can also utilize the phone as a form of self-reward, transforming it from a source of temptation and distraction into a motivating factor. Furthermore, we can implement other forms of positive reinforcement and feedback to encourage the completion of academic tasks. By doing so, you can transition from a vicious to a virtuous cycle, alleviating feelings of exhaustion and anxiety.
What types of games do you typically engage with on your mobile device?
It is for these reasons that we are compelled to engage with our mobile devices, which are designed to adhere to three fundamental principles:
1. The game has a clearly defined objective.
Games typically have clearly defined objectives. For instance, the objective of "Plants vs. Zombies" is to vanquish the zombies and safeguard one's territory, while the objective of "Digging for Gold" is to excavate gold and amass wealth. The objective of "Tetris," on the other hand, is even more straightforward: to minimize one's mortality and accrue as many points as possible.
When a specific goal is established, individuals tend to perceive the game as meaningful, understand the desired outcome, and are motivated to persevere.
2. The degree of difficulty is commensurate with the player's ability.
2. The level of difficulty is calibrated to the player's skill level.
Appropriate goals can serve as a motivating factor for individuals. Goals that are perceived as being "just within reach," or moderate-intensity goals, have been found to be the most motivating.
It is notable that in gaming, levels are typically structured with varying degrees of difficulty. Typically, individuals will commence their gaming experience at the initial level.
The initial level is characterized by low difficulty and simple tasks. The subsequent level can only be accessed once the preceding level has been completed.
Consequently, the difficulty of a game is calibrated to the abilities of the player. Each challenge can be overcome through the player's own efforts, and upon completion, the player will experience a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment.
Consequently, individuals will become engrossed in the experience of advancing through levels and vanquishing monsters, deriving pleasure from these activities.
3. Timely feedback
3. Timely feedback.
A tap on the phone can send a bullet, dig up an ore, or catch a fish. These are examples of immediate feedback in games that can motivate people instantly.
In contrast, in the context of real-life activities, the provision of immediate feedback is less common. To illustrate, in the case of studying, an improvement in grades is not necessarily evident simply as a result of reading a few pages of a book or memorising a few words on a given day.
Moreover, the psychology of the "feedback effect" indicates that immediate feedback is more impactful than delayed feedback.
Therefore, we are more inclined to seek out the gratification that comes with immediate feedback in the context of gaming.
Consequently, games employ these three characteristics. Each level provides a sense of purpose, enabling players to succeed through their own efforts and receive timely feedback, which then allows them to progress to the next level and repeat this reward loop continuously, thus immersing them in the activity and preventing them from disengaging.
These three characteristics are the basis for the phenomenon of "flow," a state of deep concentration that is experienced when an individual is engaged in an activity that is both challenging and rewarding. During this state, the brain secretes several hormones that contribute to a sense of pleasure, leading to feelings of happiness and fulfillment. Consequently, individuals who have experienced this state of flow are motivated to repeat it.
However, as has been demonstrated, when one engages in gaming on a mobile device, the experience is enjoyable, yet subsequently, a sense of depletion and self-blame ensues. This illustrates that this type of flow is not a positive one, and it can be designated as "junk flow." To interrupt the current cycle, it is essential to substitute "junk flow" with "positive flow."
In light of the aforementioned characteristics, it would be beneficial to consider how these can be applied to enhance the learning process.
The question thus arises as to how this can be achieved.
First and foremost, it is imperative to have a clearly defined objective.
Do you set specific and clear learning goals on a daily basis?
In accordance with the characteristics of games, it is evident that the objectives one sets for oneself must be precise. For instance, stating that one will engage in daily study is, in fact, quite vague. It is, therefore, more prudent to set goals that are more specific, such as the number of pages of mathematical problems to be solved, the number of pages of reading material to be read, or the number of English words to be learned. This approach allows for a more targeted and focused approach to learning.
Secondly, the objective should align with one's capabilities.
In accordance with the second characteristic of games, the objectives that individuals set for themselves must align with their capabilities.
The objective should be sufficiently challenging yet achievable. If the objective is too ambitious, it can be divided into smaller, more manageable components, analogous to the progression through levels in a game. Initially, these components can be kept simple and straightforward, fostering confidence in the learning process. As proficiency increases, the difficulty can be gradually enhanced, allowing for the completion of each learning task in a step-by-step manner.
Such an approach will engender a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance, thereby fostering motivation to pursue further learning.
Thirdly, it is important to pay attention to timely feedback.
One strategy for enhancing self-discipline is to create a daily study plan. This plan should include all the tasks that need to be completed each day. Once a task is finished, a check mark should be placed in the corresponding box. However, after checking the box, it is important to take a moment to acknowledge the accomplishment. This can be done by feeling the sense of accomplishment, giving oneself a mental pat on the back, and affirming oneself.
Additionally, one may bestow upon themselves a substantial reward following the attainment of a significant objective, such as a trip, a lavish repast, or the purchase of a desired item. These may serve as positive reinforcements for academic pursuits.
If one makes learning an enjoyable experience, one will be drawn to it.
I continue to adhere to the aforementioned methods, which can be applied not only to academic pursuits but also to one's overall lifestyle. They have proven to be immensely beneficial for me. Adherence to these methods can foster increased self-discipline, while simultaneously providing the sense of accomplishment and joy that comes with continuous growth.
The aforementioned information is provided for your reference.
Best wishes!
Comments
I totally get what you're going through. It's tough to stay focused when there are so many distractions around, especially during vacation. Maybe setting small, manageable goals for each study session could help you gain some momentum and reduce that feeling of not getting anything done.
It sounds like you're putting a lot of pressure on yourself, which is understandable given your past performance. But remember, taking short breaks can also be important. Try the Pomodoro Technique—work for 25 minutes, then take a 5minute break. This might make it easier to concentrate and give you a sense of achievement as you complete each interval.
Feeling anxious about your ranking while struggling to focus on homework creates a challenging cycle. Perhaps it would be helpful to talk to someone about how you're feeling or to plan out a balanced schedule that includes time for relaxation and fun activities, alongside dedicated study periods. That way, you might find it easier to tackle your homework without feeling overwhelmed.