Student Support Services
November 2, 2026 – Edition 14
Understanding Motivation
With examinations looming for our secondary students, “I don’t have any motivation” is a common phrase heard in the counselling room. Why is it that some days a student can study for hours, while on other days simply getting out of bed seems almost unachievable?
A lack of motivation can be a common source of frustration for students and their families. While it can sometimes appear that a young person simply does not care, motivation is often influenced by a range of factors, including stress, confidence, energy levels, emotional wellbeing and how overwhelming a task feels.
As counsellors, we encourage students to stop waiting for motivation to appear and instead focus on identifying their purpose. Motivation often follows action rather than preceding it. Students can be encouraged to ask themselves, “Why do I need to do this?” and connect everyday tasks, such as attending school or completing homework, to longer-term goals and future opportunities.
Current psychological research suggests that motivation is not simply a matter of willpower. Our willingness to engage in a task can be affected by how challenging it appears, how confident we feel about succeeding and whether the outcome feels meaningful or worthwhile.
When students are stressed, anxious, overwhelmed or experiencing low mood, even relatively simple tasks can feel much harder to begin.
How Parents and Carers Can Help
Focus on Purpose Rather than Pressure
When individuals understand how a task connects to something they value, whether it is future study, employment, independence or personal growth, they are more likely to engage with it. Helping them identify their own reasons can be more effective than repeated reminders.
Break Large Tasks into Smaller Steps
Large assignments and exam preparation can feel overwhelming. Encouraging your student to start with one small, manageable step can help build momentum and increase confidence.
Celebrate Progress
Small rewards and a sense of accomplishment can increase motivation. We encourage students to create “guilt-free time” by rewarding themselves after meeting realistic goals. This helps build positive momentum and reduces the feeling that work never ends.
Use Supports and Routines
Motivation is often supported by practical strategies rather than determination alone. Visual planners, homework schedules, studying with friends, working in shared family spaces and consistent routines can all make it easier to get started.
Stay Curious and Compassionate
When motivation is low, especially over an extended period, it can be helpful to ask, “What’s making this difficult?” rather than assuming laziness or a lack of effort. Difficulties with motivation can sometimes be linked to stress, low mood, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Approaching these challenges with empathy often opens the door to more productive conversations and support.
One of my personal favourite sayings about motivation is that something is better than nothing. Progress does not require perfection. A small step taken today is often more valuable than waiting for the perfect moment to begin. By helping the students connect with their purpose, set achievable goals and access support when needed, we can help them develop healthy habits that support both wellbeing and learning.
For parents and carers interested in learning more about current research on motivation and mental health, Matthias Pillny’s article, How mental disorders play havoc with our motivation, provides an interesting perspective on the topic. To access it, click here.
