The human brain is made up of neurons which are cells specifically belonging to our central nervous system. Neurons connect to each other through synapses that allow for information to be exchanged between them. When we learn something new it establishes a new connection between neurons and each time we go over that again, the connection becomes stronger. But, of course, the opposite is also true. If we stop going over these connections they become weaker until they eventually disappear and the information is forgotten.
That is why our brain needs to be fed information continuously and review it until it is permanently consolidated. Continuous, small dose learning each day will make these connections stronger, faster, and more intense than interval learning. This means that daily work is much more productive than last-minute cramming.
Establishing a discipline, achieving that intrinsic motivation that drives us to be dedicated to our goals can be very complex. These tips may help you change your ways and get you to the starting line of your own race.
8 tips to increase perseverance
- Write down the goal that you want to achieve. It is important to establish a goal that is realistic, objective, and measurable. If we set ”impossible” goals for ourselves then we will fall into a mental state of frustration and helplessness when we see that no matter our efforts, they do not bring us closer to our goal. It is a moment of reflection so take your time.
- Divide it into smaller goals. The road is long and costly, and it doesn’t make sense to travel for so long without taking small breaks. It is important to divide the ultimate goal into small steps that lead up to it. This will allow us to gain momentum and motivation to see what we can overcome day by day.
- Make it a habit. “I barely have time to breathe!” How many times have we heard that in our lives? But it is NECESSARY to put aside time every day to work on what we have set out to do. It is difficult, that’s for sure, but with an agenda and good planning, you can get it done. One way to get started is to identify those tasks that are urgent and those that can wait:
- Positive reinforcement. It is important to reward perseverance because this is the gas that will keep you going, fighting week after week. Set small prizes for yourself that you can only access after you reach these small goals.
- Create your own diary. One way to visualize your entire journey is to write down everything that you do, the efforts you employ for them, the difficulties that come up, the ways you overcome them, the feelings and emotions you feel. This will help you in times of ”crisis” because you will be able to review and see how you’ve managed to overcome similar difficulties in the past.
- Tell someone. Sharing our goals with those closest to us is a way of holding ourselves accountable.
- Make it fun. There are tasks that can be monotonous, routine, and boring so it is essential to introduce a bit of fun so that our mind stops seeing it as something unpleasant. For example, playing music or doing something with a friend a few days a week are good strategies.
- Persist in the face of failure. When something happens, take a moment to fix it and then keep going. We learn from mistakes, so don’t be discouraged by every bump in the road – keep trying! If you cannot continue moving forward after some time, maybe it is time to review and re-evaluate your goals. It could be that they were not defined properly or that now is not the right time for them. But don’t get down on yourself, put them aside for now and try for new goals.
Smartick works on perseverance with their math method for kids. The sessions are short so they are easily introduced into your routine and become a habit. They are gamified, offer encouraging positive reinforcement and intrinsic motivation. We make learning math fun with manipulative materials, interactive tutorials, and various exercises.
“Perseverance. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” — Ray Kroc
Learn More:
- The Value of Effort in Childhood
- 10 Steps to Introduce Routines to Kids
- The Superpower of Concentration
- Compete to Grow: Learning Through Competition
- 7 Tips for Acquiring Good Habits at the Start of the School Year
Master’s in International Education from the Universidad de Alcalá– Instituto Franklin.
She has worked as a teacher in three different countries and is now a Translator on the Content Creation Team at Smartick and helps to adapt content for blog posts.
As a native Rhode Islander she loves any activity on the water and when she’s not working you can find her traveling, kickboxing, or trying out a new recipe.
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