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Self-Motivation’s Role in Academic Success
Justin Wadadaane Bagina · Follow
4 min read · Sep 25, 2023
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On the road to academic success, the role of self-motivation cannot be
overemphasized. Indeed, self-motivation, as a contributory psychological factor,
either boosts academic success or at least mitigates failure (Thomas and Maree,
2022, p. 99). But how exactly does intrinsic motivation serve as a reliable predictor of
overall academic performance? In this essay, the role of self-motivation is explored,
while drawing from personal experiences and scholarly sources to show its impact
on academic success.
To begin with, self-motivated students have a clear vision of what they want to
achieve and are able to set goals with a line of action. Both of these aspects of
personal growth are essential to their academic success. A study by Thomas and
Maree (2022, p. 105) provides an illustrative example of this, where some
participants who were motivated by their inner desire for lucrative job prospects
completed their tasks relatively faster. This shows that, by clearly defining one’s
academic goals and envisioning a brighter tomorrow, a self-motivated student can
become more focused and productive as they chase success. This sense of direction
and end game not only empowers them to cross out set targets but ultimately betters
their odds of achieving academic success.
In addition, self-motivated students exhibit perseverance and great resilience when
faced with academic hurdles. Evidently, the role of self-motivation in academic
success is closely tied to a student’s belief in their academic abilities (self-efficacy)
and their sense of purpose for learning (Dogan, 2015, p. 553). This linkage comes to
light in challenging real-life experiences such as in medical school, where many
students, including myself, demonstrated strong perseverance and resilience in the
face of the demanding curriculum, owing to our strong self-motivation rooted in our
belief in our academic capabilities and commitment to the purpose of embarking on
said journey. Faced with numerous difficulties that threaten to derail progress and
achievement, the self-motivated one remains steadfast in the quest for higher
education and expertise. By nurturing this inner drive, students equip themselves to
effectively tackle academic challenges and thus thrive in their educational
endeavors.
Furthermore, a self-motivated student tends to be more proactive, taking the
personal initiative to go beyond the scope of the assigned curriculum. As Ryan &
Desi (2000a, 2000b, cited in Elias et al., 2011, p. 1181) found, when students are
intrinsically motivated, they engage in their studies for the inherent pleasure of
learning and achieving, as opposed to being driven by external rewards or
influences. Such students broaden their horizons by seeking additional resources,
taking part in extracurricular activities, participating in academic competitions, and
engaging in self-assessments and practice tests. As a self-motivated medical student,
I joined study groups both in-person and online, and participated in academic
conferences and events in medical school, which not only expanded my knowledge
base but also boosted my confidence in the classroom and on the wards. Thus, by
demonstrating genuine passion for learning and mastery, self-motivated students
cultivate a deeper understanding of the subject matter and enhance their academic
performance in the long run. This ultimately contributes to their overall success in
higher education.
Lastly, self-motivated students are adept at managing their time efficiently. Time
management is a critical factor in achieving academic success, and its successful
implementation hinges on self-motivation, which encompasses performance,
efficacy, and drive (Brigitte et al., 2005, cited in Khan, 2015, p. 66). When students
are self-motivated, they are better able to prioritize their assigned and personal
tasks, avoid or limit procrastination, and maintain a productive study routine. As a
result, they are able to make efficient use of their time, allocating sufficient
attention to academic responsibilities without neglecting social and personal
growth. Developing effective time management skills by virtue of self-motivation,
students are thus able to optimize their academic performance and better achieve
success.
In conclusion, self-motivation plays a vital role in attaining academic success, as
evidenced by its significant impact on goal-setting and action, perseverance,
proactivity, and time management. Clearly, by emphasizing and nurturing self-
motivation in higher education, students will not only stand a better chance at
excelling academically but will also develop beneficial life skills for the future.
References
Dogan, U. (2015) ‘Student Engagement, Academic Self-efficacy, and Academic
Motivation as Predictors of Academic Performance’, The Anthropologist, 20(3), pp.
553–561. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/09720073.2015.11891759.
Elias, H. et al. (2011) ‘Motivational Predictors of Academic Performance in End Year
Examination’, Procedia — Social and Behavioral Sciences, 29, pp. 1179–1188. Available
at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.11.352.
Khan, S.N.M.S. (2015) ‘The Impact of Time Management on the Students’ Academic
Achievements’, Journal of Literature, Languages and Linguistics, 11(0), p. 66–71.
Available at:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313768789_The_Impact_of_Time_Manage
ment_on_the_Students'_Academic_Achievements.
Thomas, T.A. and Maree, D. (2022) ‘Student factors affecting academic success
among undergraduate students at two South African higher education institutions’,
South African Journal of Psychology, 52(1), pp. 99–111. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1177/0081246320986287.
Self Motivation Self Development Academic Success Motivation
Student Motivation
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