Studying on Weekday Evenings: 7 Useful Tips for Staying Motivated

Photo: Freepik.com

At the end of a workday—when exhaustion kicks in, responsibilities at home take over, and there’s a mountain of other tasks to complete—studying might feel like the last thing you want to do. Yet for many, it’s the only time available to invest in personal development amid the fast pace of daily life. Why is adult learning so important, and how can we stay motivated to keep going?

Adult Learning – Not Only for Career Growth

Adult education and lifelong learning are becoming increasingly relevant. These topics touch not only on personal growth but also on the overall progress of society. Today, continuous upskilling is a necessity, not a luxury—it affects not just your professional development, but also your quality of life and self-esteem.

Adapting to a Changing Job Market

Automatizācija, mākslīgais intelekts, digitalizācija – tehnoloģiju attīstība maina veidu, kā esam raduši strādāt. Lai saglabātu savu konkurētspēju strauji mainīgajā darba tirgū, bez mācīšanās neiztikt.

The Opportunity to Change or Improve Your Career Path

Many people, at least once in a lifetime, want to change professions or upgrade their qualifications. This is completely normal—new challenges are part of personal growth.

Confidence in Yourself and Your Abilities

There’s nothing better than feeling self-sufficient, secure, and confident. When you learn something new, it’s a confirmation that you’re capable of reaching even the highest goals. According to research by the UK non-profit “What Works Wellbeing”, adults who engage in regular learning tend to be more optimistic, motivated, and satisfied with their lives. (What Works Wellbeing, 2018)

Inspiring Those Around You

Did you know that when you dedicate time to studying, you might also be inspiring others in your household—especially children? It fosters a culture of learning in the family, where education is seen as a meaningful part of life.

Living a More Meaningful Life

Learning can uncover new interests, develop creativity, and help you meet like-minded people. Many adults find the learning process rewarding not only for the outcome but also for the experience itself.

Learning represents the ability to adapt to change—and that’s important at every stage of life!

How to Focus on Studying After a Long Day?

Photo: Freepik.com

Adult learning can certainly be challenging, and there are several reasons why. After an 8+ hour workday, a person may feel completely drained, with reduced concentration and difficulty absorbing new information. Another key factor is the common stereotype: “I’m too old for this anyway.” But believing in your abilities is crucial—it’s the only way to achieve your goals and even exceed them.

Here are a few tips to help overcome a lack of motivation and those nagging thoughts of “I’m not going to succeed anyway.”

1. Start by Defining a Clear Goal

At the heart of motivation lies a goal. People are more motivated when the goal is personally meaningful for them. (LXD Learning Experience Design)

📌  Tip: Reflect on why personal growth matters to you, write it down on a sticky note, and place it somewhere visible. It will serve as a reminder during moments of fatigue or lack of willpower.

2. Create a Consistent Routine

It’s no secret that habits are powerful—and that includes study habits. Leading neuroscientists have found that a supportive environment is key to forming habits. When learning becomes a regular part of your day, you won’t need to force yourself.

📌 Tip: Try studying at the same time every evening—even if only for 10–20 minutes. Keep in mind that forming a habit typically takes between 21 and 66 days.

3. Monitor Your Learning Progress

We tend to complete the tasks we’ve started—it’s a natural tendency. The Zeigarnik Effect confirms that we remember unfinished tasks better because our brain keeps nudging us until we complete them.

📌 Tip: To maintain motivation, use apps or tools that help you track your learning progress throughout your study journey.

4. Create an Inspiring Study Environment

Cognitive psychology studies show that the environment in which we study significantly affects our concentration and memory. A quiet, distraction-free space improves both recall and information processing.

📌 Tip: Consider creating a “study ritual”—light a candle, brew your favorite tea, or listen to calming music to signal to your brain that it’s time to focus.

5. Use Different Learning Methods

Research shows that multimodal learning—combining reading, listening, writing, and hands-on activities—helps with better long-term information retention. (Dyslexic Help)

📌 Tip: If you feel tired and just can’t concentrate, try watching an educational video or listening to a valuable podcast on your way home.

6. Reward Yourself Even For The Smallest Wins

Every win is worth celebrating, even if it feels like you’ve barely done anything. The principle of positive reinforcement is based on the idea that rewarded behavior is more likely to be repeated. Plus, small rewards boost motivation and create positive associations with the learning process.

📌 Tip: Finished a topic? Took notes? Completed a self-assessment test? Celebrate each step as progress toward your bigger goal!

7. Remember You’re Not Alone

Studies on social support in education show that people who feel part of a learning community are more motivated and less stressed.

📌 Tip: Try to participate actively in discussions, ask questions, and connect with other learners.

Lifelong Learning to Reach Your Full Potential

Here, at BDA, you can learn the most in-demand skills tailored to your goals, interests, and needs. From cybersecurity and project management to data analytics, Microsoft Excel, and more than 240 other courses—you’ll find them all in our course catalogue.

Learning is one of the most valuable long-term investments in your growth and well-being. Don’t put off what you can start today—sign up for your desired course now!

References:

1. What Works Wellbeing. (2018). Adult learning and life satisfaction:
   https://whatworkswellbeing.org;
2. LXD Learning Experience Design. (n.d.). Understanding Adult Learning Principles: https://lxdlearningexperiencedesign.com;
3. Dyslexic Help. (n.d.). Why Multimodal Learning is Effective:
   https://dyslexichelp.org.