Motivation can be difficult to find when you are an overwhelmed student. There will always be at least one required class that bores the spit out of you, yet you have no option but to suffer through it if you want to graduate. Finding a way to excel despite your disinterest or boredom in the subject matter is the key to your eventual success. Even though it may seem hopeless, there are some simple things you can do to motivate yourself and regain your zeal for learning.

Break down the task you dread into manageable parts. Instead of staying up to 2 a.m. cramming for the chapter test, read a few pages every night. If the subject is really boring, set a timer and read for 20 minutes. Complete other school work for an hour, then resume reading for 15 minutes.

Reward yourself if you achieve your goal for the day. If you’ve managed to read for a total of 35 minutes, have a candy bar, listen to a favorite song or play a quick video game. If you know that there is something good waiting at the end of the task you hate, you will be more likely to do it.

Study something that really interests you. When you were in high school, you probably had little choice in what you studied, but as a university student, you have the option of changing your major. If you are an accounting major, but find your eyes glazing over whenever you prepare a balance sheet, then maybe accounting is not the right career for you.

Surround yourself with motivated people. Their enthusiasm and motivation may rub off on you. If not, they may be able to provide you with tips to regain your motivation for the subject.

Find more interesting ways to study. Form a study group and quiz each other. Write information on flash cards and create a game. The first person to correctly identify the concepts on 10 cards wins. Look for books and movies about the subject that may make it seem more interesting.

Ask for help. If you don’t understand a subject and feel like you are drowning, reach out for a lifeline. It’s hard to be motivated when you have no idea what you are doing. Find out if your school offers tutoring and sign up. If you can’t find a tutor, consider online tutoring services.

Keep your ultimate goal in mind. Picture yourself as a successful graduate with a good job. Think about how happy you and your family will be when you graduate. If that doesn’t work, think how dismal your life will be if you don’t graduate.

Make a chart and record each achievement, no matter how small. Seeing your achievements may help boost your confidence and make you realize just how much progress you’re making in reaching your goal.

Don't overload your schedule with too many classes. It's hard to stay motivated if you are exhausted and overworked.