It is natural to have days when you feel less motivated than usual. Everyone experiences fluctuations in energy, focus, and drive. The challenge is not to eliminate these off days but to learn how to manage them productively. On the days when your motivation is low, discipline becomes your most reliable tool. Motivation is inconsistent by nature, but discipline provides the structure you need to keep moving forward.

If you rely only on motivation, you will study when you feel inspired and skip when you do not. Over time, this inconsistency adds up, and the missed days begin to matter. On the other hand, when you rely on discipline, you study regardless of how you feel in the moment. This consistency compounds, and that steady progress is what produces strong results on test day.

This does not mean that you must study for hours on end every single day. On an off day, discipline may mean sitting down to complete just a short, focused session, even when you do not feel like it. The act of showing up for your study routine is often more important than the amount of material you cover. Over time, these small but consistent efforts build momentum, strengthen habits, and keep you aligned with your larger goals.

The next time you find yourself tempted to skip a study session, remind yourself that progress is not about perfection. It is about persistence. Even on your toughest days, staying disciplined ensures that you remain on track. Your future self will look back and appreciate that you stayed committed, even when it was not easy.
Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep