[Ameripilot]

First off I would like to say I had the same problems you had for a while...

The first thing you should do is get off the flight simulator program. I was on that thing so much at one time; not only did I develop bad habits, but I became more addicted to flying on a computer I was wasting critical time I could've been using to study.

I love flying, but I found that with getting hired and working that I don't have time for flight sims anymore anyway, and I don't know how I could've ever kept them both going. Let me guess and be honest. Time comes around that you could be getting some sleep and you decide to fire up the computer and fly a trip....it really takes away from productive time.

Here are some things you can do to help with your study habits to keep from getting tired...

1. Before you study...tell yourself you are going to be a pilot! Sit for five or ten minutes of just you time and motivate yourself. Give yourself a gameplan and be honest with how far you've gone and achieved.

2. Read a chapter or section and then give yourself a lecture like you're teaching the subject in front of a classroom. This will help you put things you've learned into verbage...this will help greatly enhance your communication in an airline interview someday.

3. Creatures of habit theory- Everything we do comes by our habits that we create in life. Set a time for studying daily. Here's the trick! During that time...if you need a break...take it! But go back and force yourself to read again...take another break when you need it! Let your body and brain know what you demand of it to achieve your goal. Example- I wanted to start working out, but everytime I joined a gym I would stop going about 2 months into it. So I decided to just work out at home and do what ever I wanted for my workout. So I started with 10 pushups and 10 situps...the next I felt I could do more so I did. By the 6 month I was doing 200 per day...but sometimes I feel like doing only 80 or so...so that's what I do. It's worked great for me.

4. Consider other reason why there may be lack of motivation....like fear of flying...What! Fear of flying! Yes, sometimes such things held deep down can cause a loss of motivation even though we love it as much as we fear it. Talk to your instructor if this is the case and discuss certain things that may bother you that you haven't had a clear understanding yet. Fear is a good backbone to build on...keeps pilots from doing stupid stuff sometimes! We just have to learn how to control it.

5. Eat right...sleep right....and workout with the purpose of giving you the energy to climb out. Sometimes depression can lead to the very things you cite so these things can all help with that energy level and motivation level.

6. Sometimes pilots think they aren't moving ahead in knowledge or flighthours so their motivation starts lacking. Keep focused and understand if you are studying regularly then you are moving forward period.

7. All those pilots that you see on the ramp have all gone through the same tests and training as all of us for the most part and we've all had to overcome our various demons...you're not alone!

8. If you never quit then you will never fail! Press on!

9. As far as you not being smart enough...Smart is relative to what you need to learn to achieve your goal in life......AND THEN LEARNING IT!