Tips to Improve Motivation
Getting/Keeping on Track
Set Attainable Goals and Chart Your Progress
To stay motivated you need to have clear goals. Focus on small goals that you will be able to achieve. For instance, if you're having trouble writing a 25-page paper for class because it seems like such a big job, don't focus on that final number. Instead, break the paper down and consider each section of your paper individually. You can handle any project in small chunks.
Additionally, use your Google Calendar to check off daily and weekly goals that you accomplish. This will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. Keep a list of your long-term goals handy too (including career goals), so you can refer to them when you begin to feel stressed or down. Remind yourself why your are taking these courses in the first place; this can really help spark your motivation!
Be Socially Active
In person AND online, your ideas are so important!
Talk about what you are learning. Create a group of people around you who want to help you succeed. Mentors can be teachers or family friends who can give you guidance and help you develop new skills. Counselors and advisers can help you plan your courses and explore careers. Reach out to friends and peers who can motivate you by listening and sharing ideas. Participate in a study group or find a study buddy.
Although online learning doesn't provide a physical space to meet with your fellow students, most online courses provide some means to meet and talk with your classmates, such as the discussion forums or Discord servers. Use social media to connect and ask and answer questions.
Stay Positive
Staying positive is a big part of the motivational process. Many students, out of fatigue or stress, begin to develop negative associations with their courses. These negative associations can cause you to stop logging in to your online class, or to forget your assignment due dates. If you fall behind in a class, it can be hard to catch up and finish the course successfully.
If you are finding it difficult to stay positive about your class, talk to your instructor. You may also want to talk with other students in your course to help you through tough times. Remember to take the time to encourage others in the texts, discussion forums or through email.
With all the hard work that you are doing, you also need to take some time out to reward yourself. When you accomplish a goal, no matter how small, be sure to reward yourself with something that will make you happy! Whether it's a fancy dinner, a walk on the beach, or streaming a favorite movie, these rewards can help you to stay motivated and on task. You can't be expected to study, work, and manage a family all of the time, so be sure to reserve some time that is just for you.