Motivation

To be successful in your studies you need to feel motivated and want to learn. Have you identified your goals relating to your studies? Your motivation is helped by having a clear view of

• your short-term goals, such as getting to grips with a difficult concept, or completing an assignment
• your long-term goals, which might include your career development, passing a course, or obtaining a qualification.

When study gets tough it can help if you motivate yourself with a small reward. What do you really like doing? Promise yourself a relaxing swim, lunch with a friend, or your favourite TV programme if, for example, you

• do at least two hours of study each day
• keep to your schedule
• send your assignment in on time.

I now make sure that whatever I’m working on I give myself a reward after forty-five minutes. It’s something to look forward to and it keeps me going. I might only stop for about two or three minutes and other times I take up to fifteen minutes – it depends how I feel. It’s made a tremendous difference.