Staying motivated

Stay Charged: Boosting Motivation Proactively 

Staying motivated during a long semester (or a year) is not always easy. The demands of coursework, exams, and balancing social life can quickly drain your energy and enthusiasm. Motivation is the fuel that keeps you moving forward, helping you stay focused on your goals and overcome obstacles. However, it's normal for motivation to ebb and flow. The key is to recognize when your energy is running low and take proactive steps to recharge. By understanding the importance of motivation and learning strategies to maintain it, you can keep your academic journey on track, even when challenges arise. 

Ten strategies to get and stay motivated 

• Set Clear Goals: Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to give yourself direction. 

• Find Your Why: Understand your underlying reasons for pursuing your goals. This intrinsic motivation can be a powerful fuel. 

• Break It Down: Large goals can seem overwhelming. Divide them into smaller, achievable steps to create a sense of progress. 

• Visualize Success: Imagine yourself achieving your goals. This mental imagery can boost motivation and confidence. 

• Reward Yourself: Celebrate milestones and achievements to reinforce positive behavior. 

• Surround Yourself with Positivity: Connect with supportive people who believe in you and your goals. 

• Learn from Failures: View setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as defeats. 

• Practice Gratitude: Focus on what you're thankful for to shift your mindset towards positivity. 

• Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise to optimize your energy and focus. 

• Find Passion: Pursue activities and subjects, even the ones you don’t enjoy much, with curiosity and passion for learning and growth.