Keeping on track and staying motivated

If you are in study or training, chances are that you:

• have assignment deadlines looming
• have exams coming up
• have a part-time job that takes up a lot of your energy
• want to fit in time with your friends, flatmates and family.

Do you sometimes think that it is all too much and you don’t know where to start? You lose your motivation so do nothing instead?

Don’t worry – this is quite normal. When you are in study or training, you often have such a full workload that it’s no wonder you may feel as though things are out of control at times. You may feel like quitting when things get really tough; you may get frustrated and feel as though you are not getting anywhere; or you may just feel bored.

Even if you aren’t feeling this way, chances are that your mates might be, so keep an eye on them and remind them to seek help.

Be proactive and recognise when you may need help

Being proactive is about recognising when you are feeling unmotivated or stressed and taking some steps to get yourself motivated again. It helps if you can recognise the early warning signs.

Signs of feeling unmotivated are:

• inability to sleep well
• feeling stuck
• not feeling like your usual self
• having no interest in food
• drinking too much
• feeling that you can’t cope with small decisions
• feeling agitated and having little patience
• not wanting to get out of bed
• not wanting to go to bed.

On their own, or occasionally, these feelings are normal and happen in everyday life, but when they are with you constantly and you feel overpowered by them, it’s time to take action.

Talk to someone who can help you

“A problem shared is a problem halved.”

One of the best ways to ease your load when you are stressed, or to regain your motivation, is to talk to someone. Compile a list of key people you know who can support and motivate you.

Your list could include: 

• friends and family
• people who have felt the way you are feeling right now
• flatmates
• role models you can have regular contact with – an older student for example
• a doctor who you feel comfortable talking to.

If you are studying at a tertiary institute, such as a polytechnic or university, you can talk to:

If you are in industry training, you can talk to:

• work colleagues
• your employer
• your ITO Modern Apprenticeships co-ordinator.

If you feel that your lack of motivation is beating you, or that there are things happening in your life that are out of control there are organisations that can help you.

How can you stay motivated?

Check out the find out more box below. You can read 10 tips for staying motivated, or print out motivational quotes from famous people. Keep these quotes handy to help you stay inspired.