Suggestions and Help Needed!

[marianne202]

Hey all! I need some suggestions for a serious study slump. As some of you know I have been going full throttle with my studying and testing for the last 2 years. I'm currently in an accelerated grad school program and in the middle of my 4th class. I love the school and program, but I'm finding myself having trouble staying motivated and focused. I have had a lot going on in my normally busy life, but I just can't seem to stay on task with doing my weekly work. I will admit that all I'm doing it writing papers which isn't something I truly enjoy, but the topics are areas I know and love or at least have an opinion about. How do those of you stay motivated to keep on going? Maybe it's the fact that I know I have another year before I get any reward, unlike the last two years where I was getting another degree every 6-9 months, I just don't know. I have a 4.0 GPA and I don't want to blow it, but I really, really am struggling with it all. I'm in a cohort program so I can't stop or take a break, so that option is off the table.

I would love to hear from those of you who have been at this a while with what works for you. Thanks in advance for you guidance and suggestions. I wouldn't be this far without this great group, so I'm hoping to get some more great advice.

Thanks!

[burbuja0512]

Hi Marianne,

I have not been at this as long as you, but still struggle with motivation some time Life is busy and difficult and even though studying can be fun, often times there are a million other things I need to do.

When I'm struggling, I'll picture my graduation day. Would you have imagined even a few years ago that you would be where you are today? How long did you live your life envious of people with college degrees? How many times did you feel like there were barriers in your path to success or personal fulfillment? You've had such strength and determination in getting this far, you can do it even when it's tough.

You're such an inspiration for people on this board so keep on going!! I can't wait to eventually see your post telling us that you have your MHA and people that you don't know will look at you and think "wow.. if she can do it, so can I!"

[ShotoJuku]

The finish line is straight ahead - go for broke!!!

[cookderosa]

Hey all! I need some suggestions for a serious study slump. As some of you know I have been going full throttle with my studying and testing for the last 2 years. I'm currently in an accelerated grad school program and in the middle of my 4th class. I love the school and program, but I'm finding myself having trouble staying motivated and focused. I have had a lot going on in my normally busy life, but I just can't seem to stay on task with doing my weekly work. I will admit that all I'm doing it writing papers which isn't something I truly enjoy, but the topics are areas I know and love or at least have an opinion about. How do those of you stay motivated to keep on going? Maybe it's the fact that I know I have another year before I get any reward, unlike the last two years where I was getting another degree every 6-9 months, I just don't know. I have a 4.0 GPA and I don't want to blow it, but I really, really am struggling with it all. I'm in a cohort program so I can't stop or take a break, so that option is off the table.
I would love to hear from those of you who have been at this a while with what works for you. Thanks in advance for you guidance and suggestions. I wouldn't be this far without this great group, so I'm hoping to get some more great advice.

Thanks!

Just think, the average person who completes a bachelor's degree does so in 5 years. Of course, over 60% will drop long before that happens. You could just be starting your junior year if you were in traditional classes....and that's >90 credits of crap you probably are not interested in.:ack:

LOL, I realized that's probably not motivating, but sometimes we have a different lens here- just pointing out that what you have accomplished so far is phenomenal, and not to lose sight of that.

[bawhitsett]

For me, it was a combination of keeping the eyes on the prize and promising myself certain things once the pursuit was over. Keeping the eyes on the prize included adding the credential to my resume and browsing jobs that I felt I would be better qualified for once the end was reached. I also told many people about my degree pursuits so that I would have to routinely report progress when asked how school was going. I also promised myself an extended break from any sort of formal enrollment in an academic program once my current pursuits were completed. I am browsing MBA and other programs but will start Spring '12 at the soonest.

[english]

Hello All, I am cramming for the English clep exam with essay. I just found out I had to take it the week before last and I have to take the exam next Thursday. I have signed up to study on this website but I need other information to study. Does anyone have any ideas? Have any of you taken the exam and how was it? I heard it has changed since July of last year. You would think this exam should be easy since its basic English stuff but so far I have not done very well with the flashcards. I need help!!!!!!

[ryoder]

Play the graduation procession song in your head! It works for me!
Think of your parents smiling as you accept the diploma. Priceless.

[marianne202]

Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions! I think I just hit a mental and emotional slump. I'm going to switch up my schedule and try to pull out a new attitude while moving some things off my overcrowded plate. I know the first 6 months of my MHA have flown by and the last two years seems to have gone by in a blink of an eye, so I guess my year will be over before I know it. I was considering going straight into a grad certificate program when I finished this, but I think I will take the great advice here and take a breather. I just hope I stay motivated to go back and do it. I'm just afraid I will get out of the habit of school and won't go back! Been there and I don't want to do it again!

Thanks again!

[ShotoJuku]

.....I'm going to switch up my schedule and [SIZE="4"]try[/SIZE] ...

[SIZE="3"]We all know you can DO it and we are all in your corner - Go For Broke![/SIZE]

[P00057870]

Suggest you print out the graphic and great quote from Yoda!

He is my hero hilarious

You are so close to the prize, Marianne, you can do this. Sounds like clearing off some things may be your answer...but how about smaller rewards for each bite of accomplishment. Finish this course and a weekend with your kids with them picking the activity - as I'm sure things have been on hold and the guilts are adding to the funk. How about a spa day for you, or a pedicure...whatever may be worth striving to enjoy as a reward. Calendar them, too, so you can see your mini-breaks are also looming.