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Posted Dec. 6, 2012

Simple Ideas to Boost Motivation for Postgraduate Study

Boost motivationLet's face it, despite our best efforts, lack of motivation can keep us from working towards our goals and achieving the greatness we are capable of.

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If you're feeling like you've been heading down a slippery slope, take a deep breath, and check out some of our easy to implement and super simple ideas to boost motivation for your postgraduate study.

Laugh! 

Laughing is one of the easiest energy boosters around. A little silliness can go along way! Not only does laughter lower stress levels, it also triggers the release of mood enhancing endorphins, promoting an overall sense of wellbeing.

Exercise

If you want to boost motivation and be more productive, it might be time to hit the gym, go for a run, take a yoga class or even get your jig on in the living room! Studies have shown that physical activity of all kinds can help enhance creativity, decrease stress levels and sharpen mental clarity.

Good physical health is directly proportional to good mental health and a lack of motivation for postgraduate students could be a result of their deteriorating physical self. Every physical activity reduces stress levels and sharpens mental clarity. So, as a postgraduate student, keep your motivation by doing a variety of physical activities.

Eat healthy food 

Good physical health cannot be achieved through exercise alone, healthy eating habits play a significant role in improving your physical self. Food is your fuel so make sure you give your body the brain power it needs. Forget about snacking on junk food that’s high in sugar and fat, and instead opt for fresh fruit and vegetables instead. Food can greatly affect your mood and energy levels, which is why healthy eating is a great investment for not just your physical but your mental wellbeing too. If you are a junk-food lover, take a step to healthy eating habits and choose fresh fruits, vegetables and healthy balanced diet.

Visualisation

Visualising a positive outcome may be just what you need to get yourself going again. If you are unable to envision the end goal, or if you are seeing is terrible, try picturing the finished product as a great success. It may sound silly, but visualisation has been proven to produce incredible results.

Positive environment 

A clean work space can help clear the mind. When surrounded with clutter and mess, it can be hard to focus on the task at hand due to all the unnecessary distractions. If you carry out most of your postgraduate study at home, don't use this as an excuse to laze around in your pyjamas all day. Dressing smartly can help you feel better about yourself and increase confidence, resulting in a boost of motivation.

Right frame of mind 

Negative self-talk will only drag you down and get in the way of you achieving success. Everyone has off days where they feel tired or demotivated, but it's important not to dwell on these discouraging feelings that can drag you into a deeper state of negativity. Cut yourself some slack and have a rest day if that is what your body is calling out for.

Easy and achievable goals 

Making a short and easy list of goals that are realistically achievable will help you become much more efficient. By setting goals that you can actually accomplish each day, rather than pushing yourself to get more done then ending up feeling unproductive, you will build momentum for your motivation.

Make use of your networks

Never underestimate the power of keeping in touch with friends, course mates and supervisors. If you are doing a postgraduate research, schedule regular meetings with your supervisor to discuss the progress of work including time frame and follow up on set goals. Doing so will keep you on the track and boosts your morale. Also make sure you organise study groups with course mates to discuss, share ideas, challenges and solutions. Keep in touch with academic staff and other peers, as if they are conversant with your area of study, they can offer valuable ideas, resources, knowledge and encouragement that can boost your morale. And finally, keep in touch with friends and family to ensure you don’t feel lonely and isolated.

Manage your time efficiently

Proper time management increases your productivity and entices you to set and attain your goals. Work on making progress in at least one activity each day as it boosts your morale. You might not accomplish everything, but it makes lots of difference to achieve at least one or several activities. Create time for recreational activities to rejuvenate your energy, relax your mind and keep you motivated. Inadequate sleep hinders productivity and keeps you demoralised so make sure you schedule adequate time for rest

Inspirational quotes 

We all need a little inspiration now and then, which is why a healthy dose of inspirational quotes is always beneficial...

"It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it" - Lou Holtz

"And you will succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed." - Dr Suess

"Opportunities don't happen, you create them." - Chris Grosser

"Some people dream of great accomplishments, while others stay awake and do them." - Danielle Luedtke

"Fall down seven times, get up eight times." - Japanese Proverb

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2 comments

Lwazi Bhengu June 22, 2019, 9:11 p.m.

Thank you so much! That helps a great deal!

Charlotte King June 25, 2019, 8:18 a.m.

That's great to hear!

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