• A bridge on the water

Motivation

About motivation

Motivation is an important part of a healthy student life. It helps you stay positive and get through the challenging moments.
All students face ups and downs during their studies, and it is completely normal to have periods where motivation feels low.

Finding your motivation

a compass lying in sand

What drives you to study?

Sometimes a course feels difficult, a group project does not work, or lectures seem uninspiring. In those moments, it helps to reconnect with why you started your studies.

When you know your inner motivation, it becomes easier to see challenges as part of a bigger journey.

Always remember your WHY

Not every course will be your favorite, and that is perfectly normal. Some courses simply need to be completed so you can move forward. Remember that a grade never defines your value as a student or what you truly gain from your education.

Be honest with yourself about your ambitions and expectations. When will you feel satisfied with your effort? You do not have to be the best at everything. Focus on what motivates you, and accept that some courses are just part of the journey.

Motivation - how to

5 tips to increase your motivation

1. Reward yourself

Choose something that you really want: Whatever it is, use it as a reward for completing a study session. 

  • Maybe you want to go for a walk – but not until you’ve studied for an hour.
  • Maybe you are dying for a cup of coffee with your friend - but you can only go once you’ve studied for three hours. 
  • Maybe you desperately need to check Insta, watch the next episode of your favorite series  – but not until you have studied for…

2. Find the perfect study spot

It is important that you ask yourself, where you are most likely to be focused on your studies. Some students don’t have any problems working from home, others tend to do a lot of other things than studying, when they are at home.

Help yourself by studying in places that encourage to study and being focused. As an example, it can be difficult not studying in a library, were everyone else is working hard and being focused. 

3. Visualise your progress

Make a plan for each day, with all the things you need to do. Small and big. And them tick them off on a paper or so, to visualize, that you are moving forward.

You could also be making a “Finished”-list, where you write all of the things you have accomplished (read articles, taken notes, part of assignments) of the day. 

Maybe have a look at the page Planning

4. Include breaks

Do not forget to take small breaks during the day.

One way of securing your smaller breaks is by using the ‘pomodoro technique’.

The pomodoro technique is a time management method and was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s.
The Pomodoro Technique is very simple and will help you to stay focused:

  • Study for 25 minutes
  • Take a break for 5-10 minutes
  • Repeat the cycle 4 times
  • Take a longer break

To help keep track of time, set a timer for both your study sessions and your breaks.

5. Block your digital distractions

If you need just a little help with your self-control, search for relevant website and app blockers.

All of them work similar: they block whatever websites or apps you want them to block.

The question is - what websites or apps tend to suck up most of your time? Then simply block them while you study. 

Check out these helpful resources

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Psykiatrifonden

Find tools and learn more about anxiety, depression, PTSD, loneliness, sleep, mindfulness and much more

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SPS - special educational support

If you struggle with a physical or mental disability then it could be a good idea to check out if ITU can offer you some extra help.

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Where to turn to for more help

If you feel like you are stressed to the point where you need help please contact one or more of the three mentioned below

If you struggle you can always contact us

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The Study and Career Guidance

No matter what – always find someone to talk to about your doubts.
There are various things you can do depending on what kinds of doubts you are having and what is behind them.

The student guidance counsellors at ITU can answer many of the questions and doubts you might have, and they also have a vast experience guiding students who need clarification in relation to their studies.

Contact info for The Study and Career Guidance