11 Secrets to Avoiding Burnout
Maintaining Motivation: Ways to Avoid Burnout
- Focus on previous achievements and successes
- Avoid being too strict or harsh on yourself
- Remind yourself of your accomplishments (large & small)
Put in 15 Minutes
When the thought of sitting down to the computer late at night makes you want to cry, convince yourself to put in just 15 minutes. At the very least you will get a little something done.
But don't be surprised if once you begin your task, you get more done. Sometimes the hardest part is getting started.
Keep It Realistic
Setting high goals is good, but make sure they are realistic. Setting your sights too high can backfire when you aren't able to reach them and this can actually ruin your motivation if you start feeling like a failure.
Jot down goals on paper, but keep assessing your progress and make adjustments when necessary. Remember there are many ways to get to the finish line. Keep evaluating because your initial course may not be the best way if it proves to be unrealistic.
Change Up Your Routine
Even if you are super busy you can still get bored. Making adjustments to your schedule can be just the thing you need to feel motivated.
- Consider getting up early to study in the morning instead of staying up late at night.
- Instead of working out during your lunch hour, use this time to read for pleasure and schedule you work-out for the evening.
Even a little variation to your routine can help you avoid feeling bored yet burned-out.
Indulge Now
Reward systems are great, but no one says you have to wait to reward yourself.
Instead of promising yourself a Starbucks run after you complete your homework, get that peppermint mocha now and enjoy it while you study. No need to save that soak in the tub for later. Grab your textbook and read your assignment while you relax amongst the bubbles.
By multitasking your responsibilities and your rewards your time spent doing the mundane will be more enjoyable.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
One sure way to have a positive attitude is to keep a gratitude journal. Jotting down everything you are thankful for on a consistent basis will help you keep things in perspective and realize just how good you have it.
Your time spent in a distance learning program can be tough with everything you have to juggle. Maintaining a positive, upbeat attitude will help you to feel thankful for this opportunity and keep you motivated to make the most of it.
Display Your Goals
- What are the great ways your life will improve when you finish your degree?
- With a better job will you be able to buy a house?
- Will you be able to quit that second job and spend more time with your family?
Chances are you have many dreams linked to obtaining your college degree. Display these as a constant reminder of the benefits of reaching your goals. You can put together a "Goal Binder" or "Dream Board" which is simply a binder or poster board displaying of pictures related to your goals.
Actually having a visual picture of what you are seeking to accomplish can be a great motivating tool.
Take a Break
Sometimes the best way to get motivated is to take a break. Spending an evening vegging out on the couch and taking care of your need to rest, relax and turn your mind off can be essential to your success.
Everyone deserves a break from time to time. Take the night off guilt-free and promise to hit the books extra hard tomorrow.
Chart Your Progress
After a few months of plugging away your hectic schedule may seem the norm. Take a few minutes to write down everything you've accomplished to this point and you will be amazed by how far you've come.
Charting your progress and feeling a sense of accomplishment can be just the fuel you need to keep going.
Get Inspired
Put together an "Inspiration Binder." This can consist of inspiring quotes and letters of encouragement from friends and family. Be sure to include a letter to yourself.
Putting your own strengths on paper is not conceited but rather a great way to pump yourself up when negative self-talk gets down. Don't underestimate the power of motivating words.
Turn Up the Tunes
Are you dreading staying up late to finish your assignment? Crank up the music and instantly feel energized. Put together a playlist of upbeat, motivating songs and you can find yourself happily singing your way through your to-do list.
Get Motivated by 3 Types of People
Although a great support system is made up of helpful family and friends there are also three other people you should turn to.
Past
The first one is someone who is currently where you were before you started a distance learning program. This may be a co-worker at a current (or previous) job, or perhaps a relative who is feeling like they are lacking direction. Listening another person's job complaints or lack of career direction will help you see just how far you've come.
Present
The second person is someone in the your current position. Talking to another distance learner in the trenches is a great way to connect with someone going through the struggles. You can find these people on our Distance Learning Discussion Community.
Future
The third person is a distance learning graduate. Nothing is more motivating than hearing about the positive outcomes of those who have completed their program.
You don't need to actually speak to this person. Just reading about their accomplishments can remind you of the reasons you started on this path. Check out eLearners.com's Profiles of Current Online Students and Graduates.
Jennifer Applin is a freelance writer and will soon be the mother of six young children born within a 5-year span. Her writing focuses on strategies for busy parents to juggle it all.
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