This is a message to anyone in their 3rd year at University. Or in fact anyone who is nearing the end of a degree/course/stage of their life.

The motivation is gone? The energy has buggered off? The Dorito stash is wearing thin?

It’s probably the hardest part of the year. Summoning up the enthusiasm to keep ploughing through your dissertation and finding the will to make it into lectures which you are betting will be pointless. They seem like the hardest things at the moment. Here are some tips to get you through the semester.

Pictures 

If you want to be motivated to get something, degree or grade etc then put up a picture of it or write it on a piece of paper and place it somewhere you can see it, to remind yourself to work for it. I’m not saying this works for everything. For example if you want Ryan Gosling, putting up a picture of him doesn’t mean he’ll come running for you. In fact it’ll probably cause the opposite.

Commit

I find it easier to work for something when I have publicly committed to saying I want it or will do it. I like to tweet my goals or things I need to do. Nothing to do with others seeing it, but then I feel I have to follow through with it and not just give up with the task at hand.

Reward

Be kind to yourself…. Firm but fair. Let yourself see people and get some fresh air. It’ll do you the world of good and stop you getting into a dark hole of despair.

Chocolate

You may think this will come under the reward section. But if you eat chocolate it gives you high levels of serotonin and dopamine, and also has anti-depressant effects. Scientifically proven and incredibly tasty. it’s a win win situation.

  • Subscribe to The Student Pocket Guide for exclusive competitions, deals, discounts, tips and advice!
  • Read The Student Pocket Guide.