Ónline classes--lacking motivation

Kikapoo · 09-15-2009, 09:24 PM

This is my 3rd semester of my online grad program, and I am soooooo unmotivated. I am current on all of the assignments that we actually have to turn in, but it is now week 5, and I have done like 5% of the reading. I know that this is going to come back to bite me, but I just don't want to do it!

Anyone else experiencing this? Any tips on keeping motivated? I need to turn this around, before it's too late...

sew and sew · 09-16-2009, 12:13 AM

Can't really relate because I barely did assigned reading in school with no price to pay for it. (Don't at all recommend that, I'm sure I could have learned some things...ok, maybe that was the price). But I imagine a grad course, let alone one online, would truly necessitate doing the reading.

When you get that distinct feeling you're going to pay for it, I think that's a pretty good sign to just make yourself do it.

Maybe it could help if you designated some kind of self-reward for finishing, or getting a percentage of it done, and keep doing that until it's all done. A relaxing bubble bath with candles after X amount, catch up on some e-mails to friends/loved ones (as long as that feels like a positive thing...), etc.

Good luck

Curlywaves · 09-16-2009, 04:20 AM

I've been feeling the same way. I'll have my degree in May, but I really, really want to be done now. I only go part-time, but between work, school, family & taking care of the house, I'm burned out. I've worked really hard to maintain a 4.0 and the only thing keeping me going is that I know I'll be disgusted with myself if I slack off now.

Maybe you could try setting small goals for getting your reading done and then reward yourself every time you hit one of those goals. It might not seem so overwhelming that way. Wish I had better advice!

Fluffy4eva · 09-16-2009, 05:01 AM

The only motivation I can give you is the perspective of somebody who tried the online course thing, and failed as a result of (drumroll) lack of motivation. Years ago I tried taking a computing class online to get myself into my chosen line of work at the time... I barely even got started before I lost interest.... Now Im hurtling towards 30 in a deadend job with no satisfaction to it whatsoever. When I get back from my travels in november I plan to take said course again, and hopefully get myself out of this rut after all this time...

as I say, at this point this all means nothing to you... but qualifications mean a heck of a lot these days... if a few chapters of reading is all that stands between you standing up at an interview to a chorus of polite "well we'll get back to you" and them shaking your hand with a congratulatory smile, then hit those books right now hun ;o)

It might help for you to segment it though. yknow... tell yourself that you HAVE to finish chapter 3 before you watch a dvd.... then go back to it and read at least 2 or 3 more chapters before having a tea break... make sure you set yourself realistic goals for getting it all read and done in time though ;o)

Dancing Queen · 09-16-2009, 06:26 AM

It's always hard for me to get back into the swing of things when the new semester starts; I'm used to the summer and doing what I want with my free time.

I suggest that you use a calendar and map out the rest of the semester's reading. Set up a schedule for reading a given number of pages, say, five days a week. That way, you'll stay on course but also have some flexibility for personal stuff that comes up or those days when you just don't want to read!

It sounds like you're on top of the work you "have" to do. Making a schedule with almost-daily reading assignments might give you the sense of "I have to do this" without being too overwhelming. It's concrete and you know exactly what you need to do each day, unlike just thinking "I'm getting behind on my reading."

WileE-Dead · 09-16-2009, 06:26 AM

Keep your eye on the prize & def reward yourself!
I know how hard it can be, but it is totally worth it...g/l

Who Me? · 09-16-2009, 07:30 AM

Do you know anyone else in school--either your school, your class, or even another school and another class? "Study dates" seem to help me a lot. If you're expected to show up to a certain place for a certain time and do your work, it's much harder to blow it off. I find the accountability really helpful.