How I stay motivated in grad school
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SUMMARY: I stay motivated in grad school by focusing on why I chose this degree and taking one step at a time. I avoid procrastination, focus on my own progress, and create the right environment to make each day manageable and rewarding.
Some days in grad school feel amazing—I cross off most of the things in my to-do list and feel great about my work. Other days, I feel like no matter how much I do, there’s more I should be accomplishing. I know I’m not alone in this—grad school challenges everyone in different ways. I need to keep reminding myself how much I want this degree and take things one step at a time!
When I decided to come to the U.S. for my grad studies, I wanted to challenge myself and learn in a different culture, discover new approaches to education, and explore a world of opportunities. I came here feeling confident I would pursue a career in professional editing. After I started the Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication (WRTC) graduate program at JMU I realized that I would also gain skills that translate into other career paths. For example, throughout the WRTC coursework and Graduate Assistantship with The Graduate School, I developed an interest in marketing. I started to see marketing as a chance to engage with storytelling in ways that could have a direct impact to the audience interacting with my content. Though some of my goals have shifted, I remind myself how much I wanted this degree. When I consider the bigger picture, it helps me stay motivated.
Procrastination is my enemy. I do my best to avoid procrastination. It happens sometimes. But I don’t make it a habit. I find that procrastination just adds to the stress I already have. I’ve learned that spreading my workload over time, setting priorities, and organizing my workload makes everything more manageable. When I plan, even just a little, I avoid the last-minute panic and get things done faster and on time. All these small and consistent efforts add up at the end!
I don’t compare myself to others anymore. It’s easy and tempting to look at other people and think that everyone else has it all figured out. By doing so, I’d just put unnecessary pressure on myself and self-doubt. Now, I’ve learned to focus on my own progress and not measure it against someone else’s. Grad school is a time to grow on my own way, at my own pace.
At JMU, I’ve found the right environment, people, and routines. These make a huge difference in my motivation. I also take breaks when I need to. Time out with friends, short walks or an evening off, help me recharge and I come back more focused and motivated.
Each day in grad school is a chance to keep going. As Mary Anne Radmacher stated so well, “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.”
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