Returning to Study After a Long Break: What to Expect and How to Prepare
You’re Not the Only One If it’s been years – or even decades – since you last studied, you’re not
How to Stay Motivated Throughout Your Course
Motivation Isn’t Constant - And That’s Normal
At the start of a course, most students feel excited and ready to go. But as the days or weeks pass, motivation often fades. Life gets busy. The content gets harder. Your energy drops. You might even start questioning whether the course is worth finishing.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to feel motivated all the time to succeed – you just need a few strategies to keep going when motivation dips. This article offers practical ways to stay focused and follow through on your training goals, even when it gets tough.
Understand What Motivation Really Is
Motivation is not about waiting for the right mood. It’s about reminding yourself of your why – and then taking small steps even when you don’t feel like it.
Think of it like a battery:
Think of it like a battery:
- Sometimes it’s full (you’re energised and focused)
- Sometimes it’s low (you’re tired, distracted, overwhelmed)
- But it can be recharged - with the right habits and mindset
Reconnect With Your “Why”
Ask yourself:
- Why did I enrol in this course in the first place?
- What will completing it allow me to do or change?
- How will I feel when I’ve finished it?
Write your answers down. Stick them on your wall. Look at them when you feel like giving up. Purpose is more powerful than pressure.
Break the Work Into Smaller Wins
A full course can feel like a mountain. So stop looking at the peak – and start focusing on the next few steps.
- Finish one module
- Complete one assessment
- Watch one video
- Read one page
Each small win builds momentum – and motivation often comes after you start, not before.
Create a Routine (Even a Flexible One)
Waiting until you “feel like it” rarely works. Instead:
- Set consistent study blocks in your week
- Use a timer to stay focused (e.g. 25 mins on, 5 mins off)
- Track your progress with a checklist or calendar
Structure reduces decision fatigue – and helps you get started even on low-energy days.
Remove the Distractions (and Excuses)
When motivation is low, it’s easy to get sidetracked.
- Put your phone away during study time
- Turn off notifications
- Let people around you know not to interrupt
- Study in a space that feels separate from rest or entertainment
Even 30 minutes of focused work is better than three hours of half-distracted scrolling.
Reward Yourself for Sticking With It
No one else may see your effort – but you should acknowledge it.
- Finished an assessment? Take a break or treat yourself.
- Completed a tough session? Celebrate it, even if it’s small.
- Kept going despite low motivation? That’s discipline - and it matters.
Your effort is building habits that will serve you well beyond this course.
Talk to Someone When You Hit a Wall
If motivation disappears completely:
- Talk to your trainer or support team
- Share your struggles with a friend or study buddy
- Revisit your goals and decide whether the course still fits your current priorities
Sometimes, a 10-minute chat can make the difference between giving up and regaining your focus.
Reconnecting with Your Reason to Learn
Motivation will come and go – but your commitment is what will carry you through. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep moving.
At Asset College, we’re here to support your journey. But the most powerful driver is you. When you take action – especially on the hard days – you’re building more than skills. You’re building strength.
You’ve come this far. Don’t stop now.
At Asset College, we’re here to support your journey. But the most powerful driver is you. When you take action – especially on the hard days – you’re building more than skills. You’re building strength.
You’ve come this far. Don’t stop now.
Article Series
Wellbeing and Success in Training: How to Get the Most Out of Your Course
Balancing Study with Work, Family or Other Commitments
You’re Juggling a Lot – And That’s Okay Many of our students at Asset College aren’t studying full-time. They’re working
Feeling Overwhelmed? First Steps to Regain Control During Your Course
Overwhelmed Happens – But It Doesn’t Have to Derail You At some point in your course, you may feel like
Getting Feedback from Your Trainer: How to Learn from Mistakes
Feedback Isn’t Failure – It’s a Learning Tool Receiving feedback can feel uncomfortable – especially if you’ve worked hard on
Mental Health and Studying: Looking After Yourself While You Learn
You Can’t Learn Well If You’re Not Coping Studying – even for a short course – takes mental energy. If
How to Stay Motivated Throughout Your Course
Motivation Isn’t Constant – And That’s Normal At the start of a course, most students feel excited and ready to
