Keep the Momentum Going: Staying Motivated

MidWeek 10 Seminar SeriesFirst Year Success

Things ARE going to happenExpect set-backs and when they happen, re-direct and renew your energy toward your

goals. Don’t give up.

Use the power of positive thinking and believe in yourself. Overcome discouragement.

Learn to say nono to options and distractions that deter you from

your goal. Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal. Post reminders and

inspirational quotes in prominent places about what

you want to achieve.

Get professional help and support to overcome physical and mental roadblocks and to bolster

your efforts, no matter how small they may seem.

MSU Denver’s Counseling Center: 303-556-3132

http://www.msudenver.edu/counsel/

Campus Reaction: http://www.msudenver.edu/campusrec/

Practice extreme self care. Good health is essential to

positive thinking and feeling, which will take you a long way toward achieving your goals.

Establish routine and regular exercise;

meditation, prayer or yoga, even if it is only 15 minutes a day to start.

This will help you cultivate discipline.

Where Am I?

Are you feeling the stress of juggling your coursework, family friends, work/volunteering, etc.?

http://college.cengage.com/collegesuccess/0495897434_downing/index.html

Goals Provide Direction in Your Life & Nurture Your Motivation

Goals are like a road map; they get you from one point to another.

Goals provide the direction you need to reach your destination, the motivation

to sustain you on your trip, and a way to measure your progress.

What if? Or What would happen if?

Make the questions a positive affirmation of what you will do!

Prioritize your goals first.

Then plan backwards in time and outline the steps it will take for you to arrive at that future destination.

Make your list very specific and Make your list very specific and realistic. realistic.

You want to be successful in reaching your goals, but at the same time,

these goals should challenge you.

At the end of each day reward yourself and strengthen your resolve

for tomorrow.

Focus on High-Impact Activities

The key to success in school is staying focused on your course work.

Make a list to get an overall picture of your

workload before you start to tackle any of it.

Then, make a plan.

Find a Social Support NetworkCreate a group of people around you who want to help you

succeed.

Mentors- give you guidance and help you

develop new skills. Counselors-

help you with planning your courses Friends & Peers-

motivate you by listening and sharing ideas.

Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

Give yourself a quick reward when you complete an assignment or task.

Take a walk, send an e-mail, get a snack-whatever works for you. Then move on to the

next project.