Fresh Starts

How To Maintain Motivation And Sustain Momentum In Your Studies This Year

The start of a new year is often seen as the perfect time to lay the groundwork for our study goals for the rest of the year – whether through goal setting, intention or the age-old New Year’s resolution.

While 3 out of 4 people in the UK reportedly set New Year’s resolutions for 2025, historical data shows that only about 10% of us successfully follow through. While this may seem discouraging, there is a silver lining: by understanding the science of motivation, we can apply proven strategies to achieve our goals and maintain momentum throughout the year.

Find Your Why

Staying motivated begins with reconnecting to your core purpose—the reason you chose your subject in the first place. If you are studying psychology, whether driven by a passion for mental health or a deep curiosity about human behaviour, both motivations are equally valuable and meaningful. This personal connection to your subject serves as the foundation for setting concrete, actionable goals, such as SMART goals.

Set SMART Goals

SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound – and they can be a great tool to stay on track with your goals as a distance learner. If you want to improve your grades in Maths over a term, set a SMART goal such as ‘I will aim to improve my assignment grades by two grades this term by spending an extra 20 minutes a day focusing on areas of the Maths syllabus I find challenging.’

Adopt A flexible Approach To Your Studies

Brian Tracy, author of Eat That Frog, recommends tackling your most challenging task first thing in the morning to boost motivation. Completing the hardest task first often makes the rest of your work feel more manageable.

But on days when energy is low or you’re not feeling well, it might be more effective to start with a smaller, more enjoyable task. Choose a module or activity that can be completed in just 5-15 minutes. These small wins not only help build momentum but also give you a sense of accomplishment that can propel you through the rest of the day.

Practice Self-compassion

Everyone struggles with motivation from time to time. Setbacks and low-energy days are normal. If you struggle with motivation or enthusiasm occasionally, remember to be kind to yourself, acknowledge your efforts, and recognise that your future self will thank you for the positive actions you take today.

On days when motivation wanes, take a moment to reflect and identify the underlying cause—perhaps burnout, stress, or a lack of clarity on your goals is the culprit. Understanding the root of these feelings allows you to develop strategies for overcoming these obstacles moving forward.

Distance learning offers lots of flexibility, so one option might be to adjust your study schedule to the times of day that most suit you. You could also work with your tutor, a family member or a trusted mentor to set smaller, more achievable goals. Good habits like eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising, and taking breaks are key to staying motivated. Rest, beyond just sleep, is also crucial for productivity. Whether it’s reading, painting, chatting with a friend, or doing a puzzle—whatever helps you unwind should be prioritised and woven into your day.

When you’re feeling recharged, you’ll find it easier to make sound decisions, stay focused, and approach this year’s study goals with renewed energy and determination.

By building healthy habits and maintaining a positive mindset, you’ll be equipped to tackle whatever challenges the year brings.