When working on my MFA degree I was working full-time during the day and working full-time every other moment as a student. I regularly went to work early, skipped my lunch break, stayed up late, turned down invitations, went to the library, and studied like it was my job. 

My point? It’s hard to balance college, work, family, and the rest of life. I studied because I wanted to…

• learn something new.

• be better at my current job.

• set a positive example for my kids.

• earn an A.

• get a better job.

• make more money.

• finish school early.

• be proud of myself.

• prove I could do it.

All of those motivators were about me and what I wanted. They were never about a course or assignment.

Stop focusing on the specifics of what is in front of you (courses, exams, papers, etc) and focus on the future in front of you. Don’t think about the assignment you have to do or even the course you are in. Think big picture. Spend 5 minutes today and make a list of what you want from your degree. 

Why do you want a degree?

What does your future look like with a degree?

How does this degree change things for you and your family?

How will you feel with a degree?

Taken from collegestudysmarts.com