Maintaining the motivation to study

Many accountancy students after the exams in June are able to put their studies aside until September when college courses restart. As a distance learner a week after the exams I sent off for my new course books and started to study my two new subjects. Six weeks later someway into the new courses I am finding it very hard to maintain the required motivation to study. I've been here before but somehow it seems more difficult this time. There are just too many distractions with the kids on school holiday and the summer weather encouraging me to be out and about rather than indoors studying.

When I first start a new course it seems refreshing to be learning something different rather than revising over and over the same material in preparation for the exams. It doesn’t take long for the novelty to wear off before I miss the comfort of studying a subject I understand and know well. The December exams are a long way off but I have to maintain the motivation to study and put in the hours in now. With family and work commitments I have to spread my studying throughout the year.

Marathon runners are know to 'hit the wall', which is the point where their body is telling them to stop and only mind over matter keeps them going. Earlier this week I feel as though I have 'hit the wall' with my studies and only extreme determination and rational thinking is going to keep me going.

My first tactic has been to remind myself of why I am studying. It helps to remember the benefits both in terms of status and financial that will result from become an accountant. It also helps to remind myself that my employer is paying for my course and in return expects me to take my studying seriously and complete the qualification. My employer is relying on me gaining the required skills so that I am able to make a full and useful contribution to the organisation.

Having reminded myself of the importance of my studies I then took at look at the practicalities of studying. It can be difficult to study in the evening when I am tired therefore a couple of mornings this week I got into work extremely early and did a couple of hours study when my brain is most alert. I looked again at my study timetable and have been more realistic about the hours I can put in during the summer when the kids are off school. Studying less over the summer will give me a break to some extent without having to completely put my books aside.

With so many courses to pass study fatigue is inevitable. Hopefully I can overcome this by reminding myself of the benefits of being an accountant and being practical about when I study. My intention is to focus on the next goal rather than thinking too far ahead about how many more courses I need to pass. Now like many other students I can just get on with worrying about the exam results!!

Comments

[rejoyce]

Thanks Angela

I find it motivating to network with other distance learners who maintain their motivation. I am a young married mother of two children (below 6) and i have a full time job. Whilst i'm working hard to have a comfortable life, i realise the need for me to pursue my studies and reach my career goals. However, the issue of motivation can be difficult to adress when you have a busy schedule. I agree that the best way is to stick to your timetable then everyone else will follow suit and you find that even the children will find something to do when you're studying. Distance learning is also very convenient and enables you to maintain the balance of a busy home life and a rewarding career. Keep motivating others.

Cheers
Rejoyce

[Rob Weaver]

Hi Angela,

Incase you have not come across it. There is a new Interative study buddy system launched from www.passacca.net. There is an article about it in this April's Student Accountant. As Director of the company who is responsible for it,I would appreciate your views on the system. In addition there are free audio downloads and paid audio downloads available to members on the site.

Thank you.
Rob

[Angela Jeffrey]

Hi Dzarina

I am a mature student who started to study for ACCA while working in a mainly non-financial job. From my experience I found it easier to study once I was in a financial role, it all made more sense! To gain the ACCA qualification it is essential to have practical experience therefore I suggest it makes sense to get some work experience as soon as possible.

Good luck with your job hunting.

[Dzarina]

Hye,I have a question...

I'm now in my last semester in Bachelor of Accountancy, after this, i was thinking to take ACCA. However, is it better for me to work first, getting some experience, or to go straight to taking ACCA?

I need a great advice from all of u..

[Angela Jeffrey]

Thanks for all the comments on maintaining the motivation to study, they are very helpful.

Chris asked me the question how do I stick to my timetable. I find that if a stick to a routine it becomes just a way of life. It also helps that family/friends know when I am studying so they don't disturb me but can expect to get my attention at other times.

Timetables don't work for everyone and we all need to flexible some time. Go with what works best for you and your other commitments.

[Scarlet]

I admire you. You are so bright. I think that you are always trying in your field.

[Christopher]

Thank you very much, i find this very helpful as I am employed full time and a student at the same time, i would want to know however, how do you stick to your time table?

Thank you,
Chris

[L.R. Persad]

Hi Angela,

As a person who did 80% of her studies through distance learning i could relate to ure blog. I am now a member but getting here wasnt easy. Like yourself we all come face to face with the motivation factor, but i see u have done well in thinking of some factors that can help pull you up when you're down, so i think u have all the points down there.

What i noticed though, was that u said one week after exams u were back to the books.For myself, whilest i did take a break after exams my break was three weeks. Yes i would work on getting my text, or maybe if my magazine came i would look at it but for 3wks no hard core studying. The first week i started back studying would be lite as i try to get my body re-accustomed to the routine but by the second week its definitely bucking down time.

The point am trying to make thus is that while studying we sometimes neglect our family and other social obligations. We are however, social beings and as accountants we dont only want the status and financial gains but also loved ones to share in our success. Maybe u could consider taking a little more time between exams.Once in a while when u feel de-motivated (in between the height of studying)take some YOU time... like one day for yourself having FUN and relaxing... then get back into it.. you would feel a rejuvinated drive towards your goal.

Some other points that helped me, especially near that last tough hurdle, was finding a study partner. We would support and encourage each other. Also i said 80% of my studying was distance learning the other 20% was in my finals (level 3 core papers) i took some block study school revision courses. Those were very valuable. Its like 5 full days in which you go through some of the major parts of the papers syallabus and do past papers. Maybe u could look into those if u havent already.

You would best know ure schedule and learning habits, but from your blog you sound like a driven and motivated individual ( and even the highest acheivers have some down moments.. its only human). Good luck in your exams. i have faith that you would succeed and the reward would be sweet.

Have a great day,
Ruth.