Motivation Isn't One Thing
7:00 minute read
Take the next step you want
There’s no one right way to stay motivated.
Sometimes it helps to pause and ask, “What’s still driving me?” or “What do I want to feel proud of at the end of this?”
Even a small shift in focus can help you move forward with more purpose. Let’s explore what keeps you going.
Click on the sections below to explore your "why".
Staying Motivated
Your motivation is the energy that keeps you moving toward your degree. Here’s a simple way to strengthen it and keep it alive:
1. Name Your Why
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Why are you returning to college? Career growth? Personal fulfillment? Setting an example for your family?
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Write down 1–2 clear reasons — the ones that feel most meaningful to you.
💡 Tip: Put these somewhere visible — on your desk, in your notes app, or even on a sticky note.
2. Picture Your Finish Line
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Imagine yourself graduating and living the life you want afterward.
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Ask yourself: “What do I want to be true about myself when I finish?”
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Write these down next to your goals. They’re reminders of what you’re working toward.
3. Break It Into Wins
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Big goals can feel overwhelming — so turn them into smaller milestones.
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Ask: “What’s the very next step I can take?”
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Write down a few immediate steps and celebrate each one as you check it off.
Coaching Tip: Share your goals with someone who can encourage you — a coach, a friend, or a family member.
Exploring Your Path: The Strategy Box Exercise
Designed as a simple yet insightful tool, this exercise guides you through thoughtful consideration of your past experiences and future aspirations. Understanding what your 'why' was for previous goals, and the steps you took towards success, can help shape your journey today.
Lissette's Story
Motherhood takes a lot. There’s joy in it, but it’s constant work, especially with a full-time job and college classes. That’s why Lissette left school the first time. Now she’s back, with help from her ReUp Success Coach. She shares her "why" with us and what’s different this time.
Coaching Your Why
Coach Taylor reflects on how a learner’s “why” connects to their values, how it can change over time, and how understanding it can guide both academic progress and future goals.
