As a student at LSE, the workload can be challenging at times. So how can you keep yourself motivated to make sure you don’t burn out? In this blog, I will discuss some of my tried and tested top strategies for staying motivated under pressure.

1. Set clear achievable goals

I often find it very daunting to have one large goal, as it can be hard to know where to start. I find that breaking larger tasks down into more achievable goals can be a great way to organise your work. Not only does this ensure that you will be able to stay on top of your work, but it can also make it much more rewarding.

2. Reward yourself

The workload can get tough and overwhelming sometimes, so it is fundamental that you reward yourself for your achievements, no matter how big or small. At the end of each set of goals achieved, I like to reward myself with something I enjoy. This can be as simple as making a hot chocolate or going out for dinner with friends. Giving yourself something to look forward to at the end of each task can be a great driver to complete your work.

3. Stay organised

Managing your workload is crucial to prevent it from becoming overwhelming. To stay organised I like to use Google Planner. However, there are plenty of other organisation tools out there. Having the tasks written down makes it much easier to conceptualise the work that needs to be done. Moreover, it enables you to tick your work off as you go along. I find that ticking off my work and being able to see what I have achieved enables me to get a greater sense of accomplishment after completing a task.

4. Find a study buddy

Spending hours of your day completing university readings can get a bit tiresome sometimes. However, it does not have to be this way. Sharing and discussing your work with your friends can not only allow you to understand the content better but can also make studying much more engaging.

Another great method is getting an accountability partner. Having someone to make sure you complete the tasks that you have set yourself is a great way to make sure you stay on track. This can be anyone from your friend or sibling. Ideally, thoughm it should be someone that can easily meet up with you weekly to discuss what you have achieved.

5. Seek support when needed

If you’re ever struggling with keeping on top of your studies or need help understanding a concept, make sure to reach out for help. There are many people at LSE, that are often more than willing to give a helping hand. If it is something small I often reach out to my peers, who, as studying the same course, often face the same challenges, and have often come up with great solutions to overcome them. Although, if I am facing a more complicated issue I often go to LSE LIFE. LSE LIFE is a very useful support system at LSE that can help you with various concerns from academic skills to personal skills. Online and in-person one-to-one sessions can be booked with an LSE LIFE advisor, making it a great accessible way to access support when needed.

6. Harness your passion

Sometimes it can be easy to get caught up in the workload of university work and forget about why you are there. In times like this it’s important to remind yourself about the reasons you chose to undertake your course, and how it can help you pursue your goals beyond university.