Are you still motivated?

Unisa first-year journey e-mails: number 8

Are you still motivated?

In previous weeks, we focused on some of the tools you need to be a successful Unisa student, including

• getting ready for your study journey
• connecting online
• knowing more about yourself and your habits
• planning your studies and learning more effectively
• negotiating support for your studies

It's important to have these tools, but it's just as important to have the self-confidence and motivation to finish what you've started. Do you believe that you have what it takes to complete your Unisa studies?

Our focus this week is on helping you to stay motivated on your Unisa study journey.

What's the big deal about self-confidence? What you think about yourself and what you believe you are capable of will influence how much you invest in your studies. Are you battling a little with your studies? Do you feel like a failure because you can't get something right? Or are you worried about contacting your lecturer or e-tutor, because you're concerned about what they might say about you?

Activity 1: Work on your self-confidence

Your self-confidence is mostly shaped by your personal experiences - your relationships with your parents and siblings, how you relate to your peers and how you compare yourself to others.

• Have a look at how you can build your self-confidence.
• Write down 10 things you are proud of about yesterday. Easy? Difficult? You might have found this activity quite difficult, because we tend to focus on the negative (or things that went wrong) instead of appreciating the things we do well. Try to do this activity every day and start to take notice of the things you can be proud of.

Activity 2: Try to stay motivated

Let's be honest. There will be times when you just don't feel like studying or times when you won't be able to stick to your study schedule. This is normal. Just remind yourself why you are studying and make a plan to get back on track with your studies. Read more about study motivation.

Special activity

Join us for a live broadcast between 14:30 and 15:30 on Wednesday 2 May 2018 entitled "Preparing for exams". To watch the live broadcast, click here (or use this link: http://portal.joininvideo.com#/player/f265dbd2-acad-4de3-945c-1e99ea154365/1038) during the specified time. We suggest that you read the guidelines, click on the link above and register before the start of the live broadcast.

Next week

Our focus for next week is on reflecting on your progress and on exam preparation. To contact the university, click here.

All the best for your studies this week!