Being teaching at University, I see some of my students struggling completing their degree on time. Of course, completing a postgraduate degree is an incredible journey, but it can also be a overwhelming one. Having walked this path myself—through a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees, and a doctoral degree—I can honestly say that staying motivated is not always easy. Yet, it is possible and so rewarding. Here are some insights from my own experience that may help you remain focused and finish your postgraduate program on time.
1. Define Your “Why”
One of the most important lessons I learned over the years is the power of knowing your purpose. Why did you start this journey? For me, each degree represented not just professional advancement, but also a deep personal passion for learning and contributing to my field. Reminding myself of this purpose during tough times kept me grounded. Whether your motivation is career-related, personal growth, or a commitment to a cause, keeping your “why” front and center can sustain you through challenging periods.
2. Break It Down
Postgraduate programs often seem overwhelming due to their length and complexity, particularly a doctoral degree that takes years to complete. To manage this, I broke my goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, during my doctoral program, I focused on completing one chapter of my dissertation at a time. Each milestone, no matter how small, felt like a victory and built momentum.
3. Build a Support Network
No one completes a postgraduate degree in isolation. I leaned heavily on a network of peers, mentors, and friends who understood my struggles and offered encouragement. Joining study groups, attending seminars, and participating in academic communities provided both camaraderie and accountability. I remember how good it felt to be part of a community of fellow students, who went to the same situation like me. And today, even virtual connections can make a big difference.
4. Embrace Flexibility
While discipline is crucial, life happens. I’ve faced moments where rigid plans fell apart due to unforeseen circumstances. In those times, I learned to adapt without losing sight of my long-term goals. Adjusting deadlines, reassessing priorities, and giving myself permission to pause when necessary were vital to maintaining my mental health and motivation. For example once, during my doctorate, I was just so busy with working and teaching that I could not kept my own set deadline to finish important chapters in my doctorate. So I flew to holyday from UK to Thailand for four weeks. I set my plan to work on my thesis every morning for 4 hours. And the rest of the day I took my time to relax on the beach – guess what, I was able keep my deadline I set at the end because I made so much progress.
5. Celebrate Progress
Postgraduate studies can feel like a marathon, so celebrating progress along the way is essential. I made a point to reward myself for completing significant tasks, like submitting a thesis proposal or presenting at a conference. These moments of recognition kept me energized and reminded me of how far I had come. Often, after each completed assignment or module, I went out with friends and celebrated my own achievements.
6. Keep Your Eye on the Finish Line
Finally, envisioning the end result was probably the most powerful motivator. I often imagined the sense of accomplishment I would feel walking across the stage at graduation or seeing my research published. These mental images helped me push through moments of doubt and fatigue.
Completing a postgraduate degree requires resilience, not doubt about that, therefore focus, and a strong sense of purpose is key. It’s not always an easy road, but it is a deeply rewarding one. By staying connected to your motivation, breaking the journey into achievable steps, and seeking support when needed, you can navigate this challenge and emerge stronger on the other side. If I could do it, so can you.
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