Words of Encouragement for All College Moms

College moms face unique challenges when going back to school. I wanted to share some encouragement that might help in reaching your academic goals. I always believe that "tough times don't last always, but tough people do." Here is a short video ...

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College moms face unique challenges when going back to school. I wanted to share some encouragement that might help in reaching your academic goals. I always believe that “tough times don’t last always, but tough people do.”

Here is a short video of encouragement for all the hardworking college moms.

Going back to school and need support?

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Featured Diva: Latagia, Masters Degree & Graduate Certificate

Please tell Back to School Divas a little bit about yourself and your back to school story. What made you go back to school? What makes your back to school experience unique?  My name is Latagia Copeland-Tyronce and I am a long t...

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Please tell Back to School Divas a little bit about yourself and your back to school story. What made you go back to school? What makes your back to school experience unique? 

My name is Latagia Copeland-Tyronce and I am a long time and well known parental rights activist, parent mentor/coach, child welfare reformist/abolitionist, writer, blogger, founder, president, and executive director of the National African American Families First and Preservation Association (also known as NAFPA). I am 33 years old and currently reside in Detroit MI though I am actually from Toledo Ohio. I am happily married to an ordained minister and gospel musician Mr. Laverne Tyronce Sr. I am the proud mother of eight (six girls and two boys ranging in age from 15 down to 3) and come from an extremely low-income family and background. I was a teen mom (I had my first daughter at 17) who dropped out of school in the 10th grade and decided to go back to school in my early twenties. I received my GED when I was 23 while pregnant with my 4th child and started college at 24 shortly after the death of my mother who was my only support system. I am a domestic violence survivor who unjustly lost seven of my children to the racist child welfare system in Ohio (which removes Black children sky-high rates and more than most other states) several years ago and while in college which leads me to become the macro social worker, writer/blogger and parental rights advocate and activist that I am today. My work, experiences, the story has been featured in several online and print publications including rising Magazine, Psychology Today, and SWHelper dot com. I become the first person in my family to graduate from college in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration with Honors from Mercy College of Ohio (I also have an associate’s degree in general studies as well as a minor in Psychology from the same institution). I recently graduated with my Masters in Social Work in 2018 from Wayne State University (I also have a graduate certificate from WSU and am currently pursuing another master’s degree and graduate certificate). Challenges that I experienced (many I still experience as a graduate student) and had to overcome include CPS involvement, mental health issues (grief, depression, and severe PTSD), homelessness, lack of support system, motherhood, chronic illness/pain, and new and other professional obligations outside of school such as being an activist, writer, advocate and running my organization. I believe that being a former foster child (studies concluded that less than 3 percent of all foster children graduate from college) as well as all that I have been through while pursuing my college and graduate school career is what makes my experience unique and inspiring to others.

Tell us about some time management, study, or money-saving tips that helped you make it to where you are in your journey.

I really didn’t have any other than find places (destruction-free zones) where you can study and do classwork. If you need help get it early don’t wait! I also always bought used books.

If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?

You can do whatever you put your mind to. If you start be prepared to finish. Have a plan A through C. Don’t let the costs stop you from pursuing your education. Don’t let things not being exactly the way you’d like them to stop you from starting school because you’ll never ever start as life and your situation will never be perfect.

 

The heart of our mission is to encourage other women on their back to school journeys. The goal of Featured Diva is to celebrate women who are making their academic dreams come true in hopes that other women will find encouragement to strive toward their goals. 

Woman studying in a coffeeshop

Tips for Managing ADHD in College

Woman studying in a coffeeshop

ADHD, also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is an extremely common neurodevelopmental disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood. However, ADHD can be diagnosed in adults, too. Because ADHD can make it hard to focus, it ca...

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ADHD, also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is an extremely common neurodevelopmental disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood. However, ADHD can be diagnosed in adults, too.

Because ADHD can make it hard to focus, it can have an impact on your college career. With so much of your day-to-day schedule determined by you, you want access to the best tools for success.

Want to know how you can improve your college performance with ADHD? In the Back to School Divas Facebook group, members had a few helpful tips to share!

 

Medication

A specialist may prescribe you medication to manage your symptoms. Depending on your situation, you may either be prescribed stimulants, which are fast-acting and highly effective, or non-stimulants, which are not as potent but have longer lasting effects.

 

 

Bullet Journaling and Planners

Keeping journals, planners and diaries are a great way to keep track of your schedule and keep yourself accountable. It is especially helpful to students, who need to constantly keep track of various exams, projects and presentations that are coming up. It can help you focus on the most important tasks before tackling smaller, more tedious tasks. Since ADHD tends to cause a short attention span and difficulty learning, writing down thoughts, ideas and lists – even on your mobile device – can be an effective way to increase your productivity.

Looking to invest in a planner or journal? Click here to check out some of the best options available online today!

 

 

Physical Activity & Self-Care

Exerting some of your extra energy can be a great way to tire your brain, allowing you to practice your focusing techniques. College students especially are prone to long hours of physical inactivity, causing stress, boredom and a feeling or restlessness. Exercises such as running, swimming, and biking are all great options for breaking a sweat. If you are looking for a more calming activity that can also help you improve your mood, you can try yoga or meditation.

Check out this article to learn some of the best exercises to help combat the effects of ADHD!

 

 

See a Therapist

There is absolutely no shame in getting help when you need it! Seeing a therapist and speaking to them about your symptoms and coping mechanisms can help you vent your frustrations and improve your mindset.

 

 

Know Your Limits

Everyone is different so comparing your form of ADHD with someone else’s is a losing battle. If you’re struggling to keep up with schoolwork, consider asking for extra help outside of class hours or decrease the number of classes you have in general. Learn to take breaks when you need it, as being well rested will undoubtedly help you with your focus. Be kind to yourself and forgive the mistakes you make along the way.

 

There are many ways to help relieve the stress and anxiety that come with an ADHD diagnosis. Living with this disorder is totally doable and, although college can seem daunting and difficult, you can experiment with all the suggestions above, until you find something that works for YOU!

 

woman in college on computer

How Coronavirus is Impacting College Towns

woman in college on computer

Even in the era of a deadly pandemic, the excitement of college season hasn’t dwindled among students across the country. For freshman students, going away to college has been a dream for years. It's a vision promise...

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Even in the era of a deadly pandemic, the excitement of college season hasn’t dwindled among students across the country. For freshman students, going away to college has been a dream for years. It’s a vision promised to them after the long road to high school graduation. For returning students, a degree is the promise of a better future. Yet, the 2020 fall semester has been anything but a dream for many.

 

Increased COVID Cases on Campus

 

Projections released by PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in late August suggested that large Midwestern cities would enter the fall with weekly cases nearly 10 times the rate of infection as the spring in Europe. Meanwhile, schools in Alabama, California, and Georgia have already reported hundreds of positive cases in the first few weeks of the back to school season.

 

In fact, a New York Times conducted a survey of 1,600 American colleges and universities that included every four-year public institution, every private college that competes in NCAA sports, and others. They reported that 88,000 cases and 60 deaths had been reported since the pandemic began. Most of the deaths, it was revealed, were those of college employees.

 

Due to COVID concerns, many schools are opting for online courses or a blend of in-person and online courses. Fall sports have been postponed or cancelled altogether. The Big Ten announced on September 16 a return to college football beginning October 24. NCAA basketball will resume on November 25. 

 

The Financial Impact of COVID on Schools

 

Still, it isn’t just classes and sports that are threatened because of the virus.

 

According to reports by NPR, at least 20% of universities are putting students back in classrooms for in-person classes this fall as COVID-19 cases surge across the country. 16% of schools are offering a blend of in-person and online experiences. The reason for that, it is reported, is often financial for schools.

 

While universities charge for tuition, dining, and room and board, among other fees, some schools – particularly small, private institutions – can only manage to be profitable when enrollment is high. College athletic programs can be a huge draw for new students and sports lovers. However, when playing seasons aren’t promised, enrollment may be lower. Safety concerns from parents and students alike may lead to lower enrollment as well.

 

For many colleges, in-person students are the lifeline to staying in business. For small college towns in rural locations, students may be the lifeline for the city’s economy. This year, COVID may not just be affecting student learning, but the wellbeing of entire communities as well.

 

What will all of this mean for the future of universities and students? Projections suggest that colleges may move to virtual-first experiences and enhanced outdoor safety protocols to bring students back to dorms and sporting events. Students may have the ability in the future to opt for a number of in-person learning hours per semester, with the rest being virtual. In the meantime, stay tuned for information from your university to see what changes may develop this school year.

President Trump giving thumbs up at convention

What Trump’s Executive Order Could Mean for Your 2020 Student Loans

President Trump giving thumbs up at convention

Student Loan Deferment Under the CARES Act

In March of this year, the U.S. federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act. This legislature included many benefits, including a s...

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Student Loan Deferment Under the CARES Act

In March of this year, the U.S. federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act. This legislature included many benefits, including a stimulus payment and deferment of student loan payments and 0% interest until September 30th.

 

When the CARES Act expired on July 31, many of its benefits expired, too. Starting August 1, the race was on in Congress to pass a new law that would extend benefits and help keep Americans float. No agreement was found before Congress went on their late summer break. That meant millions of Americans were left out in the cold until they return to deliberate after Labor Day in September.

 

Trump’s Executive Order on Student Loan Payment Relief

On August 8, Trump released a series of executive orders meant to help bridge the gap. Among them was an order to extend student loan deferment until December 31, 2020.

 

Read the full executive order on student loan payment relief on the White House website.

 

Under CARES, federal loan repayments were suspended with 0% interest rates through September 30th. Students who owe money can still repay (if you are a student and you can afford to keep making payments, you should take advantage as payments are directed 100% to your principal loan amount). However, if you’ve been furloughed, laid off, or otherwise don’t have income, you don’t have to worry.

 

That is, of course, until September 30th. Once that date comes, these benefits will expire. Trump’s executive order on student loan payments now extends this benefit.

 

What’s in the Executive Order on Student Loan Payments?

Student loan payments are deferred with 0% interest until December 31, 2020. If you choose to continue making payments, you can. It’s also worth noting that the executive order does not include student loan forgiveness.

Remember that this may change. The second stimulus proposals that were in discussion before Congress went on break may include new student loan relief that could override the order. That will likely be decided in September.

 

What Does the Executive Order Do?

An executive order is a mandate passed by the President. Unlike other laws, Congress does not have to approve, and they can’t easily revoke it. As long as the order does not break any laws, it is considered a lawful order. But this doesn’t mean it will go into effect right away. The Secretary of State, Betsy DeVos, is responsible for taking action on the order. The order doesn’t state how she should go about putting the order into effect. If she chooses to, she can fight back against the order in court to prevent implementing it.

 

School can be stressful, with or without worrying about student loan payments. Read our tips on dealing with stress from doctors in this blog post.

How Can I Learn More About the Executive Order?

Here are a few helpful articles that can help you explore this topic:

Forbes: Student Loans Are Paused – Some Borrowers Are Confused

CNBC: Trump extended federal student loan relief—here’s what financial experts say you should do if you qualify

Bankrate: Trump’s executive orders extend student loan relief, with some exceptions

Pregnant + MBA? This Mom’s Experience in B-School

We love hearing from our Divas! In this blog post, we sat down Elois Joseph to discuss her back to school journey as a soon-to-be mom in an MBA program. This weekend warrior inspires us to step out in faith and pursue our goals no matter what! &nb...

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We love hearing from our Divas! In this blog post, we sat down Elois Joseph to discuss her back to school journey as a soon-to-be mom in an MBA program. This weekend warrior inspires us to step out in faith and pursue our goals no matter what!

 

Keep reading for your own inspiration.

 

Q: What made you go back for your MBA?

A: I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I’d worked for the same company for more than a decade. I thought my patience and loyalty would put me in a position to advance. After patiently waiting for almost a decade with no advancement, I decided it was time to move on. I also realized that my skills and ideas were stale and that my confidence was low. I knew that if I wanted to compete in today’s job market, that I needed to reinvent myself.

 

Q: Did future family plans play a part in your staying in your position for so long?

A: Not at all. I had too much faith in my manager/company.

 

Q: Gotcha. What was your MBA program like?

A: I did the “Executive” format which worked for me. That meant 8 hours of class time on Saturdays.

 

Q: Was it hard being in class so long being pregnant at the same time?

A: I was being so fulfilled and having my confidence renewed with my new skills that it didn’t bother me one bit. Not to mention the school was 40 miles away so it took an hour to get there, and 2.5 hours to get home due to traffic. I also didn’t want to let my cohort down or show a sign of not being able to handle it all. But I had a great pregnancy which helped a lot.

 

 

Q: That is definitely a blessing! What about your educational journey do you think being pregnant made unique.

A: We had a capstone project for a final project, as opposed to a thesis. The company, Scot Forge, was quite a distance from home so on site meetings in my last term made me nervous only because I was carrying an 11 pound baby that I delivered about 7 days after graduation.

 

 

Q: What made you continue knowing that being pregnant would present more challenges?

A: I never thought that being pregnant would present challenges. I had a great pregnancy so I moved through the school, work, pregnancy flow rather gracefully. Another great motivator was based on statistics. Black girl from the hood-hood of Chicago, single mom, absent father— you know how the story goes. Then to be told that I could never have kids, and to work in a non-diverse sector like the financial industry for 20 years, I was in beast mode. In theory, My life was sort of set up to fail. I was driven…a real corporate go getter and very much of a “I can do anything a man can do” type personality. So to do all of these things; work, school, pregnant, I was on fire. No weapon formed against me stood a chance.

 

Q: What was your support system like?

A: Excellent support system. It was just my husband and I so he was cool and very supportive of me going to school 8 hours, every Saturday for two years. Once I was finished, he was inspired and enrolled in school.

 

Q: What tips do you have for any of our Divas either going back to school or thinking about going back to school while pregnant?

A: Do it. Even if you have to take part time hours to make it work for your life, do it. Take advantage of employers’ tuition reimbursement. It may seem like a long journey, but it goes by so quickly. If you’re not an entrepreneur, an education will increase your knowledge/skills and open up many doors. I’m very pro-education. Even if you are an entrepreneur education will make sure that your skills are never stale. NEVER allow your skills to become stale and outdated and stop fighting glass ceilings. Always invest in yourself and remain competitive with an education and trending skills.

 

 

 

 

 

5 Ways To Overcome Test Anxiety

Have you ever studied very hard for your tests only to get into the exam room and your mind goes blank, literally? And, as if that’s not enough, your palms become sweaty and the stomach starts to ramble? These are Read more

Have you ever studied very hard for your tests only to get into the exam room and your mind goes blank, literally? And, as if that’s not enough, your palms become sweaty and the stomach starts to ramble? These are classic signs that you have test anxiety. Continue reading to learn some simple ways to manage your test anxiety effectively.

What Is Test Anxiety?

Feeling a bit nervous when you are about to take a test is normal, but for some back to school moms, it is a debilitating experience. According to VeryWell Mind.com, test anxiety is “a psychological condition in which people experience extreme distress and anxiety in testing situations.” Whether you are sitting for your AP exam, an ACT, or even an important final paper, test anxiety can derail months and years of hard work.

How do you know that you have test anxiety?

Test anxiety can be manifested through your body, emotions, and thoughts. The best way to find out whether you have test anxiety is to watch out for cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms. The physical signs include a racing heart, nausea, shortness of breath, excessive breathing, dizziness, headache, tense muscles, and dry mouth. The emotional signs include anger, fear, disappointment, shame, guilt, and a feeling of helplessness. The cognitive signs, on the other hand, include difficulty concentrating, self-comparison, racing thoughts, negative experiences, and at times, blanking out.

If you have intense test anxiety, you are at risk of not only failing the test but also experiencing a panic attack. It is important, therefore, that you be conscious to avoid test anxiety. If how do I deal with test anxiety is your major concern, here are a few actionable tips to help you address this problem.

Test Anxiety Management Tips 

Prior to establishing ways of dealing with test anxiety, it would be important to know what causes anxiety, in the first place. You are likely to experience test anxiety if you do not get adequate prep time, are afraid of failure, or have had a prior bad experience with tests.

The following tips will help you overcome test anxiety:

1. Prepare Well

Perhaps, getting prepared for a test seems like an obvious thing, but it requires proper planning. For most of us, we are bombarded with responsibilities everywhere we turn. So, it is important that you have a proper schedule.  Preparing well for a test will give you the confidence you need to walk into any test confidently. But, how do you prepare well?

Studying much earlier is more productive than cramming at the last minute. Additionally, it is important to establish what works for you when preparing for tests. Establishing a consistent pretest routine eases the level of your stress and helps you prepare well for the test.

3 Ways You Can Use Your Devices To Maximize Productivity

2. Get Enough Sleep

There is a direct relationship between academic performance and sleep. One of the mistakes that most students do is imagine that they can read and grasp everything overnight, especially the days towards a test. Reading a lot within a very short time will only confuse you. In fact, pulling an all-nighter will strain your nerves. It is important that you have enough night’s sleep – 9-10 hours. It not only helps you walk into the test with enough energy but also guarantees optimal performance. 

3. Adopt an Effective Relaxation Technique

It can be hard for most back to school moms to stay calm before and during a test. Various relaxation techniques can help you ease your nervousness. Adopt a relaxation technique that works for you. It could be breathing deeply, relaxing your muscles, or even learning to think about positive outcomes with your eyes closed.

4. Practice Self-care

You will more likely to experience high test anxiety if your overall anxiety is high. The implication is that if you can lower your anxiety, you will not have to worry about test anxiety. Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising are some helpful ways to manage stress. For example, to be calm a few days toward the date of the test, you can adopt a personal wellness plan.

Saying “No” to Stress with Priorities Check-In

5. Ask for Help

Do not shy away from asking for test anxiety management help. Talk to your test consultants, professors, teachers, as well as your family members and friends and you will find it reassuring to take your tests. They can offer you valuable information for your test preparation. 

Most mental health professionals and counselors can help you address negative thoughts while preparing for your tests. In addition, you should have any form of disability that could interfere with your learning and preparing for the test, it is recommendable you ask for the necessary test accommodations.

Managing test anxiety is not something you can achieve in a day; it should be a continuous process. Start by taking great care of yourself, understanding that it is okay to make mistakes but learn from them, think positively, and you will be in control the next time you are taking a test. Above all, find a group of like-minded individuals such as the Back to School Divas Facebook Community to act as your support system.

Follow Back to School Divas via Facebook or click here to join the Back to School Divas FB Group to get advice on all of your degree questions in real-time!

How this woman makes $140K a year with JUST a 2 year Degree

How THIS woman makes $140K A Year WITH a 2 year Degree

You thought going back to school would be a step toward a bigger paycheck, but you found out that the idea wasn’t all it was hyped up to be? You’ve got mountains of student debt and...

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How THIS woman makes $140K A Year WITH a 2 year Degree

You thought going back to school would be a step toward a bigger paycheck, but you found out that the idea wasn’t all it was hyped up to be? You’ve got mountains of student debt and degree after degree and you haven’t even cracked 6 figures yet?

 

As costs of a college education rise and salaries seem to stagnate, many women are realizing that going to school longer for the traditional 4-year degree doesn’t necessarily help them bring in the big bucks. In some cases, it only helps them get into more debt.

 

LendEdu analyzed a College Pulse survey of 7,000 college students from nearly 1,000 colleges and universities and found that students, on average, expect to earn $60,000 in their first job out of college.

 

But a recent survey from LendEdu shows actual salaries are closer to $50,000.

 

Yet, there is hope for those who are looking to follow a less traditional route.

 

Read the interview below to learn how Neece Lewis, age 32, was able to turn a 2-year degree in Industrial Systems Technology into a $140K a year job in Nuclear Power.

 

Back to School Divas: Nuclear Power is such a non-traditional field for women. What made you decide to go in that direction?
Neece Lewis: Lol! I get that question more than you know but truth be told…I wanted to try something different. I found no interest in the conventional jobs that were for women.

I loved math but didn’t want to be behind a desk. I loved figuring out things and how they work but absolutely hated the idea of sitting behind a screen all day. So, I actually started off as a mechanic and all of these men thought I was a joke with my nails and hair but I was good… damn good…

Later I had the opportunity to work in the nuclear field. In this field, they usually promote within and I passed every test I sat down to take. So, now I’m here as a Nuclear System Operator and I absolutely love it…

What program did you attend?
I went to a local community college named Wallace Community College (WCC)…I majored in Industrial Systems Technology.
But nuclear power can be so broad that anything in science, technology, engineering, or maintenance can get you a foot through the door.

How old were you when you started the program?
I was 26 when I returned to school (32 now). I graduated when I was 32.

I was the same age when I graduated! What is the best way to get into the field of Nuclear Power?
Experience or a certification/degree that relates to technology, engineering, maintenance, or engineering. They need more women as they are currently trying to make this field more diverse. So, being a woman gets you a leg up.

How is work-life balance?
Ehhh… I personally love it. I do work shift work which I know a lot of people don’t like but my regular work schedule consists of me working only 14-16 days a month (either days or nights…12 hr shifts)…but they give us ample amount of vacation days where I can reduce that if I’d like to and we have extra help on shift if you should have to leave for any emergencies…

Do you have children also?
Yes. Two (a daughter-7, a son-10)

Awwww, how old were they when you started the program?
Lol!! My daughter was 2 and my son was 5.

Oh, wow! Was it hard to manage them and the Industrial Systems Technology program as well?
Yes! I can’t lie. I was a single parent and had no help from their bio fathers. The program work, itself, was pretty easy and it consisted of a lot of hands-on work. Juggling that, working, and my kids is what made it hard. I also received a scholarship that would pay me 11$/hr at 20 hours a week but it wasn’t enough to care for my children so I ended up having to work 2 jobs and go to school.

There are a lot of companies that are invested in these types of programs at community colleges because this field is needed. They paid for all my tuition and school supplies/tools…and when I graduated, they gave me a full-time job with beginning pay at 26$/hr! So it was worth it in the end.

It sounds like it! Do you know if any of those companies specifically?
I don’t…it usually depends on the school so, the admissions department would be a great place to ask for all that info

Anything else you want to add that you think other women might need to know?
There are a lot of unconventional jobs that we can be awesome at. Women are needed! We tend to have a gift of attention to detail! We are more than teachers, social workers, and nurses. We are engineers, we are doctors…we are important. These other industries need us.

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. I’m sure this will help many of our readers!
Thank you ❤️

 

Follow Back to School Divas via Facebook or click here to join the Back to School Divas FB Group to get advice on all of your degree questions in real-time!

 

Do you have a high earning degree? Tell us about it in the comments!

African American woman smiling wearing cap and gown and holding diploma

6 Steps to Building Better Study Habits This Spring

African American woman smiling wearing cap and gown and holding diploma

When you think about building new habits, you probably think about the New Year. After all, this is the time where we all take a good look at our lives and see things that we want to change. However, most people drop out early and do...

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When you think about building new habits, you probably think about the New Year. After all, this is the time where we all take a good look at our lives and see things that we want to change. However, most people drop out early and don’t pursue their resolutions during the rest of the year.

 

So, how can you change this? How can you ensure that you build good habits on any occasion and not only think about them in when the New Year rolls around? Learn the best ways to stay productive on the go with good habits.

The Step-by-Step Process to Building Good Habits

Step #1: Define And Focus On Just One New Habit

Most of us have different habits that we want to change. However, if you try to change them all at the same time, you’re more likely to end up failing. With this in mind, it is a much better approach to simply focus on one new habit that you want to build.

The key to determining the first new habit you want to implement in your life is to think of something that you can do all the time and that fits your daily life. That could be a 15-minute walk every lunch break, swapping soda for flavored water, or going to bed 30 minus earlier.

Step #2: Make A Commitment:

One of the most important things that you need to do when you are building a new habit is simply commit to it. You can even tell your friends that you will do this or that for the rest of your life. If you don’t mean it, it won’t do you any good.  Besides, building a habit is more about doing than it is about telling. So, commit to your new habit for at least 30 days.

Step #3: Connect Your New Habit To An Established One:

Motivation rarely lasts. So, what you should do to help make a new habit stick is that you should anchor your new habit to an established one. Unless you do that, you will see your motivation decrease day after day. On the other hand, if you focus on continuing the habit without fail, it will come to a point where it is simply natural. Try pairing your desired action with a habit you already have to improve your motivation.

Tell yourself something like “after dropping kids off at school, I will take a walk around the building.”

Step #4: Take Baby Steps:

Even though you may be eager to build a new habit, the reality is that it will take you time for your brain to see this new habit as natural. So, the best thing you can do is to take baby steps. This way, you will be introducing the new habit in your life slowly but consistently. Just think of things such as waking up each morning 5 minutes earlier or eating one serving of vegetables each day. While these might seem to be very simple, this is exactly why they work.

Step #5: Dealing With Obstacles:

When you think of building a new habit, you are incredibly motivated. However, your motivation tends to start decreasing unless you keep focusing yourself on committing to this new habit every day.

The truth is that you will always end up dealing with obstacles and the best way to deal with them is to prevent them. Some of the most common obstacles include space, weather, time, pain, self-consciousness, and costs.

So, the best approach is to be prepared to deal with them when they come. Let’s say that you decided that your new habit will be to run outdoors every single day for 30 minutes. Everything is going well until the day it rains. Instead of skipping your run, you could plan that you will go to the gym instead.

Step #6: Reward Yourself:

When you want to make sure that you build a new habit, there is nothing better than rewarding yourself when you reach the target. Remember that you don’t need to break the bank to treat yourself. It can simply be doing something you love or going out with your loved one.

Are you working to improve your study habits? UniversityWriting911 is here to help with resources for creating and polishing A+ worthy essays and more.

Woman listening to headphones on a commute

10 Best Audiobooks & Podcasts to Get Motivated

Woman listening to headphones on a commute

Daily life and daily routines can simply wear you down. And when you have one of those days when nothing goes right, you tend to feel even worse. No matter if you have an argument with a friend, if your teenager has a bad day, or if ...

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Daily life and daily routines can simply wear you down. And when you have one of those days when nothing goes right, you tend to feel even worse. No matter if you have an argument with a friend, if your teenager has a bad day, or if your boss just took the day to criticize your work.

 

The reality is that we all have days like these. And when we have them, the best thing you can do is to motivate yourself. But how?

 

One of the best things you can do is to listen to an inspirational and motivational audiobook or podcast. While there are a lot of great options out there, we hand-selected the 10 best audiobooks and podcasts to get motivated.

 

#1:  The 10X Rule By Grant Cardone

When you are feeling down and you need that extra push to motivate you, you can be sure that The 10X Rule will do it. This audiobook is meant for people who like to think for themselves and question their own decisions and actions as a way to improve.

 

#2:  The 12 Week Year By Bruan P. Moran

This is another amazing audiobook that we are sure is going to motivate you even on your worst days. The main goal of this audiobook is to teach you how to stay focused on your actions.

 

According to the author, “execution is the single greatest market differentiator.” and it’s what makes the difference between people who accomplish their goals and the ones that don’t.

 

#3:  Changeability By Kathryn Bryant And Julian Illman

This weekly podcast is really something. In their weekly podcasts, the hosts provide techniques, tools, and interviews to help you make positive changes in your own life. From setting goals to improving mind management, improving physical health, are just some of the topics covered.

 

#4:  Rich Dad Poor Dad By Robert T. Kiyosaki

This is probably one of the most popular books of the last decade. And you can now have it as an audiobook and we are certain that you’re going to love it.

While this audiobook is more related to thinking about money from a different perspective, the reality is that you can get the motivation you need if you stop working for the money, as the author says.

 

#5:  The School of Greatness

Lewis Howes, a former pro athlete, is the host of this motivational podcast. As you know, athletes, especially pro athletes, need to develop motivational thinking on their own. In fact, many professional sports already include professional motivators to help athletes reach better performance.

In this podcast, you will be able to take Lewis knowledge, techniques, tips, and even personal stories to improve your own life in many different aspects.

 

#6:  Living With A Seal By Jesse Itzler

Before you go ahead and get this audiobook, it is worth to mention that it has a lot of f’words all over the place. However, we believe that the result and what you get from this audiobook can really be motivational.

As you know, Seals need to go through a hard training, both physical and mental, in order to become Seals. With this audiobook, you will understand and realize that you can do a lot more and a lot better than what you currently do. All you need is the right motivator and this is what you get from this amazing audiobook.

 

#7: The Brendon Show

When you are looking for motivation in your life, then you should consider this podcast. The author is a personal development coach and a motivational speaker. What we like about this podcast is that Brendon, the host, speaks about his personal experiences and what he learned from each one of them.

 

#8: Invisibilia

Hosted by Alix Spiegel, Lulu Miller, and Hanna Rosin, this podcast is a bit different from all the others in this list. The reality is that it discusses some invisible concepts that tend to control your beliefs, behaviors, emotions, assumptions, and even cultural norms.

In this podcast, the hosts interview innovative thinkers who tend to look at problems from a completely different perspective. Ultimately, they end up motivating you by teaching more about these invisible forces and how you can prevent them from affecting you.

 

#9:  Goals! How To Get Everything You Want Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible By Brian Tracy

This audiobook is definitely a hit in what comes to motivation. No matter what you think you want to become or where you think you’re going to be in the future, you need to have goals. Written goals. And you need to work to reach these goals.

 

#10:  Good Life Project

Jonathon Fields is the host of this podcast and his goal is to help you live a more connected, meaningful, and vital life. While the host speaks about a wide variety of topics, the main thing to retain is the actionable advice they all offer. And you can be sure they can be incredibly motivating.

 

Want even more motivation? Join the Back to School Divas Facebook Group to connect with real women on their college journey! Their stories will inspire and motivate you.