Why do I go through this “mayhem”?
Do you know why you are willing to go through this “mayhem? If you do not, you need to reflect as to why you are doing so. Do you pay for this study yourself or are you sponsored by your organisation? In either case, seeking the purpose of you doing this may help you find the answer that you need.
For what purpose & who does it serve?
What is the purpose of you doing this part-time study? Is it to upgrade your competency in terms of knowledge, skills or attitude? Or, you are there because your organisation requires you to be there as part of employees’ development program?
If you are there on your own accord at your own expenses, then there must be a reason for you being there!
One possible scenario is that, you are at the bottom of the food chain, and could not be promoted due to the lack of qualifications or knowledge. Alternatively, you are already at the top of the food chain, but you are frequently ridiculed for the lack of knowledge or comprehension of the subject being discussed. You are resorting to being arrogant to hide your ignorance.
In either case, self-realisation has already existed. You realised that there are gaps within you that needs closing. This is a noble intent and you should not be easily de-motivated as whatever that you are doing is for own good.
In some cases, there are those who pursue part-time study to boost their self-esteem. It does not matter even if that is so; at least you know why you are doing it. There should be no grounds whatsoever, for getting de-motivated when the going gets tough because, you asked for it! After all it for your self-esteem, isn’t it?
If you are sponsored to be there, hey, you are one hell of a lucky person! You should be grateful that your organisation is providing for your development and they want to you improve! May be it is part of their succession plan, who knows? Either way, it is for your own good. Stop complaining, grab the opportunity given and do well! Remember that, there are others who have to break their piggy bank to finance their studies.
Is this a lone battle or journey taken with many?
Why I prompted this question because, I have seen many candidates did part-time study without discussing with those that are important in their lives. Your parents, spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends, fiancés, children are all part of your life and your well-being. I have seen candidates having anxieties, as they could not concentrate on their studies due to unnecessary pressures or stress created by people around them.
If you are all alone and have no other so-called loved ones to distract you, then you have no whatsoever reasons for complaints. However, if you have others that you share your life with, I strongly suggest that you discuss your endeavour with them and make them part of your journey. Turn the mission from being personal (alone) to teams (with them in it). Convince them to allow you some personal space in pursuing yours as well as their ambition or mission.
Remember to allocated time for them within your schedule and celebrate small success with them along the way, such as when you have completed your exams, after you have submitted the assignments or after receiving good results. Take them on a tour of your learning facilities and introduce them to your classmates and lecturers. This may sounds trivial to you but may be important to them.
How do I learn? What is my preferred learning style?.
There are various ways in learning and different individuals learn differently. It is imperative for you to know which your preferred style is in order to make learning more effective and efficient. Various articles on the internet that come complete with preferred style test that you can take. Go ahead, do a search using “Preferred Learning Styles” keyword and take the tests. Who knows, you may make an important discovery about yourself!
Am I mentally and physically prepared for this effort?
Taking a part-time program can take a toll on you. Juggling schedules between work, family and studies can be unforgiving especially for those who are doing it alone and are not clear on the purpose of their study.
Once you have clarified the purpose and have gained the support from others around you, you will be less stressful as others will empathise and support your effort and honour your schedules.
Shuttling the busy streets and traffic congestions can be another source for anxiety. They too can have an effect on your mental state in receiving new input, knowledge.
You have to learn to attain the 3 Cs - Cool, Calm and Collected.
There is no point getting all “worked-up” while attending the class, as you will not be gaining much out of it, or loosing your temper at home when you get back. The only people that will get hurt are you and your loved-one! Think again, why go through all the mess of recovering from your mistakes, when you can prevent or avoid it in the first place.
Regardless of what has happened, it has past! Rationalise and do not get emotional on things that are beyond you. Move forward and let go of issues or concerns that are not within your control. What you can control is yourself by being cool, calm and collected.
There are times that you will be so engrossed in your study and you are oblivious to surrounding and time. A word of caution here, take short breaks away from your studies from time to time. Eat when it is time to eat and exercise when it is time to do so.
You can never focus on your study on an empty stomach and if it gets too empty, the acidity will hurt you. Being grounded or sick during your study program is something that nobody wishes for! Therefore, it is important for you to observe a proper healthy diet and exercise, even if it just a breeze walk. Remember that a healthy body with well-circulated blood develops healthy brain cells that help you to retain and articulate the newly gained knowledge.
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