As we move further into 2021, we are unfortunately still in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, so for MBA students, in particular, finding the motivation to stay committed to the course can be incredibly challenging. Whether you have goals to be your own boss, or work as a manager or leader, keeping focused on your workload is critical for succeeding.
While it is difficult being in lockdown and having to face the same four walls, there are tips and tactics you can implement into your day-to-day routine that will help you control your learning and get the grades you envisaged. To help, here are some tips to keep you on track with your MBA.
Find a Quiet Zone for Studying
With lockdown seeing us spending more time at home than ever before, being in a busy household can be stressful, not to mention when you’re trying to study. As an MBA student, you need to dedicate many hours to your course to yield the results you want. Therefore, you must find a quiet area in your home that you can use solely for learning. Whether you live with your partner or as a family unit, make sure you sit down and discuss that the area will be out of bounds at certain times, which will allow you to focus without any interruptions.
Organise Your Study Space
Once you’ve found the perfect study space in your home, you need to organise it to keep you motivated and focused. If you need to print papers off or need to write things down, your desktop can soon become manic, and what you may not realise is how a messy space can affect your mood and thinking. To stay productive with your MBA course, you need to have some kind of control over your space. Whether you use shelving units to house your course materials or use labelled boxes so you know where everything is, you will soon notice a positive difference in how you learn.
Remove Distractions
When you’re doing coursework or studying, you must remove distractions. If you’re the type of person who procrastinates, it may be wise to leave your smartphone in your bedroom, otherwise, you may spend more time scrolling through Facebook and Twitter, rather than focusing on your work. One of the biggest skills you can learn during lockdown is self-discipline, so once you get to grips with how to manage your time better, this trait can be carried through to the workplace.
Create a Daily Timetable
If you’re currently working from home due to the coronavirus outbreak, you may worry about how you’re going to fit in your studies too. Thankfully, you can study for your MBA online at Aston University, meaning you can study at a time that suits you best. To ensure your work and studies don’t intertwine, make sure you devise a daily timetable that will add structure to your day. If you’re able to be flexible with your job, you will have an easier time slotting in study sessions. For those who work the typical 9-5, pencilling in an hour before or after work towards education will ensure you’re getting the most out of your degree.
Take Regular Breaks
To stay focused on your MBA degree, you must factor in plenty of breaks that can be a good opportunity to stretch your legs, clear your mind, and help you return to your studies with a fresh perspective. If you’re spending more time than usual behind your laptop, too much screen time can make it hard for you to get a good night’s sleep. The last thing you want is to wake up with no energy or motivation, so get into the habit of having regular breaks and don’t feel guilty for doing so. If you don’t take breaks, you run the risk of burning out quickly.
Keep in Touch with Classmates
If you have any problems with a particular module on your MBA course, reaching out to other students and knowing other people are in the same boat as you can make a huge difference. While you may not be able to communicate in person, there are video conferencing tools you can download on your smartphone to stay connected, such as Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom. Having someone to unload your worries on can reduce stress levels and help you find the solution to your problem. While your family and friends will be there for support every step of the way, having fellow students to speak to who know exactly what you’re going through can really help.
Speak to Your Tutor
All reputable business schools that offer MBA programs will have a dedicated team of support staff and tutors who are there for you through any challenges and problems you face. Whether you need clarification on a piece of coursework or you’re having trouble with a module, don’t hesitate to speak to your tutors. After all, you’re the one who is dedicating your time, money, and effort to your degree, so make sure you speak up and get help, otherwise, you run the risk of failing the module, or even worse, your course. There are support staff in place who can help if you’re struggling mentally or emotionally, so never suffer in silence.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Studying for your MBA is stressful enough without being in lockdown, so although we’re in a strange time at present, there are lots of relaxation techniques you can try out, which can keep stress levels at bay, help keep you positive and upbeat, as well as feel optimistic for the future. Regular exercise each day is critical for your mental and physical health, alongside relaxation techniques like meditation, which can get you ready for the day ahead. If you have a busy day ahead, even taking 10 minutes to zone out can help.
Only you are responsible for your end grades, so to get the most out of your MBA degree, the tips above can help keep you motivated and get you through lockdown and post-pandemic.