What to do when loved ones say you won't cope with studying in the UK? - a few words about motivation

Motivation is associated with the will to act, but it is not always sufficient to realize one's plans and dreams in every sphere of our life, including education. Making a decision about choosing a field of study is often very stressful because of the importance of the choice, which is related to our future. Additionally, a lot of doubts about choosing studies abroad arise. You have probably heard more than once from your family or friends that: you will not manage, you do not have enough financial means, your English is not at the proper level, life in the UK is not easy, or the longing for home, friends, and country will continously make themselves known…

We fully understand your position, concerns, and doubts, which is why this article will equip you with practical and easy-to-apply knowledge about the ability to self-motivate when applying for studies in the United Kingdom.

According to the Polish language dictionary, motivation is not only a factor causing actions or decisions to be taken, but also a JUSTIFICATION of their PURPOSEFULNESS.

So, meet the 4 elements that make up your key to success:

Peace

We are only able to control our mind when we are calm and collected. If you are not sure about something, if you have any concerns - don't panic! Call, write, ask experts or someone from Smart Prospects. You live in the twenty-first century, where thanks to the internet, you are able to find professionals who will answer most of your questions and give competent advice. Take advantage of it! There are many groups on Facebook that were created just for people like you!

Your goal

Reflect and think, what do you truly want. Imagine yourself studying in the United Kingdom, how will you feel when you achieve your plans and dreams. A broad picture of you studying in the UK. Take into account all the factors that are important to you – the field of study, type of university, location of the institution, social life, housing issues, additional work, etc. Ensure that you know how you want your life to look here, in the Isles. If your goal is not clearly defined, there is a high risk that the opinions of others will influence your level of motivation to study in the UK. Here, all questions mentioned at the beginning of the article, heard in your environment, can play a crucial role. Remember, you are responsible for your choices and life. Do not let your dreams of studying in the UK go unfulfilled because others influenced your decision.

Vision

Be aware of all the benefits of studying in the UK, how many opportunities it opens up for you, make a plan on how you want to achieve your goal. It is known that at this stage your visions may not be fully specified, e.g. which additional courses you will choose, which internships you will complete, in which student organizations you will be active. Maybe during your studies, you will change your mind about your future profession? Or maybe life in the UK will turn out to be even more interesting, more prospective than you imagined? It's completely normal and there's no point in fooling yourself that during the application process for studies in the UK your vision is complete and will fully translate into your future. It is important to have an outline of it and a clearly specified direction you are aiming for. This direction may evolve, but the plan is most important at this stage.

Confrontation with reality

The next element is being resourceful, inventive, and creative. These factors are associated with the ability to utilize one's own resources (I'm not talking about finances here). You must find an idea for yourself! You control your life. You can listen to the advice of others, but of course, I leave the choice of what to take on board to you...

Motivation and its barriers

There are 4 main barriers to motivation: people, financial resources, technology, and time. Certainly, some of these will have a strong impact on your decision regarding studying in the UK. However, I assure you that the above barriers are easy to overcome if you are determined and want to study in the United Kingdom. This refers to the mentioned resourcefulness and the ability to use readily available resources.

The most important thing is to have a goal, vision, and a plan of what you want to achieve. Additionally, faith, resourcefulness, creativity, and inventiveness are welcome.

One example I often refer to, to reflect and prove that lack of financial resources, or any other barrier, does not stand in the way of achieving a desired goal, is Jack Ma (Ma Yun). Jack Ma is the founder of Alibaba Group and one of the richest people in China. He comes from a poor family, but he had rich aspirations. In his interviews, he emphasizes that his application to Harvard was rejected 10 times, and even KFC did not want to hire him. Currently, he dictates the terms and inspires others to take responsibility for their own lives and choices.

Dear applicant...

Remember, you are the one responsible for making decisions about your future. You don't need to know the details of the goal you're aiming for, but consider what you are aiming at. It will be much easier to motivate yourself to act and to overcome any obstacles that will stand in your way to studying in the UK.

Close your eyes and conjure up an image of yourself in a few years! Impressive, right?