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Big Wins from Small Victories

Being a student can be tough — stay motivated by focusing on your successes

A BYU-Pathway student works with crops with a little boy. His small efforts make great rewards.

As a student, you may struggle with staying motivated at times. Schoolwork piles up along with everything else in your busy life. It can be tiring to look ahead and think of the effort and sacrifices your education will require. By setting clear goals, recognizing your progress, and celebrating your small wins, you can stay motivated and confident in your ability to succeed.

Examine your goals

BYU-Pathway student setting clear goals to make great progress.
Clear goals make it easier to recognize your progress.

Setting clear goals is a great first step to building positive momentum. If you already have goals, now is a great time to review them.

Break large goals down into smaller, manageable pieces. These smaller steps make it easier to track your progress, and your larger goals will feel more reachable as you check things off along the way. This truth is even reflected in the scriptures: “I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” 1

Recognize your success

It’s important to take time to notice how far you have come. Reflection helps you appreciate your growth and build confidence. As you accomplish each task and “bring great things to pass,” you will feel more excited about the progress you are making. Each small success becomes a reason to celebrate and move forward with renewed energy.

Jesus stands, holding the five loaves and two fishes He used to feed 5,000 people.
Your small offering can become a miracle.
In John 6 , Jesus teaches us a similar principle when He feeds the 5,000. A small offering of five loaves and two fishes became an abundance of food to feed the crowd Jesus was teaching. 2
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Similarly, your small steps may feel like a meager offering, but when you look back on what you have accomplished, you may recognize a miracle — an abundance of motivation where it seemed like there would not be enough.

Celebrate with rewards

Once you’ve acknowledged what you have accomplished, celebrate with rewards. Reinforce that positive momentum and give yourself something to look forward to — whether it’s a treat, a break, or time doing something you enjoy. Small rewards will help you feel good about your efforts and your progress. Your motivation will grow when you can see that your hard work is paying off.

I'm grateful for the experience and opportunities I've had, and I encourage others to pursue their educational goals with determination and perseverance. With hard work and dedication, you can overcome obstacles and achieve success.
— Issac Hooper, Ghana

Your efforts matter

Every step you take brings you closer to the big goals you have set. It’s normal to struggle and feel the weight of your goals. When things get tough, recognizing your success — and celebrating your progress — will help you keep going. Your future is bright, and you deserve to pursue it!

Could earning a degree be your next big win? Take the next small step — enroll today!