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If You Want To Quit

These 3 habits can motivate you when doubts arise

Online Student

Have you ever asked yourself if earning your degree is even worth it, or if PathwayConnect or an online education is truly for you?

Earning a degree is a challenging endeavor. It requires commitment, sacrifice, and a lot of hard work. But as with many difficult things, this journey promises significant rewards to those who stay the course. I know the Lord will bless and uplift you as you “seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” 1

In my own experience, practicing the following three habits can help you continue with your educational goals — or other personal goals — when you are tempted to quit.

1. Remember why you started

Woman helping her daughter
Remember the reason for pursuing your education.

If you are experiencing doubts or fears regarding your choice to pursue an education, I invite you to ask yourself, “Why did I enroll in PathwayConnect — or an online degree?” Or “Why did I choose to pursue this specific degree?”

Perhaps you are a single parent enrolled in PathwayConnect because you didn’t have the education to provide for your children. Or maybe getting a bachelor’s degree has been a lifelong goal that is finally becoming a reality. Reminding yourself of the excitement you experienced when you were first accepted into PathwayConnect or an online degree program can be a source of motivation.

Remember, anything truly worthwhile will not come easily. It takes consistent effort and a daily commitment to reach the desired result.

Don’t give up when the pressure mounts… Face your doubts. Master your fears.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland 2
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Jeffrey R. Holland, “Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence (Brigham Young University devotional, Mar. 2, 1999), speeches.byu.edu
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Simple things will lead to big things.

2. Think about how far you’ve come

Sometimes you can’t see the improvements you have made from where you stand. But like mile markers on a road, you can look back at how far you’ve come since you began.

These mile markers, or check points, can be simple accomplishments, such as making the decision to invest in your education, working hard to complete an assignment, actively participating in a discussion board, or regularly attending your weekly gatherings.

“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass,” 3 Alma the Younger taught. You may consider these simple accomplishments as simple sacrifices. Although it can be difficult, recognize that through Jesus Christ you can do hard things.
Don’t get overwhelmed by the many large, difficult tasks of life. If you commit to doing the ‘easy’ things … and you do them as perfectly as you can, big things will follow.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf 4
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Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Adventure of Mortality (Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, Jan. 14, 2018), broadcasts.churchofjesuschrist.org

3. Ask for help — you’re not alone

student at computer

It can often feel overwhelming to get a degree. You might feel that you are sinking in a pile of never-ending homework or that your degree is too far off in the future. If you are experiencing these struggles, I invite and encourage you to ask for help.

BYU-Pathway Worldwide (in partnership with BYU-Idaho and Ensign College) provides several opportunities for you to receive assistance during your academic years. Tutors, service missionaries, Peer mentors , instructors, and BYU-Pathway Support each offer a unique and comfortable environment for you to receive the academic help and motivation you need to continue moving forward.

You were never meant to go through life alone, and that is why your Father in Heaven has commissioned His children to minister to one another. If you pray to Heavenly Father for guidance and reach out to others for assistance, He will direct you to those who can assist you to successfully complete your education.

The disposition to ask assistance from others with confidence, and to grant it with kindness, should be part of our very nature.

Elder Robert D. Hales 5
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Robert D. Hales, “We Can’t Do It Alone,” Ensign, Nov. 1975.

If you ever feel like quitting your education or any other worthwhile goals, remember why you started, what you’ve accomplished, and how you can seek help. These habits will provide the personal motivation and strength that will assist you in your academic success.

Don’t quit on your education! For assistance, visit byupathway.org/help/contact-us .