I’ll never forget Week 4 of my very first odurinde.com course. My plan was simple: finish the “HTML & CSS Fast‑Track” module after work, squeeze in NYSC community hours on Saturday, then prep for church media team on Sunday. In my head, I was Wonder Woman with a Wi‑Fi connection. In reality, I was nodding off in front of my laptop, still wearing office clothes, fan whirring, mosquitoes droning like backup singers.
That Thursday night, I hovered over the “Withdraw” button. “Maybe I’ll come back when life is calmer,” I told myself. But when is life ever calm in Nigeria? Then my phone buzzed, Mom’s WhatsApp.
Mum: Have you eaten?
Me: Trying.
Mum: Just small, then finish what you started. You’ve got this.
It sounds corny, but that tiny nudge saved the dream. I closed WhatsApp, did a five minute stretch, and watched one more lesson. Two months later, I built my very first responsive site and landed a freelance gig that paid for my entire data plan, and a celebratory sharwama.
Motivation isn’t magic. It’s a series of small choices that keep you moving when Netflix, traffic, and PHCN seem determined to slow you down. Here are ten battle‑tested ways to stay motivated during your online courses, whether you’re a student, a 9‑to‑5 warrior, or both.
1. Start With “Why” (Not Just “What”)
Before you even click Enroll on that odurinde.com course or any online course, take a moment and ask yourself:
“Why am I really doing this?”
Your “why” goes beyond certificates. It’s personal. It’s emotional. And on the days when your motivation is running on fumes, your why becomes the fuel that keeps your engine running, But if you’re wondering which certifications are actually worth it, this guide breaks it down.
Is your why something like this?
- “I want to work remotely, live in Ibadan, and earn in dollars.”
- “I want to help my mum’s bakery reach more customers through Instagram ads.”
- “I want to stop depending on people for money and finally be independent.”
Write it down. Make it your phone wallpaper. Stick it to your bedroom mirror. Let it stare you in the face every day.
On hard days, when data is low, NEPA strikes again, and your friends are out chilling while you’re watching a tutorial, that “why” will keep you going.
2. Chunk Your Course Into Bite‑Size Milestones
To be honest: A 12-week course feels like trying to climb Zuma Rock on a rainy day. It’s overwhelming if you look at the whole thing.
But here’s the fix: break it into bite-sized weekly or daily goals that your brain can actually digest.
Example:
- Week 1: Complete Introduction + Lessons 1–3
- Wednesday: Take first quiz
- Friday night: Watch the project walkthrough
Every time you complete a micro-task, your brain releases dopamine—that happy hormone. It tells your brain, “Well done, champ. Let’s do it again.”
You don’t need to finish a course in one weekend, Just finish one task today. That’s enough. Then do the next one tomorrow.
3. Adopt the 25‑Minute Nigerian Pomodoro
The Pomodoro Technique is a productivity method where you work in focused bursts, 25 minutes of work, 5 minutes break. But then again our Nigerian realities don’t always obey Italian time blocks.
My Nigerian remix of the Pomodoro method:
- Put your phone on Airplane Mode (yes, even WhatsApp).
- Set a timer for 25 minutes.
- Work like JAMB is watching.
- If NEPA takes light? Stand up. Stretch. Do jumping jacks.
- After 4 rounds, reward yourself, binge a comedy skit, eat chin-chin, vibe to Burna Boy.
This technique works because it gives your brain short deadlines and regular rests, perfect for the busy student or working-class Nigerian.
4. Create a Ritual, Not Just a Schedule
A schedule says: “Study every night at 8 PM.”
A ritual says: “Let’s make 8 PM feel sacred.”
Turn your study session into a routine that feels calming and rewarding. Example:
- 7:30 PM: Change into soft clothes, light mosquito coil.
- 7:35 PM: Brew a cup of Lipton or cocoa.
- 7:40 PM: Log into your odurinde.com dashboard.
- 7:45 PM: Play a chill lo-fi Afrobeat playlist and begin.
This repetition makes studying feel natural, like brushing your teeth. You won’t always need motivation, your body will expect the ritual.
5. Use Social Accountability (Public or Private)
Accountability is like pepper in your jollof rice, it makes everything more serious.
Tell someone about your course. Even better, invite them to study with you. Options:
- Create a WhatsApp accountability group with 2–3 friends.
- Share weekly updates on LinkedIn or X (Twitter).
- Use a Google Doc tracker you update every Sunday.
You’ll be amazed how just knowing someone else is watching helps you stay consistent, even on your lazy days.
6. Turn Theory Into Real‑Life Mini Projects
Reading about Excel formulas is cool. Using them to track your salary, expenses, and Jumia orders? Even better.
Whatever you’re learning, apply it immediately to something in your life. Examples:
- Learning graphic design? Create a flyer for your friend’s event.
- Learning HTML/CSS? Design a birthday page for your sister.
- Studying SEO? Optimize your Instagram bio and caption hashtags.
Mini-projects make your learning real — they prove that yes, online learning works when you apply it (see what we mean). Plus, they give you something to show potential clients or employers, your portfolio.
7. Reward Yourself (But Make Rewards Proportional)
Motivation can’t always come from within. Sometimes, it needs external encouragement, like zobo and puff-puff.
Use a reward system:
- Finished a quiz? Watch an episode of your fave YouTube series.
- Completed a module? Order yourself lunch from a small business.
- Finished the whole course? Plan a day off or get a little gift—nails done, haircut, movie ticket.
The key? Match the reward to the milestone. Don’t buy a phone just for watching one video.
8. Curate a “Study Soundtrack”
Silence can be distracting. Ironically, the right music helps your brain focus better, especially in a typical Nigerian home where background noise is guaranteed.
Try these options:
- Lofi Hip Hop Naija Mix – mellow and focus-friendly
- Instrumental Afrobeats – calm and rhythmic
- Study & Chill African Beats – for late-night grinds
Avoid songs with strong lyrics.
9. Visualise Your “Future Self”
Close your eyes. Picture this:
You’re done with your odurinde.com course. You just got a remote gig — maybe even weighing the choice between freelancing and full-time work (read this if you’re stuck). You bought new earphones, you’ve paid your younger brother’s school fees, and your LinkedIn inbox is lighting up with recruiters.
Now open your eyes and write a message from that future you to your current self:
“Thank you for not quitting. This new life? You earned it.”
Sounds cheesy? Maybe. But your imagination is a motivational tool. Use it.
10. Accept Imperfect Progress
Let’s say it loud for the perfectionists in the back:
You will miss a day. You will forget a module. You will lag behind.
And that’s okay.
This isn’t JAMB. There’s no invigilator. Your only real job is to keep coming back, even if it’s once a week.
Think of your course as a journey, not a race. Pause when life gets rough. Press play when you’re ready again.
Progress is progress, even if it’s not perfect.
My Personal “Bounce‑Back” Checklist
Whenever I feel the slump creeping in, I run through this 5‑minute checklist:
- Hydrate: Half a glass of water, energy boost.
- Move: 20 jumping jacks, wake up the body.
- Scan “Why”: Read my phone wallpaper, remind the heart.
- Micro‑Plan: Decide the next single task—clarify the brain.
- Press Play: Start a fresh 25‑minute Pomodoro, action beats anxiety.
Nine times out of ten, that tiny reset flips misery into momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to stay motivated while learning online in Nigeria?
Break your course into small tasks, use rewards, and apply what you learn to real life. Also, join Tech or relevant communities to stay inspired.
Can I balance online courses with a full-time job?
Yes. Many odurinde.com learners are working professionals. The key is time-blocking and choosing flexible study hours, like evenings or weekends.
What should I do if I feel like quitting my online course?
Revisit your “why.” Take a short break. Then return with a simpler plan: one task at a time. Community support also helps during slumps.
How long should I study each day?
Even 1hour–2hours daily can make a huge difference. Consistency matters more than cramming 4 hours once a week.
How can I apply what I’m learning in real life?
Use your new skills on personal projects or help a friend or small business. Apply theory to practical situations to deepen understanding.
Closing Thoughts: Your Future Self Is Cheering
Motivation isn’t a feeling that magically appears; it’s a muscle you train. Some days it lifts 100 kg, some days just 10. What matters is you keep flexing it—one quiz, one lesson, one tiny win at a time.
So the next time your energy dips, remember:
- Revisit your why.
- Shrink the task.
- Celebrate the win.
Your certificate will look great on your wall, but the discipline you build on the way there? That’s the real trophy.
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