Enrolling in a tech training course? Easy. Staying motivated while your elbows deep into Python loops or UX wireframes? Slightly less glamorous.
Whether you’re leveling up your coding skills or finally tackling that data bootcamp you bookmarked six months ago, the struggle to stay motivated is real. But don’t worry—we’ve been in your shoes (and we lived to tell the tale).
Here are five actually helpful ways to stay motivated while taking a tech training course, whether you’re learning part-time, full-time, or full-chaos. Spoiler alert: it’s not just “drink more coffee.”
1. Remember your “why” (yes—even if it’s just money)
Let’s be honest. Most of us didn’t start a tech training course because we love debugging, wireframing, or calculating standard deviation for fun. You probably enrolled to land a job, switch careers, or finally escape a role where you’re overworked, underpaid, and deeply allergic to Slack notifications.
And that’s valid. Whether your “why” is a better (bigger) salary, remote work flexibility, creative freedom, or impressing your cousin who won’t shut up about his crypto startup—own it.
And think about what you’ll accomplish in your course. Maybe you’re in a UX design course and you dream of building intuitive products that don’t make users rage-click. Maybe you’re diving into data analytics and want to make decisions that don’t involve guessing. Or maybe you’re in a coding bootcamp to finally build that app idea you’ve been sitting on since 2020.
Whatever your reason, keep it front and center. Write it down. Make it your phone wallpaper. Whisper it to yourself during debugging meltdowns. Just don’t lose sight of it—especially when your brain hits that week-four fog.
Need a little inspiration? Check out this GA instructor’s story on what he wished he knew before bootcamp. Because, guess what—even the pros felt overwhelmed at first.
2. Create a realistic routine (that you’ll actually stick to)
You don’t have to become a productivity robot who wakes up at 5 a.m. to meditate and run five miles before class. But you do need some kind of structure.
A consistent routine helps your brain switch into “focus mode.” This doesn’t mean scheduling every second. It means finding your rhythm—and then sticking with it.
Try this:
- Pick a regular time to study: Your brain loves consistency, even if you’re not a morning person. Choose a time you can realistically commit to—whether it’s early mornings, lunch breaks, or post-dinner study mode.
- Try the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. It keeps your brain from short-circuiting and turns big tasks into bite-sized wins.
- Block social media: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn—whatever your poison, use site blockers or app timers to keep distractions in check. No one needs to watch 47 “day in the life” reels while trying to learn new skills.
- Build in guilt-free breaks: Your brain isn’t a machine. Take intentional breaks to stretch, eat, or just zone out without shame. Rest is part of the process—not a reward for burning out. (Read that again.)
If your schedule feels like it’s running you, not the other way around—it’s time to reprioritize.
3. Make your space feel less like a punishment
We’ve all tried working from bed. And we’ve all learned that working from bed usually turns into sleeping with your laptop open—which turns into terrible sleep.
Environment matters. If you’re serious about staying motivated during a tech training course, set up a dedicated space that actually supports learning.
Here’s how to upgrade your workspace without dropping your whole paycheck:
- Good lighting: Natural light is great. A cheap ring light works too.
- Decent chair: Your spine deserves better than your dining room stool or the desk chair you’ve had since high school.
- Tech tools: Use apps like Trello or Notion to organize your to-dos. And check out our guide to cleaning your digital life—because a cluttered desktop is a productivity killer.
You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy setup. But you do need a space that tells your brain, “we’re here to get things done.”
4. Connect with other people who get it
Motivation dies in isolation. The good news? You’re not in this alone.
Whether you’re in a GA bootcamp, a short course, or just dabbling in a free class, you’re surrounded by people trying to do the same hard thing. Talk to them. Ask dumb questions. Join study groups. Start a Discord, Slack channel, or group chat. Whatever works.
Also, lean on your instructors and GA community. We’re not just here to teach—we’re here to help. And if you need a reminder of how far you’ve come, scroll through other students’ stories to see that progress doesn’t always look linear.
Bonus:
Making friends who speak “tech” means you’ll finally have someone to text when your code breaks and Stack Overflow just says “lol good luck.”
5. Track your wins (even the tiny ones)
Learning to code, design, or analyze data is kind of like going to the gym. You may not notice progress day to day, but suddenly you’re lifting heavy stuff (or, in this case, building apps and dashboards).
The trick? Celebrate the small stuff:
- Finished your first solo project? That counts.
- Survived a tough module without rage quitting? Also counts.
- Had a moment where everything finally clicked? Definitely counts.
Keep a “done list” to remind yourself you’re moving forward. It’s easy to focus on what you don’t know. But looking back at what you’ve learned is a solid reminder that you’re not stuck—you’re leveling up.
6. Don’t be afraid to pause and reset
Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. If you’re overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a beat. A day off won’t tank your progress—but pushing through constant exhaustion might.
Instead of powering through at half-speed, take a strategic pause. Then come back recharged and ready to go. It’s not quitting. It’s being smart with your energy.
And hey, we’ve got flexible course options for a reason. Whether you’re juggling kids, a full-time job, or just your sanity, our programs are built to flex around your life.
This is what progress actually looks like
You remember why you started. You set up a routine and a space that works. You connect with people. You celebrate your wins. And when needed—you give yourself a break.
Whether you’re in a short course, workshop, or full-on tech bootcamp, staying motivated is about creating habits that keep you going even when it’s hard. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.
We’re here with free classes and events, flexible programs, and a community that actually gives a damn. Explore our upcoming workshops and courses and take the next step—at the pace that makes sense for you.