Student Ambassador Eve: How to stay motivated studying online when life Is chaos

Sometimes we have this strange idea: ‘Once I reach a certain milestone, finish my assessment, get a certificate or diploma, or look somehow different, then and only then will I start living my best life.’ I would call it the carrot method. It works for a while: you push yourself harder and harder, but over time, it can lead to burnout. And when that happens, motivation drops, and you have very little energy left to keep going.

So how do you stay motivated in chaos and remain resilient under pressure? The answer is focus and flow.

“Flow follows focus” - Steven Kotler

In this post, I’ll share the process described by Steven Kotler through the Flow Research Collective, which I modified and extended in my book How to Talk to Anyone Like a Leader. It is rooted in positive psychology and offers not just a few tactics, but a strategic advantage in a constantly changing environment.

First, let’s define flow. Unlike hustle culture, which praises overworking and motivation based on willpower, flow is a state of deep focus often linked to leadership effectiveness. As a student, you can use this method too.

“Flow is an optimised state of consciousness, where we feel our best and we perform our best” - Steven Kotler

Flow is often described as a state of clarity where time seems to disappear, and productivity increases dramatically. It is not some woo-woo magic. It has been studied in positive psychology and leadership psychology, and it is increasingly recognised as both real and effective. Kotler describes it as part of a four-step process: learning, release, flow, and recovery. The key is learning how to move through all four stages in balance.

STEP 1.

The first step is learning. Flow requires mastery. You study a lot, building up enough input for your brain to shift into pattern-recognition mode. If you are new to uni, this may take time. I would avoid overusing AI and instead listen to professors, university talks, and audiobooks while walking, and read lessons on iLearn. Commute time and gym time can become useful learning time.

STEP 2

The second step is release. Like in the gym, muscles grow during rest, not during the workout itself. At this stage, your brain needs space to process information. You can meditate, go for a quiet walk, or swim. This is when patterns begin to settle more deeply.

STEP 3

The third step is flow. This is a short period of very deep focus. It can be triggered by clear goals, immediate feedback, real challenge, and intense concentration. No multitasking. I have experienced it while solving problems on my website and while writing my book, when suddenly the pieces came together.

STEP 4

The final step is recovery. After flow, your body needs genuine rest. Deep sleep, stepping away, and recharging are essential. Recovery is not laziness. It is part of the process.

What helps most? Start with clear targets by checking the learning outcomes of your assessment early. Rest properly, because your brain works better when it is restored. Stay curious, break big goals into smaller chunks, remove distractions, and create focused study blocks. Study is not just a duty. It is an opportunity, and it is up to you to make it work.

P.S. And if you are excited about the subject, you can listen to Steven Kotler's lecture here.

About the author

Eve is a first-year BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling student at Arden University, studying on campus through blended learning in the UK. Originally from Ukraine, she speaks English, Ukrainian, and Russian, and combines her studies with work as a business mentor and motivator focused on leadership, wellbeing, and personal growth.

Her writing explores topics including psychology, trauma, communication, and balancing university with work and life, particularly as a mature student. Alongside her studies, Eve is involved with the British Psychological Society and the Help 4 Ukraine charity initiative, and enjoys photography, travelling, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and exploring historical sites and museums.