You have chosen to pursue a career in the military and you need to pass the ASVAB exam. You take an ASVAB practice test and get less than half the answers correct. Or perhaps you take the ASVAB exam and did not score high enough to qualify. So now the negative self-talk begins:

• “I am not a good student so I should quit.”
• “Something must be wrong with me because everybody I know passed the exam.”
• “This is too hard.”
• “This is taking up too much of my time.”

In order to stay motivated it is very important to monitor and control your internal dialogue. Replace all negative self-talk with positive self-talk immediately:

• “I can do this.”
• “If other people have passed the ASVAB exam so can I.”
• “Nothing worthwhile is easy.”
• “There is nothing more important to me than passing the ASVAB exam.”
• “I will not give up.”
• “I will not quit.”
• “I will not surrender to defeat.”

Another key component to staying motivated is to become self-disciplined. Preparing for the ASVAB exam is a process that requires a daily commitment. Do not expect to learn or master everything overnight. A concentrated effort is needed to reach your goal. You must take charge of your learning. Remember you are responsible for your success in life.