Suggestions and Strategies Strong motivation is often an indicator of a student's success in a course. This topic provided an overview of the importance of an individual's goals and purposes for enrolling in an online course. It is always important to ask yourself "why" you are planning on doing something new. You may want to do some of the following: Make a list of the reasons you want to take an online course. Make a list of the positive aspects of this adventure and the challenges you face if you choose to begin. Look again at the challenges you face. Make a list of the ways you might meet these challenges so that you can stick with your studies.