The old wisdom has been that getting any degree can be enough to land you a lucrative job. While that may be true for some people, others need to have a more advanced degree to achieve their ambitions. That can be tough, but there are things you can do to make it a reality.

Look Into Cost Options

It’s no secret that higher education is expensive. It’s one of the more prohibitive factors in continuing your education. As such, it’s important to carefully weigh the costs of getting an advanced degree and having a plan for them. Tuition fees can vary widely depending on where you’re going to school and what your subject is. Your options range from paying for it out of pocket, earning scholarships, and taking out student loans. Keep in mind that it’s easy to rack up a lot of student debt that you’ll have to pay back after you complete your program. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that it’s free money you can spend as you please. Make a plan and work your plan to put yourself in a better financial situation at the end.

Make Time

Finding time for an advanced degree is another one of the major challenges to pursuing it. You likely have a variety of other responsibilities in life. Maybe you have a family you are responsible for or a full-time job you have to hold down to pay the bills. Following a classroom schedule can be a challenge when you have responsibilities like a job or children to take care of. Online courses can be a good option for people who need more flexibility in their schooling. As with your finances, it’s important to make a plan and stick with it so you’ll have the time you need to make your degree a priority.

Choose a Program

Of course, none of that matters if you don’t know what degree to pursue or what subject you want to study. There are a variety of advanced degree subjects to choose from. Consider the purpose behind your desire to pursue such a degree and use that to guide you in making your choice. Beyond that, consider the school you’ll be attending. Not all programs at all schools are created equal. If there’s a school that has a good reputation in your desired field of study, that’s one that is worth looking into.

Earning an advanced degree can be a career-changing move if you do it right. When looking to get started with an advanced degree, make sure you look into different cost options. You’ll need to make time for your schooling. Choosing a good program will also be essential. There’s a lot that goes into earning an advanced degree, but that should help you get started on the right foot.

Read this next: Finding fulfillment: Is this the right time to switch careers?

(BPT) - Work demands paired with family demands make modern life extremely busy. Meetings, deadlines, housework, kids' homework, practice and much more all vie for your time. What's the secret to keeping on top of it all? Research shows the power of positivity can work wonders in managing stress, staying productive and boosting happiness.

Four out of five people agree positive thinking can help improve their lives and start the morning off on a positive note, according to a recent survey of American workers to gain insight into the impact of positivity in the workplace conducted by The Original Donut Shop Coffee. The good news is that a resounding 88% of Americans consider themselves positive people, but they think there is room for improvement. In fact, 69% wish they could be even more positive!

“Positive individuals are three times more creative, 31% more productive, and 23% less fatigued,” says Amy Blankson, CEO of Fearless Positivity and author of “The Future of Happiness.” “No matter where your baseline for happiness is today, you can always increase your overall happiness level.”

Blankson offers some insight into simple ways you can inject positivity into your day:

Set intentions early

Take a moment to shift your focus in the morning. What do you want to get out of your day? It’s so easy to fall prey to the tyranny of urgency. Hold the emails, texts, calls and messages and spend just 2 minutes grounding yourself in a positive practice like meditating or journaling. You'll set yourself up for greater happiness in the long run.

Get creative

If you feel like you don't have the time or discipline to keep a gratitude journal, try looking for a "gratitude trigger." For instance, every time you stop at a red light, say one thing you are grateful for. This habit is great to pass time on commutes and is also a good practice to share with your children when they are in the car with you.

Think to the future

Try saying "future-forward gratitudes" in the morning. These are the things you are excited about for the day ahead, such as a meeting, lunch or special project. This practice helps prime you for positivity during the day and gives you an anchor point for reflection at the end of the day.

Connect remotely

While more people are working from home, 45% of them consider themselves a positive person versus 75% of people who work in the office, according to the survey. One way to stay connected and spread positivity with coworkers when you’re not in the office is by taking a few minutes each day to text, email or call a coworker to thank them for something they did.

Move beyond off days

Don't get hung up when you have a negative day. The most important part of creating a new habit is having the courage to restart when you have an off day. Happiness is not a state of mind; it's a mindset that develops over time. The best way to elevate your mindset is by training your brain to look for positive information in the world around you that you might have missed.

Pay it forward

Individuals who pay it forward through praise and recognition express that they have greater feelings of happiness, satisfaction and relatedness. However, even more importantly, both givers and receivers inspire others to want to give, which creates a powerful network effect.

Positivity sweepstakes

Nearly seven in 10 people agree they have a co-worker that is very positive and helps them get through the workday, and almost 75% said they often receive appreciation from their coworkers, according to the survey. If you have someone who is always brightening your day, you can show gratitude by nominating them for a chance to win some great prizes.

Here's what you need to do: Fans can visit brewpositivity.com between Oct. 28 and Nov. 22 to nominate a colleague for a chance to have their positivity rewarded. Twenty-five individuals will have a chance to win $200 and a one-year supply of The Original Donut Shop Coffee. For the kind nomination, the nominator will also have a chance to receive a one-year supply of The Original Donut Shop Coffee!