It’s time. Are you ready? Exam period is closing in!

Even if you’ve stayed on top of your study for the whole semester or haven’t been to class since week three because you “do your best work under pressure,” exams are the make or break period for your whole semester.

A positive mental game is the secret behind the success of many athletes, politicians and professionals. So, to get your head in the game, strike a power pose, turn up your speakers and tune into some of the most popular and inspiring motivational speeches on the Internet.

#1 Eric Thomas – Secrets to Success

“When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful.”

After this two-part video from ET The Hip Hop Preacher, you’ll throw your iPhone in the bin and be backflipping your way to uni on a Sunday morning. This video isn’t for the weak; it’s for those who are ready. Don’t expect a cuddle; expect motivation.

#2 J.K. Rowling – Failure is Inevitable

“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”

The queen of the career fairytale, J.K Rowling went from poverty to Harry Potter. But, despite what the media like to portray, it wasn’t overnight and it wasn’t without heartache. So take a page out of the superstars book and accept your failures as part of the journey.

#3 Denzel Washington – Claim Your Dream

“Without commitment, you’ll never start, but more importantly without consistency, you’ll never finish.”

This short and sweet speech from Denzel is aimed at us youngins’. I admit it; a tear or two floated down my check during this speech. It could have been the list of people he rattles off including Kerry Washington and Viola Davis or the slightly tacky motivational speech music growing louder in the background. You decide.

#4 Zain Asher – Trust Your Struggle

“I trusted one day an opportunity would come and I needed to be ready.”

Success isn’t linear. Zian Asher shares how she learned this lesson while going from receptionist to news anchor in only five years and how her strict Nigerian mother set her up for a successful life and career. She set her own rules, carved chunks out of the media industry and accepted she didn’t need to be competitive to be successful.

#5 Rocky Balboa – It Ain’t About How Hard You Hit

“The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.”

There can’t be a list of motivational speeches without Mr. Balboa himself. In this monologue from the 6th Rocky installment, enjoy a young Milo Ventimiglia get his butt handed to him by Sylvester Stallone. Just don’t get caught rewatching all the Rocky movies because it might chew up all your study time.

#6 Sarah Kay – If I Should Have A Daughter

“But getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.”

Spoken word poetry to inspire the uninspired. This one needs a quiet place and some headphones. Close your eyes and wander into the world of magic words inhabiting this funny place called life.

The dialogue in our mind can be just as detrimental as not studying, so set yourself up for success this exam period. Sit back, swap those pyjamas for sneakers and get ready to fist pump your way through your exams.

Kelly Walker is a creative writer and recovering bagel addict based in Melbourne. When she’s not writing or playing roller derby, she’s searching for the best smashed avo ever. She’s on Twitter at @kellywalker89 and promises to start tweeting, one day.

(Lead image: Rocky/United Artists)