It wasn’t until sitting on my apartment’s roof at 4 am with a friend, having the classical motivation versus discipline discussion, that I realized how much we are held back by such artificial concepts. Recently, the idea that motivation matters little compared to discipline has been popularized in the media. But despite this, the murmurs and excuses of “just not having the motivation” to do something still flood the conversations around me. While I agree that discipline is incredibly important to hold, especially when you can’t seem to find motivation, I see little reason to have a lack of motivation as it is not something that simply comes and goes. Sometimes you need a break – yes. And sometimes reaching for discipline is going to matter more than reaching for motivation – yes. However, lack of motivation is simply an excuse, and perhaps if we view the concept of motivation as something that is made and not a feeling that simply comes and goes, we would be able to do a lot more and push a lot further.  

Here in University, I am notorious for saying “just do it” and “it’s a mind over matter situation” but the truth is I know far better than most just how difficult this is. “Manning up” is often not a viable strategy to get something done. As we approach finals season, the end of a semester, and the inevitable creeping of summer fun and the lack of distraction it provides, the motivation to get things done fades and much of what we do seems pointless. I find myself being a current victim of this and while I, like you, don’t have this figured out, I will share what brings the passion and motivation that fuels my drive (beyond just copious amounts of caffeine).  

“Romanticizing your life” has been a recent phrase popularized by the media in an often overly complicated way. You don’t need to pretend to be a princess or only own white, aesthetic objects to do this, though the media often makes it seem like you do. In simple terms romanticizing your life just means appreciating your day to day, even when simple and mundane. This can be hard to do, especially when you feel stuck in a constant loop of school or work and as a fellow student, I will walk you through my favorite ways to begin the romanticization and its benefits.  

 For the first time this past year I heard someone say, “there is a past version of yourself that would be so proud of how far you’ve come,” the moment was fleeting and it's a common phrase, yet something about it stuck to my soul.  It’s far too easy to complain about your life today or be overly hard on yourself but if you take a moment to step back, to think, where you are now is often where you always dreamed of.