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).
There are two main factors that keep me swinging when every limb on my body seems to pull me back – the past and the why. Now stick with me because I know this may not make much sense. The past, who you were versus who you are now. This may not be much of a motivator to you, but to me this is everything. I often think back on who I was, knowing how happy I would be to see where I am now and knowing I am becoming who my younger self always dreamed of. If I had given up then, lost my motivation, I wouldn’t have this privilege of seeing myself now. Next is the why – why am I doing what I am? For me, my why to most aspects of my life, is to help others. So, giving up on myself and my drive is giving up on my why and all the connections I could one day make. And while it may be hard to find a why, once you do the simple reminder of it pushes you to never stop.
While these are the two overarching ideas that keep me going, implementing them fully can be difficult to achieve. Below is a list of small techniques that may just be enough to push you through, at least for the semester at hand.
1. Personal Time
While these big motivators are great, without taking time for yourself there is only one inevitable outcome – burnout. Setting aside time to destress with something you simply enjoy for your own pleasure, even if only 15 minutes, can help “recharge” you. This doesn’t only increase your productivity while you are working/studying but also your mental health. Taking even the smallest part of your day for yourself decreases stress while increasing dopamine, being beneficial to your overall mood day to day. This can also be used as a motivator, a small piece of your day to look forward to after finishing your work.
2. “Grounding”
Recently, a friend of mind came out of an economics test and when I asked if he wanted to join the rest of our friends in studying, he gave me a fake smirk and simply said, “I think I’m going to go reconnect with nature”. Coming from him it seemed funny, but he genuinely went on a walk after that, as many of friends and I do during the academic heights of university. While it may seem pointless to go outside and reconnect with nature, this simple act often puts life back into perspective and slows your swirling mind.
3. Surround Yourself with Positivity
When buried in the heights of work and school, it is far easier to focus on the negative aspects of your life than the positive. When everything seems to be going wrong, and none of it right, that motivation and purpose you once had can often leave quite quickly. When it seems like there is no good around you, “what’s the point?” is often a question called to mind. By surrounding yourself with positivity, whether that be good company, favorite snacks, or a pretty study spot, finding the motivation or the “point” becomes far easier. Surrounding yourself with reminders of what you love in this life, in my experience, keeps the mind and body working towards your goals in swifter strides.
4. Herd Mentality
From only one short year at the University of North Carolina, I’ve realized it is far too easy to forget yourself and be swept away with the finance bros and business school obsessed. Getting a 4.0 and taking 18 credit hours quickly becomes more important than all other aspects of your life. Gaining this “herd mentality” in any school, job, or environment is often smooth and goes unnoticed. That is until you’re submerged in crisis and lost on why you’re doing what you’re doing. One of the biggest tips I can give to you is to not be swept into this pattern. You have come as far as you have and work as hard as you do for your own reasons, not for the reasons of those around you.
5. Force, Technique, Routine
These last techniques I have for you are often the hardest and either something you implement all throughout or use as a last-ditch effort. When you’ve tried it all and your due dates are quickly approaching, this is the advice I give. Force – have as much discipline as you can muster to “force” yourself into doing your work, even if that means locking yourself in a room with no windows or clock. Technique – know what study techniques work best for you and what type of learner you are to optimize your time. Routine – plan out roughly (if not exactly) each hour of your day, most being allocated to your work and STICK TO IT. No distractions, no excuses, just do it.
Now, at the end of the day none of these things alone will work long term. The point is to figure out what inspires and motivates you, what helps you even if just a little. For me, it is the previously mentioned, as it is for many others. For you, well, you will have to decide and find your own why, define your own past.
As a reminder for all students, finals season can be rough and leave you feeling lost. This season will past, and you will likely do better than you think. Take time to relax and prioritize your health. And remember, my mailbox is always open, and I am here to support you through this last push of the year.
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