The semester is winding down and minds are slowly checking out; now we are struggling to stay motivated. Many are trying to find ways to motivate themselves to finish the semester off strong.
Due to COVID-19, this has been the first time learning online for many students. Some of us adjusted rather quickly, others found it somewhat difficult. Why? A lack of motivation.
The dictionary describes motivation as the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way; the general desire or willingness of someone to do something.
As students, some grasp the material rather fast. They are the ones who know what they want to be and have some idea how they are going to make it happen. They are the self-motivators. Most likely, they were very active in high school — involved in various clubs, probably officers in those clubs and maintained a high GPA and had good study habits.
Then there are those who have the ability to be successful, but for some reason have a harder time developing or setting goals for themselves and keeping them. These are the ones who depended on external factors to keep them motivated, like someone else reminding them to get up, do their homework, wash their clothes, and eat healthy foods. Once that element is removed, the struggle gets real. They are thinking, “What should I do? How should I do it? Do I really want to do this?”
They have no idea how to motivate themselves because they have no idea what they want to accomplish in life.
Motivation is developed in many ways. It can be taught through role models. If you are surrounded by self-motivators, chances are you will pick it up from your environment. You could become a natural self-motivator. Unfortunately, it can also come from a hardship or tragedy. The unfortunate incident could push you to overcome, which could in some cases, come from self-motivation.
“You have to find your why,” said Jocelyn Hayden, an academic adviser at a motivation 101 workshop hosted by FAMU’s academic coaching center. “Your why is what will drive you,” she added.
How do you teach yourself to be motivated? Set a goal for yourself. Start off with something small, like get out of the bed a little earlier in the morning. Take some time for yourself: meditate a few minutes; eat breakfast; take a brisk early morning walk. Add new goals when you feel the time is right. Surround yourself with positive people: go to church, join a social organization, join a gym.
As time goes by you will find yourself doing things you never dreamed you could or would do. Since the pandemic some of us have been slipping. We are feeling trapped and believe there isn’t anything to do. Wrong. This is the time to push through and find that “Why” that motivates you whether it be the grades, degree, career or your family.
Do not forget to dedicate your time to love on yourself. Take up a new hobby; read some good books; call someone instead of texting; spend extra time studying.