Finding the motivation to write this article, post-reading week, was far from easy. I’m talking specifically about motivation to get a ton of reading done for a course, not procrastinating, and actually getting up to do homework. That’s not applicable to me, because I’ve done none of those aforementioned things, and I’m sure many of you are in the same boat. All aboard, let’s talk about motivation and ways to motivate yourself post-reading week.
Firstly, your support system matters. This is also known as the anchors and sails that keep you afloat. It’s all about who you choose to surround yourself with. Having friends who tell you that it’s okay, that you’re not being unreasonable for procrastinating, and that you can get started tomorrow are definitely telling you the wrong thing. You need the kind of friends who will call you at the crack of dawn so you can get that critical reading passage done for the MCAT, or so you can go on an early morning jog. Whatever the case may be, you need friends who will tell you to work harder than you’ve ever done before, push you to the maximum, and be there to celebrate when you do succeed. And by hard work I don’t mean the useless piece of advice people give you (“you should work harder”). Work is force x distance (Physics nerd within me), and so in order to work harder you need to exert a great force over an even greater distance. And a lot of us probably aren’t trying to push our books away, or throw things off our desks. Constructive criticism and genuine advice are much appreciated here.
Secondly, goals actually do play a role. Where is the boat going? What’s our final destination? It’s all about what you’re aspiring to do. Are you planning on going to medical school? Are you planning on pursuing graduate school? Going to culinary school? Planning on starting a business? What do all those goals have in common? A ton of sleepless nights, coffee, and the desire to get back up when you suffer from bad grades. You need to realize that every second you’re spending on the ground and choosing not to get up is actually detrimental to your own future. Truthfully, other people are getting ahead and being productive, while you’re contemplating taking your fourth nap. Don’t let that happen. Get up, start small and work your way up. Start somewhere; Because when you do get that acceptance letter, and attain your goals, all of this will be worth it. So worth it, because when you do reach your goal you’re going to have nothing to stress about except enjoying the view.
Thirdly, the quality (not quantity) of studying plays a role too, just like the quality of the boat. Can you actually reach your destination with this particular boat? Is it sturdy enough? How are you studying? Is the room well lit? Are you studying in bed? How many hours? Are you taking productive breaks? All these factors tie into this. Some tips would be to alternate where you study choosing to study in the library, a coffee shop, with a friend, in your room, etc. Setting can be a huge motivation-booster, additionally, please don’t study in bed or somewhere you’re super comfortable. You will fall asleep, and have a harder time retaining information. Find what times work best for you. Do you get more done at 3:50am or 3:50pm? Take breaks every 30 minutes, and ensure these breaks don’t last two hours. These breaks can be productive or fun. I usually get water, text a friend back, or grab a snack. It all depends on how you want to allocate time.
Remember to have fun, and even enjoy the process. It may seem daunting having to constantly study, but remember you’re so much closer to those goals, developing amazing studying skills, and strengthening your life-long support system. This boat’s staying afloat. You’re not sinking. We got this, team.