It’s getting to that point in the semseter, where collegiettes everywhere are completely lacking motivation. It’s only been a few weeks since fall break, but the long Thanksgiving weekend is basically forever away. The thought that finals here at the U, go through December 18th, is unfathomable. 23 school days left until we get to flock to our homes to binge watch Netflix, eat a disgusting amount of sweets, and spend all of our Christmas money on Victoria’s Secret and Top Shop. These days may seem like a long time to have to wait. But, hopefully it won’t be that bad and we can put all of our attention from finals and starting to be cheerful for the holidays. But how, just how, are we going to manage the ability to muster up the strength to get through the hard, boring stuff? Well I have a solution for you! I have found some motivation to search high and low, to find the best tips to stay motivated for the end of our semester. Hopefully you are able to encompass these to make the downhill slide a little easier.
1. Five is the magic number!
Huge shoutout to my mom for teaching me this motivational tip from an early age. She said if you can make yourself do at least 5 homework problems, you can show yourself you can, so do 5 more. The number 5 is a good middle ground number and is an easily accomplished amount. I have had it so drilled into my brain, I find myself doing things in 5’s and always trying to do more to get to that golden number.
2. Passion.
I have found that as I am working on something that I care a lot about, I can’t stop thinking and talking about it. If you find a way to connect your passions to what you have to do you are more likely to work on it than let it sit by the way side.
3. Reward Yourself.
What is better motivation? That is my question. I challege you to find a better tip than this. When you get through a long, boring chapter or you go to all of your classes in a week–REWARD YOURSELF! Get a cup of Starbucks or the pair of shoes you have been looking at online for the last forever. The satisfaction that you will get will make this a great way to stay motivated.
4. Space out large tasks
When I have a long paper due, I try to start working on it whenever it gets assigned. I plan on doing a page at a time and then give myself a few days of editing time. I whip out my planner and write which days I will write what and how much I will write. Being able to write for a couple hours and then not having to worry about it for a while, is a nice break and doesn’t make you overwhelmed at the end of the project. This has been a life saver in my life and could be for you too.
5. No distractions…at all.
It is hard to completely put all of your attention onto one thing. But you are more likely to get things done when you at least try to focus on the task at hand. Being able to put your phone away and get something accomplished actually makes you feel good. Think of how much you want to be able to get on your phone again and you will surely get something done.
Hopefully these tips can bring you out of your motivational slump and you finish the semester successfully! The end is near my friends, you can do this!