College is a time in life where it seems as though stress, anxiety and confusion are (at this point) inevitable aspects of your personality. We are constantly going, going, going, on autopilot, and fear the idea of failure, mistakes, or overall dissatisfaction with the choices we are making now. We work and get burnt out most days of the week, and struggle to find motivation—especially when we feel like every decision we make now is going to impact us for the rest of our lives. We are constantly being bombarded by high expectations that we feel we can’t carry out. It is easy to become distraught, sad and on the brink of giving up under these conditions. I constantly need to remind myself of a few things whenever I begin to lose my motivation:
1.You’re here for you and no one else.
Sure, you may have been strongly influenced to come to college by your parents or peers, but at the end of the day, you are here for your own education. You are here to grow and learn everything and anything so that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
2. You’ve made it this far.
You can’t give up now! Think about how much hard work you have put in. It’s not all for nothing.
3. You have so much ahead of you.
I get so excited thinking about the future. Whether its dreaming about what my career will be, or what my family will be like one day, this is all part of my journey. And I’m excited to see where it takes me.
4. You’ve grown so much already.
I am not the same person that I was when I first started college, and I’ve only been here a little over a year. I love the person I’m transforming into, and it's crazy to think how much more growing I have left.
5. You don’t need it all figured out yet.
To be completely honest—from what I’ve observed—most adults don’t even have it figured out yet. Build a plan, set some goals, but allow things to take place. You are young and have so much life ahead of you.6. Good things take time.
Just because something you want now hasn’t arrived doesn’t mean it's not on its way. Be patient and hopeful. Whatever you are wanting is coming in one way or another.
7. Nothing lasts forever.
College is a short four years. Frankly, while it may be four of the most stressful years of your life, it may also be some of the greatest four years of your life. And if it’s not a good time for you whatsoever? Once again, it won’t last forever.
8. You are loved.
It’s easy to feel lonely and unwanted in this phase of life. But just remember how many people love and support you. Your friends, family and God all want to see you do well. And of course, you can’t forget about loving yourself either.
9. You are capable.
It’s easy to think, “why me” in terms of things like getting a job or acing a test. We often forget to ask, “why not me?” You are just as well and able to achieve something as anyone you are competing with.
10. You are you and only you.
Comparing yourself to other people is such a toxic habit. Break it early in and learn to focus on yourself.
11. Life falls into place.
All it takes is a little faith, trust and optimism. Everything will be good in the end, and if it’s not good, it’s not the end.
We could all use a few reminders like these everyday. Being in college is not easy. If it’s the right path for you, make sure you continue to work your hardest, and trust your abilities.
