Final's Week Pep Talk

I had a professor in high school that would get more and more gracious as scheduled breaks were coming up. For example, we had two weeks off for winter break. He's said as it approached, "You give me two weeks, and I'll give you two weeks!" He'd keep updating it accordingly until there was no time left at all, "You give me one day, I'll give you two weeks!" But somehow it motivated me to put in just a little bit more effort in order to make it to the finish line.

So let's do this! Because if you give me two weeks, I'll give you a month! Whatever was holding you back yesterday is not there today. Whatever you were disappointed about, whatever qualms you had with your roommate, whatever thing in your life that you're worrying about, just put all that on hold. Just give me two weeks and then you'll have all the time in the world to look backwards. But for now, get out of bed, put your head phones on, and think ahead.

Sometimes I feel like my struggle with discipline is just a lack of self care. If I do things for my future self as determinedly as I do things for my current self, then I'd be in good shape. But sadly, I'd probably spend less time eating free food.

But I am capable of moving forward whether that's inch by inch or margin by margin. I can focus if I choose. I must allow myself to finish these next two weeks as strongly as possible! I have the power to decide! I have the will to work! I can type another word. I can study another hour.

Still stuck? Don’t be afraid to drink a cup of coffee. Seriously. Coffee is awesome. Also, poems are awesome. Write a poem. Go for a walk. Hop on a slackline (also awesome). Take meaningful breaks but don't forget where you left off. Don't let your to-do list overwhelm you. Don't give up. Don't escape. No more sadness. No more being lost. Be mobile! Be strong! Get out of that hole!

At the end of the day it feels better to create work that you are proud of anyways.