We have all had that quarter(s) that just did not go our way. Sometimes we underestimate how hard a class actually is, we don’t use our time wisely, we over schedule ourselves or we are just dumbfounded about what even happened during the quarter. Whatever happened, it happened. Many people end up in a state of confusion, sadness and loss of motivation. How does one get out of this state? Coming from someone who has been there, here are some tips from personal experience to come back this quarter with a positive attitude, good work ethic and motivation.
1. Time to sulk
The quarter has ended, you get your grades and you don’t know what to do. You are sad, on break and feeling in limbo. Don’t think it is bad to feel this way- give yourself time to come to terms with it. This could be hard with parents asking how your quarter went and family members asking how school is going, but try your best to come to peace with the past. It makes it so that you can further advance to the next steps.
2. Talk it out
This isn’t for everyone, but it worked for me. When a quarter doesn't go so well, I like to vent to someone about it. I start with the things that did not go well and why they did not go so well. The great thing about talking about it is that it can be a time to reflect on what you did that quarter, and perhaps what you could have done better. Talking about it also helps you come to terms with it, put it in the past and then move on.
3. Make a plan
Alright, so the bad quarter happened. You were sad, you talked about it to a friend… Now what? Now is a good time to start planning what to do next quarter. Maybe take some easier classes, less classes and/or plan a more realistic schedule. Some things that help me are a planner, colorful pens, a sleep schedule, a break schedule and also scheduling time to attend office hours. This makes my schedule have productivity as well as sanity. Having a schedule like this makes it so that you complete goals in increments at a time, reducing stress and increasing consistency and productivity level.
4. Plan fun events
Sometimes working towards a goal really motivates you to actually get started on tasks. It helps to plan events that you enjoy in your schedule so that they act as a “reward” for your hard work. For example, maybe plan to go out to dinner with friends on a weekend or attend a concert featuring your favorite artist. Whatever you like doing, you don’t have to cut it completely out of your schedule- just work efficiently and productively, and you can still have time for fun, too. Also, if you have the time, try to plan something regularly in your schedule that you enjoy. For some it might be a particular class they enjoy or a sport they like to play. This gives your schedule more of a balance.
5. Form study groups or study hours
This may not pertain to those who only like to study alone. For the rest of you though, form study groups! Not only has research shown that study groups can improve your grade, but it can also motivate you to actually study. Also, teaching others the material actually solidifies the material for you more, and it comes a point where you actually understand the material instead of regurgitating information. If you are uncomfortable studying with others in your class (for example, if you only feel comfortable with studying with your friends but they aren’t in your class) create time in your schedule for you and your friends to meet up and study for a certain amount of time. This makes it so that you have no excuse but to use those hours to be productive!
6. Track your progress
You want to make sure that you aren’t falling behind or doing worse than your bad quarter. To do this, tracking your progress can help visualize and internalize the work you need to put in to “redeem” yourself. One way of doing this is to consistently check your grades. You can then see what you are doing well, what you're not doing so well and then hopefully be proactive about the material you need help with. Another way to track your progress is to meet with your professor(s), ask them how you are doing in the class, and if needed, how you can improve. Lastly, keep a journal on your nightstand or desk. Daily or weekly, write about what went well that week, your accomplishments and how productive you were. If you didn’t reach your goal of how productive you wanted to be that week, write down what went wrong, and how you can improve.
Lastly, don’t put yourself down for not doing well academically. It doesn’t reflect any less of your character or o your intelligence. Get motivated, stay positive and have a great quarter!
