The leaves have started to change colors, the air has gotten cooler, and all many of us want to do is stay in our warm beds, fuzzy socks, and watch Netflix.
Unfortunately, college doesn’t really allow the time for that kind of thing. So, how do we achieve our goals even when we don’t feel motivated?
Don’t let your feelings control your actions.
So often we let our feelings of exhaustion and fatigue get in the way of accomplishing our goals. On the days that you really just want to stay in bed, force yourself to get up, treat yourself to a large cup of coffee, make your to-do list, and get to work.
Set small goals.
Making a to-do list and crossing things off as you go can have such a huge (and positive) impact on your motivation level. When you feel like you’re getting things accomplished, you’re so much more likely to keep going. Make a list of your short-term goals, make sure they are reasonable, and finish strong!
Keep your goals in mind.
Remember why you are doing what you’re doing. The long nights spent in the library, the cup of coffee every hour kind of days, the tears, the sweat, the nights without sleep; it is all for something. At the same time that you should keep your short-term goals achievable, keep your long-term goals in mind when you’re going through these times of exhaustion. It will all pay off.
Make time for yourself.
I’m not saying that should stay in bed for hours at a time binge watching One Tree Hill, but sometimes the best way to jumpstart your motivation is by taking some time to practice self-care. Find what helps you unwind and practice it in moderation; watch that (one) episode of "One Tree Hill," read a chapter or two of your favorite book, spend some time journaling, go for a run; whatever it is that helps you distress, do it. Self-care is incredibly important.
Don’t take this time for granted.
By far one of the things that help me stay motivated is how quickly my time in college is going by. I can’t believe I’m already almost halfway done with my sophomore year and though that’s terrifying, it’s a reason to keep going and helps me stay motivated. This is a time in my life I won’t ever get back and it is flying by; I want to enjoy every moment of it.
