We want it, are always looking for it, and most of us have a hard time finding it. That beautiful, magical stimulant that gets us to do everything we need to do. It's the difference between staying in bed or going to class, watching Netflix or doing homework.
It's motivation.
Ask yourself two questions: What is it you want to do? And what is stopping you?
Most people use this time to say that they just aren't motivated. The common excuse for not doing what they need, or even want, to do.They can't find that special spark that will give them the reason or desire to get up, get going and get things done. Without motivation, Netflix is a lot more appealing than going to the gym, and you can find every reason in the world not to study for your exam. Why? I have no motivation. But where do we find this wonderful idea? Nobody knows.
So here's my argument: Stop looking for it, and start creating it!
Odd concept, I know, but my theory is every time you find yourself thinking motivation is your issue, use that as fuel to do it anyway. Catch yourself using that excuse and let that drive you to stop being lazy and move. Think of all the reasons you want to complete the task, or in most cases, need to complete the task, and bash yourself for letting lack of motivation stand in your way of you being successful.
Before I was in college, I always thought it would be easy to find motivation here. I'm paying thousands of dollars to get an education at the school I picked and love, so why wouldn't I want to study? It took about a month to realize that nothing ever really changes, and when I am taking a class I hate, I am still not going to want to study.
Instead, I had to create motivation for myself. I had to stop letting myself use that excuse and start being my own motivation instead of looking for it. It isn't always easy but instead of doing what is easy, I do what I need to do instead of waiting for my desire to appear out of nothing.
A few tips that have helped me are breaking everything down into smaller chunks of tasks and celebrating those small victories with small rewards. For example, when I finish a section of a chapter of my textbook, I reward myself with a small break to do whatever I want unrelated to school. This makes studying less like eating glass and more manageable. It may take more time, as I have to accommodate for the 10 minute Gossip Girl sessions in between every 10 pages, but is worth it and what works for me.
Another thing is write your goals and inspirational tidbits everywhere. On your mirror, in your notebooks, post it note them on the wall all over your dorm, do whatever it takes to keep you in check and on task, and never let yourself say that you don't feel like it or the dreaded I'm not motivated. Use that to keep yourself in check.
Also, don't be too hard on yourself. There are going to be days when you wake up and you don't want to move, or you just really don't feel like getting things done today. Push yourself, but also give yourself room to breath. Don't do nothing, but give yourself a break. And it's fine to take a day off every once in a while, just not every day.
Whatever you do, stop letting motivation stand between you and your dreams. Because if you are always looking for it, you will never find it. You have to create it. You have to be your own hero, your own motivation. It will all be worth it in the end.
