We have officially hit the middle of the semester, which can mean a number of different things for us college students. First, we are all going through the process of surviving midterms (you can do it!). Second, we are struggling to find that start-of-the-semester motivation. So, what can you do about this? There are plenty of things you can do to increase your motivation levels... you just have to find the right one for you.
Are you someone who always tells yourself you will go to the library to study? Every college student is guilty of saying this and never following through with it... it is kinda like a new year's resolution we make at the start of every semester. Don't think too hard about going and just do it. Pack up your backpack with your study materials, get your Starbucks on the way, and find a comfortable place in the library to sit. You will be surprised by how much you can accomplish.
Speaking of studying at the library... don't underestimate the power of study with a group of friends. While it can easily be turned in to a social hour, try and dive in to your homework/reviews as soon as you sit down. It can also be a good idea to reserve group study rooms so you have easy access to materials such as whiteboards that make group work easier to see/discuss.
If studying in groups is not your thing, but you still need to find ways to motivate yourself, try creating a vision board. Write a few goals on notecards and don't be afraid to get creative with it using fun fonts, colors, or even add some artwork. Put it somewhere that you will always see it and use it as a daily reminder of what you want to accomplish. It's okay to add long-term goals, but make sure you have a few short-term goals too. Sometimes it's about the next twenty four hours... not the next twenty-four years.
If you like vision boards, then chances are you are a fan of motivational quotes. Place a few strategically around your dorm room or even change up the lock screen on your phone to display a different quote every once in a while. Hopefully, every time you look at your phone or see the sticky note with the quote written on it you are reminded of why you are doing what you are doing.
Maybe motivation quotes and vision boards are not your thing. That's okay! Create a plan. Whether you are glued to your planner or prefer to-do lists, find a way to organize your thoughts and work. It doesn't have to be fancy... it just has to make sense to you and keep your organized!
The middle of the semester can be tough for college students. It is the time where you can gain new motivation or fall behind. Find whatever motivates you and stick with it! You will be glad you did!
