It’s that time of the semester; the weather is beautiful, the colors outside are perfect, and classes are the hardest. Here we are trying to balance life and somehow stay a little sane. But how can I be expected to focus when there’s 5 tests, 10 projects, and about 100 readings, all due next Tuesday! We spend so much time worrying about the work, that we get nothing accomplished. So what can we do about this rut? How do we find the motivation at the bottom of the pile of stress?

Remember why you’re doing this. Why are you working so hard, why are you going down this path? You decided to pursue this because it is going to get you where you want to be. The hard work and the stress and the pain you’re feeling can mask that light at the end of the tunnel. But at the end of the day, if all this doesn’t feel worth it maybe you aren’t in the right place. The passion for your future can drive your motivation for miles.

So here’s what I do: I focus on the work, God, and those I love. Because the ones I love will ALWAYS be there and support me through the toughest of times. Because God will have my back whether I deserve it or not. Because the work will pay off and lead to great things.

When the work gets tough, you get tougher. Determination will lead to great thing.