I’ve reached the point in the semester where it seems as though there are a million things on my plate, but I can’t seem to find the time, energy, or motivation to accomplish it all.
Lately, I have been finding it challenging to balance everything I have going on in my life. Between classes, student organizations, work, my social life, and my blog, it is difficult to find time for everything. I frequently find myself overwhelmed and stressed, and I have lost track of the goals that I set for myself earlier in the year.
Today I took the time to reevaluate my goals and to refocus. While doing this, I came up with a list of things that I can do to help me finish the semester strong.
I am aware that this lack of energy, motivation, and inspiration is common among college students during this time of the year. For this reason, I have decided to share my tips in hopes that it will help other students find their motivation as well!
Revisit Old Goals & Make New Ones
I am a firm believer in actually taking the time to think about and write out your goals. There is something about writing my goals down with pen and paper that makes me feel more accountable. If you previously set goals for yourself this semester, it is time to revisit these goals and check your progress. If you realize that you are not on track to reaching your goals, decide what steps need to be taken in order to change that.
The middle of the semester is also a good time to set new goals. Focus on short-term goals that are attainable and can be accomplished within the next few weeks before the semester ends. Thinking too far into the future by creating long-term goals can add to your stress.
One of my goals for the semester is to make the dean’s list. To make sure that I am on the right track, I have taken note of my current grades in each of my classes and determined where I need to improve in order to reach this goal. I have checked my progress and I am now taking the steps needed to accomplish my goal.
Switch up Your Routine
In college, it is easy to feel like you are just going through the motions because we get into the habit of doing the same tasks day after day. Try making small changes in your daily routine to break the monotonous cycle.
If you always do your homework in your bedroom, try finding a new spot on campus to work at instead. Something as simple as this can increase your productivity and brighten your mood. Try a new activity that wouldn’t typically do, or explore a place that you’ve never been to. Adding something different to your life can help give you the inspiration and motivation that you need to finish the semester strong.
Plan Ahead
You probably have already figured out by now that having time management skills is necessary for making it through college. While it may seem like a good idea to keep pushing that ten-page paper off until the last minute, you will eventually realize that procrastinating only causes you more stress in the end. If you have assignment deadlines and exams coming up, determine when you want to begin studying. Create a plan for how long you want to study each day leading up to it, rather than cramming the night before.
In addition to planning ahead for your school work, be sure to keep track of meetings, events, and plans with friends and family. Knowing what your upcoming schedule looks like will help to put your mind at ease.
Remember to Take Care of Yourself
Most importantly, in the midst of all of the chaos and stress, you must remember to take good care of yourself. It is easy to adopt unhealthy habits like staying up late or eating junk food when you are overwhelmed.
In college, you are pretty much always surrounded by people. If you are more of an introvert like myself, this can be draining. It can also lead to this lack of motivation you may be experiencing. I have to frequently remind myself that it is okay to say no. You don’t have to go to every event or say yes every time someone asks you to hang out. It is okay to put yourself first. Take some time to do something that will make you happy like going to eat at your favorite restaurant or simply lying in bed watching your favorite movie. College is hard so it is okay to treat yourself every once in a while.
Do not sacrifice your health and well-being trying to take on more than you can handle. Be sure that you are getting enough rest, eating healthy, and getting some exercise. These things will all give you the energy needed to conquer the rest of the semester!
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