New Year, New Motivation

Tips For Gaining Motivation in the Spring Semester

All the trees are bare, the temperature remains below 40, snow is constantly upon us and the sun is nowhere in sight. Do you know what that means? It’s time for the spring semester. If you’re anything like me, you may find it challenging to gain the motivation needed to push you into that second half of the school year (the third-quarter slump was real in high school). You may even be experiencing academic burn-out; a slump that you hoped winter break would cure. But do not fret, I have come up with several ideas to not only get you excited for the new year but to push you to gain a better sense of your own well-being for this upcoming semester. 

Clean and Spice Up your Tech

It may seem simple enough, but if you really think about the amount of time spent using your phone, AirPods, headphones, iPad or laptop, the time really adds up. Take your spare time to wipe down these tech items that haven’t been disinfected to start the new semester with a clean slate. Another easy way to clean out your devices is by going through your photos and files. Delete unnecessary images, files and apps that don’t seem to serve a purpose in your life anymore. Make sure to trash all of those accidental screenshots and assignments that HAD to be downloaded, and random voice memos you don’t remember recording to clear up some of your precious storage space. Don’t forget to change up your lock screens, wallpapers and widgets too, to give the new year a fresh start!

Create a Positive Feed

Going off the last tip, your time is valuable, and scrolling through a toxic feed destroys that time. Take a minute, an hour, or maybe even a few hours to go through who you follow or subscribe to, and ask yourself how seeing their content makes you feel. If it doesn’t bring you joy, then what are you doing? Choose this time to be selfish, and by selfish I mean prioritize yourself! Choose content that inspires you and makes you feel good! Most of the time, the impact of our feed is brushed under the rug, but what we fail to recognize is just how much it can affect our overall well-being. Start the new year with positive, inspiring and joyful content for when you decide to scroll!  

Start a Passion Project

Whether it’s painting, crocheting, exercise, cooking new meals or just trying something new in general, a new passion project is a great way to start the new year. In many circumstances, we, or at least I, tend to get overwhelmed at the start of the new semester, and once things finally begin to settle, I realize that there is little to no time being made for myself. Starting something or setting a goal to fulfill your passions can serve as an exciting reminder to spend time on yourself and for yourself! 

Create a Vision Board

One of my tried and true methods of getting enthusiastic for a new year is creating a vision board. There are so many different ways you could go about this. It could be physical boards with magazine cutouts and printed pictures, different pins on a personalized Pinterest profile, or it could be a digital version (perfect to spice up your laptop wallpaper). However, if you decide to create a vision board, make sure you keep this in mind and find images and words that are inspiring to YOU. This vision board should be very personalized, so there is no need to try and impress anyone other than yourself! If you see a random picture of a puppy that makes you smile every time you see it, add it!  There doesn’t have to be a reason as to why you are adding anything, as long as it brings you joy! 

Make a New Playlist

I don’t know about you, but one of the best feelings in the world is when you find that new song to obsess over throughout different periods of your life. Whether it’s for studying, walking to class, or both, having a playlist full of new music that you’re excited about can help you gain the motivation to get out of bed and listen! Finding songs on TikTok, playlist videos on YouTube, or just utilizing your Discover Weekly and Apple Music playlists can help you get excited about new music for the new year!

Fake it ‘Til You Make it

My last tip and one of the best ways to gain motivation is to “fake it” until your hopes become your reality! Most of the time, you are not going to simply wake up and be overwhelmed with motivation. So, try to get inspired by other people who push you to be the best YOU! But, something to keep in mind is, when you use this mindset, try to always remember your reasoning behind it! Don’t watch or read about other people’s lives simply to compare your routines to theirs. Instead, watch and study them to find the inspiration and motivation you need in order to positively influence your life. There is a BIG difference between both intentions, so be careful and cautious that this change is not going to be detrimental to your well-being! Amber OKeefe, Sadie Aldis, and Krystal Maya are already on top of the content game by creating inspiring videos to send you in the right direction for 2023! And, if these creators are not your cup of tea, find your own or simply ask a friend how they seem so motivated so you can get the help you need to feel motivated too! 

Hopefully, you have found these ideas helpful to restructure your life in 2023! Remember, everyone’s life is not going to look motivated and put together 100% of the time, so don’t put pressure on yourself to be perfect! If you have any other tips or ideas, let us know on all of the Her Campus Mizzou socials. We would love to hear from you! Have a safe and happy new year and a happy 2023!