Staying motivated through the winter can be a struggle. It’s okay to admit that you’re tired of going to class, however, it doesn’t have to be this way. If you want to become more motivated but you’re not sure where to start, there’s no need to worry! These little lifestyle changes and tips can help.
Find Inspiration
College can be a big adjustment for some people because it requires a lot of self-motivation, and the gloomy, gray skies during the winter months definitely don’t help. Try planning out milestones throughout the semester and check them off as you accomplish them. If you want to get an A on an upcoming exam, figure out a study schedule so you’re not trying to cram at the last minute. The trick is to do this in a place that makes you feel good and will motivate you to get more done, such as a coffee shop or your favorite spot in the library.
Plan Everything
Speaking of planning out milestones, planning out your life will not only help you become more organized but will also keep your stress levels down.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed because you’re looking through your syllabi seeing hundreds of assignments due, just stop and take a deep breath: everything will be okay. While looking at your syllabi, use a planner or calendar and write out all of the due dates for your exams, quizzes and assignments. You can even color-code your classes if you’re feeling fancy.
Build a Good Support System
College is hard and it’s even harder going through this new experience all on your own. Surrounding yourself with good friends who want the best for you and are always uplifting is extremely important. Look into joining some student organizations based on your major or personal interests. This is a great way for you to meet like-minded people and potentially make new friends! If physical activity is more your style, you can get involved in club sports or attend workout classes at a local gym.
Reward Yourself
This is an important step when it comes to self-motivation, even if it seems silly. It’s best to study periodically throughout your day rather than trying to cram all information into your head in one sitting. Set aside a chunk of your day that you want to dedicate to studying. Next, figure out a system that works for you, such as studying hard for 30 minutes and then taking a 10-minute break to check social media. If you’re more of a Netflix-type person, study for about 45 minutes and take a break to watch an episode of your favorite show.
There’s no right or wrong way to do this! Just do what makes you happy and what you think you’ll benefit the most from.
Have a Positive Mindset
Lastly, stay positive. You’re going to have some assignments that you receive bad grades on and that’s okay. It’s impossible to be perfect at everything you do. As long as you give every task your best effort, you’ll be fine. Sometimes it can be hard to stay positive. You can battle these negative thoughts by repeating positive affirmations to yourself while looking in a mirror. Examples are, “I am a beautiful person” or, “I am successful.” You can also look into journaling or meditating to help keep your mind healthy.
Now, go conquer all of your goals for the week—you got this!