Who are you? - Motivation #2
The best way to get things done is to know yourself first.
It’s the final countdown before school ends - the period of the year when I see my students either on fire, or completely demotivated.
This episode is for those who are feeling down, but who need to get quickly back up with final exams coming up.
Need a boost? Here are the questions you need to ask yourself to get back on track:
What kind of learner are you?
Do you tend to wait until the last minute for every single task you need to complete? Then you’re probably a procrastinator.
Are you so stressed about exams you sometimes forget everything you revised once you’re sitting the test? You’re likely to be an anxious learner.
Are you the kind to think everything must be perfect, unless there’s no point doing it? You could be a perfectionist.
The list could be going on and on.
And what profile you recognize yourself in matters.
Because depending on it, a retro-planning for instance can either be a wonderful idea or a terrible one.
Planning your revisions two weeks in advance is great if you’re anxious: it will help you see more concretely what you need to get done, and how you can do it, and suddenly it will all feel much more reachable, thus lowering the level of stress it brings. If you’re a procrastinator however, planning two weeks ahead is completely useless: we all know you won’t keep up with the schedule over that time. And it’s ok.
What matters is not what works for others. It’s that you find out what works for you.
So if you’re feeling frustrated because you can’t follow tips you’re being given by someone who has a different personality than yours… It’s time you kindly throw these tips away, and explore your own way.
What are you doing all of this for?
Sometimes, we get completely demotivated because we lose touch with the reasons that push us to do what we’re doing.
Do you already know what you want to study in university? If so, that’s a great goal: even if you are currently working on a subject you won’t be studying at uni anymore, you still need to graduate before you can pursue the studies of your dream. So, go for it!
No idea what job you’d like to do? That’s ok too! There’s a list explaining the reason behind teaching each of the school subjects you have to study. And it’s available right here.
Still not convinced? Then set your own reason: ‘I’ll go out and play football with friends once I’m done with this specific task’, for instance.
What can you count on?
What are the things you never doubt, even when you feel like you’re doubting everything?
Examples can include:
A list of people who love you and support you no matter what.
A list of people who care.
A list of people you know you can turn to if you need help.
Your values, the beliefs that are deeply rooted in you (for instance, justice, solidarity, tolerance,…)
Your qualities, the ones you know you have and you’re proud of (for instance, perseverance, empathy, an ability to listen and make people feel special, energy,…)
Take the time to write your own list. And read it often. When it comes to motivation, self-esteem is important too.
And… who is your parent/your child?
Now that you’ve thought about the above for yourself… Think about it for your parent if you’re a teenager, or for your child if you’re a parent. (No, wait, I know if you’re a parent, you probably thought about all the above for your child first. So now, think about it for yourself).
Take the time to acknowledge the differences.
They will explain most of the moments when you don’t understand each other on all subjects related to motivation.
Feeling better? Now, let’s go!