Motivation is an elusive thing. It was difficult to come by even before COVID-19 and the self-imposed government lockdowns that have given us more time to do everything but taken away our willingness to do anything. In this article, I will aim to illuminate a short pathway to find motivation in the repetition of lockdown and offer a more lasting remedy to keep you on track.
“As each day arises, welcome it as the very best day of all, and make it your own possession. We must seize what flees.” – Seneca, Moral Letters, 108.27b-28a
Days now seem to come and go, with very little difference to tell them apart. The countless movies or TV shows provide little satisfaction to keep us enticed and we’re left at the end of the day with disappointment; knowing we should have done more. It is hard, especially as a student, to stay focused on that pursuit of excellence which was always so difficult.
How can you study when you don’t know when your assessments are? What’s the point of learning in lockdown if it was already so difficult in person? How can I keep my future in sight when everything is so uncertain?
The simple answer to these questions begins with motivation and ends with discipline.
Finding Motivation
Motivation isn’t the answer but it is the beginning of something that will help you find it.
1. Eliminate these excuses
Every day of school-from-home just feels like a holiday but you’re at your desk more. However, you must accept this reality and stop using it as an excuse for your procrastination. Begin to hold yourself accountable again. We have all been suffering but no amount of moaning and groaning to family and friends is going to change this reality. Accept the things to which fate binds you.
2. Construct your goals
This is the step that will take you from your self-pity to creating an image of where you want to be once lockdown is finished. Make these things measurable and attainable. Start with an allocated number of past papers per week, a fixed amount of study per day, working out multiple times per week, and even praying/meditating daily. Aim to be smarter, fitter, stronger, and more spiritual by the end of all this.
Creating Discipline
This is where your solution lies. Motivation is emotional, fueled entirely by temperament and sometimes sporadic bursts of energy. Watching the Olympics is going to motivate you to go on a run but it isn’t going to help you become an athlete. What you require is discipline.
1. Create a Routine
Begin your day NOT with that thing that will occupy most of it. For example, if you’re studying most of the day do not begin it immediately with study. I suggest casual reading, meditation, prayer, or exercise as the best activities to do first thing in the morning.
Use a Time-Blocking method. Break up your day into 2-3 hour intervals of main tasks that you want to do. After your morning routine, move onto block 1 before lunch. Then move onto blocks 2 & 3 before dinner. I recommend leaving a set time, such as after-dinner, work free.
2. Choose your days carefully
You need excitement in your days and something to look forward to. To overcome the boredom of school don’t just break up your days, but break up your weeks. Make one day per week absolutely study-free and make sure you detox from any school-related tasks. This will help energise you and give you something to look forward to as you work harder throughout the week.
Where to Next?
Ultimately, these steps can seem idealistic, but there is no need to take such a defeatist outlook. It won’t be easy but you must understand that you have always been doing this for yourself. You are the source of your success and your failures, and you are the only thing that is stopping yourself from excellence.
Implement these tips and try to overcome the boredom that is holding you down in lockdown. You’ll find that they just might work…
Anthony, from the Kalibre Post.
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. Its always useful to read content from other authors and practice something from their websites.