Second Semester Slumps

It isn’t always easy to find motivation to keep pushing through school work; however it is important to see the light at the end of the tunnel and stay motivated to complete tasks, whether they relate to school or not. Once you get motivated, you may begin to notice that your grades improve, you get along with other people, you sleep better, and you’re healthier. Here are some ways to help out!
- Write down what you need to do
It’s essential to have a to-do list as well as a plan to help you complete it. Prioritize the importance of your activities and homework and block out time for school, work, extracurriculars, and sleep. After doing that, you can see what free time you have left to complete other tasks. Sticking to a schedule can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. It may be a good idea to set aside a few minutes at the beginning of the week to look at each day and what you have going on.
- Change up your normal routine
With a set school routine or a regular work schedule, things can start to feel a little bland. Learn how to get motivated for school by changing things up. Find a new study place, try out a new restaurant, plan something fun for the weekend, or go somewhere you’ve never been before. A slight adjustment in your routine can brighten things up and make it easier to complete your tasks.
- Know what you’re working towards
It’s good to set a goal to know what you’re working for, whether that’s getting into your dream college, getting an A in a hard class, or doing well on a test. Don’t wander aimlessly through high school, but instead set a goal and figure out what you need to do to get there.
- Break up large tasks into smaller ones
That big project for your history class may be daunting, but if you are able to break it up into small, manageable tasks, completing it won’t be a problem at all. By setting achievable goals, you won’t have to wait until the last minute and stress out to finish what needs to get done. Any project can be handled when you break it into smaller tasks.
- Acknowledge your accomplishments
Recognize your hard work and effort when you deserve it. Give yourself a quick reward after you complete a task. Take a walk, get a snack, read for a few minutes – whatever works for you! To celebrate good grades at the end of the semester, go out to dinner with some friends or indulge in an ice cream cone. This is helpful because it gives you a break before moving onto the next task. However, remember that treating yourself won’t be special if you do it all the time!
If you’re feeling unmotivated and sluggish, it is possible to get motivated again. All it takes is a few simple changes that can improve your efficiency and increase your productivity. You’ve got this!