It’s about that time in the semester (and mid-polar vortex) that you want to permanently apply sweatpants to your body and never leave your bed, right? WELL THAT’S JUST TOO DARN BAD! There are classes to attend, opportunities to explore and new friends to be made! You can’t spend spring semester snoozing away!
So now that you think that I am way too perky to handle, let’s get back to reality. It’s cold, life sucks and it’s hard to remember what motivation feels like. I know. The struggle of getting out of bed when it is -8° and feels like -10,000° is so real. But Buckeyes, you must persevere! Spring semester is simply Round 2 of your first year and so important for you to be fully engaged. Don’t lose your motivation to succeed and explore the amazing university that you call your home.
5 Easy Tips to Stay Motivated
1) Set Small Goals
Imagine what you want to have accomplished by the end of your first year as a Buckeye. Is that making the Dean’s List, figuring out the right major for you or becoming involved in one organization? Going back to the cold, maybe that means not skipping those 8 a.m. classes all semester…14 weeks of 8 a.m.classes…
Once you’ve got that, break it down into smaller goals that you can achieve on your way to the big one! Maybe that means going to one prof’s office hours each week, emailing two clubs to find out more information or only letting yourself hit snooze once per morning. Celebrate the accomplishments of these small goals!
2) Organize Your Time
Organization is key to being a successful Buckeye, so put some effort into organizing your schedule! Having that Dates & Data planner written out each week prevents those last-minute panics of forgetting assignments or missing that awesome OUAB event that you heard about. Perhaps you didn’t plan time to hang out with your new friends or workout and now you’re feeling some major blues.
Organizing your time into a healthy work-play balance will keep that stress level down and on-track for an awesome semester!
3) Find Inspiration
Sometimes it may feel like you’re slogging through your week-to-week schedule, but remember the reasons why you came to Ohio State in the first place. Most people had multiple goals: obtain that college degree, branch out on your own, make new friends, the list goes on. Be sure to remember the inspiration that will carry you through this semester and remember the big picture! And hey, if you wanna do some daily affirmations in the mirror just make sure no one else is listening at the bathroom door.
4) Develop a Support Group
As Buckeyes, we’re all part of a BIG family. We crave social support to lead happy lives and our friends and family can be that support system! Forming study groups in your classes or recruiting that one friend on your floor to join you once a week at the RPAC spinning class will help give you that extra motivation to achieve your goals. Besides, doesn’t it feel good to know that someone actually cares when they ask you how you’re doing today?
5) Believe in Yourself
Finally, believe in yourself! Buckeyes are all here for a reason. Someone believed that you could go to Ohio State and be successful. Maybe that was a parent, high school teacher or even one of our admissions officers. Take their confidence and instill it into your little Scarlet & Gray heart!
You CAN stay motivated and finish out your first year as a Buckeye to make it the best it can be. Believe that you alone have the power to take this experience to new heights – besides, everyone else can only dream about how great it is to be a Buckeye. You actually get to live it. Don’t hate us cuz we go to the Best Damn School in the Land.
Sorry not sorry.