Dear College Girl,
It’s that time. That dreaded time of the semester. Finals week (DUN-DUN).
Well, it is not that dramatic, but it is a period of time with lots of unknowns, anxiety, worrying, procrastination, and fear.
But, you’re not the only one. I have not met a single college student who not only likes finals week but is 100% motivated 100% of the time to study for finals. And if you’re that person, you’re either an alien, the next Albert Einstein, or you need to teach us all how you do it.
As all the commercials, TV programs, and advertisements have been saying, “in this unprecedented time of uncertainty,” we are all on online school. (And personally, I don’t love online school. It kinda really stinks.)
Not everyone is like me, but I am a social butterfly, wanting my in-class interactions, time with people, and not to do school in my bedroom by myself. I regret to say it, but I would rather be at school in seats.
I know, I sound crazy, but I love that part of school and genuinely miss it.
And I know something that has been a struggle for about 97% of us, is finding actual motivation to do schoolwork…
Are we ever motivated to do schoolwork? Maybe? But now, that minimal motivation has epically decreased.
But can we ask the question, are we really ever motivated?
A deep question for us to ponder, but I think we need to take a look into it.
Are we ever motivated to work out? Are we motivated to make our health thrive or are we motivated to work off that piece of cake? Does anyone wake up all groggy and wish, man, I could really do CrossFit right now, or run a marathon.
NO! And if you do, I am worried about you! (Kidding, only slightly).
But I think the reason we are able to work out every day is because of disciplining ourselves to do it. I am not motivated to do it most of the time, but because I show up, I am able to do it. I choose to show up and get. it. done.
Are we ever motivated to sit down and read our Bible? Not always. Our favorite TV show or YouTube pretty much always can sound like a better idea.
But does faith come from pure motivation? NO! It comes from grinding out the work, running our race with endurance and perseverance, and showing up and reading the Bible and consciously connecting with God.
(Disclaimer: I am not claiming that everyone all the time is never motivated to participate in a hobby, responsibility, or in connection with God, but we are all humans and I believe we cannot maintain a perfect streak of motivation.)
So, with online school, are we functioning on pure motivation? Absolutely not. I hear about everyday from my friends or classmates, or even my parents with work, that they are not motivated. I am running on too much caffeine, Jesus, and power naps all day long. I have been in many “funks” since I had to move out of my dorm and do online classes and lose my social interactions.
And this does not mean something is wrong with you. It means this season is hard, our lives have been uprooted and we are navigating a new normal. Give yourself grace in figuring out how to cope with unknowns and grievances this time brings.
But I believe just showing up is a victory in this time. Coming to the table, sitting at the desk, and doing work not because it is what you want to do, but because you have disciplined yourself.
“For the Spirit of God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” -2 Timothy 1:7
Did you hear that, you have power, love, and self-discipline coursing through your veins, pumping your heart to keep choosing and showing up.
So, you can discipline yourself. You can show up. You can get the work done. You can excel at finals. Why? Because the Spirit of God is in you and He allows you to go about your responsibilities with power, love, and self-discipline.
Self-discipline is super important. Self-discipline says, I am choosing to do it, whether I want to or not. Choose to study. Choose to keep working. Choose to show up and get it done.
You have made it way too far to quit now, so don’t give up! Press on, you are so close to being done. And remind yourself, it is okay to not be motivated, but encourage yourself to choose to keep working hard in this season.
If you need a boost of motivation, DM us! If you need prayer, DM us! Do not hesitate to reach out for this is a tough time. We love you all and praying and hoping for a strength-infused and successful finals week.
-Megan
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