When going from joining google meets, sleeping in until about 5 minutes before class, doing assignments in your pajamas, and googling all your test answers to suddenly returning to normal, 7 hour in-person school days, how do you keep up with the change? This is a recurring question for students, specifically highschoolers. The recent pandemic has changed many routines, created new habits, and most commonly – interfered with our motivation. 

According to Health Direct, “Motivation is the drive to achieve your goals or needs.” It is influenced by how much you want the goal, what you will gain, and your personal expectations.

There are five main reasons why motivation is lost: your willpower has run out, you’re wasting energy on less crucial tasks, you’re ready for something new, you don’t feel valued, or you’re emotionally exhausted. 

The pandemic is a new experience for everyone, and nobody is getting through it perfectly. You have to work through a process of trial and error. Motivation is important because it helps you cope with challenges and work towards goals. These goals may involve your home, school, or work. Motivation affects all aspects of your life. 

It can be even more difficult to find motivation if you have mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Positive self talk is important and helpful. If you cannot afford professional help, support groups are just as effective. 

Regularly review your goals and progress. If a goal just isn’t doable in the certain time frame you’ve set for it, you can revise and edit it to fit you best. While revising, you may set new goals. Even if you have multiple goals, you may want to tackle just one at a time so you don’t get too overwhelmed. 

Surround yourself with people who have the same goals as you. If the people around you are working towards something, you will be more likely to work towards something as well. This can also help manage anxiety and depression symptoms. 

You can lose motivation, as well. Even though you may not carry on and pick up where you left off, don’t feel discouraged. Setbacks are totally normal. There are many ways to get your motivation back. For example, remembering why you wanted to reach this goal in the first place. You may even just need to take a break from reaching that goal and have a fresh start.