How to stay motivated during the school year

By Olivia Liu

As a senior in high school, I completely understand how challenging it can be to stay motivated for the school year. Between juggling classes, extracurriculars, college applications, and part-time jobs, it’s undoubtedly common to feel overwhelmed. On certain days, it seems like there is simply no way to handle the pressure of deadlines and expectations; in fact, I personally hate finishing even the easiest tasks. Despite this, I’ve learned that at the root of staying motivated lies the ability to find purpose in what you’re doing. Romanticizing each and every task, even if it’s a facade, will ultimately be what fuels your motivation. At the end of the day, the famous line “fake it till you make it” is absolutely true. Adopting this mindset will help you approach tasks with energy and confidence, and even if you don’t feel motivated at first, simply starting will push you and gradually pull you into a productive flow. 

Here’s what I’ve implemented in order to stay motivated:

Managing your goals One by One 

In the grand scheme of things, it’s easy to feel discouraged when looking at the “big picture.” Whether it be college applications, upcoming internships, or exams, the sheer scale of everything can be burdensome. The trick is to break each goal into smaller, manageable steps. For example, instead of thinking, “I need to write my entire essay today,” focus on completing one paragraph. Checking off small accomplishments gives a sense of progress and keeps you moving forward. This is especially for my fellow procrastinators; beginning a paper in advance will not only benefit you academically but will also result in a stress-free writing experience. A win-win! 

Finding Your “Why” 

At the core of motivation lies a tie to a personal purpose. Ask yourself: Why am I working on this assignment? Why do I want to do well in this class? Is it to get into a dream school, to prove something to yourself, or to grow as a person? Finding one’s purpose is something that takes years, but I find that even a small sense of direction can make the biggest difference. Knowing why you’re putting in the effort turns mundane tasks into what you’re looking to achieve. Rather than perceiving school work as an obligation, think of it as an opportunity to challenge yourself, to learn, to grow. When you correlate your effort to a larger purpose, motivation becomes less about forcing yourself to do things and more about accomplishing with the intention to move forward. 

Create a Routine That Works for You 

A consistent routine can make even the busiest days feel manageable. Personally, I start off each morning with a simple “To-do” list. I set aside time frames for homework, studying, and extracurriculars. Don’t worry, I also set aside time for breaks, meals, friends/family, and self-care. You need to find the proper balance between your personal life and academics; otherwise, burnout is inevitable. I cannot stress this enough: having a plan will significantly reduce your stress and will give your brain a sense of order amidst the chaos of the school year. 

Take Care of Yourself 

Lastly, you must realize motivation isn’t just a matter of mentalility, it’s physical. Adequate sleep, exercise, and diet can significantly impact your cognitive health and energy levels. When I’m feeling more overwhelmed than usual, stress-relief activities like journaling (or doodling if that’s more of your forte), meditation, or a quick walk outside can reset my mind and help me approach tasks with renewed determination. You’re responsible for your pace, your focus, and how you take care of yourself. No one else can force motivation for you but yourself.