Staying Motivated Through Graduation

When the next stage in our life is just over the horizon, it can be challenging to stay motivated through the remainder of college. How can we blame ourselves? It’s exciting to think about the future! The volume of knowledge and experiences we will obtain is unpredictable. Additionally, the numerous opportunities for growth and development are tantalizing. They rise to the front of the mind while we stare out the office window during the peak of the day. This profound thought imagining the future reduces the urge to focus on the matter at hand more than it should. I am entirely guilty of it myself. It’s imperative to remember that completing what you set out to do makes a good character. It demonstrates mental toughness, determination, and willingness to succeed. It also earns the respect of others whom you admire and who can progress your career.

For those doing a Ph.D., we must perform the maximum level for the next 4-6 years. As if staying motivated during undergrad wasn’t challenging enough! Keeping grades up during the last month of undergrad may seem fruitless since being accepted to grad school or landing a job completes a principal but near-term goal. However, it’s unwise to forget that those we seek to impress are evaluating us constantly. Anyone can slow down when they see the finish line in sight, feeling as if their hard work has paid off before they ever actually cross the finish line. Only the genuinely motivated will see the finish line and continue to run. Indeed, they will run faster for their goal is what keeps them motivated. Completing the next hurdle will get them one step closer to their goal. Embrace the feeling! Finish strong and maintain focus.

Time often flies by when we feel as if it is standing still. Look back at the last four years of undergrad, and this is evident. Projects, final exams, papers, applications, planning the summer, all these activities seem to show up at the same time, last minute, and demand more and more of one’s time. The tough times will pass quickly enough. Embrace the future, be proud of yourself, but cross that finish line running, not walking. Your continuous effort will be worth it, and your time to rest will be well deserved.

If you need some inspiration for activities to do this summer, be sure to read the article on how to spend the summer before grad school or a new job!