I'm a senior in college and have lost all motivation. Help!?

Question

I have 3 classes left until I graduate from with my bachelors degree. At first, I was so motivated, studied a good portion of everyday and, as expcted, recieved very good grades. Although my grades are still what most would love to have, I have slacked off quite a bit. I can't focus anymore. I feel lazy and unmotivated. This week I have no classes b/c of winter break. I have 2 papers due next Monday, 1 is a research paper. I can't find it within myself to do them. I have been procrastinating and finding other, less important things to do.

Why, so close to graduating, am I feeling this way? Why can't I focus long enough to do what is expected of me? I'm feeling down on myself b/c I am capable of doing these papers and doing them well, but I just "can't" for some reason. What can I do? Perhaps I just need a little motivation. Any advice?

bmcathell- I do go to homeless shelters- my major is psychology/social work and I'm the president of the social work club at my University. I volunteer at homeless shelters, womens shelters, childrens hospitals and other places all the time. I understand that I'm in a great position to be almost finished with college but it's still hard for me to keep my motivation.

I can't pick a best answer b/c most of the answers we great so I'm putting the question to voting.

Answer 1

and senioritis strikes again!!

you're probably just feeling stressed out. you've come along way and now is not the time to give up!! just think about the jobs and salaries awaiting you once you get that diploma in hand. pull yourself together, get those last few assignments done and finish strong. i guarantee its not something you're going to regret.

maybe take a few hours to go treat yourself at the spa or a nice bubble bath. splurge and go shopping with the girls. clear your mind and then sit down again and really focus. maybe even write out a plan of attack.

p.s. im pretty damn jealous you're that close to graduating, im only partway thru my 2nd semester, going for a major, minor and an emphasis. im gonna be a super senior for sure!

Answer 2

Hmmm...tough questions.

I'm sure you're feeling this way because you're so close to the end ... it's hard to get psyched up to maintain that same work level.

I think you should work hard to "snap yourself out of it." I can tell you don't want to end your school career this way, and you're certainly capable of doing better. Even if you don't put in the same level (ie 100%) that you did before, you can certainly boost it up to a very high level and go out with your head held high, feeling good about yourself.

Make sure you're sleeping well, eating well, getting exercise, watch the partying, etc. If you think you're depressed, talk to someone at the school, see if they can help you work this out.

Perhaps you're having some fears re: what comes next and somehow it's keeping you from applying yourself.

If you have no classes this week, take a day and do nothing school related, just have fun and do something fun and enjoy yourself...use the time to rejuvinate yourself and return pumped up to tackle the work and make the best use of your time for the duration.

Soon you'll be a graduate! Congratulations!!!!! You should feel so proud of yourself.

Answer 3

It's normal that when people get close to graduation they pass through this experience. I think that was is happening to you is that you are just sick and tired of working so hard for your grades. Maybe you should try doing something else than studying. If you worked so hard for the last years then you do not have to worry about your GPA because regular grades will not affect the overall significantly, however you must pay more attention to how do you feel with yourself. My advice is to take another week vacation to think about what you want to do after graduation. Then after a deep thinking go to somewhere else to experience a different sensation than what you are used to. This at the same time will give you chances to know yourself. After this period then take a decision and the most important thing is to keep focused on that goal you proposed. No matter what happen and how your world turns out keep walking to that goal. Remember that sometimes you have to give and to sacrifice yourself to achieve what you desire. And another important thing is to point to the moon because if you fail you will land in a star.

Answer 4

I feel your pain...I'm the world's worst procrastinator sometimes. I think you are worrying about your uncertain future or leaving your college years behind...a little like depression. If it continues through midterms, go to student psych services, they are used to advising students to talk them through the end of their schooling and help them prep for the future.

To solve your immediate problem of the two papers, this is what I would do...
Make yourself sit down for 40 minutes. Set the timer. For ten minutes, brainstorm as fast as you can about the topic. Then for ten minutes, create a scratch outline (what you would put in each section). In the next ten minutes, create an opening. You have ten minutes left...write like the wind until the buzzer goes off. Then get up and dance to a really dumb song. (Not in front of your window or a roommate.) Reward yourself with a 15 minute walk.

I think if you break it down like that, you will find it isn't as daunting. After you have the bones of the topic, you can flesh it out with your research.

When you get upset with yourself, make a list of what is good about you & your life...include your goals...how will you relax this summer. Put it up where you can see it.

You know Bob the Builder...You can do it, YES YOU CAN!! That's a goofy song I sing to my kids who are in college...it makes them roll their eyes and smile.

I always tell myself, "I can survive this...look what people have gone through before me..."

Answer 5

Drive past a homeless shelter and realize that many of those people would give life & limb to be in your situation now.

Answer 6

Oh hell thats nothing... wait till you lose motivation in life in general.. (which i did over 20 years ago) Come back then and B*tch about it ok?