Motivation Blockers

We've discussed these briefly in class, but I've noticed that the topic keeps reappearing.  Learning how to deal with what keeps us from achieving our goals is essential if we want to succeed in college and in life.

Some of the "motivation blockers" my students have mentioned have the potential to create major stress in their lives.  If we don't address the underlying issues of our stressors, we'll keep having to deal with them, which, of course, will cause more stress.

Nonsupportive Environments

If nonsupportive, bullying, or destructive people surround a student, the student might have difficulty believing that his/her goals are worthwhile.  If this is the case, the student needs to seek a more supportive environment.  Is it possible to move in with someone who shares that student's values and goals?  Can the student afford to live on his/her own?  Can the student claim independence on the FAFSA form, thus, perhaps, opening other channels of financial aid?  If moving out isn't an option, the student needs to seek a more supportive environment for studying and completing coursework.  Spending more time on campus, using campus labs and the library might help mitigate some of the stress.  The student might also talk to the counselors on campus; they might be able to provide the student with more strategies for overcome negative influences.

It might help to understand why the important people in your life are reacting negatively.  Often, your loved ones might be jealous, afraid that this new experience will change your relationship with them, or their motives might be a mystery to them.  In tough economic times, money could be an issue.  Knowing what's behind the negativity might help you difuse it.

Transportation

Reliable transportation is important for school and work.  If you don't have your own vehicle, you'll need to find a way to get to and from the places you need to be. 

You might post a notice on school bulletin boards, letting people know you are looking for a carpool opportunity.  You might find someone who lives in your neighborhood who has a similar schedule who would be willing to share gas expenses; you might be able to get one person to ride in with, and another to ride home with.  Explore all options.  You could carpool one way, and ride the bus another, if you live close to a bus route.

Certainly, if circumstances allow it, you might consider living in campus housing, or sharing an apartment close to campus so you can walk to school/work.  The exercise will be beneficial, and you'll save some money by not having to pay for gas or bus fare.

Procrastination

Except for the most obviously A personality types, the majority of us want to procrastinate sometimes.  "I'll do that later" is a powerful mantra!  Sooner or later, though, we must focus on the tasks we need to complete.  One way to overcome procrastination is to promise yourself a small reward, due only after you satisfactorily complete the assignment/task.  Don't go overboard on this, and be honest with yourself about fulfilling the requirements of the task.  If you do a mediocre job, scrap the reward.  Reward yourself only if you do the best work possible.  Be realistic about what you can complete in a given time.  "I will finish my math homework by 2pm" might not be realistic if you don't begin it until 1:45! 

Actively managing your schedule can help overcome procrastination.  Schedule your time realistically, and don't forget to schedule in "free" time.

Distractions

These compliment procrastination and can feed it.  If we frequently are distracted, we need to create focus.  Again, actively managing our time can help here.

My approach to distractions is direct: either the distraction goes, or I go. 

What are some common distractions?  Friends who turn up without warning, phones, Facebook, email, IM, Skype, television, radio/music, pets...add your own to the list.  I am not above banishing friends and family after a certain amount of time--say, an hour--if I need to complete an important task.  I turn off my cell phone and the ringer on my home phone.  If television or music distracts you, turn them off, or, if you share the environment, go somewhere these can't distract you.  You'll have to make a concerted effort to ignore the computer, especially if you're doing your work on it.  Set a specific time to answer email, respond to FB, or chat with friends online.  Change your online status to "Doing homework--please do not disturb," and ask your friends to honor that.  You have to set the parameters and stick to them.

Emotional Upsets

Breakups, arguments, illnesses, deaths--these can affect us in many ways.  Sometimes, we can shake off whatever is bothering us and make our way through the day, accomplishing what we need to accomplish.  Sometimes, we can't shake off the grief, anger, and upset in order to deal with our day-to-day activities. 

As you mature, you will learn how to handle emotional upsets better.  For now, if you find yourself unable to get over whatever is bothering you, you need to see a counselor or talk to someone who can help you find ways to cope.  When someone close to us is ill or dies, it's natural to feel depressed and sad.  But if those feelings linger for too long, they can interfere with our daily obligations.  If you feel so depressed that you cannot function, you MUST tell someone--a friend, a parent, a counselor, anyone who can listen and direct you to a source of help.

Most bosses and teachers expect that you will concentrate on the work/class at hand and leave your personal problems at home.  This is not always possible, but you must use your emotional IQ to gauge those situations when an emotional outburst is inappropriate.  If you are angry at your significant other, it is not okay to yell at the boss, a fellow worker, student, or professor--we are not equivalent substitutes!   Know what's acceptable and what's not; get help if you need it.

Falling Behind or Not Understanding the Material

When you start skipping/ignoring assignments, that's a sign that you're not managing your time well.  As embarrassing as it might be, you need to make an appointment with your instructors to discuss how you can get back on track.  The longer you wait to do that, the less your professor will be willing to be flexible.  Nip this in the bud, quickly.

If you don't understand the material, talk to the instructor.  He/she might know a good tutor, or might be able to refer you to a campus resource such as the Writing Center or Math Lab.  Seek out other students in your class--those who know the material and those who don't--and form a study group.

Overcoming motivation blockers takes discipline.  It won't happen overnight, but you must learn to manage and overcome whatever keeps you from achieving your goals.  It helps if you write out your goals and devise a strategy to reach them.  Review them often, adjust them when necessary, and use them to help you stay on track.