Getting back in the saddle: a pep talk

My classes this week have been full of sleepy eyes and dragging feet, myself included.

Not only was this Fall Break filled with far more adventure than previous trips, but professors seem to have made their syllabi bottom-heavy, and we are all seeing the effects.

Self-motivation, rare just in existing, is nowhere to be found. School, exercise and even going anywhere but the library or a study room after 8 p.m. now seem like impossible tasks. Fall’s excitement brings previews of gloomy, dark and unmotivated Decembers and gray, slush-filled and sluggish Januaries and Februaries. After I started writing this post, I checked on my inspiration blogs to see what their topics were this week. I was blown away that Brie and Gina were going through similar things.

I am going to be completely honest with you–cross my heart and hope to die raw and truthful.

You can do it.

If you’re finding something difficult to do, I suggest going to the extremes: extremely uncomfortable or beyond-imagination comfortable.

Yesterday, I didn’t want to workout. I really didn’t. But it was a Wednesday, and it’s part of my schedule. I promised myself after Fall Break that I was going to get back on the horse and follow my MWF schedule religiously. I showed hesitation to my roommate as I went to get dinner and she told me, “You’re going to feel better if you do it.”

Guess what, Internet?

I felt awesome after. It was one of the greatest Zumba classes I’ve attended this year.

It helped that Zumba is fun! I’m more comfortable attending that group fitness class than I am pushing my limits on the elliptical.

During finals week last year, I refused to try and write one of my papers in a study room with my friends and instead, I turned off the main lights in my dorm room, turned on the twinkle lights, put on a calming playlist (I really love a lot of the studying playlists on 8tracks) and relaxed to the point where words flowed out like syrup.

I choose the most comfortable environment I can think of and throw myself into it.

Some people find it easier to sit in a cold room with an uncomfortable seat and annoying chatter in the background. The discomfort of their surroundings motivates them to work as efficiently as possible.

You’ve got a nice environment. You’re sitting there. You are still not motivated.

In that case, I recommend watching some motivational speeches and movie scenes.

Below are some of my favorites!

I had a hard time choosing between Miracle and the Mighty Ducks (can you tell I love hockey?), but while “Ducks fly together” is iconic, “You were born for this” was revolutionary.

I propose a philosophical question: if you don’t include Braveheart in a list of motivational speeches, did the list even happen?

Robin Williams represents the epitome of external motivation to me. He takes rag-tag and turns it into life-changing.

Be inspired, my friends. Muster up all you have left and soldier on because you can do it!

What motivates you?