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As someone who wakes up early every day to support my family, works hard to save for college, and is passionate about leadership and business, how can I stay consistent and avoid burnout while chasing my big dreams? What advice do you have for staying focused and motivated when life feels heavy but the goals are important?

I’m a high school senior graduating this May, and I’ve been working hard to prepare for college while also helping my family. Every morning I wake up at 5 AM to take my mom to work before heading to school myself. On top of school, I’m involved in leadership programs like Civic Leadership Academy and the Bank of America Leadership Program because I’m passionate about business, leadership, and making a difference.

I’ve also taken on projects like organizing a school supply drive to support other students in my community. Even with these responsibilities, I’m working, saving money, and applying for scholarships to help ease the financial stress of college. Sometimes it feels like I’m juggling so much at once, and I worry about burnout, but I’m committed to my goals.

I would love advice from someone who understands what it feels like to carry a lot on their plate while chasing something bigger for themselves and their family. How do you stay consistent, take care of yourself, and keep showing up when the journey gets tough?

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Davielle’s Answer

"My team gathered together to answer your question. Here's our insight:
Learn to say no if you can.
Walk away from excuses. You'll find a way to do it.
Be sure to take a few minutes to celebrate, have some fun or relax.
Find support people through friends, co-workers, family.
Plan out your day; predictability helps remove stress. Meditate when you find moments here and there so that you can find some relaxation.
Focus on diet and exercise to help keep you healthy.
People are happy to help - it takes a village - never feel ashamed to ask.
Ask for help, give help, it is cyclical."
Thank you comment icon Loved reading this, thanks! Ujumbe
Thank you comment icon Thank you Davielle for sharing this powerful message! I can agree with each word you shared. @Ujumbe, so glad to see some amazing advice being shared with you. All the best for everything that comes ahead! Shivam Dhar
Thank you comment icon @Shivam Thank you so much really appreciate it. Ujumbe
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Eddy’s Answer

Dear Rahul,
First of all my deep respect for the things you mentioned doing and volunteering.
As some already responded - try not to take all responsibility by yourself and maybe there are things you can delegate or ask others to do.
Focus on the things you like to do or where you can really make a difference (even if it is small).
Take things step-by-step and make a kind of long term planning...next week, next month, next quarter etc.
Each week or month reflect what you have accomplished - what worked well - what didn't -> and adjust your planning / goals accordingly.
There is no right or wrong or failure, just focus on those things that energize. Don't waste energy on things that you can't control or do not like.
Wish you all the best!
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Shaun’s Answer

Congrats. You are already on a great path forward. A couple of things to remember that will help you and those you are serving as well. That is - remember that taking breaks, resting and reflection are as important as the work you are doing. What I've learned is driving forward without the breaks leads to burnout. Take some time to write down the things that bring you pleasure. Keep a gratitude journal so that you can keep your life in focus. These breaks will also help clear your mind so that you have a better picture of what you are doing now as well as the next steps forward. In short - keep up the good work and remember to take some time for yourself to reflect and rejuvenate.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me advice. Ujumbe
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Ankita’s Answer

Hi there. First, I want to say — your story is inspiring. Waking up early to support your mom, working, leading, giving back to your community, and preparing for college — that takes strength, maturity, and heart. You’re already showing the kind of leadership the world needs.

Here’s how to stay consistent and avoid burnout while chasing big dreams:
1. Honor Small Wins
When you're juggling so much, it's easy to only focus on what’s next. Take time to pause and recognize your progress — finishing an application, running a successful drive, getting through a long week — these moments deserve your attention and pride.

2. Set Boundaries for Rest
Burnout doesn’t come from working hard — it comes from not resting enough in between. Even short daily practices (like a 15-minute walk, journaling, or simply unplugging) can be your reset button. Protect those moments like they’re part of your job — because they are.

3. Create a “Why” Wall
When the weight feels heavy, reconnect with why you started. Create a space (a wall, journal, or phone album) filled with reminders: a photo of your mom, your college goals, a leadership certificate, a thank-you note — anything that grounds you in purpose.

4. Ask for Support (and Accept It)
You don’t have to carry everything alone. Teachers, mentors, and programs like the ones you’re in exist because people believe in students like you. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, share how you're feeling, or lean on others when you're stretched thin.

5. Remember: You Are Not Behind
Sometimes we compare ourselves to people who seem to have more time or fewer responsibilities. But your journey is unique — and powerful. The resilience you're building now will make you a stronger college student, leader, and professional later.

You are not alone in this, and you are more than capable. Keep showing up, but also let yourself rest, reflect, and receive help. That balance will carry you far.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Ujumbe
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Salsabil’s Answer

Hey, first of all—you’re doing something truly incredible. Getting up early to care for your family, being a leader in your community, saving for college, and showing up every day takes real strength. I've been there too, and what helped me was remembering why I started and letting myself rest without feeling bad. Burnout happens when we forget to care for ourselves. You don’t have to do it all at once. Focus on what’s important right now, celebrate your small victories, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. You’re not just chasing a dream—you’re creating a legacy. Keep going, you’ve got this!
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Ujumbe
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Kristal’s Answer

Hi! You have to be honest with yourself. Recognize when you are feeling overwhelmed and need to slow down or just 'STOP' for a moment to recharge. Burnout is real and it's easy to allow it to slow burn until one day it's a raging inferno and you aren't quite sure how it got that bad and now you're spiraling. So be kind to yourself. You are just 1 person with a lot of responsibility. Show yourself empathy and grace when you need a break and time to relax. It's okay, it doesn't mean you're lazy, it means you need a mental and physical reset and it is okay to give yourself permission to take it when you need to!
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Ujumbe
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Mariem’s Answer

Hey there! What you're doing is really great, but don't forget to take breaks when things get tough. Even a little time listening to music, going for a walk, or doing something you enjoy can help you recharge without feeling bad about it.

If you have big dreams, like starting a business, try breaking them into smaller steps. Maybe read one article a day or watch a short video about leadership. This way, you keep moving forward without feeling overwhelmed.

Also, remember to reach out to the people around you. Talk to a friend about your stress or ask someone you look up to for advice. Knowing you're not alone can make a big difference.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Mariem! Ujumbe
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Kelly’s Answer

Love how dedicated and family oriented you are. This topic is not discussed as much as it should. My advice would be to ensure to leave some time in your day for self-care. Whether its a work out, journaling, meditating, reading or enjoying nature. These sound so simple but they do a great job to center you and help prevent that burn out feeling. Finding time even if its 15-30 minutes every day can make the world of a difference. The most successful leaders will tell you all the different ways they find time to balance their own expectations and aspirations while grounding themselves. Make sure your cup is full so you can continue to fill others cup!
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Rahul’s Answer

I wont be exaggerating if I say I actually was in your shoes ,

how I kept myself motivated ?

- thought about my dreams
- how can I change the tide of my life
- those who are dependent upon me or relying on my future how an I support them
- listen to "hall of fame"

also, doing exercise daily or playing sports really helps.
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Aroua’s Answer

You are a really brave young man, and you should feel proud of yourself. What you're doing isn't easy, but it's truly amazing. Remember, you don't need to be perfect. Focus on what's most important. It's okay to ask for help, and make sure you don't wear yourself out trying to do everything.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Ujumbe
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Layne’s Answer

Wow, this is a great question, Ujumbe, and I can really relate. I want to say you are already approaching it with the right frame, and I would encourage you to build on that. You said, "how can I be consistent." My advice is to consistently spend time -- even if it is a small amount of time -- on that long term goal you have. I can tell you that 30 minutes a day or week will reap dividends later. Also, I learned that when juggling many things, I tried to "overlap" things that could be valuable in multiple areas. If you must work, work in something that is transferable to your longer term goal later, even if to a small degree. If you have very little time, make sure that 30 minutes is something that is life giving for you. Lastly, have faith that 30 minutes a day or week will pay off in the end.

Layne recommends the following next steps:

Build off your own great initiative to be consistent
Consistently set that time, even a small amount, for yourself or your long term goal
Look for things that may not be 100% relevant, but can still contribute to your long term goal
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! Ujumbe
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Samantha’s Answer

This is a great question, and I admire you for doing so much at such a young age. You're going places, but burnout is a real concern! Right now, you're probably doing many things you don't love just to get ahead. Over time, these tasks will decrease, and you'll start doing more of what you enjoy. You've achieved a lot already! Keep moving forward and focus on your goals. Celebrate small victories and set achievable goals each week. A positive attitude and gratitude can make a big difference!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! Ujumbe
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Lance’s Answer

First, recognize that you are already doing the toughest part, showing up every day. The next step is channeling that grit into a sustainable system so today’s drive fuels tomorrow’s momentum instead of tomorrow’s fatigue. Lasting excellence isn’t about cramming in more tasks; it’s about caring for the person who gets them done—you. Guard your energy, celebrate each small win, and your big dreams will keep shining long after graduation. You have proved you can carry the load; now build a routine that carries you, manage energy as fiercely as you manage time by protecting focus, setting boundaries, and scheduling real recovery.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Ujumbe
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Charlotte’s Answer

You’re doing a lot right now, and it makes sense that it feels like a lot. The key to staying consistent is creating small habits that help you manage your energy, not just your time. Rest when you need to ... it’s not slacking, it’s necessary to keep going. Stay focused on your goals, but also check in with yourself weekly so you don’t burn out. Cut out what’s not helping you move forward, and remember to acknowledge your progress along the way. You’re putting in the work, and that effort will pay off — just make sure you don’t forget to take care of yourself too.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Ujumbe
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Hanen’s Answer

I applaud your strength and bravery; don't ever give up. Keep pushing forward because you are ready for your professional journey and can handle anything that comes your way. Remember to take a bit of time for yourself, even just 2 hours a week, to do something active like sports or dancing. This will help you recharge and feel energized.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. Ujumbe
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