How did you all overcome the toughest parts in your life while also keeping your motivation?

Hi Ashlyn - This is a great question.

I've tried to break down the tips that I have for you.

Prioritize - It's important to know what is the most important to you. You will always experience competing priorities in your life (work, school, personal life) and you should be upfront with yourself on what is important to you. Don't waste time being stressed or anxious about things that really aren't a large part of your life or will not help you get to where you want to go.

Look at the big picture - One of the things that keeps me trucking along is looking at the big picture. Although we go through stressful times at work or in our personal lives, I find it helpful to think "In 5 years from now, will I remember this moment". This helpful to keep things in perspective and that small stresses won't stick with you for long.

Do things that make you happy - As I've progressed in my career, I've found that there is always more work to do, however I always make time to see my friends and family and do things that I enjoy. Whether it's playing tennis for an hour a week with a friend, I always make it a point to find time to get away from work and connect with friends and family.

The best way that I've found to be motivated is to try and live a balanced life. I think we will all face times where we are working long hours or studying for exams, but it's important to give yourself a break and regroup.

Good luck!

Hi Ashlyn,

This is a great question. When I'm going through a tough time in my life, I tend to do things that makes me happy such as running, exercising, reading, go see my nieces and nephews, watch one of my favorite shows on Netflix and etc. I always call my siblings to talk to them especially my sister. Sometime you just need a person just to listen to you. I hope this helps you out and keep us posted on your journey.

Serge

I lost both my parents and got really sick when I just moved to the US (I'm from Europe). The thing that kept me going? Writing daily in my journal of all the things I was thankful for. No matter how tough your life is, there is still so much to be grateful for. (house, friends, food, clothes, sun, nature, phone call, smile from a friend) Remember that mindset is the key to happiness. Shift your mindset to all the good things that still happen in your life and more good will come your way. Life is not black or white, it's just how you look at it from your perspective. Maybe challenge your thoughts and ask yourself, is what I think really true. Do other people feel/think the same about it? Am I really sure this is the toughest part in my life. Because calling it that is already not helping the way you feel. Use different words, call it a big challenge in life.

BUT motivation is a whole different subject. When you set a goal it needs two more things: What are the benefits of reaching your goal and what will be your biggest regret not reaching your goal. That motivation comes from within. Don't feel sorry for yourself just because it's though. Ask yourself, what can I learn from this to grow as a person?

Life is never a flat line (that's death). Life has it's ups and downs and only after a tough period you'll appreciate the good times way more.

Hi Ashlyn,

Thank you for posting such an important question. This is relevant not just in college, but in life. To help deal with some of these tough parts of life while maintaining my motivation, I have sought a variety of things. First, I am an introvert at heart, and find talking one-on-one to someone (e.g., counselor or therapist) really helpful. I can let out my emotions in a safe, nonjudgmental place, and feel a heavy burden lift off of me. This goes with talking to family and friends that you trust. Sometimes all we need is someone to listen and someone to let us know it's okay even if we aren't okay at the moment. Second, simply walking or being outside with nature helps me a lot. It helps me feel grounded. When things get tough, I prefer not to be around a lot of people (like a busy park), so I'll seek a nice trail, or listen to music while walking around my neighborhood. Think about moving your body in a way that you love, whether it's sports, being outside, or to going to the gym. Third, find a mantra that resonates with you. One of mine is "this too shall pass." Life is constantly changing, and that is the only thing we can be certain of: change. I repeat this to myself a lot. Sometimes what we want to happen in life doesn't happen for whatever reason. Fourth, dig into a higher purpose/being/realm/spirituality. If you are religious, seek out your leader in the community, or support group, or your God if you believe in one, or even the Universe. I am very spiritual, and it calms me a lot to pray, meditate, or just think in silence. I will even talk aloud.