3 answers
Catherine
Student
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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How do I stay passionate about things while also balancing school and other activities?
I'm a middle school student with very driven passions outside of school, psychology to be specific, but recently I've found that it's difficult to commit to my passions and also balance schoolwork and without my passions I don't have the motivation to do work but if I focus too much on my personal activities I get bad grades.
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3 answers
Becky Haluska
Content Developer
57
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Becky’s Answer
Fantastic inquiry! You're definitely not alone in facing this challenge. Countless adults and students encounter similar situations. The secret to juggling all your wants and responsibilities lies in effective time management. Take a look at this brief video to gain insight into managing your daily tasks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoBmP9pJnA8
Next, utilize the worksheet below to assist you in listing all the activities you wish to accomplish daily. Keep in mind that some tasks are essential, even if they're not your favorites (e.g., attending school, finishing assignments, submitting work, etc.). These crucial tasks are your "big rocks."
https://www.umsystem.edu/sites/default/files/2020-04/Big%20Rocks%20Small%20Pebbles%20worksheet.pdf
Armed with this knowledge, create a schedule as demonstrated in the video and stick to it. Studies show that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Soon enough, you'll discover how to allocate time for all the things that bring you joy.
Your passion for psychology will demand more education beyond a high school diploma. Keep in mind that every class you pass in middle school, high school, and beyond contributes to your ultimate goal of working in the psychology field. Staying focused on your education means nurturing your enthusiasm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoBmP9pJnA8
Next, utilize the worksheet below to assist you in listing all the activities you wish to accomplish daily. Keep in mind that some tasks are essential, even if they're not your favorites (e.g., attending school, finishing assignments, submitting work, etc.). These crucial tasks are your "big rocks."
https://www.umsystem.edu/sites/default/files/2020-04/Big%20Rocks%20Small%20Pebbles%20worksheet.pdf
Armed with this knowledge, create a schedule as demonstrated in the video and stick to it. Studies show that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Soon enough, you'll discover how to allocate time for all the things that bring you joy.
Your passion for psychology will demand more education beyond a high school diploma. Keep in mind that every class you pass in middle school, high school, and beyond contributes to your ultimate goal of working in the psychology field. Staying focused on your education means nurturing your enthusiasm.
Thank you so much Becky! I will keep your advice in mind!
Catherine
Laura Welch
Change Management in M&A
15
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Someone once told me - while it's good to be a well-balanced person, it's OK to focus on things that you love and that you're naturally drawn towards. And it's OK to NOT do things you're not. For instance....if painting doesn't inspire you and light you up - don't do it :). If you hate numbers and excel spreadsheets, learn enough to pass your class, but don't major in finance or accounting.
In my experience, when I have things in my day that I don't really love, I do them first so that I can focus and end my day doing things that light me up and that I love.
In my experience, when I have things in my day that I don't really love, I do them first so that I can focus and end my day doing things that light me up and that I love.
Mustabsheera Vengus
GMBPsS 🎓 | Aspiring Psychologist | Behavior Therapist | Counselor | Mentor
38
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Mustabsheera’s Answer
Prioritize and Set Goals: Identify your priorities and set clear goals for each area of your life. Determine what truly matters to you and allocate your time and energy accordingly. This will help you focus on what you're passionate about and prevent overwhelm.
Time Management and Organization: Develop effective time management skills and establish a schedule or routine that accommodates your various activities. Break down your tasks into manageable chunks and create a to-do list or use productivity tools to stay organized. This will allow you to allocate dedicated time for your passions amidst other commitments.
Find Balance: Strive for balance by setting boundaries and avoiding overcommitment. Understand your limits and learn to say no when necessary. Find a healthy balance between your academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal interests to prevent burnout and sustain your passion.
Incorporate Passion into Routine: Look for opportunities to integrate your passions into your daily or weekly routine. Find ways to incorporate your interests within your academic work or extracurricular activities. For example, if you're passionate about writing, consider joining a school newspaper or blog.
Seek Supportive Communities: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passions. Join clubs, organizations, or online communities related to your interests. Engaging with others who are passionate about similar things can inspire and motivate you, and provide a support network.
Stay Curious and Explore: Continuously seek new experiences and explore different aspects of your passions. This can help reignite your excitement and prevent monotony. Attend events, workshops, or conferences related to your interests, and engage in self-directed learning to broaden your knowledge.
Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Engage in activities that rejuvenate you, such as exercise, mindfulness, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Taking breaks and practicing self-care will help you recharge and maintain your passion over the long term.
Reflect on Your Motivation: Regularly remind yourself why you are passionate about your interests. Reflect on the impact they have on your life and how they align with your values and aspirations. This reflection can help reignite your passion and provide a sense of purpose during challenging times.
Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability: Recognize that your priorities and interests may shift over time. Embrace flexibility and allow yourself to explore new passions or adjust your focus as needed. Embracing change can lead to new discoveries and keep your enthusiasm alive.
Celebrate Milestones and Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Recognize your progress, no matter how small, and reward yourself for your hard work. Celebrating milestones will help you stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset.
Time Management and Organization: Develop effective time management skills and establish a schedule or routine that accommodates your various activities. Break down your tasks into manageable chunks and create a to-do list or use productivity tools to stay organized. This will allow you to allocate dedicated time for your passions amidst other commitments.
Find Balance: Strive for balance by setting boundaries and avoiding overcommitment. Understand your limits and learn to say no when necessary. Find a healthy balance between your academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal interests to prevent burnout and sustain your passion.
Incorporate Passion into Routine: Look for opportunities to integrate your passions into your daily or weekly routine. Find ways to incorporate your interests within your academic work or extracurricular activities. For example, if you're passionate about writing, consider joining a school newspaper or blog.
Seek Supportive Communities: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passions. Join clubs, organizations, or online communities related to your interests. Engaging with others who are passionate about similar things can inspire and motivate you, and provide a support network.
Stay Curious and Explore: Continuously seek new experiences and explore different aspects of your passions. This can help reignite your excitement and prevent monotony. Attend events, workshops, or conferences related to your interests, and engage in self-directed learning to broaden your knowledge.
Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Engage in activities that rejuvenate you, such as exercise, mindfulness, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Taking breaks and practicing self-care will help you recharge and maintain your passion over the long term.
Reflect on Your Motivation: Regularly remind yourself why you are passionate about your interests. Reflect on the impact they have on your life and how they align with your values and aspirations. This reflection can help reignite your passion and provide a sense of purpose during challenging times.
Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability: Recognize that your priorities and interests may shift over time. Embrace flexibility and allow yourself to explore new passions or adjust your focus as needed. Embracing change can lead to new discoveries and keep your enthusiasm alive.
Celebrate Milestones and Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Recognize your progress, no matter how small, and reward yourself for your hard work. Celebrating milestones will help you stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset.