How to Find Motivation

And no, it has nothing to do with what you wear or your ordered to-do lists.

By Esther Chan

From my personal experience, the key to motivation is switching from a mindset of self-obsessed individualism and adopting one of collectivism. Admittedly, in a society where we celebrate our unique passions, it’s a tough pill to swallow—but it's not all about you.

View your work as something that is a part of a greater whole. Go back to the foundations of why you are doing any of this, and remind yourself why you want to pursue this degree or why you wanted that job. Maybe even go back to those college application essays or that cover letter, rereading your own words that once convinced someone else why you cared. It can be a starting point to remind yourself how your everyday tasks fit into a greater picture.

Instead of viewing your education as your individual burden, consider how your work ethic is an opportunity to recognize your parents’ sacrifices. Instead of procrastinating, respect your teammates who depend on you. Maybe show up to those Zoom lectures and even speak and show your video every once in a while. Lectures may be the only opportunity for your instructors to receive social interaction or feel a little less helpless. On top of that, project even farther into the future. Consider the role you might play in rebuilding and maintaining our future. If you entered college with hopes of improving the world, remember that only happens if you develop as an individual now, not later.

I am the last person to hold all the answers—or to even follow my own advice consistently. However, in a time where individuals are recklessly endangering others in the name of so-called-freedom, we need to reevaluate our selfishness. There's no perfect answer to balance individualism and collectivism, but when our country feels torn apart and society is bleeding, I, for one, am desperately craving a whole lot more unity.