I’m definitely feeling like this lately:

(Image from XKCD)

With finals looming and the dread of another quarter or two, it’s hard to get excited about continuing to pursue school…

So I sat down and wrote a list of all the reasons I should push through this little bit of burnout. It’s such a great feeling, to write out a list by hand, that shows you all the reasons you’re on the right track. For me, it looks something like this:

• I choose to succeed because learning will help my future endeavors.
• I choose to succeed because learning is actually fun.
• I choose to succeed because I want to use my brain – to not let it atrophy.
• I choose to succeed because I think the topics I’m learning are things everyone should know a little about.
• I choose to succeed because I’m so close to success.
• I choose to succeed because I’ve come SO FAR.
• I choose to succeed because it’s what I wanted before, and I am probably just feeling burnt out.
• I choose to succeed because I’ve spent money out of my OWN pocket on classes and books.
• I choose to succeed because I am investing in myself.

Going through that routine of saying “I choose to do this because” reinforces the notion that I have put myself in my education position.  Giving myself a solid concrete list of reasons reinforces all the reasons I should succeed, and all the reasons I should NOT quit.

If you’re feeling burnt out on something try writing yourself this list, and take a little break – even if it’s just 20 minutes out of one day – to do some breathing, some relaxing, or something you love.  When you think you may be ready to delve back into your project, look over the list you made, and see if you can add anything else to it.  You might find a little renewed gusto in achieving your goals.

Related posts:

1. Breaking the System
2. Embrace Yourself
3. Overcoming heartbreak

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