Get Motivated
The “Snickers” Solution to a Lack of Motivation
Academic success is not solely contingent on your intellectual ability; it also relies heavily upon your level of motivation for achievement. We oftentimes neglect the important role motivation plays in overall academic success until we find ourselves depleted of it. Below are some proven recommendations for overcoming a lack of motivation (you'll note the first letter of each of these recommendations spells out the acronym "Snickers"). A printable (.pdf) version of our Snickers Solution to a Lack of Motivation handout is also available.
Set Goals
A goal is a statement of purpose. It is the direction we consciously and purposefully choose to follow. Goals are important to self-motivation because without them, what’s the point? The more goals you set, the more you’ll reach – and the more motivated you’ll become.
Never Pessimistic
“If life seems jolly rotten, then there’s something you’ve forgotten, and that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing. When you’re feelin’ in the dumps, don’t be silly chumps, just purse your lips and whistle, that’s the thing…AND always look on the bright side of life” – Monty Python’s Meaning of Life, “The Bright Side of Life”.
Inner Spirit
Do you constantly strive to be the very best? Are you willing to take second place, if it means you’re pleased with your own success? Do you find yourself trying to keep up with the Joneses, or are you a Jones?
Create Opportunities
Are you that person who is always in the right place at the right time? Didn’t think so! Well, it may happen for some people sometimes, but most of us can’t
wait around for luck to happen. We need to bring about our own growth, change, development, and happiness.
Know Pressure’s Effects
There are many outside influences that affect us daily, sometimes without us realizing it. They have shaped our perceptions, the way we work, even how we set our goals. Keep in mind that some pressure is helpful, IF you channel it the right way.
Easy To Be Me
Feeling motivated and feeling good about your accomplishments starts with you – your attitudes, feelings, and beliefs. Begin monitoring these areas of your life and everything will fall into place.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
What is your level of self-respect and what does that mean to you? Do you have a sense of purpose? How do you talk to yourself? Do you create opportunities or run from them? Do you respect yourself alone and in groups? Do you recognize yourself for what you do?
Stress & Burnout
Like pressure, stress can be both negative and positive. It can get you moving when you think you can’t go any further, BUT it can also get you moved when you shouldn’t go any further. When you find things getting too tough to handle, RELAX!