Grizzly Nation

Staying Focused When the Year is Almost Over

By: Sophia Hoffman

As the school year winds down, it becomes harder and harder to stay focused. The weather gets warmer, summer plans creep into our minds, and the same routines start to feel repetitive. It’s easy to start counting down the days and gradually let go of the effort we’ve maintained all year. But the final stretch matters—maybe more than we think.

Staying focused doesn’t mean ignoring the fact that you’re tired or pretending you’re not ready for a break. It means recognizing how you feel, then choosing to stay steady anyway. One way to do that is by breaking the rest of the year into smaller pieces. Looking at the entire month of May or June can feel overwhelming, so it helps to take it one week—or even one day—at a time. Ask yourself: What do I need to do today? That small shift in thinking can keep you from feeling stuck or discouraged.

It also helps to remember your “why.” Maybe you want to finish the year with strong grades, or maybe you just want to feel proud of how you handled it. Your reason doesn’t have to be big or impressive—it just has to mean something to you. When things feel slow or draining, reminding yourself why you care can bring your focus back.

When routines start to feel repetitive, we tend to go into autopilot. That’s when it becomes even more important to re-engage in small ways. Try highlighting your notes differently, switching up your study spot, or asking a question in class. Waking your brain up doesn’t always require a big change. Sometimes, it’s about small choices that make you feel alert again.

It’s also important to protect your energy. Staying focused doesn’t mean pushing through burnout. It means managing your time, your sleep, and your emotions so you don’t feel completely overwhelmed. Taking a few minutes to breathe, saying no to distractions, or even setting boundaries with your time can help you stay grounded. You don’t have to be perfect—just present.

Finally, it can help to think about the finish line. The end of the year is a transition. How do you want to feel walking out of school on the last day? Do you want to feel proud, calm, or simply at peace with how you handled it all? Let that feeling guide you. Finishing strong doesn’t mean achieving everything. It just means choosing to keep going with care and purpose—right up to the end.

Page updated

Report abuse