Motivation: Just Keep Going!

When going through the natural chaos that life offers, we might feel as if we are the only ones struggling with social distancing. Yet, with the coronavirus pandemic taking over lives across the globe, the entire world has been forced into isolation.

What allows us to carry on and work towards our pursuits, however, is motivation. Because motivation means something different from person to person and is shaped by personal battles, there are many strategies individuals use to motivate themselves.

For MHS students, one common way in which we find motivation is through the concept of failure. Hugo Kim (‘21) is one example, citing “a crippling fear of failure and… the feeling of inadequacy” as a major source of motivation.

For others, motivation stems from a desire to feel satisfied. Bhavana Iyengar (‘21) says what motivates her is “wanting to feel good about something I have accomplished.”

Further discussion with peers about how they find motivation reveals that there is almost always a tie to the idea of needing to be “perfect”ーto adhere to what society expects from individuals.

The best sources of motivation should not necessarily stem from a fear of failure or a need to be perfect. Rather, motivation should be viewed more as an urge to improve oneself, especially during this time of distance learning.

Sai Gedela (‘21) mentioned that her strategy to stay motivated during these unusual circumstances is “just by talking to people, whether it be Facetiming my friends or talking to my family, because even though everything seems like it is crashing down on me, I know that the one thing I can control is my emotions during this time.”

Another MHS student, Aviva Jalona (‘21), said that “to stay motivated during stressful times, it is important to keep in close contact with friends and remember that while adapting to this new time, life such as school or work will continue to go on. That is a constant in our lives.”

For many of us, motivation allows us to stay connected and positive during social distancing. From painting a picture to cooking a favorite meal, motivation helps us stay creative and ward off boredom. Whatever the source is, motivation helps us just keep going.