Sustaining Mental Toughness and Motivation While in College
They say your college years are the best of your life, and they’re pretty much correct. You get to meet new friends, to try out new things, and to even occasionally go wild. But more than all the fun you’ll be having, there might be a number of disappointments you encounter along the way. They may range from grade problems, family problems, personal relationship problems, and whatever it is that’s bothering you so much that you feel like giving up and heading back home.
You guessed it — I’m here to tell you that you shouldn’t give up and head back home. But then you might ask yourself, why shouldn’t I? Why can’t I just leave everything behind, get on the next bus, and take a trip anywhere else but here?
For starters, you’re already at the best place in your life. So, before you do anything that you’ll regret, here are a few things that can help you to sustain your mental toughness and motivation to stay in college, and trust that everything will get better in time.
It’s The Key To The Future
Pardon the cliché, but there’s no clearer way of saying it. At the back of your mind, you’re probably thinking that genius billionaires like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates dropped out of college and you can be just like them. Let’s cut to the chase here — these guys, are not the norm. They’re two out of a billion people in the world who defied the odds. It takes a lot of guts and risk to drop out of college and to rule the world, and it’s not something you want to do. The surest road to success in this case is to take the road most often traveled (a.k.a. staying in college).
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
The power of independence comes with a lot of responsibility. Once you step into your college campus, you’re oozing with freedom. You’re away from home, free to choose your classes, and free to spend your time in whatever way you want. But college is actually about using this freedom wisely. It helps you gain a better sense of who you are and what you’re capable of and this will help you a lot in the future.
It’s The Journey That Matters, Not The Destination
Again, forgive the cliché. Of course your graduation at the end of it all as well as what you make of yourself matters, but getting there matters just as much, and sometimes even more. All the friends you meet, all the experiences, and all the lessons (both school-related and otherwise) along the way will mold you into a better, well-rounded person.
It’s For Your Family
This is what most college students forget—college isn’t just about you. Your whole family might be relying on you to finish your education, to get a job, and to go out into the world. There are many stories of parents who work tirelessly just to make sure their kids have a better life and an education they themselves never had. So when you feel like giving up, remember this — you’re doing it for them as well.
College can be a long, boring, and a frequently tough road to trek. But once you reach the end, you’ll realize it was all worth it. Stay focused! Stay the course! And most importantly, work daily to sustain your mental toughness and motivation for continuous college success!
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Ty Howard is an internationally recognized authority on college student and staff and faculty development for peak performance and optimal success. He is the creator and lead facilitator of the trademarked “Untie the Knots® Optimal Performance Process,” and the author of the best-selling book Untie the Knots® That Tie Up Your Life: A Practical Guide to Freeing Yourself from Toxic Habits, Choices, People, and Relationships, as well as dozens of published articles on college student development and employee and organizational development worldwide. For information on his programs and services, visit: http://www.dynamiccollegespeaker.com.
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