Staying in school

Everyone goes through times when they feel a lack of motivation. For some, when this feeling persists, it can lead to wanting to give up. So how do you determine whether you’re in a temporary funk or whether something more serious is going on?
 
Here are some warning signs to look out for:
 

1. Every new school year feels more difficult than the last, and it seems to be due to a marked lack of interest in school as a whole.
2. You feel zero motivation when you wake up in the morning. You’re even sad or irritable at times.
3. You regularly have behavioural issues. You defy authority, refuse to work, don’t do your homework, constantly disrupt your classmates, etc.
4. You’re skipping school more and more often, for no good reason.
5. Your grades are slipping.
6. You find your job more interesting than school.

It can be scary to feel like you’ve lost all motivation. It may seem as if you’ll never be able to turn things around. Have faith in yourself—it’s never too late to persevere!

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Talk about school with your parents, family, and friends. Maybe you know someone who had a difficult path through school, just like you, and who was able to overcome their challenges. The more you talk about it, the more you may begin to realize that you actually like certain things about school, such as getting to see your friends or participating in extracurricular activities.
2. Let your friends know that you’ve lost your motivation for school. You may not be the only one in your group who’s struggling, and you can help each other.
3. Try to focus on the positives. Even if you don’t see very many, remember that every cloud has a silver lining. Make a list of the five things you enjoy most about school and use these as your main sources of motivation.
4. Learn to become more aware of your strengths. You have plenty of them, just like everyone else! Once you’ve identified your strengths, maximize them. Take pride in these qualities as well, as confidence and perseverance often go hand in hand.
5. Reward yourself when you deserve it. Did you study for an exam when you really didn’t feel like it? Treat yourself to your favourite snack! Did you pass an exam you thought would be impossible? Do an activity you love! No success is too small—they all deserve to be celebrated.
6. Think about your personal and professional goals. Knowing what you want to achieve will make it easier to put in the effort required to get there. It’ll also be incredibly rewarding to ultimately achieve those goals! Consider asking a guidance counsellor for help. They can help you clarify your goals and map out how to make them happen.
7. Finally, remember that it’s often easier to stay the course, even if you’re having a particularly tough time, than to try to go back to school later. A few years down the line, your friends will be further along than you, and you may have to work to earn a living while pursuing your studies. Take a deep breath and roll up your sleeves—you’ve got this!