I have lost motivation
Hey there I’m 18 and just graduated high school and soon will have to do my hsc exams. I went to an extremely competitive selective school and performed well. However after our term 3 examinations I lost all motivation to study this was reflected in my trial results which were significantly worse than my previous results. I still feel the same and am struggling to study effectively. I am scared as the university course which I wish to complete requires a significant ATAR and if something doesn’t change I may not achieve it.
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Hey @Melon_Panther
Thank you for posting 💜
I totally understand the pressures of year 12. I remember having to do exams and absolutely dreading it because I was so worried about doing well. Even still at uni, I struggle a bit with perfectionism and putting pressure on myself, especially because my course is also really competitive.
Lately, I've been going through something similar where I'm really busy and know I need to do well in something, but I keep finding myself procrastinating more and more with things that aren't even 'good' for me. I'll get distracted by netflix or scroll mindlessly through tiktok the entire day and end up feeling a bit guilty and sluggish.
I used to get upset with myself a lot for that... but with the help of my boyfriend and friends, I've come to realise that this might be my body's way of telling me I'm burnt out and need to take a break. When I look back, I realise just how many years I've been going full steam ahead, how many things I've sacrificed to 'do well', etc. And although I know some of it was helpful to get me where I want to be in my career, I also regret some of that time I spent just studying.
It took some time, and I'm not perfect with it yet (still learning for sure), but I've been changing my mindset. I set myself goals for the day, and a reward for getting that done. BUT, I also have recently been purposefully scheduling in more time for myself, my family, and my friends. Instead of just mindlessly watching videos all day (although sometimes, that's nice too), I've gone for walks to see some sunshine and move my body, and have been prioritising my relationships with others more.
Oddly enough, it helps me get more motivated to do the work! Because I'm happier, I feel productive in a different way. Not in the 'academic' way. But in a 'I'm doing things that are healthy for me and I feel good about it' way. I feel healthier physically, my relationships with others are in better places, I feel more motivated and happier mentally.
Taking that step to just really look after yourself and your body can be daunting, especially when you feel that all you should do is study before a big exam, but it definitely helps in its own way. Think about it like this- if you keep pushing yourself to study whilst you're burnt out, how will you feel a week from now? Two weeks from now?
Doing well academically is obviously a factor in your grades, but so is your physical and mental health. Keeping the condition of your body and mind in a good state, can be really helpful for concentration and motivation. And to keep you healthy enough to sit the exam!
Also, ATAR at the end of the day, really doesn't matter as much as you think it does. I used to think it was the be all end all. But people forget to remind you just how many alternatives there are! One of my friends was completely different to me in high school and had more fun, enjoyed her life more, built great relationships with people, and at first, she didn't get into the course she wanted. But now, she's found herself in the same course as me! Remember not to compare yourself and your timeline to others (although I know its hard). You are on your own life journey and you should be proud of achieving all the great things you've achieved so far.
Anyway, a lot of that was just a ramble, but I hope some of it helped and that you don't feel alone in these struggles.
Look after yourself! 💜
Oof. I relate to that. I wanted to study psychology and you need a significant atar (90) I tried really hard in my exams and I didn't even get an atar of 50. Fortunately for me, I was accepted into studying tertiary studies/general studies. It's a one year Tafe/university course where you pretty much do maths and English and learn how to write university essays. When I was done, I applied for psychology and I was accepted.
Not getting a good atar isn't the end of the world. There are other options you can take to get into your desired course. It doesn't make you stupid or a failure, regardless what anyone tells you
Hey @Melon_Panther and a big welcome to the online community!
I can completely understand your study fatigue and lack of motivation. The HSC is a really long year, and unfortunately, they put the exams right at the end of the year after you've spent 9-10 months already working hard and studying your butt off. It's no wonder you're feeling a little burnt out!
It might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes taking a break and not thinking about study for a few days can be really restorative. Have you made much time for breaks and fun lately? It might be helpful to use fun activities as a reward for studying (e.g. if I finish this practice paper, I'm going to go have dinner with a friend, or watch the next episode of that Netflix series). That way, if you can't find motivation in the 'big picture' sense, you can work towards your next break or chance to rest, which gives you a bit more instant gratification.
It's fantastic that you have a goal that you're working towards, because connecting with your vision for the future can be really motivating. With that being said, I also understand how knowing what uni course you want to get into can also add a bit of pressure, because the idea of not reaching that goal can be pretty stressful. What's your plan for after school?
If you're up for a bit of reading, we have some cool resources about getting and staying motivated as well some tips for study success and study hacks.
I also want to reassure you that you're definitely not alone in feeling this way! The HSC year is stressful and exhausting, so don't be too hard on yourself for not being full of energy at this stage. I see the HSC like a marathon - you probably won't be bursting with motivation by the time you reach the home stretch, but if you keep putting one foot in front of the other, you'll cross the finish line 😁🥰
