FIND YOUR WHY!

Without a long-term goal, sustaining motivation can become increasingly difficult.

It is essential to determine your “why”.

Having a motive will push you to pursue your efforts and look past any struggles you may encounter along the way.

Here's some ways you can go about finding your 'why':

Firstly, ask “what inspires me?” What memories, experiences, or even people have given rise to an enthusiasm which propels you to put in that extra effort.

Secondly, it can be helpful to give thought to “who do I want to become?” There may be an individual that you idolise who

embodies certain attributes which you long to possess.

Attributes such as being consistent, courageous, or trustworthy, for example.

Finally, it may be equally as valuable to consider “who do I fear becoming?” You may find it best to determine this from the antonyms of the previous attributes. It can be scary to consider the person you don’t want to become; however, it can be necessary to maintain direction and self-awareness.

These answers should assist in your ability to determine what your long-term goal is. Your long-term goal can relate to academia, employment, or simply your general growth as an individual. Once you have decided upon this you will find yourself more stabilised and able to persevere in the most challenging of times.

Ella, the founder of Stylish Study claimed that for her “it was getting my GCSE grades and feeling like a total failure. I used that as my “why” and with a lot of hard work and determination, I got my A*AA goal.” Ella found that by reflecting upon her previous efforts and results, she was motivated to strive for what she knew was her true potential. Taking note of “who do I fear becoming?”, Ella actively worked to avoid a repetition of that incident and became someone she was proud of.

Therefore, we should never consider “failure” as a setback because for Ella this seeming “failure” triggered redirection, growth, and the determination of her “why”.

When things become testing remind yourself “why do you want your good grades”, “why will you keep going”, and “why will nothing stop you?”

The answer to these questions will make it apparent to you that your endeavour is worthwhile.