By Imran Ssemuddu
After more than a year since the deadly coronavirus was first reported, many lives have perished, millions infected and there have been disruptions of day-to-day programmes throughout the world.
To be honest, the reality of COVID-19 has sunk in now, and finding the motivation to keep going on with school or even work has decreased to almost rock bottom for many people. However, daily responsibilities, bills and the COVID-19 pandemic is still going on with cases increasing in some parts of the world, and for many, this means being at home and sitting in front of a screen for hours at a time. This is done to minimise and control the spread of the virus.
With no sight at end of tunnel for when COVID-19 will end, adjusting to the new normal of studying, working from home has taken its toll; challenges with mental and physical health, uncertainty about the future, having to stay in the same environment, and missing friends and family members are some of the things affecting our ability to constantly focus on our daily responsibilities, which for one reason or the other, lowers our enthusiasm.
It’s no surprise that as the days go by, staying motivated seems like an uphill task. A study conducted by Chung and Subramaniam (2020) among students in Malaysia regarding online learning readiness during COVID-19, indicated that learning performance has dropped, and students are stressed out with their studies. Some of the challenges were demotivation brought by poor internet network as well as not quite understand the content given in their subject among other factors.
Recognising such obstacles to motivation, however, is a crucial step in managing them. While we are aware of the daily updates that come from official health directors regarding COVID-19, the news about fears of current and future status of virus, doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to boost our motivation when studying or working from home, as well as for the essential workers who have to report to work physically.
According to a new research by management consultancy Lane4, 44 percent of employees under 35 years old said that a lack of motivation has been an obstacle in their performance in studying and at work since the start of the coronavirus outbreak in March 2020.
We need to embrace the new normal and have the discipline to follow the standard operating procedures (SOP) communicated. “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” Get your mind prepared for the big ride during and after COVID-19.
If you are a person who constantly thinks defeat, I suggest you stop and consider. For thinking defeat tends to bring it up on you. Here are some tips to boost your motivation;
📌 Talk to yourself; re-educate yourself, get yourself out of the habit of negative thinking.
📌 I suggest that you adopt a slogan, “I AM A WINNER” and say it to yourself throughout the day every time doubt comes into your mind.
📌 Really believe that you can, “BE A WINNER”
📌 Emphasise on self-care to improve your mental and physical health.
📌 Seek therapy. Professional mental health therapists and psychiatrists have been made available. Many institutions have come up with therapy desks and people to talk regarding anxiety, depression or any form of demotivation obstacles. We should not be shy to contact and reach out.
The year 2020 was full of many downs rather than ups, however, good comes to those who see beyond the bad times. The ones who are brave and determined to look forward.
You alone have the right to write the story of your life. Make sure you write a masterpiece because you are a masterpiece and divine project going to happen.
There is hope for the coronavirus vaccine to be found and distributed in a few weeks and that right there is a huge motivation.
The earlier we get used to focusing on getting forward while beating all the odds against us, the closer we get to redemption.
The dynamics around COVID-19 have led to foster use of digital media more than ever before. Official meetings, classes, and other forms of gatherings that required tens of people have been done remotely. The internet has become our good friend across all ages since there is no or less physical meet ups to curb the spread of the virus. This situation poses a challenge to human daily life and for many activities.
How can we embrace the new normal and get better in this digital age? Each friendship made online should bring value to you to build networking opportunities. In the digital era, there is so much to read and get informed about health, parenting, finance and other sectors. So, it means information is power when you use it appropriately. With information right in our face, we can choose to do what we have with passion and hard work to bring us close to our desired goals.
Love and happiness comes from within. Personally, it took me too long to figure that out. So many people have it worse, how dare I complain. I have food, shelter, and people who love me! Self-love is the best gift, and it does truly pay it forward to the people around you. Be the light and love you seek in the world. For me, this is some form of motivation. Yours can be different but at least we should find motivation in our daily lives.
You and I were born at such a time as this to do extraordinary things in a world full of ordinary men and women. It is time to be the best version of ourselves, time to appreciate humanity, and time to love nature.
We have to believe there is light at the end of the tunnel and not beat ourselves up for the few failures that have come our way.
Make up your mind today that you are going to become the very best version of yourself and fulfil your higher purpose. Change your attitude.
I do believe motivation should come from within us if we accept to be a better version of ourselves. Here’s an interesting quote worth to think about; “The mind is a wonderful servant but a terrible master”. Remember to stay grounded, don’t allow your mind to run you around.
Although there are more uncertainties than certainties happening at the moment, it does not have to mean that our productivity, motivation and energy are out of reach.
Indeed, acknowledging that we are currently facing challenges while finding places in our hearts to take a bit of control back into our life, will definitely enable us to find extra motivation, and take on each day in the greatest way possible! ***