How do you guys find ways to stay motivated and engaged at school throughout the year? Especially if things in the family are tense or you just feel tired and uninspired/unmotivated? I’m a junior and I need to work really hard, but sometimes all I want to do sit down and stare off into space because I’m just so frustrated by certain things.
Do you guys listen to music? Talk to friends?
I listen to so much music, you might even call me addicted.
I stay engaged by going outside of the scope of the classroom. It makes everything much more interesting
I watch lots of TV and remind myself that if I don’t do well in school, I’ll end up in a college I don’t want to go to in classes I don’t like (aka I’ll repeat high school).
Works every time xD
Also, I do like learning about stuff outside of the classroom. I like pretty much every subject.
My experience is that motivation comes from doing things, not the other way around. If you can just start an assignment, no matter how bored you are, it will become easier over time.
livelaugh7 me too! It’s actually almost like a distraction to me 
topaz1116 hahahaha that’s true. I like learning stuff outside of the classroom too. But I don’t know, I was planning to get a lot done for school during winter break, but procrastination…ahhh…
halcyonheather thanks! I’ll keep that in mind
Hit the gym and drink Starbucks.
Testosterone Spike + Caffeine Overload = you are unstoppable
I read (the books for AP lit were AWESOME so I was at least motivated to do that work) and stage managed. Theatre means a lot to me and I was my school’s stage manager, so knowing that I was responsible for a big project and for like 50 kids meant a lot to me and helped me stay focused. I would always to one subject’s worth of homework before sending out my production notes, which guaranteed that I would at least get through that bit of homework quickly.
Also, this might be obvious, but take classes you like. I designed a course for the spring that was a one-on-one independent study with my favourite teacher. Taking classes like that will guarantee to get you through the year.
EDIT I see you’re a junior - I posted about what I did as a senior, but the same sort of thing applies.
Forget motivation and get disciplined. You won’t need motivation then.
Spotify is the best thing ever. Start with menial tasks, then work your way up to lengthy textbook chapters. Set easy goals every day, reach them, then surpass them.
Also, breaks are important - an hour or two doing what you like (or nothing at all) is healthy, especially since school’s not in session.
Or do what I do, and don’t get motivated and then just regret your life decisions later 
I don’t really have any problems with staying motivated because, as I see it, I kinda have to stay engaged in school. It’s not like I can just drop out or something. I have no choice. I also have no friends, but I do listen to music sometimes.