<p>So over winter break I’ve been trying to get myself to apply to internships, but it’s just not happening. I keep on procrastinating. I’m not really motivated to do anything. When I think back to last semester, I felt the same way. I never did anything earlier than the night before and frequently lacked sleep. I stopped showing up to one of my classes and was happy with a grade that a year ago I would never have guessed I would get. To me, it just seems I spent all of last semester waiting for the weekend.</p>
<p>Whenever I wonder why I’m doing anything, it’s just some variant of “because I should.” Why do homework? It’s due. Why go to class? Because the prof expects me. Why major in what I’m majoring in? Not because I particularly like it over anything else, it’s just that I’m good at it (or think I am) and it doesn’t annoy me as some other things. Why apply for REUs? Because it will look good on resumes. </p>
<p>I thought for a while perhaps my major isn’t for me, maybe I’m trying to do the wrong thing. But then thinking of other majors, I couldn’t really see myself doing anything else. I’d see myself being good at a lot of things, but I couldn’t see myself being any more happy at any of them.</p>
<p>What is this? Temporary lack of motivation? Sadness that winter break ends in a couple of weeks? Depression? Mid life crisis? Normal?</p>
<p>I have been the same way over winter break. I made it my goal to get my drivers permit before the semester begins, but I have only brought myself to open the drivers license manual a couple of times… just keep on procastinating. Last semester I planned on applying to internships over the break as well, but I have been far too lazy to do that. I am actually looking forward for the semester to start to get back into the swing of things and be more productive and active.</p>
<p>Great article on procrastination. It’s a good read: [Overcoming</a> Procrastination by Steve Pavlina](<a href=“Overcoming Procrastination – Steve Pavlina”>Overcoming Procrastination – Steve Pavlina)</p>
<p>Hi, I have the same problem with getting lazy over breaks, then thinking the major isn’t for you. The problem is we naturally want to do more than we can during breaks. The solution is like pedaling a bike up a big hill: you need to constantly keep pushing, or you’ll fall over. Next break, you need to keep some interest in your studies or you will end up being lazy and doing nothing.</p>
<p>The issue is that, if you’re invigorated by your major, you will want to do all these cool things over break, then realize you need to pace yourself, then eventually become uninterested. If you’re like me, within the first two weeks of school, you’ll be full-force again.</p>
<p>It’s a common problem, but it’s not so hard to overcome.</p>
<p>I’m kind of a procrastinator myself, don’t be discouraged, it’s just how some people are. I think I’ll try staying on top of my academics and doing stuff ahead this time.</p>
<p>And funny thing is I had the same issue with you with the internships =) I said I’d look into them and apply but I never got the chance. I can still apply to do research at my school but its really last minute and its putting a lot of stress on me. </p>
<p>So what are you thinking of majoring in? Maybe I can help.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>start doing what you want to do, and not what other people expect you to</p></li>
<li><p>procrastination is when you logically want to do something, but you don’t feel the instincts/primal urge/ sensation to do it. you don’t feel the emotion driving or motivating you to do it.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>school assignments are a perfect example of this. there are many logical reasons why you want to do well on them. but on their own, they are obviously the opposite of fun or pleasure.</p>
<p>maybe imagine how great you’ll feel with the internship/ money, or induce fear in yourself that if you don’t start productively spending your time, you’ll end up with with an empty life of regret. it doesn’t have to be true, but be aware of your inner mechanisms/ motivations and try to manipulate them</p>