How can I find ways to motivate myself to be a better me?

Cat,

Hello, it is very nice to meet you. You ask a great question! First, recognize and acknowledge the fact that you have chosen to attend college and dedicate your time and attention to furthering your education, that is wonderful! Yes, college can be very difficult and challenging. Even if it sometimes feeling hopeless, it can get better. 

If you and I were working together in therapy I want to know more about your experience with college, so far. What are your goals - your major, your study habits, your plans post-graduation, etc. Even if you do get put on academic suspension this semester, that's okay. It does not mean that you can't be successful. It does suggest that you are struggling and could use additional supports and resources to be successful. Have you spoken with your academic advisor, a mentor, a career counselor on campus? College campuses have resources and tools to help you be successful, find them and use them! 

Do you have family support? If so, are they helpful with this? I would want to identify what your struggles and areas of concern are with college. If you can identify your obstacles and barriers to success, you will be able to successfully overcome them. Also, it is important to remember that one difficult semester does not define your entire college experience. 

Some strategies that you may find helpful include:

* Identify your strengths, in what subjects have you been the most successful?

* Keep a journal and every evening, write 3 positive things that happened that day.

* Write out your short term and long term goals? Do these include a college education?

* If you were not attending college at this time, what would you be doing?

For the remainder of this semester, reach out to each professor for extra tutoring, opportunities for extra credit, get together or fellow students and attend study groups, etc. Don't give up! If you think you're feeling burnout, maybe take the summer off from college and allow yourself some rest time.

I hope that you have found this information to be helpful. I wish you all the best moving forward in your journey.