What to Do When You Lost Your Lust for LearningAugust 02, 2019

There will come a point when you will lose your lust for learning, and it doesn't happen during the busy month of December or the dreaded spring semester. It can be any time during the term, even before the start of your studies. The reason can be trivial, if not serious. You'll sleep it off, if not distract yourself from studying, or consider dropping out. What must you do?

The first thing to do is to figure it out if this is a passing or a problem that needs to be looked at. If it's a passing, listening to music could be the cure to your problem. "Here Comes the Sun" should be the perfect song, even if winter in Down Under is not brutal and oh-so-cold as the winter in the northern hemisphere. Your parents might even introduce you to an era when Australian artists rule the charts. Don't be surprised if you hear "Electric Blue" on more than one occasion, yet you won't be swayed by the upbeat tune. It might be serious.

You're thinking of dropping out, but it would be too late for the day. Athletes, as well as achievers who happen to be like anyone else, would attest that the finest hour would happen when they're about to throw the white towel. And they decide to tough it out. You could need a break if you've been glued to the computer screen for so long. Watching a play won't be the next thing to do, as you're too tired from thinking too much while writing your assignments. Sleep would do, yet the feeling won't go away. You should be late for deferring your entry to the university, and recruiters might not look at you kindly after you opt for a gap year later. What are your remaining options?

You need to talk to a fellow student, who can sympathise with your plight. You're also old enough, such that you can listen to an opinion different from yours. You can expect a lack of sympathy, if not someone giving you a reality check. And it's not bad. (It can spur you to do your tasks with resolve.) At the end of the day, you must deal with it. You should find a solution as quickly as possible.

5 Ways to Get Your Enthusiasm Back (or Whatever You Call It)

What is your approach to studying? You're one of those students who have an intense approach to coursework. It could be the right approach during the months leading to December (or the spring semester), but it can take a toll on you. Disenchantment should happen sooner than you know it, which follows with complaining on the most trivial things. You might even lash out at your roommate (or coursemate), and you're not the only one doing it. You must plan your schedule accordingly, such that you won't spend long hours in studying. A few hours in the morning, and another few hours in the evening would do. There are many instances when you give away that morning (or evening) to paper writing or further reading, and if this happens, you must make the necessary adjustment. Flexibility is the only way to keep you going, but don't be afraid to seek help. Someone will be glad to shoulder your burden, but your parents won't be the ones at certain times.

Ask yourself why you choose to pursue this field of study. You have answered this question prior to your choice of the degree course that you want to pursue during the next few years. You will be asked of the same question again and again until you reach your final year. You must have liked it, such that you're willing to put the long hours into it. You don't mind giving up on certain luxuries, like attending a number of parties in a month, but don't go overboard. Your body can only take it so much. This also applies to varsity students.

Are you aware of the tell-tale signs? You should know the answer especially when you force yourself to finish your homework. It's the right thing to do, yet you couldn't expect yourself to do the same thing next time. You won't learn a thing if you don't enjoy doing this routine, and those who pursue dual degrees would know better. Lack of sleep may not be a sure sign, but frequent ranting won't be good.

When was your last holiday? You're thinking of your last holiday with your family, where you reminisce the moment when you're staring at the 360-degree view of Luang Prabang and Mekong River from the summit of Mount Phousi. You're also grateful to your folks for the river cruise, where they chose a more luxurious room for yourselves. You don't mind the cramped space of a smaller boat, but you won’t enjoy the voyage in Mekong Delta. You've been thinking about it whenever you take a break from paper writing (or studying for an upcoming examination), and you must not ignore it. You're dreaming of Goa, and there's no harm in asking your parents about it. You can pay it back later.

Have you thought about your career options? You must answer this question truthfully, if not at length, as this should give you a good reason on why you must study hard. You would know what you're missing, and if this is the case, you can attend a training course outside your lecture. Most students won't have the time, so summer would be the ideal time to do it. You must plan it, making inquiries after lecture hours.

Think Twice about Dropping Out

It would be tempting to think about dropping out, as the thought of earning is hard to resist. Moreover, you want to have a good start over your coursemates. This is not the right mindset, as you must look at yourself ten (or twenty) years from now. If you’re harboring any thoughts of pursuing a graduate degree, then forget about dropping out. If you’re also serious about having lots of career options, as well as flexibility in your chosen field, then think of what your B.A. (or B.S.) could do to your CV. It should inspire you again.

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