by Moriah Briscoe
A month ago, you looked at internship programs and were accepted by a company. At the time, you were more than excited to begin. Today, it’s safe to say that your motivation has waned and is almost nonexistent. At this point, you don’t want to throw in the towel, but you’ve begun to lose some motivation.
How exactly do you get out of this rut and shake things up? Rest assured, as there are things you can do to maintain motivation in your internship!
MAKE HABITS AND WATCH THEM GROW
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld popularized a productivity system known as “Don’t Break the Chain.” Essentially, a couple habits are chosen and worked on every day. Here’s how it works:
First, get a calendar with all the months listed on one page.
Next, find a meaningful yet doable task. If you have a goal of writing at least 100 words every day, that is a good example.
After completing this task each day, an X would be marked on your calendar. The X’s should build up as you add more workable tasks, thus building productive habits. It’s also very satisfying and rewarding to see the chain grow.
If you break the chain, which you’re bound to do at some point, you simply begin again.
KEEP THE END GOAL IN MIND
Keeping the end goal in mind is imperative to maintaining motivation while working in internship programs or any arena. Take a few moments out of the day to reassess your goals and what you’re working towards. Feel free to browse Pinterest and make a mood board of clippings of things you connected to your goals. These can include articles, your favorite quotes, and photos. Additionally, consider following influencers on Twitter in your field and talk to them about how they maintained motivation.
REALIZE THAT INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS ARE STEPPING STONES
One of the greatest things about internship programs is that they’re temporary. That’s right, everything will pass.
But the best part about internship programs is that they are also stepping stones that will allow you to hone in on skills and maximize opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise. Realize that a current internship is a great opportunity that will bridge the gap to yet another. Use that thought to renew your motivation and open up your mind to more possibilities.
TAKE ON A LITTLE BIT MORE…BABY STEPS
Another way to renew your sense of motivation in your internship is to take on more work. Of course, don’t overwhelm yourself and drown under pressure, but take on challenges and do more than what is called of you. Not only will it prove to your employers that you’re proactive, but feeling a sense of achievement is sure to motivate you.
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Very relatable subject matter. This was engaging and insightful. Good work!
This essay is really well thought of. Good tips for your internship are summed up. I would add this though: Stay flexible and never seize to blend in, in the, probably ever-changing, “metabolism” of the company. Well done !