I really just need to talk about this to someone. I’m in college and I’ve always loved to learn, but now I don’t feel motivated do my school work or to study, but at the same time, when a test roles around and I don’t know how to answer the questions I get stressed and care about trying to do well. I’ve also always beaten myself over the head about having good grades, my parents never had to push me to do good in school. I’m just so stressed about it, the semester is ending soon, and I’m scared I’m gonna fail 2 classes which will be then first time I’ve ever failed a class.

  • Bobby Turkalino
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    28 months ago

    You say you’ve always loved to learn, but really it sounds like you’re more of a completionist. You’re more interested in succeeding in the academic rituals (taking tests and getting good grades) than learning itself. Aka, you’re extrinsically motivated, not intrinsically. Extrinsic motivation always leads to burn out eventually.

    Perhaps reevaluate whether you’re going to college just to get some degree that will make you employable (as we do in the US), or if you’re actually interested in learning about a specialized field. If the latter is true, reevaluate your major and maybe see if you can switch to something that interests you enough to motivate you intrinsically.

    • Dr. CoomerOP
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      8 months ago

      What I meant by “I love to learn” was on both ends. I love learning history and math, but I’m aiming for a mechatronics degree because I’ve always been interested in robots. I’m still interested in mechatronics, just feel like I’m struggling with some classes and getting the motivation to finish them.