Studying abroad has been such a learning process. I have learned so much about so many different cultures, people, and languages. I have learned to navigate airports and metro stations like a pro. I have even learned how to make a few typical Spanish meals, and if you know me at all, this is quite shocking. However, what I have learned the most is not about history or cooking; I have learned the most about myself. In many ways, I have had to rewire my brain to adapt to so many new things. For instance, my concept of time and distance has changed a lot. Oh, it only takes 20 minutes to walk there? Oh, only a 3 mile walk? No big deal. In the states, that would be crazy talk, and you better believe I would be driving. One thing that I have really had to work on a lot (especially lately) is my motivation. I have had to program my brain like a well-organized planner with specific times for each and everything. I am far busier here in Spain than I usually would be back home, and because of this, my motivation seems to be suffering. To be frank, as my schedule gets busier, my motivation seems to get worse! And this, my friends, is something that needs to change, like yesterday.

As I reflect on why my motivation is so lacking, I suppose I am just surrounded by too many fun things and not enough time to nap or just relax. I always have a trip to plan or to look forward to or to go on. I always try to get out of the house to spend time with friends or spend some time by myself. I was also pretty sick for a few weeks, so I told myself I needed to recover rather than stress about my schedule. Of course, siesta (aka nap time) is always calling my name, too. Do not get me wrong, I realize I need to be getting my work done. I have a beautiful planner that I so wonderfully organize. But, still I am having a hard time. No matter how hard I have been trying, I just do not feel very compelled to stick to my intricate plans. My poor planner is being ignored. Nonetheless, I have been doing all my assignments and blog posts on time (I promise), but they are always completed in what seems like the nth hour. What is wrong with me!?

This brings me back to a previous blog post where I talked about the “Balancing Game.” It seems as though I have forgotten about the balancing game and how important it is. I truly need to rework my brain and schedule to allow for equal time between the having fun, relaxing, and working on assignments. I also need to really push myself to get things done when I say I am going to. Now, I plan to use naps or coffee or trips as my reward for getting my goals accomplished for the day, and I have already started! Instead of napping today, I forced myself to go to the library to blog and work on assignments. And my reward today? Coffee in the plaza. It will definitely be worth it!

As I learn more about how my motivation seems to react to busy schedule, I am learning more about myself. I have discovered so many different facets of myself, even in the worst times. I can feel the growth that I am going through each day. Even though it is hard sometimes, I have learned that I need to push myself in order to grow. Hopefully, I can keep it up and my motivation will continue to flourish. I can only hope!