Motivations

Yesterday, I rose from bed after numerous naps because I had to finish my assignment. I describe the two-part activities as mentally draining. I disapproved of how our professor crammed all modules that resulted in us rushing our reflection. Today, however, I rose from a siesta for a different reason. I am joyous with the afternoon being sunny and hike-friendly.

I made myself a cup of coffee, also as a complement to this writing. If not for the field visit the other day, I would think of myself as a robot at work. But to finally sit down right now to consume this temporary vacancy could not be more special than getting a romantic date tomorrow.

This afternoon, I want to ponder on life and all its motivating and demotivating mechanism.

When we rise early in the morning for work, what motivates us to skip breakfast to arrive before 8 AM? When it is past 5 PM, but we have a few clicks to make to not miss out on a deadline, what is that thing that motivates us to stay?

If I were too occupied now to even bother writing this, I would not wish to know. But I believe it is our aspirations that keep us glued to our chairs, hoping every bit we spend on a thing leads us closer to our dreams.

There was no way I could know that enrolling in a graduate program would be this challenging until I am here. Despite work, personal battles, and familial responsibilities, I submitted my papers on time because I don’t want any reason to fall behind the subject and regret a low grade. That, perhaps, is a solid motivation. Importantly, I want to finish this semester and the following semesters with few regrets.

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Drafted February 13, 2021