How to stay motivated when you feel like giving up on school, job hunt, or life in general

How to stay motivated when you feel like giving up on school, job hunt, or life in general

 

Let’s be honest.

Sometimes you’re doing everything right... but it’s still not working.

You’re studying hard — no admission.

You’re applying for jobs — no reply.

You’re putting effort — no result.

Here’s how to stay motivated when life feels like it’s moving without you. 👇

 

1. Accept that frustration is normal — even for the best of us

No one’s life is perfect.

Even the smartest students fail sometimes.

Even the most prayerful people get tired.

📌 It’s okay to feel down.

But don’t let that feeling become your permanent location.

You’re allowed to rest. You’re not allowed to quit.

 

2. Shift your focus from “results” to “process”

Instead of asking:

❌ “Why haven’t I passed WAEC yet?”

Ask:

✅ “How can I study smarter this month?”

Instead of:

❌ “Why haven’t I gotten a job yet?”

Ask:

✅ “What skill can I learn in the next 30 days that employers want?”

🎯 Focus on improving, not just arriving.

The results will come — but only if you keep moving.

 

3. Track your small wins — even if they seem insignificant

Did you study 30 mins today? That’s a win.

Did you finish one chapter of Chemistry? That’s a win.

Did you update your CV or learn a new skill? That’s a win.

Celebrate the process, not just the certificate.

📌 Motivation grows when you see progress — even tiny progress.

 

4. Surround yourself with energy, not pity

Avoid people who only talk about how life is hard.

Find people who push you forward.

✅ Study groups

✅ WhatsApp communities

✅ Telegram job channels

✅ Motivational pages

✅ ChatGPT, if needed

You can’t rise if your circle is dragging you down.

 

5. Remind yourself of why you started

You want to be a graduate.

You want to help your family.

You want to live a life of dignity.

You want to prove people wrong.

Write down your “why”.

Stick it to your wall.

Look at it every morning.

📌 When your reason is strong, your motivation will return.

 

6. Stop comparing your journey with others

Some people gained admission at 16.

Others made their first ₦1M at 20.

But that’s their clock, not yours.

You might shine at 25. Or even 35.

The point is to keep shining — whenever your time comes.

🌱 The mango tree and the maize don’t grow at the same speed, but they both bear fruit.

 

7. Create structure — even if life feels messy

Make a timetable.

Break your goals into daily tasks.

Use a journal or a to-do app.

📌 Motivation increases when your life has structure.

Even if you don’t feel like reading, show up anyway.

Discipline > motivation.

 

8. Use setbacks as redirection — not as rejection

Didn’t pass JAMB? Maybe you need a diploma route.

No job yet? Maybe it’s time to learn digital skills.

No money? Maybe you need to monetize what you already know.

📌 Life doesn’t always say “No.”

Sometimes it’s just saying, “Not this way.”

Look for the message in the pain.

 

9. Speak kindly to yourself

Stop saying: ❌ “I’m a failure.”

❌ “Nigeria is useless.”

❌ “Nothing good can come from me.”

Start saying: ✅ “I’m still learning.”

✅ “My time is coming.”

✅ “I’m preparing for something big.”

🧠 Your brain believes what you tell it — so feed it with hope, not hopelessness.

 

10. Final note: Motivation won’t always be there — but purpose will

You won’t always feel like reading.

You won’t always feel like applying for jobs.

You won’t always feel like trying.

But remember:

You’re not doing it just to pass time.

You’re doing it because your future deserves better.

📌 When motivation fades, let discipline and purpose take over.

You’re not late.

You’re not cursed.

You’re not wasting time.

You’re becoming.

Keep going.

 

💬 If this thread helped you, share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

Nigeria is hard, yes. But giving up makes it harder.

Let’s rise — step by step. 🙏🏽🇳🇬📚