How can I become motivated and passionate about something?

[Anamine]

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There are many thing that I enjoy doing, but I can't seem to become passionate about them. My personality is very bland because my interests aren't at all obvious. It's been several years, but there was a time where life excited me. I found joy in simple things and had many friends and ambitions. Now, after a few years in college, I find myself grinding through day to day responsibilities. It's not quite like I pictured it, I have always been extremely passionate about academia, however, over the course of my studies and college experience I have come to discover that I'm slowly losing the lust I had for academia. They say people driven to be the best in whatever they study, but why can't I keep to continue this lifestyle? Maybe I need a break or just some inspiration. I guess only I will know the answer to this question, but I'm curies, what fuels your motivation and passion?

 

[IslandStyle808]

I think the main thing is to just explore. Try volunteering in a hospital or homeless shelter. Or do some research. Or some other activity.

 

[circulus vitios]

I've never been "passionate" about anything.

 

[572776]

There are many thing that I enjoy doing, but I can't seem to become passionate about them. My personality is very bland because my interests aren't at all obvious. It's been several years, but there was a time where life excited me. I found joy in simple things and had many friends and ambitions. Now, after a few years in college, I find myself grinding through day to day responsibilities. It's not quite like I pictured it, I have always been extremely passionate about academia, however, over the course of my studies and college experience I have come to discover that I'm slowly losing the lust I had for academia. They say people driven to be the best in whatever they study, but why can't I keep to continue this lifestyle? Maybe I need a break or just some inspiration. I guess only I will know the answer to this question, but I'm curies, what fuels your motivation and passion?

It might be burnout. I started having these types of feelings about school/life in general in college too and still haven't really recovered from it. You might want to try seeing a psychiatrist in case you are depressed and get some SSRIs...<-- this will help but will not solve the problem completely.

 

[lobo.solo]

Maybe you're burnt out. Also, I think people's interest change over time as well as their passions. I can tell you that I'm not passionate about a couple of things from the past; however I still am about a few, which I think define me as a person. Don't sweat it🙂

 

[Nymphicus]

As my friend used to say, "Desperation is the greatest motivation."

 

[Hotshy]

This sounds like burnout to me. Try to lessen some of your responsibilities if you can (easier said then done). Also try getting into a running or weight lifting routine. I find that it gives me the energy I need to enjoy life as much as I can.

 

[FSU2013]

Try betting large sums of money, that outta get you excited about something.

 

[Renaissance Man]

I'm motivated by my family and S.O. I want to be able to take care of them in the future and so I work hard now to be able to get there.

 

[Geebeejay]

There are many thing that I enjoy doing, but I can't seem to become passionate about them. My personality is very bland because my interests aren't at all obvious. It's been several years, but there was a time where life excited me. I found joy in simple things and had many friends and ambitions. Now, after a few years in college, I find myself grinding through day to day responsibilities. It's not quite like I pictured it, I have always been extremely passionate about academia, however, over the course of my studies and college experience I have come to discover that I'm slowly losing the lust I had for academia. They say people driven to be the best in whatever they study, but why can't I keep to continue this lifestyle? Maybe I need a break or just some inspiration. I guess only I will know the answer to this question, but I'm curies, what fuels your motivation and passion?

I've always thought the word passion was overused and dumb, and there's nothing wrong with not being truly "passionate" about things.

As far as motivated....I am always much more motivated in things that I am interested in. Through undergrad, you're going to be required to take many classes that you may have no interested in, so make sure you choose your electives carefully and don't hesitate to choose the courses you think you'll be interested in, as opposed to ones that you think will "look good".

Same goes for hobbies....are you interested in hiking? then hike. Are you interested in playing piano? then play piano. Are you not interested at all in working in the orgo lab? Then don't work in the orgo lab! It's never too late to try, and it won't help you to do things you have no interest in.

 

[pre med 2014]

http://youtu.be/xmlAW_1hgT8?t=1m35s

I cued it up to the good part. This usually gets me motivated.

 

[circulus vitios]

Try betting large sums of money, that outta get you excited about something.

Excitation followed by depression when I inevitably lose.

 

[cbarne01]

I don't feel passionate about anything right now either but I also feel mighty stressed about getting in, am I good enough, what the **** will I do when I do get in... and so most of my life is stress. Stress and depression manifest in lots of ways, mental and physical, so fight back and make a plan.

-Figure out what workload is enough but not too much (several have said to cut back or take a break-they might be right).

-Exercise and eat well. Endorphins are the cheapest anti-depressant I know of.

-go do that thing that you used to like but haven't had time to lately... try one new thing every week, even if its only a restaurant for lunch or a coffee flavour.

-you say your interests aren't obvious. Why is that? Try to find someone else you can talk to or participate with. Figure out why you feel this way and if there is a way you can make your interests a more overt part of your life. I guarantee that as long as you're a semi-responsible adult and don't blow things up, there are other people who will think its cool... wait, are those situations mutually exclusive? I live in the country... explosions are cool too, but you know what I mean!

 

[cuculici1]

There are many thing that I enjoy doing, but I can't seem to become passionate about them. My personality is very bland because my interests aren't at all obvious. It's been several years, but there was a time where life excited me. I found joy in simple things and had many friends and ambitions. Now, after a few years in college, I find myself grinding through day to day responsibilities. It's not quite like I pictured it, I have always been extremely passionate about academia, however, over the course of my studies and college experience I have come to discover that I'm slowly losing the lust I had for academia. They say people driven to be the best in whatever they study, but why can't I keep to continue this lifestyle? Maybe I need a break or just some inspiration. I guess only I will know the answer to this question, but I'm curies, what fuels your motivation and passion?

OP, if I were you I would just cut back on your workload and finish college. Then take some time off after undergrad to figure out what you want to do, and if it's still med school you should enter more recharged and less burnt out.

 

[Praefectus]

Try betting large sums of money, that outta get you excited about something.

It's all fun and games until you can't pay it back and some goon named Frankie breaks your legs.