I Tried to Fix Myself With Motivation

I used to think I could hack my way out of feeling empty. Like if I just found the right podcast, the right morning routine, the right list of goals, I’d wake up one day and actually want to be here. I read all the advice—be yourself, think positive, act enthusiastic. I even tried the gratitude lists, the fake-it-til-you-make-it smiles. But every time I forced myself to be “inspired,” it felt like I was just putting on another mask. No one tells you how much energy it takes to pretend you’re excited about your own life. Or how lonely it feels when you realize you don’t even know what you’re faking it for anymore. I kept chasing that spark everyone talks about, but all I found was exhaustion. The more I tried to fix myself, the more I felt like something was broken. Maybe I’m not missing motivation. Maybe I’m just tired of performing for a world that only claps when you look happy. #AcademicBurnout #CollegeReality #MentalHealthMatters #Education