Spring is a time of massive re-evaluation. With flowers blooming and new beginnings all around, it is a time to eliminate some of the negative influences on our lives. But spring is also a time of high-stress and important dates and deadlines. It is important to self-motivate. If you’re anything like me, you’re more than likely wondering who ever could manage so arduous a task in this gorgeous weather. Not to worry, I’ve compiled some tidbits I’ve learned along the way that have helped me improve productivity despite the beautiful, distracting weather and temptation from Oval Beach.

Know when to focus.

Saying “yes” is important in motivating us to accept new challenges and face new experiences as opposed to reverting to hiding away in the library or watching Netflix in bed. There are limits to how often you can say “yes,” believe it or not. Taking risks from time to time is healthy, but if you find yourself going out and hitting the bars Wednesday through Sunday, it might be time to cool down on spring fever. Take this beautiful time to increase focus. Think in terms of what you can do, as opposed to what you cannot. Find a mantra and stick to storing it for days when accomplishing tasks seem harder than usual. Set your alarm an hour earlier than your normal routine and vow to meditate to start the day out with a positive and sharp focus. You are capable of surviving a great deal of life’s obstacles. Don’t let doubt pull you away from getting things done.

Get off Facebook.

If you are using your laptop in the park, it’s time to separate you from your electronic spouse. Look up! Enjoy the weather and the senses that accompany this temperate symphony of springtime delight.

Bring excitement into your life.

Establishing something to look forward to will give you the extra kick you need to work through the end of projects. When something rewarding is waiting at the end of your hard work, you will be launched into conquering obstacles rather than avoiding them. Make plans to go to Oval Beach with a friend after a long day of classes, or put in extra hours at work to save up for something bigger: plan a summer road trip to wring out the last of Spring Quarter exams. Whether you take a Megabus to Chicago to photograph the city life and do some self-searching for a while or plan a full-out road trip to California with ten of your most compatible and adventurous companions, there’s no wrong way to plan something enticing to work toward!