Miss Rocket,
I had everything planned out. I was going to do so much with my academics but one bad grade and now I’m screwed. My whole plan has gone to ruin and I feel more lost than ever. I’m not ready to face the fact that I can’t control my life. What do I do, Miss Rocket? I don’t want to be a wanderer. I want to be certain of who I am and what I can do but it feels like I’m not enough.
Sincerely,
Miss Quarter Life Crisis
Miss Quarter Life Crisis,
You are definitely not alone in feeling a little lost right now. College is such a tumultuous time for so many people, and it never means you’re not enough! One bad grade never defines you. On that note, I would suggest talking to your professor about your grade if you think they’ll be receptive to the conversation. Maybe you can do some extra credit work or even redo the assignments you struggled on!
As for feeling out of control of your life, unfortunately, life is something that can never be fully controlled. It would definitely be easier for us all if it was. Focus on controlling what you can: your actions, your habits and, to an extent, your mindset. Spend time around those you love who make you feel a little less lost. Sometimes grounding yourself in your support system can help a lot. You don’t need to have your life or even yourself figured out right now! Our 20s are a period of change and evolution. Discovering who you are is part of the fun of growing up and finding your independence. If you ever start to sink, find someone to hold onto who can remind you of who you are right now. And if that’s not who you are next year, next month or even tomorrow, that’s okay!
Sincerely,
Miss Rocket
Miss Rocket,
I need advice on getting out of bed.
Sincerely,
Mr. Bed Rot
Mr. Bed Rot,
You bring up one of the hardest parts of being a functional adult. Everyone needs different motivations to get them up and be productive in the morning, but I can at least share what works for me. Personally, I like to set multiple alarms, with one going off about 15 minutes or so before I have to actually wake up. This breaks me out of my sleep cycle but still allows me to “bed rot” for a little bit before getting ready.
I also reward myself sometimes when I manage to get ready earlier than I have to; I’ll stop at Dunkin or Starbucks to grab a coffee, or get a breakfast sandwich from the library cafe on campus. This gives me a reason to jumpstart my routine and stay ahead of schedule. Having something to look forward to beyond my comfortable bed, especially getting into the colder months, gets me up and moving on rough mornings.
Sincerely,
Miss Rocket
