Dear Chip,

I am in my last semester of high school, and I have lost all motivation for school and other extracurricular activities. I have been accepted into three colleges already, and I plan on deciding in about a month where I want to go. Since I received my acceptance letters, I feel as if I have already shifted into a college mindset. Therefore, I have not been focusing on things in high school that are important. I’ve been putting critical work to the side, thinking that “it isn’t necessary” or that “it won’t matter in a few months.” I’ve also lost my inspiration for activities that I formerly loved to do. I dread doing things that aren’t somewhat related to my future, and I feel that what I am doing is dumb since I most likely won’t participate in these activities in college. I really want to enjoy my final months in high school, but I just can’t seem to. So how do I “live in the moment” and focus on my future? Please help, Chip.

Sincerely,

Perplexed Student

Dear Perplexed Student,

I can definitely see where you are coming from. Some things in my life feel useless. But let me keep this short and sweet. You need to give everything consideration. If activities that once made you happy don’t anymore, you need to reinvigorate that interest. Reexplore it or have an in-depth conversation about it. Even if it doesn’t feel exciting or valuable right now, you’ll thank yourself for at least committing to it and finishing strongly. Also, remember the pot of gold at the rainbow. You have got three colleges on your doorstep, that’s pretty dope, and only a dope person could achieve that. You have to push through and do your best to enjoy these last few months for your friends, teachers, and yourself. Remember that even if what you’re doing isn’t an investment in your future, it is an investment in yourself, which is very important.

Sincerely,

Chip