Ever since I was a kid, there’s always been one thing about summer that I’ve loved above all others.
It’s not going swimming or to the beach. It’s not staying out late. It’s not going fishing or camping, or really doing anything that requires me to spend more than five to 10 minutes outside.
In fact, the thing I love most about summer is doing nothing at all.
As previously mentioned, I’m a homebody. I prefer staying home, in bed, and drawing upon all my skills to be the laziest person in Columbia, if not the state.
For one thing, I don’t have any expendable income. My defense also used to include the fact that even if I had any money to do something, there’s nothing around here to do.
I don’t really have that excuse anymore.
My best friend, in her valiant efforts to get me out of the house — a fight which has been going on since the 11th grade — has alerted me to Groupon, a website I’d heard of but never paid much attention to.
From fitness classes, to 50 percent off at the museum, to up to 52 percent off go-karting at the Charleston Rush Speedway, there are plenty of things to do, new experiences to have and a dwindling amount of reasons why I shouldn’t.
Even apart from Groupon, there are plenty of websites to visit to check out what there is to do around town.
New Brookland Tavern, offers a veritable feast of music, with various genres. There are the Columbia Food Tours, a 2 1/2 hour tour that takes you through various restaurants in Columbia.
There are interactive ghost tours, carriage rides in the Vista and The Nickelodeon Theater.
The problem is, I still don’t have that much motivation.
It isn’t just wanting to stay home and do nothing versus going to Myrtle Beach, either. I’m a writer, first and foremost.
It’s what brought me to journalism in the first place. I want to write a book, and I have a few ideas bouncing around in my head that I really like.
Once again, though, the issue is that I lack motivation.
I’m lazy. And it’s a problem.
I’m sure I’m not the only person who suffers from this, especially not at this age or this point in my academic career. It feels like I’ve been slogging through school for so long, and as my senior year of college approaches, it’s just hard to care.
And in my early 20s, the fact that I have my life ahead of me is somehow both exciting and daunting.
But I want to change my lackadaisical habits. I want to do more.
If you’re in the same boat, I have a few tips.
First and foremost, find what you’re passionate about. It doesn’t have to be what you’re going to school for, although obviously that’s a perk. Just find something that you love and try your best at it.
It also helps to make a to-do list. Even if it’s just a month-to-month thing, or even a daily list, it will keep you organized and give you a sense of accomplishment when you cross things off.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially if your goal is a lofty one.
Most importantly, don’t give up. It can be incredibly tempting at times, especially when you’ve been working for something for a long time and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. But you’ll get to the place you should be eventually.
So, don’t worry. Go out and take advantage of the 56 percent off coupon at AMF Bowling. Work on getting more motivated, and reach your goals.
Good luck.