unfortunately my friends aren't academically focused
some aren't at all.... I get more stressed about their futures than they do
Thats how bad it is
i mean a few of them are but it doesn't really do much to change my. motivation or anything, also im focusing more on myself not just competing because there will always be people that are just better;
Original point being lost is the fact that --> I do not know what atar to aim for
Lol if you just want "motivation" from an atar goal then go on some atar calc and type up marks u can possibly reach e.g 95 mx2, mx1 90 eng, 95 phys, chem etc.. then see the arbitrary number and stick that on your wall then grind. It seems stupid when you think about it because its just an arbitrary thing but it'll give you a direction.
Personally I can't get motivated long term by a reward at the end, I find arbitrary stuff like "I'm gonna get X,Y for this" is only effective for something short term. Like if i complete this math q ima go eat ice cream yay. For the HSC, it was initially calculating my possible ATAR and all that bs just to give myself some feeling of direction then I'd grind.
Over time, I realised that just enjoying the days throughout the HSC was a much better reward than any end goal. When my mentality switched from I gotta do X -> I get Y to I'll just enjoy doing X. What I'm trying to say is just embrace the routine for what it is, and be motivated for another day.
Don't always focus on the big picture then you'll be overwhelmed, think of what you need to do today and how you gonna enjoy. I'm really enjoying uni despite the increased workload/time travel and other responsibilities because I'm in this mindset, I enjoy just chilling in the train, just being at lectures, talking with the boys, sleeping and so on.
And now I'm going to take the time to enjoy my sleep. Good night.