Constructive Suggestions Regarding Motivation

1. Attack the problem of goal setting directly.
	A.	Gather information about your interests, abilities, values, and needs through
		Tests Counseling Self-evaluation
	B.	Gather information about occupations.
		Career Planning offices at colleges have files of this type of information. Use the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Check out the Career Exploration resources at www.reachoutmichigan.org. Get first-hand information from people working in a field that interests you.
	C.	Gather information about training requirements and training programs.
		Use the above resources. Use college and other catalogs. Explore college programs on line. Get first-hand information from professors or those in the field.
	D.	On the basis of the information, start making decisions that lead you in directions you want to go.
2. Attack personal problems directly.
		A.	Use the services of a Counseling Center.
	Individual counseling or therapy. Self-help materials. Group counseling or therapy.
	B.	Attack the problem yourself.
		Self-evaluation. Direct confrontation of others involved in the problem. Accept responsibility for initiating changes you want to make.

Motivation Checklist

1. Really preferring something other than attending this university:
__ Would prefer not to go to college. __ Would rather attend another college. __ Would rather attend college in another kind of community __ Would prefer a different kind of training.
2. College as means to ends other than learning:
__ To avoid getting a job __ To find a mate __ To have a good time __ To get away from home __ To prove self-worth
3. Distracting personal problems:
__ Conflict with same sex __ Conflict with opposite sex __ Conflict with parents __ Lack of confidence __ Undefined resistance to college __ Angry at the world __ Overuse of drugs or alcohol __ Fear of evaluation __ Difficulty in making decisions __ Lack of financial resources __ Marriage problems __ Phobias and other anxieties __ Insecurity __ Loneliness
4. Lack of interest
__ Undefined vocational goals __ Undefined educational goals __ Course material is not what I think is important __ Interest in school is not the “in” thing among my friends.
5. Continuing self-defeating behavior patterns:
__ Excessive dependence on parents or others __ Fear as a motivator __ Parents as motivators __ Grades or academic achievement as motivator __ High school habits

	To UM Reach Out!
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	To Michigan Reach Out!