Lost, Stuck, or Stalling? How to Get Back on Target
College life throws a lot at you—classes, friendships, late-night pizza runs, group projects that somehow turn into solo projects, and the constant tug-of-war between what you should be doing and what you actually want to do.
What Does Acting with Purpose Mean?
At its core, acting with purpose is about connecting your daily choices to your long-term values. It doesn’t mean being perfect (no one is!). It means being aware of when you’re staying on track and when you’ve decided to take a detour.
Think of your values as a road trip. Your destination might be:
Graduating with a certain GPA
Building strong friendships
Staying physically and mentally healthy
Sometimes you’ll stay on the road, and sometimes you’ll take an intentional exit—like choosing rest or self-care. The key is knowing why you’re making that choice instead of getting lost without noticing.
The Procrastination Trap
Most of us have been there: lying in bed, scrolling through TikTok, knowing full well we should be working on that essay. Procrastination often isn’t laziness—it’s an emotion regulation tool.
Here’s how the cycle usually works:
Trigger: You feel dread or anxiety about the task.
Avoidance: You distract yourself (social media, friends, Netflix).
Relief: Anxiety goes down temporarily.
Return: The task is still waiting, and the cycle repeats.
Breaking this cycle starts with small, purposeful actions. For example, committing to just five minutes of studying can actually spark the motivation you’ve been waiting for. Action can create motivation—not the other way around.
Acting with Purpose in Social Life
It’s not just academics. Acting with purpose also shows up in how we socialize. Maybe you want to be the friend who supports others without getting caught in gossip. Or maybe you want to connect with people who lift you up rather than drain your energy.
When you feel pressure to act differently in a group, check in with yourself: Is this aligned with the kind of person I want to be? If not, can you take a small step toward showing up more authentically?
Quick Tips for Living on Purpose
Name your values. Write down 3–4 things that matter most to you in college (grades, health, relationships, growth).
Check your choices. Ask: “Does this move me closer to or farther from my values?”
Allow exits—but on purpose. Rest is part of the journey. Just notice when you’re choosing it versus avoiding something.
Start small. Five minutes of action is often enough to shift your mindset.
Final Thought
You don’t need to act perfectly on your values 100% of the time. None of us do. What matters is noticing when you’re on or off track, and gently steering yourself back when it counts.
So next time you catch yourself procrastinating or bending to peer pressure, pause and ask: What would acting with purpose look like right now?
👉 Want more tips like this? Listen to the full “Act with Purpose” episode of College Is Fine. Everything’s Fine. wherever you get your podcasts.
