It’s almost the end of January, meaning T-4 months until graduation. The prospect of a new landscape and challenges feels equally enticing and elusive against wrapping up my degree and battling the s-word (senioritis, of course).
Some days are easy and other days are harder – that’s just the nature of school. However, I realize I often appreciate my time at IU when I engage with my mentees in various Kelley programs. Each student is unique in their interests, background and impressions of college. But one question I always get asked: How do you stay motivated throughout the years and especially during stressful times?
To this I say, it’s not easy and it wasn’t automatic. But I strive to work on what I can control and have faith in the rest. Trust your abilities and do what you want to achieve out of your task. If it’s a toxic group project or is out of your hands, before you start playing “mad woman” by Taylor Swift, think about what you can do to support your people and ensure they know you’re committed to this. It’s not all on your shoulders, but you can sleep well knowing you did everything you could.
And that’s enough. Make sure that is enough. Because even if things don’t work out, you don’t deserve the increased levels of cortisol and anxiety caused by thinking about it. There’s a common saying: the best revenge is a life well lived.
Hey, isn’t that expression just karma? It feels oversimplified.
Yes and no. This mentality is karma, but it is also deeply tied to religion and philosophy. It is also not easy to adhere to, but it emphasizes what you should strive to control: personal happiness and growth. It doesn’t cost anything, and no one is intentionally hurting anyone. You’re just working on your goals, letting go of negativity and never giving people the satisfaction of their actions defining your life. It’s your story and plot twists from here on out.
I’m fascinated by karma as an ethical dilemma because of the ties to moral responsibility, justice and repentance. And there is definitely a strong correlation. If our situation is based on past decisions, does free will exist, or is it driven by karma? What if I’m just trying to avoid a fire and get a pass on chaos? Maybe that’s not truly healthy. How fair is any of our systems if the consequences are to be determined? Patience isn’t my strong suit. And, if I believe in this, then when people are struggling, should I feel sympathetic, or was it deserved? It says a lot about who we choose to be kind to, doesn’t it?
I’ve thought about karma from both sides, but I find value in seeing it as a source of motivation and encourage others to consider its potential too. As a senior, I find comfort in the fact that I can just stay in my lane and do my best. But it’s more than that. Even on social media and in communities, karma can foster positive behavior and cultivate compassion and support.
Ultimately, karma serves as a reminder to consider the long-term effects of our choices on ourselves and others. It compels us to live our lives more actively and intentionally. In fact, according to an article published in the Journal of Consumer Research, studies found a correlation between karmic beliefs and a higher likelihood of prosocial choices, like benevolence, instead of self-gains.
If these reasons aren’t compelling, consider Elton John’s perspective in “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”
The lyrics, “Oh, I’ve finally decided my future lies / Beyond the yellow brick road,” convey a realization and a wish to travel on another path — even if it means letting go of something else.
Meghana Rachamadugu (she/her) is a senior studying marketing and business analytics and pursuing a minor in French.
