What do you think is the best motivation for a beginner/someone who lost motivation?

[sneepity]

I've been thinking lately that kids may have lost their motivation due to the coronavirus, due to mental and physical health. And I also thought that kids who are new might be intimidated by thinking that people with experience will always do better than them. This isn't new to me, because of states being cancelled, and etc., but I personally think that we should give each other guidance and pep talks, now that it's a new season. So what do you guys personally feel about this? Maybe what someone else told you/something you told yourself could encourage new participants and competitors that feel down.

So here's what I tell myself-
Since it's a super competitive tournament, of course there's going to be people who can do better than you. But the reason why anyone is so good is because they truly put effort into their studies. They had to persist, get over mental challenges, overcome competition, all while drilling knowledge into their brain. And the reason why they could do that, is because they really love what they study. And I believe they were just like me at one point of time, but they endured, and became the best they can be. And there's no reason why you cannot do the same. All it takes is time, and effort.
Now, after saying that, I feel immense respect for the experienced members and alumni of Science Olympiad. They have very valuable knowledge to share, and I think we should all be there for it.
Thank you to all for participating and making Science Olympiad such a fun competition!

[Efesa]

I've been thinking lately that kids may have lost their motivation due to the coronavirus, due to mental and physical health. And I also thought that kids who are new might be intimidated by thinking that people with experience will always do better than them. This isn't new to me, because of states being cancelled, and etc., but I personally think that we should give each other guidance and pep talks, now that it's a new season. So what do you guys personally feel about this? Maybe what someone else told you/something you told yourself could encourage new participants and competitors that feel down.

So here's what I tell myself-
Since it's a super competitive tournament, of course there's going to be people who can do better than you. But the reason why anyone is so good is because they truly put effort into their studies. They had to persist, get over mental challenges, overcome competition, all while drilling knowledge into their brain. And the reason why they could do that, is because they really love what they study. And I believe they were just like me at one point of time, but they endured, and became the best they can be. And there's no reason why you cannot do the same. All it takes is time, and effort.
Now, after saying that, I feel immense respect for the experienced members and alumni of Science Olympiad. They have very valuable knowledge to share, and I think we should all be there for it.
Thank you to all for participating and making Science Olympiad such a fun competition!

Here's what I gotta say:
Everyone has to start at one point, and end at another. In the case of Science Olympiad, you can go beyond Division C (be a coach, test writer, etc.), but most people have to stop, at the most, the end of 12th grade. Everyone was at one point of time completely new to Science Olympiad, and some, throughout many effort, have been very good (Nationals good, in fact!). Even though 2020 is hindering people's season by virtual learning and the stress caused by all the issues that are happening around the world, its still Science Olympiad, and everyone else is going through the same thing. So I'm saying that you shouldn't focus very much on the coronavirus. Focus on improving, like everyone else that is doing Science Olympiad.

[sneepity]

It's going to be okay. Whatever you're dealing with, I'm so sorry, and I can't and won't pretend to understand everything you're going through. But one way or another, you won't have to deal with it at some point. Stressed about tryouts? Hey, after tryouts, the stress you're feeling will end one way or another. Stuff going on at home? One way or another, it'll end, even if it takes decades.

Competing isn't the only way to participate in the SciOly community, and SciOly isn't the only way to be involved or even compete in science.

I think if you need a break from SciOly, it's important to take one. Whether that's not trying out one year or just going a while without studying, pushing yourself after you don't want to leads to burnout very, very easily. You can always come back if you decide you do enjoy SciOly again.

And finally, don't believe people who try to make it seem like burnout is your fault. It's not. It happens to most people, especially those who have been pushing themselves too hard. It doesn't mean you're a failure. Everyone is human and everyone needs breaks. Try to take those breaks when you need them. People who push out a perfect facade or people you look up to who seem perfect have their own struggles too. Use your role models to see what you would like to improve about yourself but remember that, in the end, everyone is human.

[Reckless57]

If any of you have lost motivation for SciOly, just remember the competition buzz and environment, and especially the awards ceremony. It might seem like this year won't be as fun since a lot of it might be online, but remember that sense of accomplishment you feel after taking a test or finishing a build and winning a medal. And even though winning is great, what's even better is the time you spend and work with your teammates, both at competitions and at outside preparations. There's nothing else that can match that feeling. For newcomers, imagine those feelings mentioned above, and look forward to the fun you're going to have prepping for your events. In a way, you're lucky because you get to experience SO for the first time. There's no other club or anything else like it.