It's hard to believe we're already more than halfway through this semester! As a nontraditional student balancing full-time coursework, being a stay-at-home parent, and managing household responsibilities, this point in the semester can be particularly challenging. The mid-semester grind is real, but I’ve found a few mantras that help keep me grounded and focused as I push through to the finish line. I hope they resonate with you too.

1 – It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

When the second half of the semester hits, it’s tempting to rush through assignments, projects, and exams, hoping to see that light at the end of the tunnel a little sooner. But I’ve learned that treating this journey like a marathon—pacing myself and maintaining steady progress—leads to better outcomes, both in terms of academic success and personal well-being. It’s about reframing your mindset. Instead of rushing, I focus on keeping a steady pace, which helps prevent burnout and allows me to retain what I’m learning. After all, accounting is a career where consistency and accuracy matter more than speed.

2 – Done is better than perfect.

As an Enneagram 3 and self-proclaimed over-achiever, striving for excellence is part of my nature. I thrive on setting ambitious goals and pushing myself to meet them, which has certainly contributed to my success in school. However, it’s also a double-edged sword. The desire to go above and beyond on every single assignment can lead to unnecessary stress and self-imposed pressure. I’ve learned to remind myself that not every task needs to be flawless—sometimes, ‘done’ is better than ‘perfect.’ This doesn’t mean cutting corners or doing subpar work, but it’s about recognizing when I’ve put in my best effort and trusting that it’s enough. The key is finding a balance between excellence and perfectionism, which is something I’m continually working on.

3 – Choose your hard.

This mantra has been a game-changer for me, especially on tough days when school feels overwhelming. Whether I’m struggling with a complex accounting concept or simply feeling exhausted from the demands of balancing life as a full-time mom and student, I remind myself to ‘choose my hard.’ Every stage of life comes with its challenges. I reflect on the early days of my pregnancy when I was teaching 5 a.m. group fitness classes while battling morning sickness. That was hard, but I got through it. Now, working through my few semesters at Penn State while managing my home life is a different kind of hard—but it’s one that I’ve chosen. When I focus on the bigger picture and remind myself that I’m working towards a career I’m genuinely excited about, the daily frustrations seem a little smaller.

By leaning on these three mantras, I’ve found a way to stay motivated and balanced during this busy season. If you’re in a similar boat—whether you’re a student, a parent, or juggling both—I hope these tips help you stay the course. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how slow it feels. Keep going, and before you know it, you’ll be at the finish line.