By Miranda Mong
It’s not a secret that high school can have its challenges. Here are seven tips that you can start to incorporate into your life in order to have more success and less stress.1. Choose to have a positive attitude.
There are many factors about school that are out of your control. Successful students learn to focus on what is in their control and let go of what is not. Understand that you cannot control the fact that you are in school, but you can choose to have a positive attitude about it. Our thoughts have a HUGE impact on our actions, so try to think positively!
2. Set goals.
It’s definitely easier to get to a destination when you know where you’re going. Successful students have a goal in mind for the school year and take the time to plan out what it will look like. Then work backwards to plan the steps it will take to make the vision a reality.
3. Don’t see grades as judgment.
Understand that your grades, whether they’re high or low, are not a judgment of you and your worth. To succeed, it is important to know that grades are simply feedback on what is working well, and even what can be an opportunity to try something different.
4. Focus on learning and effort rather than grades.
Try to enjoy learning because, in the grand scheme of things, that’s what school should be about. When you discover how to enjoy learning, your grades will go up. Successful students try to make school about gaining knowledge.
5. Don’t be afraid to be wrong.
When students genuinely try to improve themselves, it’s not about being right or wrong. It’s about learning. Know that in order to get better at nearly anything, you will make mistakes along the way. Don’t be afraid to be wrong; just view it as a way to learn how to do it better.
6. Focus on the present moment.
Learn from the past, but don’t dwell on it. Have a positive outlook for your future, but don’t obsess over it too much. Successful students stay grounded by focusing on the present, doing the task at hand, and taking action on what they can currently control.
7. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Successful students don’t waste their time worrying about how much better their classmates are doing. Focus on your own work and realize that everybody’s paths are unique. If you do know that your classmates are performing better, you can use that as inspiration so you too can improve if you put in the effort.
While school is about learning and preparing yourself for the future, it should also be an enjoyable experience with memories to look back on. Don’t forget that Mrs. Golab is also always there to help in the guidance office, so don’t be afraid to stop by with any questions. Hopefully, with The Squire’s tips, you can have a successful and stress free school year!