Do you ever feel that you’re not getting anywhere toward your goals? Or maybe you’re progressing too slowly?
When you’re on your way to becoming an elite student, you’ll encounter challenges and disappointments.
Tests where you fail to perform. The essays that your teacher dislikes. Group projects that prove to be messy.
Keep in mind that the aim is to make progress, not perfection.
What is it means to be focused on the course?
Create process-based goals rather than outcomes-based goals.
If you establish goals based on process, You set yourself for success. It’s because you cannot always influence the outcome. However, it is possible to can manage the operations.
Here are a few examples of processes-based goals:
- Read a newspaper article, and you will learn a minimum of five new words per day.
- Make sure you do at least two more math-related practice questions per day.
- Get a good night’s sleep, at least seven hours in the evening on school nights.
- Do at the minimum of 10 minutes every morning before eating dinner.
- Visit your social media accounts at least three times per day.
- It is recommended to study for at least 2 hours each day on weekdays and at least three hours on weekends.
- Start looking for tests about two weeks before the date of the test.
This way, you’ll continue to work towards your academic goals without focusing on a particular outcome.
You’ll start to enjoy developing and improving, and you’ll be more likely to achieve the results you desire.
It’s not that I’m suggesting that the outcome isn’t important. However, it’s the process that will be the most important thing. Therefore, focus on continuous improvement, as do others can achieve your goals with time.
Principle #6: Stay focused by using strategies that work
Whatever you do to desire to become an outstanding student, there will come moments when you don’t want to study. What are the best ways to get rid of putting off your assignments?
Even if you’re motivated to succeed and want to impress your teachers, There will be times when…
… You are tempted to lie in bed for the whole day.
… you’d like to stream YouTube videos continuously.
… You’d prefer to take on things other than your schoolwork.
What does a disengaged but driven student do when they have such days?
Use these strategies to become an outstanding student who can finish your work regardless of what:
- Reward yourself when you complete the task.
- Set a timer that will last for three minutes. Start working and inform yourself that you’ll be able to end the task after three minutes. (You’ll likely continue with the work once you’ve gone.)
- The work is done in short chunks lasting between 25-35 minutes.
- Make a list of inspirational quotes. My personal favorite is by Jim Rohn “Don’t dream of it being easy. I wish you were better.”
- Break tasks down into smaller steps so that they’re not too overwhelming.
- Imagine how you’ll feel after you’ve completed your work.
- Make a list of all the tasks you’ve completed to keep yourself accountable for your progress.
- Transform your schoolwork into the game. You earn five points for each assignment you complete and reward yourself when you’ve made 20 points.
- Join a study group with enthusiastic students. Their enthusiasm will reflect on you.
- Make sure you get enough sleep. Lack of motivation and fatigue are connected. (Refer to Principle #3.)
Are you looking for more suggestions? Here are 23 tips on how you can be motivated to learn.
Principle #7: Learn to say “no.”
Are you overwhelmed?
I’ve enjoyed working with students who have plenty to do. They’re involved in numerous extracurricular activities, including art, music, and sports.
I don’t care how effective you’re. There’s no way to be a robot, and you’re not a healthy, well-rested high school student if you’re managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Worse, you risk burn-out.
What is the most simple solution?
Learn to say “no.”
Here are some suggestions to assist:
1. Learn different ways to say “no” respectfully to prepare for any situation.
Here are a few examples:
- “Thank you for taking the time to think of me, But I’m sorry that I’m not able to make it.”
- “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, but I’m not able to do this. Here’s the alternative.”
- “Thanks for inviting me. However, I’ll have to say “no.”
- “I appreciate your concern for help; however, I am sorry. I’m not going to change this situation.”
- “I’m sorry, but those dates don’t suit me.”
- “I’m sorry, but my schedule is packed for the coming month.”
- “That seems like a fantastic opportunity, but I’m disappointed that it’s not a good fit for me.”
- “I’m sorry, but I’ve come up with other plans.”
- “I would like to; however, I’ve already committed to assisting ______________ (friend or family member, etc.) out.”
2. Do not participate in at least two or three extracurricular pursuits.
Whether it’s volunteering, learning a game or a musical instrument, or learning new skills, you can only select a few at a time.
3. Sort your friends into groups and decide how much time you will spend with each group.
Do you categorize your peers?
It may seem like a bizarre suggestion, but it’s an easy way to say no to any social events that could otherwise bog down your schedule.
Time is a limited resource. The best students realize that it is impossible to keep up with everyone you consider a friend.
Sort your friends into the four categories below:
- Acquaintances
- Friendships with casual acquaintances
- Friendships with close friends
- Best friends
Then, you should decide on the amount of time you’ll be spending with the group. My experience was like this:
- Contacts with acquaintances each month, once
- A casual date with friends once a month
- Close friends once each week for a minimum of two weeks
- Best friends every day
If you can clarify how long you’ll be spending with each group member, you’ll make sure you’re investing in friendships that matter the most to you.
