The school year is upon us. It does not matter if you are an ecstatic freshman moving into their dorm or a more knowledgeable upperclassman moving into their first apartment, we all feel the same nervousness as our academic responsibilities loom over us. I am no stranger to stress and woe that comes with the school year. Running around like a madwoman as I struggle to complete my homework, take care of myself and maintain a social life. But this year can be different. Want to know what the secret is? Your mental attitude. This summer has taught me so much about success and how to get there, so I shall share these three tidbits of wisdom I will use to help me conquer this year. I hope they help you too!
1. Enthusiasm is the key to happiness and success.
The definition of enthusiasm is intense and eager enjoyment, interest or approval of something. It’s the reason I admire children so much, they have an endless supply of enthusiasm. Why can’t us young adults share the same type of enthusiasm? We all know the answer: responsibilities. It is so easy to be enthusiastic about activities that we enjoy, but it another story when I comes to obligations. Remember the old saying, “Attitude determines Altitude”? A positive attitude towards activities you do not enjoy will lead to success. Because if you have this enthusiasm while completing your responsibilities then nothing can stop you from being happy. This is easier said than done but the only thing that is stopping you is you. If you have enthusiasm and a positive attitude, you can take every obstacle or problem and work through it.
2. Keep going and be patient. Hard work yields positive results.
Patient is a virtue, a virtue I struggle with constantly. We live in a world of instant gratification where everything is fast-paced and the McDonald's line takes five minutes to get through. But you are going to have those days where you do not want to get up for class, where you are so tired it physically pains you to get up, but keep going. You may think that you are not progressing or moving forward but you are. Persistence is key. Your goals will be accomplished if you keep going. You may not see the results today, or tomorrow or maybe next month or two but they will come. Keep going.
3. Fear is a product of imagination. The amount of power it has over us is determined by us.
Fear comes in many different shapes and sizes. From seeing a huge spider, fear of heights public speaking, fear of failure just to name a few. But the same thing all fears have in common is that the fear has been created by us in our minds. Fear is hard to conquer, but it holds you back from reaching your full potential. Next time you are scared of something, ask yourself this: why am I scared right now? What would happen if I just let go and faced it head on? Again, easier said than done, but recognizing it is the first step to facing it.
We are not perfect and I know that we can’t live by these delicacies of wisdom every day. But if you feel down and out for the count, these can hopefully give you the boost you need to help turn your dreams into a reality! Good luck!
