1. Wake up with determination. Go to bed with satisfaction

School is exhausting- from maintaining decent grades to working to participating in extracurriculars to being an athlete to having family obligations. It can be difficult to maintain motivation as you lose sight of what you’re working so hard for. You have to remember each morning what your goals are for the future, visual yourself achieving them and remind yourself how badly you want to achieve them anytime you feel like slacking off. That way, at bedtime you’ll be proud of yourself for not giving up and being one step closer to the you you’re striving to be in the future.

2. 5 for 5.

Right now, your boyfriend breaking up with you may feel earth shattering... But it’s not. The 5 for 5 rule is simple, if it’s not going to matter in 5 years, then don’t give yourself more than 5 minutes to grieve over it. When you’re in doubt of how long it’s going to matter, assume that it will not matter in 5 years as it likely won’t. You are going to change so much in your high school years, very little will matter in 5 years. Remember to have a strong belief that what’s meant to be, will be.

3. Stars can’t shine without darkness.

It doesn’t matter who you are, you are going to go through something devastating in high school. Though it may vary in severity from person to person, the unfortunate truth is you will suffer through something during these fateful 4 years. The trick is, not to let it consume you. Allow yourself to come out stronger, fight to be a better person because of it; most of all, learn from it. You are who you are because of the experiences you have endured and enjoyed.

4. Mistakes are proof that you are trying.

Disregard what any teacher, parent or friend may say… you have to make mistakes to learn. In every aspect of life, from classes to relationships. Fail a test, and you’ll work extra hard to know the material for the next one. Date someone who treats you miserably, and you’ll know the warning signs for your next relationship. Mistakes teach you lessons that you remember, instead of memorization that you will forget.

5. It always seems impossible, until it’s done.

If you want something, make it happen. Don’t wish for it, work for it. I will apologize now for every person that is going to tell you that “you can’t do it,” because that’s going to happen. I’m here to tell you, or perhaps remind you, that you absolutely CAN do it as long as you wholeheartedly dedicate yourself to the achievement of your goal. The best part will be when you have succeeded and you can look back on your doubters and laugh in their faces.