At this point in the semester, it is fair to assume that every student across the country is feeling the weight of their future resting in a few grades on final exams. It seems like one slip up means watching our future disappear over the horizon, and it is easy to let all the pressure build up inside all of us until we hit a breaking point.
I am just as guilty of this problem -- feeling as though one bad test grade means that I am letting my future self down, like taking a study break means giving up all the future goals I have set for myself. When I feel the wave of pressure about to crash over me, I have to remind myself that at the end of the day a grade is nothing more than a number on a page, and there are so many more important things in my life. If you are like me and need a little reminder, here is a list of 7 things in your life that are so much more important than grades on a final exam.
1. Your health
It is far too easy to sacrifice a few hours of sleep or that daily workout for the sake of studying, but I can assure you that you are not doing yourself any favors by sacrificing your health. Sleep deprivation, hunger, or other health problems that may come from your choices to study can result not only in less efficient focus, but can lead to long-term health problems if done repeatedly.
2. Your friends and family
When I am stressed or exhausted, my mood quickly goes south. This can result in some less than pleasant conversations with the people I love, and I have to consciously remind myself that my problems are in no way their fault. Make sure to continue to show your loved ones just how much they mean to you because having them in your life is way more important than one silly grade.
3. Your sanity
This one goes along with your health, but this could be accomplished by something as simple as a peaceful walk through nature. We sometimes forget how important "me time" can be, so if that leisurely stroll or movie night is calling your name, LISTEN.
4. Your curiosity
Don't let school responsibilities kill your curiosity. I feel like this is the biggest problem in our generation because frankly a lot of times it just feels like we do not have the time to be curious or challenge ideas. We spend enough time studying complicated subjects in school, but don't forget to feed your curiosity and let your thoughts wander sometimes because this is a critical skill that will be valuable long after four years of college is over.
5. Your sense of self-worth
One bad grade can make you feel like you (or your degree) is pretty much worthless, but I am here to tell you that you are so much more than one single grade. Everyone makes mistakes and trips up sometimes, and that is just a part of the learning process - take your failures and use them to improve yourself in the future.
6. Your passions
This is something that I struggle with in school, because after a long day of class and homework and work and meetings, I can't seem to find it in me to follow my passion of reading. But our passions are such a critical part of us that giving them up is like losing a piece of ourselves. Do not let schoolwork take away what you truly love to do - if you really are passionate about something, find the time to follow that passion, even if that means you lose an hour of studying in the process.
7. Your motivation
This may be a personal struggle, but when I feel suffocated under the pressure of all my responsibilities, I simply lose all my motivation to do anything. I personally love learning and love being in school, but there are times when it is so hard and overwhelming that I lose my drive to expand my knowledge, and frankly feel like I'd rather just quit. It takes constant reminding that I am so fortunate to be given these incredible opportunities, and one stressful week cannot kill my drive to learn.
Do not let finals week get you down -- when you are battling with school and it feels like school is winning, remind yourself of these 7 things that are so much more important than one grade.
