Get Up, Breathe, And Try Again | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Education

Get Up, Breathe, And Try Again

It's finals season, formal season, and almost summer - things are always hectic and nothing seems to always go our way.

235
Get Up, Breathe, And Try Again

Suddenly, especially towards the end of the year, all you hear around you is the talk of grades, stress, and studying. Suddenly a bad grade on a test or a project feels like the end of the world. You may feel that this specific setback is preventing you from trying again. This is your reminder that it's not.

Whether it be in school, in our jobs, in sports, or in life, we are bound to face setbacks.

One setback is not the end of the world unless you choose to let it be. Take a moment to appreciate that while you are not able to control the outcome, you can control your actions and your response to things in your life. Take the D on the test, feel disappointed that your effort did not pay off like you hoped it would, and then try again. Do not spend so much time wallowing in self-pity that you forget that you can control your actions.

This is not to say that it's your fault you did not succeed at something on the first try. We all have things that we put our best efforts into and they ended u[p not panning out. It's totally normal to take some time and feel disappointed in that, even to vent to some friends if you need to. This is just to say that complaining about a grade that you can't change, a play that you didn't make, a promotion you didn't get, accomplishes nothing, wastes time, and makes you feel bad about yourself. instead, focus on how much power and control you have over your next steps.

How sad would it be if we had no control over our own lives? If we were just predetermined to fail. Sometimes it may seem easier to not take responsibility (not for the failure but for your actions) but that would mean our actions don't matter, and they do.

This your reminder that you are not powerless. You are a strong, smart, hardworking student that happens to be human. Humans fail and that's okay. The mark of real strength is in those who get up, wipe the dust off, and try again and again and again. And even if you fail again, at least you can hold your head with pride, knowing that you put your best effort in and it just did not work out. There' s no shame in that.

This quote (from various people) sums it up: "There are only two things you can control in life- attitude and effort."

Just a reminder that grit, determination, perseverance, and a good work ethic will take you much farther in life than acing every test ever could. You'll be more apt to deal with future setbacks and your mental health will thank you.

Get up, stand up, and try. Again.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

143693
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

35140
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

31338
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments