Secret To Success
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Secret To Success

"When your goal is to gain experience, perspective and knowledge, failure is no longer a possibility." Sophia Amoruso

10
Secret To Success
Chandni

In the perpetual environment of exams, papers, and job pressures, it is easy for a college student to see their surroundings out of perspective. Society has drilled us for the last 18 years that what matters is building a solid foundation to live a so-called successful life. One must do well in high school to get accepted into a good university, perform well in college to get a well-paying job in order to have the means to support a family -- when does it end? What is this ultimate goal we are all relentlessly striving to achieve?

A few decades ago, it was considered outstanding to go to college; now, it is expected. Not only is it an expectation, but also there are now stigmas surrounding the prestige of higher education institutions, and the level of success guaranteed by certain majors. Concentrations in the humanities are often valued less than those in STEM. Internships, graduate school programs and co-ops are additional external pressures faced by college students today.

We have been conditioned to believe that there is a linear path to success, and deviation from that path will lead to certain failure. It is fear of this failure that drags us down in a cloud of self-doubt, anxiety and stress. The ever-looming presence of the future combined with the unstoppable force of time is a toxic combination that generates a college student’s personal version of hell. We are made to believe every slight transgression will have detrimental and irreversible effects later in life -- it is this notion that has led to the plague of anxiety taking over college students all over the nation.

How do we combat this? First, realize that failure is not all bad, and the idea of success is relative. In fact, it is through failures that we truly learn -- what goes wrong allows us to readjust our current schemas and make changes. It is, thus, learning from our failures that has molded us into the individuals we are today. Too often, we idealize individuals’ successes and forget the means through which they arrived at that place. While there is nothing wrong with a conventional path, it is just as acceptable to explore another.

Uncertainty is normal, and change is refreshing. Contrary to what society dictates, it is OK to not have your entire life planned out. In the end, you have to live with the decisions you make, so do not spend your time and efforts contorting your life to someone else’s plans. Most importantly, never hesitate to bet on yourself, and have the courage to forge your own path. Perspective is everything so if you find yours limited, take yourself out of the current situation that is leading to whatever negative emotions being experienced.

Everyone needs a place to clear their minds and escape -- for me, it's the mountains. Standing on top of a peak and looking across at the tiny buildings, cars and people helps me realize that there is so much more to life than the problems I am facing in the moment. It is so important to recognize that the problems that seem so sizable now may be miniscule in the grand scheme of life. This is a great big world with endless paths and opportunities and there is no singular means to reach an end. Ultimately, there is only one thing that truly determines your success -- your perspective.

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

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58895
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38018
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959535
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

195623
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments