So, first semester didn't go as planned. It's all okay in the grand scheme of things because you hopefully learned from your mistakes. All you need are some fool-proof tips to having a successful second semester.
1. Write motivational sayings in your planner.
During first semester you most likely slacked (a lot). Write yourself little reminders at the beginning of each week of your planner to light some fire under your butt. These sayings don't necessarily have to be polite. They can range from "don't skip class this week," to, "get your ass out of bed!"
2. Move your alarm clock across the room.
This tip is particularly for those who have a problem with hitting the snooze button. Moving your alarm clock across the room forces you to get out of bed (and get your blood flowing) to turn off your alarm. If you have extra willpower, force yourself to turn on the light as you get up to turn off your alarm. You will either wake yourself up in the process, or make yourself so mad that you have no choice but to start your day.
3. Wake up earlier than you have to.
This tip is particularly for those who don't have the same issues as the people who have to use tip two. Waking up one to two hours before you usually do gives you time to focus on yourself. Instead of speeding through your morning routine with your eyes half-open, you will have time between tasks to relax. Test this out one morning and see how it feels. Some people aren't morning people, respectively, and this method isn't for them.
4. Utilize to-do lists.
I do this already and my roommate thinks I'm crazy, but I swear by them. If you have a crazy week ahead of you (for example, recruitment or finals), to-do lists can save your life. Writing out everything that you need to accomplish will clear a lot of clutter out of your brain. There's nothing more satisfying than crossing everything off.
5. Take up a new hobby.
This hobby can be anything from napping to exercising. The idea of this hobby is to be an escape from your every day responsibilities that you have time for. This hobby should benefit you in one way or another. Bonus points if your hobby pertains to your major (example, writing articles).
6. Reward yourself.
Now that you're an adult and you most likely don't have mom or dad around to pat you on the back every time you do something above average, it's time for you to reward yourself for your good doings. You are your best friend. Treat yourself to an extra long nap, or take yourself on a date to get ice cream. These rewards obviously depend on your budget, but find something that makes you happy and do it for yourself.
7. Give yourself a break.
Due to the results of last semester, you are probably stressing yourself out to the point of no return. Be easy on yourself. In tip number six, I said that you are your best friend, but you are also your worst enemy. When you find yourself stressing out step back and take a deep breath. You're going to kick this semester's ass!
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