In less than one month I will begin my first year of graduate school, and one step closer to beginning my professional career. So instead of waiting until December to create a list of New Year resolutions, I figured why not create a list for the new school year. There are six tips that I have to making this school year better than the last.
(I know that this term is usually reserved for the workforce, but when you think about, college is supposed to prepare you for the professional world, so why not start early.)
I think that once you get to a point in your college career where you have chosen a discipline and narrowed down your career path, what you wear in certain setting is important. You want your professors to look at you as a young professional and not just a student. I had to learn as a college student that academic and professional networking can occur almost anywhere, so you need to be on your A game at all times. So this means no more pajamas to class and always look your best. Because, even when you think no one is watching, they are!
What is even more important is how you wear your clothing. I think that the way you wear your clothing tells other people something about you. Unless, you have tons of cash to spend on designer clothing, then the pieces probably won't look like they were custom made for you. However, the clothing should fit well, because to other people this exudes confidence. It tells people, that you take pride in your personal appearance, and that you are well put together. On the other hand, if you wear very tight clothing, it translates into "I'm screaming for attention, and not in a good way" and if the clothing is too loose then you look sloppy and unkept.
Lastly, it is important to look good for yourself because it affects how you feel about yourself, which affects your productivity. Basically, when you look better, you feel better; when you feel better, you work better.
When you prorastination, you waste so much valuable time that you could be using to do other things. If I stopped, I could get twice the work done, in half the time. Many people do it for many different reasons, I do it because I'm a perfectionist. But my goal is to kick this habit, so that I can lower my stress level and become a better student
As you get further along in your academic career, you'll find yourself sitting at the computer for longer periods of time. What often happens when you're sitting at the computer for long periods?? SNACKING. And this behavior is very subtle, until you find that your clothing is getting tighter, and some articles of clothing don't fit at all anymore. Then when you see that you are not as in shape as you used to be, it effects your academic work. Take small steps to keep yourself active and healthy. If you want a snack, try and eat fruit instead of chips or candy. When you're on the computer typing a paper, during breaks you can do a few sit-ups or lunges. Remember, your academics are your top priority, but without your health you can't do anything.
You only live once! Of we all have school, work, and other responsibilities, but all of that hard work without any time for self will lead to a crash and burn. When that happens you're at a stand still, and you have defeated yourself. The key to being able to work and play is time management. If you get to your work in a timely fashion, and don't procrastinate (see bullet point #2) then you'll have the time to do other things outside of school and work. But if you have a ten page paper due in two days, and you only one page done, then you probably shouldn't be going out.
Even if you have already accomplished this goal, there is always room for improvement. Sometimes you can work too hard, by putting up obstacles in your own way. When you focus on personal strengths and work hard consistently, then you will be rewarded for it. But don't expect any handouts or a pat on the back. This is where self-motivation will become very important. Because there will be many times where your hard work will go unnoticed, and it will be that self-motivation that pushes you through till the end.
- Create a Positive Environment
The people and the things that you surround yourself with, are just as important as your own actions and character. These things can only help you or hamper you from accomplishing your goals. If you are the type of person who wants to do great things, then you have to surround yourself with positivity, otherwise the negative energy will only drag you down. You have to have friends who are positive and have dreams of their own, so that you are supportive of each other. Remember: Positive people transfer positive energy, which breeds positive thoughts and ideas.
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