Finding Success in school and work

Everyone Does It Great people throughout history have had times when they have failed before reaching their goals. “Ideas, brilliance, genius – they all mean nothing without the guts, passion and tenacity necessary to make your dream a reality. But, often, people fall back on excuses and give up on trying.” –Dan Waldschmidt

How Do I Achieve My Goals? Get off of the “Excuse Train” and start forging a path to your educational and career goals.

Tips 1. Ask yourself, “What can I do better?” Every time you try to do better, that’s exactly what you get- Better. Make a plan such as each day studying 20 minutes longer for a subject in which you are struggling.

2. Stop blaming others. “My teacher doesn’t explain it right.” “My brother was bothering me so I didn’t study.” “My mom made me babysit.” “The other kids in class were talking.” Blaming others is simply a way people try to avoid taking responsibility.

3. Stop doing things that don’t matter. Play video games, watch TV, hang out with your friends after your homework is done.

4. Stop doubting yourself. Focus on the end result. Don’t compare your problems to past failures. Keep working toward the goal that you have set even when things get difficult.

5. Take time to do the things that help you be your best. Regular exercise and activity not only help you be physically fit, but are good for your brain as well. “A huge part of mental fitness is physical fitness.” - Waldschmidt

6. Change you attitude How you think and feel is called your attitude. Changing your attitude will change your behavior. Changing your behavior will help eliminate the temptation to make excuses.

7. Ask for help. Your teachers are experts in their field. Everyone needs help sometime, so why not get it from someone who knows. Study with a friend or classmate who understands the subject well.

8. Communicate Talk to your teacher when you don’t understand or if you are concerned about your grade or an assignment. Your teacher can help you know what you need to do to be more successful.

9. Expect to have some trouble. Sometimes people struggle because they expect to be perfect. Understand that things go wrong, stuff happens, we blow it. The key is to learn from your mistakes and move forward, doing your best.

10. Stay positive. Focus on the good you can learn from making a mistake. Use what you have learned to motivate yourself to do better. Quitting and giving up ensure failure.

I am not judged by the number of times I fail, but by the number of times I succeed. The number of times I succeed is in direct proportion to the number of times I fail but keep trying.