Before reading or discussing this chapter, Part One, Chapter One Your Attitude: The Heart of the Matter Before reading or discussing this chapter, ask yourself the following questions. As you read, look for information in the text that will help you find answers. How does your attitude contribute to your success? What personal decisions must you make to be successful in school? What level of commitment is necessary for success in school? How can you measure your own personal level of commitment to school work?

Your attitude toward college work is more crucial than any reading or study skill to be successful. Your attitude must say, “I will do the work.” You must persist when you encounter snags and problems as the semester goes on. Personal determination is more important than the speed at which you learn.

The single most important factor for college survival and success is not a high IQ, or plenty of money, or an easy balance between school, work, and family life.   The person with commitment does the plain hard work that college requires. The person without commitment avoids the hard work in many different ways.

What are your biggest barriers to success in school? Self-doubt about ability Doubt or indecision about career goals Isolation Escape Distractions Conflicting priorities Other unhealthy coping strategies. What are your biggest barriers to success in school?

you must make a firm decision to do the work. What can you do to overcome these and other barriers to success? To overcome the worries, fears, and demands that seem overwhelming during the semester, you must make a firm decision to do the work.   Talk to someone about your decisions. Counselors, teachers, and others who care about your special situation will enable you to gain perspective on yourself.

Common Avoidance Tactics If you see yourself in the following situations, think about whether now is the time to take on the commitment to attend college. Talk with a respected teacher, counselor, or advisor. Confront your problem and begin to deal with it.

“I can’t do it.” “I’m too busy.” If you think you “can’t do it,” the reason may be that you’re not trying.   “I’m too busy.” Often, people unconsciously create conflicts in order to have an excuse for not doing what they know they should.

“I’m too tired.” “I’ll do it later.” Many students with this excuse are literally closing their eyes to the hard work that college demands. “I’ll do it later.” Everyone procrastinates sometimes. However, some students constantly postpone doing assignments and setting aside regular study time. Take responsibility for your performance, and realize that solid preparation can make the grade.

“I’m bored with the subject.” If a course is not interesting, students should be all the more motivated to do the work so that they can leave the course behind once and for all.   “I’m here, and that’s what counts.” College is demanding. To get somewhere and be someone, we must be prepared and able to make a solid effort. Little can be achieved without hard work. Though it is the very first step, just showing up won’t get students very far.

Think about your personal answers to these questions. See if your ideas have changed after reading this chapter. How does your attitude contribute to your success? What personal decisions must you make to be successful in school? What level of commitment is necessary for success in school? How can you measure your own personal level of commitment to school work?