Whether someone is in high school, middle school, college, or somewhere in between, succeeding in school is more than just passing tests. Flourishing in school is about developing helpful habits, proper time management, and self care along the way. Anyone who is willing to put in effort while maintaining the mental balance to do so is able to achieve success.
So, let’s break it down to the basics on how to succeed in school in a way that is maintainable, practical, and soothing to the soul.
#1: Set Clear and Specific Goals (And Stick to Them!)
Every success story starts with a set of questions you need to ask yourself:
- What skills do I want to improve?
- What grades do I want to achieve?
- What do I need to do to get myself to that point?
How to Set Effective Goals:
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- Use the S.M.A.R.T. goal method: When creating achievable goals, one of the best ways to do so is making sure each and every goal is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant to the situation, and Time-oriented for success.
- Breaking the task into smaller steps: Feeling overwhelmed? Try breaking the goal of raising that English grade, for example, down into smaller, more manageable goals. This could be as easy as turning in work on time or getting extra help on an essay before or after school.
- Write down your goals: Keeping track of goals is an easy way to motivate and remind yourself of the overall intention.
#2: Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Help When You Need It
Struggling to keep up with everything? DO NOT WAIT until it’s too late to get the help you need!
- Teachers are an amazing resource for asking questions, running practice problems with, or just talking to until you understand the subject of concern.
- Classmates are another great group to ask when struggling. Find someone who understands the subject and study with them!
- Tutors can be a great source to use if having a hard time. If extra guidance is needed in the studies, find a tutor either at school or online.
#3: Taking Care of Yourself
To really be successful in all school endeavors, remember that the brain won’t function unless the body rests!
- Get Enough Sleep: Cramming late at night till 2am will not help pass the next exam. By acquiring 7-9 hours of sleep, the human body is set up for a focused and learning-filled day.
- Stay Active: By staying active, the brain is better prepared for academic and mental success.
- Maintain Stress-Levels: It’s okay to take breaks, in fact, it’s encouraged to help the brain function correctly. Try to take 15-20 min breaks in between each task to allow the brain to fully process new material.
- Cut Out Distractions: By putting away electronics and shutting out distractions, a lot more can be accomplished. Try finding a quiet place to study to not get distracted easily!
- Balance Your Time: If too much time is spent working and not enough relaxing or enjoying other things, burnout is inevitable. Finding a healthy balance between work and play is crucial to success!
Succeeding in school isn’t just about being the most intelligent person —it’s about forming effective habits, becoming consistent, and having confidence. By establishing specific goals, effectively managing your time, and prioritizing your time, both mentally and physically, you’ll prepare yourself for success. Obstacles will arise, and encountering setbacks is part of the process. What’s important is how you react—learn from your errors, maintain a positive outlook, and continue to move forward. Nobody achieves greatness in an instant, but with determination and thoughtful strategies, you can reach your academic ambitions and more.
Therefore, take charge of your learning, maintain your focus, and relish your experiences.
