With the summer dwindling down and the nostalgia of being away from dorms wearing off, students are planning their return to school. It is a time of mental and physical preparation; you must retrain your mind to study concepts, prepare to balance your studies and social life, and buy new clothes so that you're "killin' em" the first 3 weeks of class. In addition to looking fresh, each scholar has a number of goals and objectives to accomplish during the respective year, and it is truly important to get off to a great start in order to do so.
Success, specifically great starts, are a result of preparation; as a great man once said, "Success is the sum of a preparation, faith, and opportunity. So with the opportunity to return to school, I have faith the following methods will help bring success and put you in the place to be.
1. Bring in the Goal List
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| What everyone's working for... |
We make lists for everything: grocery list, Christmas list, Craigslist, all that. If we can make lists for these tasks, why not a list for our goals? Constructing a list (and more importantly, writing it down) creates a visual reminder of the task at hand, making it much easier to remain focused. Utilize planners, task boards, or tablet and smart phone apps as a reference point for the things you want to do this year. When writing, outline steps to accomplish each goal. Break down each goal to the point you have a task you can do immediately. With constant awareness of your objectives, every move, every action, (sings in Bobby Brown voice) every little step you take...is a means towards the end.
2. Seek Good Advice
Everyone gives advice; not everyone gives good advice. "Smoke crack rocks" is advice, but it's not good advice. When headed back to school, seek quality insight. Reach out to people who inspire you or are experienced in your field of passion. In addition, talk to people with common sense. You'd be surprised a.) how uncommon "common" sense is, and b.) how inspirational those conversations can be. If you're in need of a person to talk to or bounce ideas off of, shoot...reach out to me! Hit my google, chat online...tweet me ANYTIMMMMMME.
3. Fight for Your Spot
No matter what year you are entering in college, or even if you are out of school, working hard is always crucial to your goal achievement. In every field and industry there is a totem pole. As a college freshman, you're starting at the bottom. As a senior, you've climbed one pole, only to take on a new challenge as a graduate. One of my most difficult transitions was graduating from Cheyney University and being "thrown" into the real world. I entered an arena where nearly everyone was equipped with the same credentials. How do you move up in world such as this? We fight. It's like the movie Red Tails: We Fight (We Fight!) We Fight (We Fight!) Remaining humble and hungry despite achieving success keeps your ceiling for growth high. Compete with YOURSELF and work to be the top model version of you.
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| To mantain your focus, get your Russell Simmons on. |
When attending/returning to school, you will be...visited by a number of distractions. The usual suspects are parties, drugs, alcohol, and girls (or guys, for the ladies). College is the only place where you live right next to a high-rise building fully occupied by the opposite sex. With options like that, it is very easy to get pulled off the path. While there is nothing wrong with the occasional party, and everyone needs love, keep your eyes on the prize. Allow time for your social life, take care of your priorities first, then enjoy your youth responsibly. Know, however, what is first. You're not receiving a scholarship or financial aid to party. Take care of business first. For myself and my friends, many of us used a "happy place". We had a mediation corner; music, candles (for the ladies), and literature. Every so often, I would sing a soothing chant: "Mama say, Mama sa, Mamacusa...". Develop a routine that rejuvenates you. This assists in relieving stress and remembering the true purpose.
5. Keep Good Company
Will Smith asks, "What kind of people are the six people you are around the most?" Please believe your company is a reflection of you. Are you around driven people? What about pessimists? Do they agree with EVERYTHING you say (known as co-signers)? Your crew can often make or break the type of life you lead. The actions of a roadie/homeboy/groupie has ruined the reputation of many men. On a side note, we should continue to treat people well, old and new friends alike. When you meet new people. don't act as if you're above anyone. Rev. Jesse Jackson once said, "Don't ever look down on someone unless you're helping them up." The reason? We're no better than any other person on this earth; God made us all special. Furthermore, you never know when you'll end up in the wrong part of town, and the neighborhood thug has to save your life! You better hope you were not ignorant to him and he has good memory!
6. Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson? Huh? What? Yes, AI. The final point, my Pick 6, is "The Answer". Dating back to his school days, Allen Iverson was known for his relentless play, displaying heart and courage as he battled on the basketball floor. Despite his size, he took on all comers. When you get back, be like Iverson was on the court: give your all, everyday, at home, work, and at class. Fear no daunting task, because you have the talent and above all, God is your "Big Man in the Middle". He will see you through. And you KNOW that!
With these moves (and these grooves), you are on your way to a great year. A few do's and don'ts for the last few weeks of summer to end off right:
DO:
Get your workout on- Everybody get they "swoll" on!
Take advantage of Back 2 School specials- I'm buying stuff, and I graduated in 08.
Upgrade your
swimwear- No more goofy trunks, fellas; I'm swaggin...I'm surfin...
DON'T:
Let
anybody break your heart- Don't go back to school singing "I'm Going Down" by Mary J. Blige.
Come outside without lotion- Vaseline makes a mean oil gel. Put it on right after you shower.
Party too hard- Don't catch a case that stops you from going back to school. That's just stupid.
Enjoy the year folks and live it up!
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