Page 12 - Scholarship Guide Aug 2020

10

t is easy to think that some students are born to excel and others were
born to just “get by” in school. While it is true that we are all born with
different strengths and abilities, there are actually some habits we can
all practise to ensure that we excel in the things we set out to do in life.
Even if you do not think you are a “good student”, adopting these habits
might change your mind and put you back on track towards reaching
your academic goals. We have broken down the common habits of every
successful student into three main categories -- mindset, management,
maintenance.

The mind is a beautiful thing. It has the unique power to change the course
of your life. Starting with the right self belief is imperative to living your
best life. According to extensive research* done on the learning habits of
students, it is proven that students who believe that they can become there is always something you can do to improve the situation.
smarter actually do become smarter. The mind is that powerful. Essentially, Some questions you can ask yourself include:
intelligence is a trait that you can develop with time. Refrain from labelling
yourself as “dumb” or “not academically inclined”, because with the right • Are these thoughts factual?
mindset you can become more intelligent. Brains and talent only give you
a little head start, but dedication and hardwork can surpass them all. It is • Am I taking this too personally?
important for us to recognise that all capabilities are not static but have
the potential to be developed overtime. Through experience and training, • Are these thoughts constructive or destructive?
anyone can grow and learn. Thomas Edison said, “Genius is one percent
inspiration and 99 percent perspiration”, which only serves to emphasise • Is there good that can come out of this?
how hard work plays a pivotal role in our success.
• Do I need to forgive the other person?
Another important habit is to direct your thought life to positive places.
How you regulate your thoughts and emotions especially in light of • Do I need to forgive myself?
disappointment will determine your outlook. One of the ways to adopt a
more resilient and positive mindset, is not playing the victim and placing • What productive actions can I take to improve the situation?
the blame on others (parents, teachers, government) for the end results.
When you select this approach toward your student life, you will see that