So, you ask, how can it be that simple? Well, my friend, believe
me when I say it is far from simple. After all, we are all only human, and thus
we are all subject to many of the so called human frailties.
Where we as humans often fail is to first develop a plan or a
formula for action and then we allow it to slip away into oblivion before we
fulfill the steps necessary for completion. My own life is filled with
countless examples of this. And chances are you can list quite a few too.
I’m not saying this as a criticism directed at you or me. A lack
of determination often impedes our progress because the plan was hastily
formed, or the goal was unrealistically set. And we are all guilty as charged
at some time in our lives.
Determination can be a driving force, or it can be just a
lengthy word that sometimes finds its way into our vocabulary.
Determination begins with a plan, and then it should be directed toward a specific goal:
Determination: I will study hard for the upcoming math exam. I will allocate a minimum of 2-3 hours of study time each day for the next five days. I will study in a quiet place and avoid all distractions. I will seek ideas from my fellow students on how they plan to study and will use the best ideas.
My Goal: My goal is to get 80% or better on the exam.
Determination begins with a plan, and then it should be directed toward a specific goal:
Determination: I will study hard for the upcoming math exam. I will allocate a minimum of 2-3 hours of study time each day for the next five days. I will study in a quiet place and avoid all distractions. I will seek ideas from my fellow students on how they plan to study and will use the best ideas.
My Goal: My goal is to get 80% or better on the exam.
Seems simple enough, but if I am not determined to meet each and
every one of the above study conditions, then the goal will slip away from my
reach.
Being determined about any course of action requires that you do
just that—take action. You may have a plan but it is useless if it isn’t
implemented. But that scenario is repeated over and over by countless students
all over the world. All too many students lack the determination to see the
project through to a successful conclusion.
Why is this the norm?
English poet, Alexander Pope is credited with writing, “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” This is one of three best-known quotes from his poem, An Essay on Criticism. Other famous quotes from the same poem are “a little learning is a dangerous thing” and “fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” Pope didn’t create the phrase “to err is human,” which originates from an ancient Latin proverb “Errare humanum est.” Pope merely expanded on it.
English poet, Alexander Pope is credited with writing, “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” This is one of three best-known quotes from his poem, An Essay on Criticism. Other famous quotes from the same poem are “a little learning is a dangerous thing” and “fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” Pope didn’t create the phrase “to err is human,” which originates from an ancient Latin proverb “Errare humanum est.” Pope merely expanded on it.
The Key to Success is Not made of Brass: The key
to success is not some brass object that you can shove into the lock that bars
the entrance into a life of successful pursuits. As described, this method of
entry is the willpower and the motivation to reach a goal that is stored in
your mind. You either have it—or you don’t. Many of your fellow students do not
have it. Thus you possess the tool needed to dash right past most of them. But
being determined requires commitment, and you either have it or you don’t. The
choice is yours.
Four Steps to Success: Here are four basic steps
that are vital toward your adopting a winning determination to be successful:
1. What Outcome Do You Anticipate: To be
successful you must know if and when you have succeeded. Success may not be a
single flash of recognition. If your goal was clearly defined and it is a
reasonable, achievable goal, you will know when you’ve achieved it.
2. Take Specific Action: Taking action, any action, is better than a do-nothing attitude. An action plan may include: make a list of all of your courses, keep all study materials (books, class notes, personal notes, recordings, etc.) in one place where you can get your hands on them immediately, set up one notebook for each subject so your notes don’t overlap different courses, collect study tools and keep them at the ready (pens, pencils, notepads, highlighters, etc.) and alert your friends that you have blocked out specific study times and ask that they not disrupt you.
3. Determine What Works For You, and What Doesn’t: Be certain you have a good model to follow, or a good source of information, For online research, bookmark the websites you can depend upon for the best possible answers.
4. Be Willing to Modify Your Strategy: Be flexible with your plan since you may not reach your goal on the first attempt. This is a reality of life. Life is far from perfect and either are we humans anywhere near perfection. Our successes and failures in life are sometimes due to circumstances beyond our control. Accept this and be willing to change. Success is measured by our ability to handle failure as well as achieving our ultimate goals.
2. Take Specific Action: Taking action, any action, is better than a do-nothing attitude. An action plan may include: make a list of all of your courses, keep all study materials (books, class notes, personal notes, recordings, etc.) in one place where you can get your hands on them immediately, set up one notebook for each subject so your notes don’t overlap different courses, collect study tools and keep them at the ready (pens, pencils, notepads, highlighters, etc.) and alert your friends that you have blocked out specific study times and ask that they not disrupt you.
3. Determine What Works For You, and What Doesn’t: Be certain you have a good model to follow, or a good source of information, For online research, bookmark the websites you can depend upon for the best possible answers.
4. Be Willing to Modify Your Strategy: Be flexible with your plan since you may not reach your goal on the first attempt. This is a reality of life. Life is far from perfect and either are we humans anywhere near perfection. Our successes and failures in life are sometimes due to circumstances beyond our control. Accept this and be willing to change. Success is measured by our ability to handle failure as well as achieving our ultimate goals.
I've Shown You the Tip of the Iceberg
I hope you will look at this article as the mere tip of the vast iceberg known as knowledge. When measuring knowledge the student must remain aware that 4/5ths of the iceberg is submerged and you have to be prepared to dive down in order to reach more of it.
Study Smart-Study Less
I hope you will look at this article as the mere tip of the vast iceberg known as knowledge. When measuring knowledge the student must remain aware that 4/5ths of the iceberg is submerged and you have to be prepared to dive down in order to reach more of it.
Study Smart-Study Less
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