Secret of the First Semester (#1): Keep Running, Baby!

For those of you readers who are in school with me and have just finished midterm week: congratulations!

Can you believe how quickly time has passed?  It happens every year and I’m always baffled.  Where did it go?  But, every year, several things become crystal clear by midterm.  First, you’ve learned a lot.  Sometimes it seems like a little too much!  But don’t worry, it will all integrate eventually.  Information needs to settle down in your brain and simmer.  Like a good beef stew.  (I’m cooking right now, can you tell?)  And second, the work is hard and takes stamina.  There’s no rest for the weary; or, at least, not until December 19^th!

I’m currently teaching some truly marvelous students. And one of the things that makes them stand out in my eyes is their dedication.  They don’t just do an assignment, they go above and beyond. They do extra.  I ask for A.  They give me B, C, and D.  How do they do it?  There is so much work and so little time.  Here’s what some students have shared with me about how they have managed to be so successful:

*  “I have to get 8 hours of sleep a day.  Absolutely.  No bargaining.  Just do it.  You’ll have the energy to get through the week.  And you won’t get sick!”

*  “I think of this as a marathon — you don’t get to slow down and rest until Christmas break.  So keep up the pace.”

*  “If you work really hard now, and succeed, yes, you’ll be exhausted at the end of the semester, but you’ll respect yourself and feel genuinely proud of the work you did.  You’ll know you can do it! You have what it takes!”

What’s your secret to success?  Share, please!

Or, what’s your downfall?  What’s keeping you from meeting your goals?

Respond to my blog…there’s probably someone out there with a helpful idea, or at least someone’s shoulder to cry on!

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