How to Win at Life
Some Good Advice From College Students
This week, I posed a question to residents of Anne Arundel Hall via my dry-erase board. “What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?” read the blue and red expo ink. Being right across from the elevator, I am lucky that my dorm is in a prime location for interesting responses. I figured it would be fun to give this a shot – can’t we all use some extra help in the realm of advice? As expected, people really got creative with this. Here are some of my personal favorites:
- Fake It Until You Become It “I wish I was more like her,” “I want to be a better person,” and “I want to be a better student” are common yearnings that circle college students’ minds. Too often, we forget that it’s up to us to shape ourselves. We decide how to allocate our time, resources and energy, and these decisions ultimately make us into the individuals that we are. So, if you want to be perceived as an individual who embodies certain traits, why not act in that type of manner? If you want to be a considerate person, be sensitive to others. If you want to be an organized person, get a planner and write down your agenda. Once your actions and line up with your values, it will not be long for the title you desire to follow. - Not Every Bad Thing Is Your Fault We are our own worst enemies. We blame ourselves and put ourselves down on the daily. If we would never call others by the derogatory terms we use to describe ourselves, then why is it okay to address ourselves in this way? After all, you’re a person too. It is so important to remember that not every bad thing is your fault. You – your strengths, achievements and goals – and bad things that may happen to you are in entirely different categories. Try your best to keep the two separate. Take responsibility for any “bad things” you may have contributed to, but acknowledge and understand that some instances are beyond your control and not your fault. - If It’s Worth Doing, It’s Worth Overdoing This is too true. Whether it’s an assignment, study session, chilling with friends, or a dinner out, there is no point in doing something halfway. Wherever you are, make sure that you are fully present. If you’re willing to put in time and effort to accomplish something, make sure that whatever you’re trying to accomplish is done to your liking, otherwise, it’s not worth doing at all, and thus not worth your time in the first place. If you feel like you are not able to give something your all at a particular moment, try giving the task a rest and returning to it later, when you can hopefully be fully present. You don’t want to be a “halfway” person, so don’t do half the job. - It’s Okay To Not Be Okay We are told to “look on the bright side,” but sometimes situations are not always so bright. Remember that it’s okay to not be okay. College is a roller coaster of ups and downs, so you shouldn’t feel bad if you’re ever sad, angry, upset, or frustrated. Try talking to a friend, going on a walk, or going to the gym to help the “not okay” situation if it arises. - Yes. You can. Whatever the situation is, you’ve got this! Sometimes you need to be your own cheerleader. Your accomplishments will greet you at the finish line.
