Finding Your Glasses for Freshmen: Four Practical Tips to Reveal and Achieve Genuine Success
When you first step on campus there are many things running through your mind. What to major in, what fraternity/sorority or organizations to join, where’s the party, or even, where are my classes? What is even more challenging is uncovering your unique perspective on life, since we have spent so much time wearing other people’s glasses like our parents, society’s and our peers that our own vision begins to go blind. Here are four simple ways to begin the process of finding and achieving your own prescription for life and ultimately genuine success:
Lens 1: Reflection: Where you have been
As soon as the year begins, things happen so fast that sometimes we have to take a step back and think about who we really are and what we want to become. Ask yourself what really motivates you and what things naturally give you energy. Spend time doing nothing but reflecting on what makes you…you! Identify your true strengths to begin to uncover your unique view on life. If you don’t, there are many people who will get you to look at life through their glasses.
Tip: Once a month turn off your cell phone, Facebook and Twitter, and just spend some time evaluating where you are in life. Ask yourself about the choices you’ve made, then think about making choices that you want to live with, and ask if they line up with your Core Values.
Lens 2: Vision: Where you are going
After you have identified where you have been and understand what drives you, it is important to understand where you are going. For a successful first year, base your decisions on your vision of what you want to accomplish and write it down. If you do not establish your unique vision, then people will lead you wherever they want you to go, instead of where you need to go. Keep your vision in front of you to be reminded of your direction. What does a successful first year look like to you?
Tip: Find a Success Partner that can help you stay on track on accomplishing your vision. Connect yourself with someone else who has the same Core Values that you do and hold each other accountable to stay focused!
Lens 3: Planning: How you will get there
Plan how you will achieve your vision. There is a difference in saying I want to get good grades versus creating a plan to get over a 3.0 by meeting with professors monthly, establishing a system of studying, finding study buddies and reviewing progress after mid-terms. Most people do not plan, and inevitably they plan to fail at their unique vision.
Tip: Ask yourself four questions. Where am I now? Where do I want to be? What are the obstacles preventing me from getting there? How do I remove those obstacles? Write down your plan and share it with your Success Partner to have them hold you accountable.
Lens 4: Nagging Persistence: How you will overcome the Obstacles
You will encounter obstacles that want to take away your vision, but it’s important to be persistent through the challenges and obstacles. You will face obstacles like failing a test, deciding between going out with friends and studying for a major exam and dealing with hard break-up. One way to persist is to keep things in perspective and to remember that there are those who would love to have your bad days, so keep going and keep pressing forward. Don’t just have obstacles, go through them.
Tip: When you encounter a major obstacle share it with your Success Partner. Have them help you figure out ways to overcome it, in order to stay focused and on course. Always remind yourself that this is not the end of the world and ask yourself where you want to be in one year.
Help your first year and transfer students begin and end the college journey with success. Bring a highly practical, inspirational and funny keynote from Justin to your campus!
Check out campuspeak.com/jones-fosu to learn more about Justin.
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