2017

As the semester begins one of the most important aspects we normally don’t focus on is Internal Motivation.  It is a necessary component as students prepare for a successful semester.  Most students have enthusiasm and motivation at the beginning of the semester and as the semester progresses begin to lose motivation when the demands of reading, assignments and tests kick-in and not to mention work, family, and other responsibilities.  It can be a challenge to keep the momentum you had at the beginning of the semester going.

The best way to maintain you’re motivation in order to finish with a bang:
1. Have a list of Motivational Quotes, Pictures and Short Phrases in your surroundings as motivational reminders.
2. Know when to take a time out in order to regroup and get back on track.  For example, take a long needed nap, take a night off from work, exercise, etc…
3. Ask your family and friends to be your Cheerleader and have them cheer you on when things get tough and you feel discouraged.
4. Focus on what Strategies for School Success worked in the past and avoid doing things which have not worked.
5. Reward Yourself for little successes.  For example, your favorite Starbucks drink, food, TV show, dinner with family/friends, etc..
6. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.   A future filled with all your desires after successful completion of school.
Keep your Motivation in check so you can finish with a BANG…..

Fall 2015-Kicking it off to a Great Start!

The beginning of a new semester can bring so many different feelings such as excitement, anxiety, and stress.

In order to get started with a bang here are some pointers:
1. Go to class. Always take notes.  Review any notes or any information you obtain during class immediately after class, or before going to bed.
2. Rewrite notes, record notes and make study sheets for tests.
3. Do not procrastinate.    Stay organized and use your time wisely.  Make sure you put yourself on a schedule.  Invest in a calendar/planner.  Give everything you have to do an appointment and stay on your schedule.
4. Make sure you schedule time with friends and family by placing it on your schedule (give it an appointment).  Do Not go out with friends or family if you have not completed your coursework.
5. Scheduling everything you have to do helps with creating the balance you need to be a good student.
6. Get to know your instructor: ask questions during and after class. This creates a more positive learning environment for you as a student and shows your instructor you care about your academics.
7. It’s important to do well your first semester.  It’s hard to recover from a low GPA (grade point average).
Quote for the Semester:
“I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.” Michael Jordan            #dothework       
References:
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com
http://www.hercampus.com/school/u-mass-amherst/20-motivational-quotes-start-semester-right

Final Exam Preparation Spring 2015

Final Exam Preparation
Final exams can be very stressful.  In preparation for Final Exams it’s important to remember a few things in order to come out on top:
1. Take time off from work in order to have as much time as possible to prepare.
2. Make arrangements for you children and other responsibilities two weeks prior and during the exam in order to prepare.  For example, barter-ask a friend to watch your children and in exchange you watch their children post exams.
3. Make sure you get detailed information from your instructor(s) about what will be covered on each exam in order to better prepare.
4. Exercise in order to De-stress and have a sense of calmness and clarity.
5. Have family members and friends/peers quiz you.
6. Visualize being in the exam and answering the questions correctly. Visualize a successful outcome.
7. Write yourself notes that encourage you throughout exam week.
8. Ask others to assist you by giving you encouragement as you prepare for exams.
9. Any material you do not understand which will be covered on the exam(s) please get clarity from your instructor(s) or peer(s).
10. Have Confidence in your ability to be Successful.
11. Breathe in and out when you will anxious, or worried as you prepare for your exams-take a time out and do some stretching exercises and resume your studies.

Happy Exam Preparation!!

“Determination” #Necessary

Determination

Determination is such an important word when trying to accomplishment a goal or anything important to you. When I think about Determination I also think about the words motivation and discipline.  These two words are key in helping to accomplish goals or complete any tasks.   Sometimes life interferes with determination and reaching goals.  We don’t have to stay stuck.  The best thing to do is talk with someone you feel comfortable speaking with about your lack of determination/motivation/discipline.  Ask them to be your support system, or encourager as you move forward in reaching new goal(s).  Seek the support of a professional whose focus is on increasing motivation and determination.  Together create a plan for meeting desired goal(s).
The plan may be detailed or not as detailed:
1.It may involve speaking with family members and gaining their support for your new venture/goal.
2.Creating a schedule and sticking with it.
3.Having tools for maintaining determination/motivation/discipline.
4.Having access to a positive and supportive support system.
Again, things happen in life which affect our motivation and discipline.  We must then make a decision to take back our power in order to accomplish desired goals.  Then, we need to seek out those individuals who can help us reach our goals.
Quote: “Those who seek and then ask for help from others are the most successful.” -Glenda Nnaji

Managing Fear and self-doubt In Order to Increase School Success.

Fear and doubt can bring on much anxiety and stress in a Competitive Health Career Program which can then sabotage school success.   Especially for individuals who have been away from school and decide to reenter school they may encounter the most fear and self-doubt.   Shifting gears from what was to what is can be very challenging.
Suggestions for managing feelings of fear, self-doubt, anxiety and stress:
1.Establish a good support system: family and friends who can encourage you.
2.Practice skills daily-through practice students gain confidence in them self.
3.Review course material daily (15-30 minutes) for each subject/course. Active review of course material helps to gain full understanding of course material which makes it easier to apply on tests and exams.
4.Practice deep breathing and positive visualization often in order to feel more relax.  Visualize performing a skill and or test successfully.  This helps to build confidence which then decreases fear.
5.Create a list of positive phrases which help to block out fear/anxiety and instead build confidence in ability.  Place the phrases where you can see them often (on the mirror in bathroom, in the car, in and on top of a class folder/binder/book, refrigerator, etc…)
Tackle Fear and Self-Doubt today in order to reach your goal.

Spring Semester- Getting off to a Great Start

A New Semester brings on many feelings to include excitement, anxiety and stress.    It’s important to understand these are normal feelings.  The feelings are more manageable when a plan for success is established.  In order to decrease stress and anxiety which comes with a new semester do the following:

Get Organized.

1. Create a Calendar or Schedule which list everything which needs to be completed/accomplished.  In the calendar or schedule list all assignments, tests, and other responsibilities such as work schedule and home.  Sticking to a schedule helps to decrease stress and anxiety.  It also allows you the opportunity to see your accomplishments and how well you manage her time.

2. Ask for Help.  If you need help with your children, the house work, errands, assignments and finances seek out those individuals or groups who can assist.   There’s nothing wrong with asking for help.  The most successful people ask for help.

So go and take on the semester with a bang!

 

 

The Key to Getting Good Grades – “Active Studying for School Success”

The Key to Getting Good Grades – “Active Studying for School Success”
Wondering how to get the grades you want and deserve.  Are you trying to figure out how to obtain better grades?
Do you currently find yourself cramming for Tests?
There’s a strategy students can implement in order to have improved test grades-
It’s called Active Studying.
Active Study Includes:
Organization
Time Management
Discipline
Study every course, or class you attend daily. Take 15-30 minutes per day to review any information exposed to during the class  you attended.  For example if you have biology class on Monday and Wednesday study any notes, Power Points, information
highlighted in your chapter preferably right after class, or before going to sleep.  The next day you will study/review the material again before going to bed.  On Wednesday, study any Wednesday notes, Power Points, etc.. along with Monday’s notes.  It’s important to review any notes from each class daily or every other day.  Review of the course material daily increases comprehension which helps to increase test scores. Studying daily also helps to place information in long term memory in order to be retrieved at a later time. The more you review or expose yourself to the course material this increases understanding of the material which can be applied on tests.
So along with all the other things you have to do in any given day set aside time daily to study all course material exposed to.  Give everything an appointment in your calendar/day planner and follow it-stick to your schedule. This requires discipline, but you can do it

Try this technique for studying and see how your grades improve. 

Stress Management

 

Stress Management

Most of our Stress results from over commitment and lack of Organization/Time Management 

Stress Warning Signs

  • Changes in eating patterns.                             *Changes in sleep patterns
  • More frequent headaches.                               *Taking longer to fall asleep  
  • Shorter temper than normal for you.               *Waking up tired and not well rested
  • Recurring colds and minor illness.
  • Frequent muscle ache and/or tightness.
  • More disorganized than normal for you.
  • Increased difficulty in task completion.
  • A greater sense of persistent time pressure.
  • Increased generalized frustration and anger.

What to do….

Give away/reduce some of your responsibilities when possible

Believe in your ability to do well and be successful

Remember Preparation is the keep to stress management and a success outcome.

Create a schedule/routine-Stick to it

Exercise to decrease stress (regularly)-yoga and meditation are wonderful for stress reduction

Deep breathing

Minimize Caffeine (decreases anxiety/stress)

Eat Healthy

Take time out to laugh/ Do things you enjoy

Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night (helps with focus and confidence)

Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs

Express Feelings in a clear and direct manner (example: “I feel angry when you….”)

End Negative Self-Talk and Increase Provide Self-Talk

Engage and get support from friends/family that are positive or have similar goals

What I Know for Truth- Feeling Overwhelmed

 Several students have reached out to me this semester stating they feel overwhelmed with school demands and personal life demands.

 Well, here is what I know for Truth-

                                                
                   

 

 

What to do:

 

 

* First, when you begin to feel overwhelmed with life and life tasks take deep breaths.*Next, then I want you to invest in a Calendar/Agenda/Day-Timer (Target has them for $10.00, or create a home-made calendar) which starts at 6:00 or 7:00am and ends at 7:00 or 8:00pm.  I want you to write down everything you are required to do daily (classes you attend, work hours, study hours, appointments, exercise, family obligations, eating, etc….).

*Next, write down the reasons you decided to Attend CPCC Competitive Entry Health Career(s) Program (job security/stability, financial reward, etc…).  Place this reminder list in a place you frequent in order to remind yourself of why you entered the program.

*Next, obtain some index cards (3×5) write out some phrases which help you persevere and encourage you when you feel discouraged.

For Example, “Failure is not an Option”; “I am smart and will complete this program”;

“The Pain of Discipline is Temporary”;  “I will take one day at a time”; “I am strong”; etc…..

*Next, when feeling stressed get up, stretch and breathe in and out slowly.  While doing this tell your brain to relax and calm down. Repeat the phases you created on index cards.  If you have time take a walk, or do some type of rigorous exercise to De-stress do it.

* If you’re having other stress which make you feel overwhelmed (financial, relationship, other demands, etc.) please talk with someone in order to Get Help to find solutions so you can get back to focusing on your Health Career Program. 

And that is What I Know for Truth-