Here we are, at the start of another semester, only this time, we are dealing with our “new normal.” From virtual classes to increased workload and limited interactions, many of us are starting this new semester anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed about what the future holds. While going through syllabi or looking at the exams coming later in the semester, it can be really easy to stress yourself out before anything actually happens. This semester, refer to these quotes to get you in the right mindset to take on each day!
*Disclaimer: All quotes are from an unknown author unless otherwise noted. The sources for the quotes are below.*
- “Results happen over time not overnight—work hard, stay consistent, and be patient.”
-
Cramming one night won’t show you the desired results in the long run. You may not see the results in the short run. Having consistent study routines and time dedicated to each class will help you achieve your desired goals.
- “Doubting yourself is normal. Letting it stop you is a choice.”
-
We all face doubt, but remember we are capable of more than we think. It is human nature to downplay our abilities for fear of failure. Fear of failure is the same as fear of success because one cannot happen without the other. When you start to doubt yourself, take a moment to really think about the fear that is at the center. Remind yourself that having those feelings is normal, but you have the strength to overcome that fear.
- “The way you speak to yourself matters.”
-
When we are stressed or feeling doubt, we may start thinking or even saying, “I can’t do this. It’s too much. I’m too stupid.” Any negative thoughts are becoming subconscious thoughts where your brain will start believing the things you say. By replacing those thoughts with positivity, encouragement, and self-love, your mind will start to believe it as fact, even if you don’t believe it right away. Learn more about how negative thoughts affect your mind here.
- “Sometimes you have to stop being scared, and go for it. Either it will work or it won’t. That’s life.”
-
This school year has been difficult for many college students. We all are having vastly different experiences than we ever could have imagined. The normal we were used to is virtually irrelevant, and we each have to adapt in unexpected ways. From building friendships, making connections, and pursuing opportunities, we may find ways that work and other ways that don’t. Putting yourself out there is important. It might not be easy, but waiting for a time when everything is back to normal might mean you miss out on great opportunities.
- “The only way you see results is if you stay consistent.”
-
If a musician practiced one time right before a concert, would she perform well? No, not unless she is just a prodigy. Like any industry or field, people practice often and consistently. Randomly reading a chapter now and then won’t give you a full picture of what you need to know for the class, and any success might not be indicative of future success. If you have trouble finding time to study, consider putting studying into your calendar or agenda just like you would put your class schedule in there. This ensures that you have a dedicated time to study, complete assignments, whatever you need to be successful.
- “When there is a hill to climb, don’t think that waiting will make it smaller.”
-
Isn’t procrastinating SO easy? Knowing an assignment is due a week from now makes it so easy for us to wait until the night before to start. All it does is cause stress and unnecessary pressure. We go through it time and time again without making a change. As we start this semester, ACTUALLY make that change. Just start something the day you get it, even when you don’t feel like it. You will be happy to finish and realize you have all this time to yourself because you don’t have to worry about an impending deadline.
- “Enjoy your own life without comparing it with that of another.”
-
Many professors like to send test grades along with the class average. While this can be helpful for people to gauge the curve or how hard the test was, this can cause comparisons for others. Comparing yourself can be detrimental to your self-esteem and work ethic, as many of us know already. Before you compare your grade or performance in a class to other students, think, “Did I do my best?” If the answer is yes, then the comparison is meaningless. If the answer is no, think about what you didn’t do to prepare or how you could prepare differently in the future. Maybe the test was just hard. Either way, keep a “self-centered” mindset when judging your performance because you can only control your performance.
- “A bad semester or one bad grade won’t define your future.” – Olivia Alnes
-
We put so much pressure on one grade, assignment, or even a semester. It may seem like the end of the world at the time, but after many semesters, that one grade won’t weigh as much. While getting angry or feeling down is expected, also think again, “Did I do my best?” If you did, then that’s all you can do at the moment. Stressing about the grade won’t help anyone. Think of ways you can make future assignments or semesters better.
- “If you don’t walk today, you’ll have to run tomorrow.”
-
The appeal of procrastinating is great at the beginning and overwhelming when the deadline is right around the corner. Starting your work, even slowly, will help relieve the pressure when the deadline comes.
- “You don’t want to look back and know you could’ve done better.”
-
This can be a motto that you keep with you even after the semester is over. This is just a reminder to put your best foot forward whenever possible. Feeling regret that you knew you could’ve done better is worse than putting in the work from the beginning. If you always do your best, there will be no stress or regret later.
A lot of these changes are easier said than done. Making small changes and efforts will help you develop good habits to improve your semester. We hope you have a happy and healthy Spring Semester!