My four kids are back to school. And they’re so glad to see their old friends and classmates who they only communicate through Facebook and e-mails last summer. I’m not sure how they could have survived those lazy afternoons without being online. No doubt, internet like food, shelter, and clothing has become a necessity. And Google has become everyone’s best friend.
The rigors of school activities may seem daunting to some students. With so many homework and assigned tasks, quizzes and presentations, practices and competitions, I can understand why kids feel overwhelmed. But of course these routine activities are simply part of preparing them for the future. And so there’s not much they can do but to fulfill these never-ending demands as they try to cope along the way.
While kids are busy, parents are just as frazzled. Of course they have to keep up or else their kids will be left behind. Certainly, kids and their parents have to survive and hopefully thrive under this scenario.
With all the busyness inherent in the school year, how can parents and their kids thrive and not just survive?
Discipline
Excellence requires hours of commitment and dedication. Overnight success rarely exists. Those famous, rich business leaders and celebrities known to have “overnight success” have trained for years and worked hard endlessly before they achieve real success.
Moreover, those students who attain excellent grades study hard and befriend their notes and textbooks all day. They devour lectures and latest researches with the intent to learn and not just to pass the examinations.
Hard work is tough but is necessary to thrive. Practice your craft and your techniques regularly. Be motivated to train for the upcoming show or tournament. Study your lessons to avoid cramming before midterms or finals.
Focus
As things get busy, minimizing distractions seem to be the only choice. Say no to pointless requests from relatives and friends who love to delegate activities that they hate to do. You may not know it but people always find a way to disturb your peaceful corner. Also, controversies around the world and celebrity misadventures may preoccupy your mind no end and CNN will make sure that you won’t miss a bit.
Focus only on important matters. Establish realistic goals and dwell on daily activities that help achieve them.
To improve focus, you have to manage your time wisely. Schedule your day in advance. Prioritize your tasks based on importance. Stay within your schedule but remain flexible for unexpected urgencies and emergencies. Check your personal e-mails and social media accounts only after you successfully deal with your priorities. Some people spend a lot of time online and therefore, they can’t manage to start or finish the necessary tasks.
Persistence
Obstacles will find a way to throw you off. Difficult people will remain difficult and can give you some unexpected jabs. Multiple failures, frustrations, and setbacks will surface to test your determination. Your role in these trying times is to continue what you started, to never give in to the temptations of laziness and ease, and to never give up when situations are tough.
I understand that the natural reaction is to withdraw from pain, get discouraged, and forget about your goal. But difficulties are simply golden nuggets that you need to discover and rediscover during the whole process. Trials can strengthen your resolve, test your fortitude, and mold your character. Whether you like them or not, our Heavenly Creator offers them to you so you’ll be a changed a man after the storm.
Indeed, thriving through the school year requires certain unique qualities. Only those who have discipline, focus, and persistence can conquer both predictable and unexpected events intricately woven in our midst.