Get the Edge at School this Year

We all know school can be dull and mind-numbing at times but on the flipside the beginning of a new school year can be the start of a journey toward success, if you enlist with the right attitude.

First Day Jitters

If you are starting at a new school or moving into high school it can be a bit overwhelming! You may be catching up with old friends or making new ones and you will need to adapt to new rules and systems of operations within your school. Don't be afraid to ask questions - if you are unsure of something ask a teacher or an older student for help. Nine times out of ten people are willing to help - but they can't do so until you ask!

Just remember to be yourself and relax. Yes, you may feel a little anxious starting a new school year but worrying or stressing is going to do nothing to help your situation so go in positively and ready to learn the new system.

A Place of Your Own

Whether it's your bedroom desk or a quiet room everyone needs a place to study and complete homework. This area should be set aside as a quiet zone and should be equipped with school supplies necessary to complete homework tasks or assignments.

Routine and Time Management

It is important to know your weekly routine. What after school activities are you involved in? What night does your sporting team play? When do you complete your music practice? Once you know when all your extra activities are then it is important to set aside a specific time each day for studying. It is unrealistic to assume this will be the same time every day - but it is important to plan your after school routine for each day of the week.

In creating a timetable or keeping a diary you will find your time management skills will improve. You won't waste your spare time pottering around the house - and when you do have time set aside just for you (which is just as important as setting aside specific study times) you can relax without the worry or stress of unfinished tasks.

Goals and Resolutions

Goal setting is more than simply scribbling down some ideas on a piece of paper. Our goals need to be complete and focused. Instead of dreaming about what we want to do - we need to create a written record and record not only what we want to achieve but how we want to achieve it.

Here are some tips on creating goals from Paul J. Meyer's "Attitude Is Everything." SPECIFIC A specific goal has a much greater chance of coming to fruition than a general goal. To set a specific goal you must answer the five "W" questions: Who, What, Where, When, Why? MEASURABLE Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set. When you measure your progress, you stay on track, reach your target dates, and experience the exhilaration of achievement that spurs you on to continued effort required to reach your goal. ATTAINABLE When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them come true. You can attain almost any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely and establish a time frame that allows you to carry out those steps. REALISTIC To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. A goal can be both high and realistic; you are the only one who can decide just how high your goal should be.

If you follow these simple steps you will find yourself actually achieving your goals!

Make 2007 your best year yet - it is amazing how far a positive attitude and belief in yourself can get you!