It's that time of year - a time of new resolutions. Except... take a look at these and see if you can't make them a habit long-term.
Vacation time.
So many of you experience pressure/stress over the school year. Do yourselves a favor. Schedule your time off. I'm taking off this day, or this weekend, or this week. I'm going to the beach, the mountains, Cancun. I'm going to veg out. You need away time to relax, recuperate, recharge - and don't let anyone stop you. Block it out on your calendar.
So many of you experience pressure/stress over the school year. Do yourselves a favor. Schedule your time off. I'm taking off this day, or this weekend, or this week. I'm going to the beach, the mountains, Cancun. I'm going to veg out. You need away time to relax, recuperate, recharge - and don't let anyone stop you. Block it out on your calendar.
Read.
Read anything. Sure you'll read course books and associated material from your library and the Internet. But read for your own personal development, areas that really interest you, as well as a good mystery or thriller - whatever your taste. And keep it up.
Read anything. Sure you'll read course books and associated material from your library and the Internet. But read for your own personal development, areas that really interest you, as well as a good mystery or thriller - whatever your taste. And keep it up.
Time to think.
How many times have you begged for time just to think? You need time to think things through; to think critically; to come up with a solution to a stubborn problem. Given time, you'll likely come up with an answer. Again, like that vacation, block the time off. And use tools like Mind Mapping to help you think more effectively. Mind Mapping was one of those "aha" moments for me, provided by Tony Buzan, who coined the term. Not only did it help me think things through, it proved hugely important to my writing career.
How many times have you begged for time just to think? You need time to think things through; to think critically; to come up with a solution to a stubborn problem. Given time, you'll likely come up with an answer. Again, like that vacation, block the time off. And use tools like Mind Mapping to help you think more effectively. Mind Mapping was one of those "aha" moments for me, provided by Tony Buzan, who coined the term. Not only did it help me think things through, it proved hugely important to my writing career.
Reference your sources.
Here's a strictly academic one. You have no option but to tell your reader where you got your information so if needed, they can verify the source. Fair enough. However, the main formats for doing so - MLA and APA - fail, in my opinion, to be either user-friendly or KISS applicable (Keep It Simple Students). Colleges must agree with this since the vast majority produce their own set of MLA/APA guidelines to help their students. One day I'm going to recommend which software is best suited to keep this necessary source acknowledgement both simple and less time-consuming.
Here's a strictly academic one. You have no option but to tell your reader where you got your information so if needed, they can verify the source. Fair enough. However, the main formats for doing so - MLA and APA - fail, in my opinion, to be either user-friendly or KISS applicable (Keep It Simple Students). Colleges must agree with this since the vast majority produce their own set of MLA/APA guidelines to help their students. One day I'm going to recommend which software is best suited to keep this necessary source acknowledgement both simple and less time-consuming.
Be immobile for a while.
Take a break from your cell! You mean disconnect my mobile phone from my family and friends? Actually, yes. There's a sign in a small bakery in Canmore, Alberta that I love. "We don't have WiFi. Take a moment to have a real conversation with your neighbors!" Some families make it a weekend rule. The cell is switched off Friday after class or work, and reactivated Monday morning. Now there's a revolutionary idea.
Take a break from your cell! You mean disconnect my mobile phone from my family and friends? Actually, yes. There's a sign in a small bakery in Canmore, Alberta that I love. "We don't have WiFi. Take a moment to have a real conversation with your neighbors!" Some families make it a weekend rule. The cell is switched off Friday after class or work, and reactivated Monday morning. Now there's a revolutionary idea.
Stay in shape.
In an age of video games, sitting hours at a time glued to the computer screen is not healthy. How many of us really move our butts on a daily basis? Whether that's playing sports, working out at the gym and/or the pool, going for a run or walk, skiing, climbing a rock wall? Do you do that? And on a regular basis? I speak from experience on this one. If you consistently stay fit, your body will look after you incredibly well. You'll have energy to do far more than your inactive peers. It helps to have a goal. Last year I decided to swim a marathon. No, not all at once. I simply plotted the marathon distance (26 miles/42 kilometers) on a city map, measured by lengths swum in the pool, and drew it on my wall. And I put a timeline on it. The timeline motivates you. It was fun to mark off the mileage as I reached key points along the way. I recommend that you come up with a goal that resonates with your particular fitness program. Bottom line? Stay in shape, not just for today, but all your tomorrows. You won't regret it and you'll set a great example for others to follow.
In an age of video games, sitting hours at a time glued to the computer screen is not healthy. How many of us really move our butts on a daily basis? Whether that's playing sports, working out at the gym and/or the pool, going for a run or walk, skiing, climbing a rock wall? Do you do that? And on a regular basis? I speak from experience on this one. If you consistently stay fit, your body will look after you incredibly well. You'll have energy to do far more than your inactive peers. It helps to have a goal. Last year I decided to swim a marathon. No, not all at once. I simply plotted the marathon distance (26 miles/42 kilometers) on a city map, measured by lengths swum in the pool, and drew it on my wall. And I put a timeline on it. The timeline motivates you. It was fun to mark off the mileage as I reached key points along the way. I recommend that you come up with a goal that resonates with your particular fitness program. Bottom line? Stay in shape, not just for today, but all your tomorrows. You won't regret it and you'll set a great example for others to follow.
Do something for others.
Volunteer for some organization. It could be in the health field, the arts, sports, tutoring someone. Give them of your time. It's one of the most precious things you can do. You'll get a great sense of satisfaction and you'll be making a difference.
Volunteer for some organization. It could be in the health field, the arts, sports, tutoring someone. Give them of your time. It's one of the most precious things you can do. You'll get a great sense of satisfaction and you'll be making a difference.
In the whole scheme of things, college lasts for such a short time. Make the most of it. And while you're at it, create some habits to last a lifetime.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Neil_Sawers/129152
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