With September just around the corner, now is the time to sharpen those pencils and bring out those backpacks, because it’s back-to-school season! This small but golden collection of motivational quotes are applicable to every student at any point in their academic and self-discovery journey. Remember, the students of today are the leaders of tomorrow. You have the power, and you have the choice to make the school year ahead memorable. It all starts with the decision to be proactive.
1. Try Your Very Best
School can be challenging. No, school will be challenging. Don’t let that discourage you. If you give it your all (or somewhere close to that), expect great rewards. It won’t happen overnight – but it’s going to happen. Keep dreaming, and keep believing.
2. Keep Trying!
Trying new things early on in life will help you determine the path you take in the future. Some interests may remain unknown forever unless you simply give it a try. Writing? Singing? Acting? Whatever it may be, just give it a try.
3. Taking Initiative
Most, if not all students, have a unified goal of being successful after school. But the road to success is different for every single student. Make sure you know and go after exactly what you want. Don’t make the ever-so-common mistake of walking in someone else’s footsteps. Also, have a plan B ready. There’s always a plan B.
4. No Pain, No Gain
It’s easy to get caught in wallowing in disappointment when the pressure kicks in, and everything starts going haywire. Remember that the sun is always shining somewhere, as cliché as that sounds. The rainbow after the storm will be worth it. Learn to live in the present, but always appreciate the past, and cherish the future. That’s when happiness will find you!
5. Risk-Taking
New discoveries and inventions happened because people conquered their biggest obstacle: fear. Instead of being afraid to dip your toes in the water, start swimming. It doesn’t have to be an immediate decision, rather, a shift in mindset. Doubt will only work against you if you allow it to. Is it a new, out-of-this-world idea that begs to be heard? A confession concerning lingering feelings? An enchanting place yet to be explored? Whatever the occasion, take the first step – row that ore.
6. Just Get Started!
This especially applies to large projects and long-term goals. It seems like an endless march of work: drafting, writing, revising, then proofreading. The deadlines seem so far away, that the end of the tunnel remains barely visible. Breathe. Take baby steps, because in the end, you’ll look back and wonder how you’ve managed to accomplish so much.
7. Never Give Up
Sometimes, when the goal is just one step away, we give up. That failed audition. That mediocre test grade. That rejected proposal. The secret? Try just one more time. One more email. One more smile. One more self-talk session.
8. Open-Mindedness
Don’t let your dreams scare you – there may be moments when they overwhelm us. Like Audrey Hepburn, keep a positive attitude. The next time someone tells you that “there’s no way”, or “that’s completely absurd”, keep these words in mind and you’ll be able to keep your head up. Confidence is beautiful.
9. Keep Moving Forward
While moving up to the higher levels of academia, it is normal to feel discouraged when setbacks and obstacles block us from our goals. Keep swimming to stay afloat. Making the mistake isn’t the problem – dwelling on those negative thoughts are. Motivational thoughts and perseverance are what push us forward and propel us.
10. New Opportunities
Opportunities are everywhere. Sometimes, we don’t see them. In that case, try to build your own doors. It sounds odd – but it truly works. Explore. A simple smile may be all it takes to form a connection.
So there you have it. Now put yourself out there and chase after your dreams, fellow student!
Featured photo credit: kaboompics via kaboompics.com
