Young people can become victims of their emotions or the whims and opinions of others. They are at the mercy of outside forces … unless they choose otherwise. The good news is that we can equip our students to lay the groundwork for a great school year. Here are seven habits that can help students start the school year with a optimistic attitude and positive mindset.
1) Make up your mind before you make up your bed. (Attitude of Gratitude)
You have to choose the right attitude. We must make up our minds to make it a great day before the day gets away from us.
2) Choose to give. (Live to Give)
This will sound cheesy to students but challenge them to give something away anonymously to another student weekly. A kind note, a little token of appreciation, even a smile goes a long way! Get in the habit of generosity. Studies show that the happiest people are the ones focused on others.
3) Determine your river. (Passion First)
Most students are a “Flood” — they move in multiple directions without focus. Successful students must be “Rivers” — they find a single direction and flow toward a specific goal.
4) Decide on outcomes, then work backward. (Everything is Possible)
Stephen Covey used to say, “Begin with the end in mind.” Help students determine where they want to end up—that is, what their target is at year’s end. Then help them ask themselves, “What steps do I need to take to get there?” Finally, encourage them to take those steps.
5) Schedule your priorities. (The Time is Now)
Successful leaders know this: the issue is not prioritizing your schedule, but rather scheduling your priorities. The time to decide how the day or week will go is when calendars are still blank. Put your most important activities in your calendar first.
6) Treat deadlines like accountability partners. (100% Accountable)
One of the chief reasons we disappoint ourselves is because we fail to meet deadlines we agreed to meet. I have found deadlines are lifelines — I treat them like a friend who’s asking if I will finish in time. Write them down and take them seriously.
7) Choose who you lose. (We are Connected)
Be intentional about your friends. Choose them wisely, knowing you can’t be close with everyone. You will choose who you “lose” as a friend by where you invest time. Keep the ones who make you better close to you.
