SCHOOL-SMARTS

RELEVANCY

• When you're in a class that you find pointless, it's hard to see the point of the class. Instead of looking for the relevancy in the skill itself, look for the process behind the skill, or what you learn whilst studying this subject.

BOREDOM

• It can be very difficult to find joy in a class that you find boring. Finding a class boring can decrease your grade levels and your joy in the subject. While bored, try to slow down your thinking, and try to recognize when your thoughts are speeding up. Doing so can help you manage your boredom, and help you realize that maybe the class isn't that bad.

PROCRASTINATION

• Many people still procrastinate, and it's a very large struggle. Maybe you used to get away with it, but now you can't. Continuing to procrastinate will cause anxiety, guilt, being overwhelmed and frustrated, and just plain worry. While it may seem easy in the moment, it will only cause more trouble in the long run. Instead of doing this, you'll have to force yourself to do it. This doesn't mean you must enjoy it, but you have to realize that this will better in the long run.

LISTENING

• There are many levels of listening, and how you feel greatly affects them. There is "My life is on my mind". This level is when you're only thinking about yourself. Instead of doing this, try to force these thoughts out of your head and listen to the lecture.
• Then, there's "Judgemental". This level is when you're jumping to conclusions, interrupting, and judging the speaker.
• Next, there's "Distracted". This is when you're focused on what's going on around you, and not what you probably should be doing.
• The next level is "Processing". This level is when you're trying to force yourself to memorize, analyze, and synthesize the information in one go. Doing this will exhaust you, and be pointless.
• Finally, the most ideal level: "The Zone". This is when you're primarily focused on everything you need, and reminding yourself "not now".