Self-Actualization Is An Excellent Goal For Achieving Success Now And In The Future
By Courtney White, Stride Success Coach
This is not your typical blog post about how to be successful in high school. In the upcoming paragraphs, I’m going to give you some tips on this topic, but first I want you to take a moment and really think about yourself. Not just the parts of yourself that everyone sees and interacts with, but you should think about the parts of yourself that you’d most like to grow. There is a term in psychology called “self-actualization,” which describes people who are fulfilled and doing all that they are capable of doing. While most high school students have quite a journey before they reach self-actualization, thinking of the highest and best performing version of yourself is a great first step in achieving success. So, it is basically you, but a version that is enhanced. Think of it as “You 2.0.” Success in high school starts with thinking outside of your limitations and preparing for your future self. Here’s how…
Pursue Opportunities While You Are In High School
No matter what your next step is after graduation, the more opportunities you take advantage of now, the better success you will have in high school… and the better prepared you will be for life. Earlier, I asked you to think a moment about your true self. What opportunities are out there that will help you develop into your version of success? If your goal is to be in music, then are there opportunities to join a local band right now? Have you considered starting one on your own? Maybe you have dreams to be in medicine or engineering. Have you sought out summer and/or bridge programs at colleges you’re curious about attending? Opportunities can look different for everyone, depending on specific interests, and can include internships, school clubs, volunteer experience, tutoring a classmate, and many other things. If you’re not finding opportunities that will benefit your highest self, then create them!
Be A Knowledge Seeker While You Are In High School
You’re already in classes and learning academic subjects for most of the day, but turn it up a notch. Knowledge seekers are folks who are intentionally curious. They are not just curious about school subjects, but about the overall how and why of things. When you position yourself to be a seeker of knowledge, you’re eager to solve problems and are interested in how you can best contribute to, connect with, and make an impact in the world. Avoid mindless scrolling on social media, spending chunks of time on trivial things that do not add value to your life or your future self. Search for ways to challenge your mind and be present with the people and things you most value. Doing this will lead to higher confidence, esteem, wisdom, and ultimately greater performance in high school… and beyond!
Rely On Systems Rather Than Motivation In High School And In Life
The best method for achieving a life of success, as a high school student, is to create systems. A system consists of tasks that you do repeatedly, to reach and surpass your goals. For instance, if your goal is to get an ‘A’ in a class, your system might be to study after school each day, for 30 minutes. You will not only likely achieve your goal of getting an ‘A’ in the class, but if you continue this practice of studying each day for 30 minutes, you have also developed a solid study routine for any point in your life ahead. And, you will have increased your knowledge tremendously. While setting goals is one step towards success, generally once a goal has been achieved, we forget about the steps we’ve taken to achieve it. Creating an easy-to-follow system that you can continue to use despite obstacles, distractions, and the dreaded “I don’t feel like it,” will allow you to excel. Success will become routine and not just something you strive for in a vague manner.
All in all, your success in high school is reliant on you connecting with the best version of yourself. Don’t take shortcuts, and don’t leave anything to chance. When you’re making choices in high school, ask yourself, “How is this decision impacting my future self?”
The more you pursue worthwhile opportunities, seek knowledge, and create systems that allow you to succeed, the closer you come to self-actualization.
To learn more about Stride Career Prep Success Coaching for teens and how it prepares them for life after high school through career exploration or college readiness, visit this site:
And, to learn even more from our Stride Success Coaches, be sure to read the Finding Your Path article, for additional career prep advice.
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