Recently, I have found the phrase “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” to be one of the most obnoxious phrases an individual could possibly utter.
It is extremely important for someone to try their best in all of their endeavors but there often comes a point when people try too hard.
Sometimes, college students set unrealistic expectations for themselves.
In the process of trying to make these unrealistic expectations a reality, students face a great deal of stress, causing them to fail.
I believe everyone should dream big but there is no need to put so much pressure upon oneself in the process.
Being stressed all the time is emotionally draining.
This week, I put a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself and felt like my efforts were worthless.
I realized that my stress was stemming from constantly worrying about my future.
Where will I end up? Will I be self-sufficient? Will my career aspirations become a reality?
These things were constantly on my mind.
I had to take a step back and truly examine the situation to realize that the passion I felt, and still feel, in regards to my future was completely overshadowing my present happiness.
Sitting in Fenwick Library this week, I found it interesting to observe my fellow students.
Examining my surroundings, I saw a few students who appeared very dedicated to their work.
These students were glued to their computer or textbook, barely looking up from their assignments.
I also saw students who appeared to care about their work, but put assignments off until the last minute.
These students were rushing to get work done while chugging a Red Bull.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, I saw students in the library who did not appear to be studying at all.
I actually saw a student sitting in the library painting her nails. Clearly, studying was not her priority.
I recently heard a fellow student say, “I would rather have good grades than friends. I don’t care if I don’t have friends.”
I also had another student inform me, “My freshman year I went out every weekend and grades were the last thing on my mind.”
Life can be one big process of finding happy mediums.
The phrase “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” is incredibly annoying because it can often be discouraging as opposed to motivating.
If people continue to “try, try again” and find that they are unsuccessful, they should try something else instead of continuing to fail.
As human beings, everyone has strengths and weaknesses and no one is good at everything.
This is common sense but I feel like it is a simple concept that people often forget.
College students frequently become so wrapped up in competition and infatuated with success that they forget to do the things that make them happy.
I believe wholeheartedly that motivation and success go hand in hand, but it is very important for students to not put too much stress on themselves.
Comments