How to balance academics and personal strategy for success? In today’s world, students are expected to excel in studies while letting go of their interests. Many choose between chasing their passion while letting go of studies, while many prioritize solely on grades while letting their creativity fade. I’ve too, faced this dilemma and developed a strategy to balance in both fields without burning out.
Time – The most valuable asset
Accept that you can’t do everything at once. I realized balance doesn’t mean equal time for everything every day. Some weeks, exams take priority. On others, a competition, or training deserves my time. “Time is your most valuable asset” and know to manage time. Create a schedule that aligns with your rest and school hours. The same schedule can’t be used every day. I prefer creating a new schedule every morning and abiding by it for the whole day. This means letting the schedule unaltered on working hours and giving full focus to either studying or training.
Track your progress
Keep track on a diary to track your progress – a digital planner can also work. Parents, teachers and peers may not always understand your passion. Let them know your personal pursuits and studies are equally important – let them know your passion is not just a hobby. It is also important to know your safe space. Sometimes sharing with the wrong person can lead to repercussions such as self-doubt.
Setting boundaries
Setting boundaries means learning when to say no. (Know to set your digital boundaries too.)Creating a schedule and setting goals may not always help as much as ‘doing real work’. Reflect your thoughts on how you spent your week. Ask yourself, “What went well?”; “What didn’t go well?” This small habit can help you acknowledge how your time is spent, your weaknesses and help overcome them.
Balance academics and personal strategy for success
Balancing an academic life does not require sacrifices; it’s about designing your lifestyle to thrive in all areas required with simple techniques. When you’re honest about your priorities, you can thrive in all fields and live a life that supports your dreams and responsibilities.
Author: Nithin Prabu, 12 B
