How did you push yourself?

[OnePilot2Planes]

This may be a stupid question but, it is a serious one. When in highschool or at a prep school what kept you going? Did you memorize any quotes, watch motivational videos, did the shear thought of USAFA motivate you? Its a long way to the Academy so what helped you keep on going and keep on pushing?

 

[Skipper07]

“If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!”

-Rudyard Kipling, If—

 

[USAFA10s]

I motivated myself by only sticking with activities I loved (tennis, band and CAP) and choosing classes that interested me in high school whenever I could (microelectronics, AP calculus, mythology as an English class etc.). Not every school allows this but most have at least a little flexibility. For classes I hated (history and English) I just had good study groups with friends who enjoyed those classes. Their enthusiasm helped me increase mine.

 

[reflectagon]

If I’m being honest- nothing really. Motivation doesn’t last very long. Fear of failing sort of does, but that’s also really stressful. Use motivation when you can, but don’t rely on it (especially for subjects you don’t enjoy.) You simply have to build up discipline to keep going. I am so into a routine of studying and getting good grades that I feel like I can’t stop now. That’s not to say I’m not procrastinating at this very moment... but my point still stands- you really just have to keep pushing yourself.

If you need to get that essay written and finish up a project due in 2 days, put your phone away, head to the nearest cafe or library, and work as much as you can. Take breaks, and don’t be afraid to slack a little if your mental health needs it, but get back to work and put all of your effort into it.

For most people, it’s a lot easier to maintain good grades and get into the academies as a high school student, so keep that in mind.

Your hard work now will open up more options for your school, career, and life. I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to try your best in whatever you are pursuing, if you have the means to. You don’t have to put in 100% effort all of the time (that’s illogical and unhealthy; pls enjoy your childhood), but you do need to recognize when you must try your best versus when you can relax.

 

[Wishful]

DD has an Asian mother.

 

[THParent]

@reflectagon wrote (above):
"I am so into a routine of studying and getting good grades that I feel like I can’t stop now. That’s not to say I’m not procrastinating at this very moment... but my point still stands- you really just have to keep pushing yourself."

and from my vantage point as a Dad, he is spot on there. My DS has been so incredibly driven toward his goal of getting straight As, that he set up study habits years ago that just snowballed and kept the critical mass going. Every single Friday night that I can remember, when he got home from school, he sat down and did his homework. This goes back to Elementary School. I'm talking Friday Night here. His Mom and I just used to look at each other and ask "Is this our kid?" Of course, studying was always an every-day thing for him, but I still am taken aback by the Friday night deal.

The only credit we take is that before he could read, we would read to him every night and we made it a point to instill in him that knowledge and the pursuit of knowledge is one of the best things in life. It is something that no one can take away from you, and it enriches every aspect of your life, and the lives of others that you help along your journey.

I will end by saying that when I was in High School (in the Dark Ages), Friday Night was taken up by the H.S. football game followed by pizza and beers (the drinking age was 18 then) with my friends. Needless to say, I didn't go on to USNA.

 

[Jess7655]

“We have seen such schemes successful when the projector is constant” – a 15-year-old Alexander Hamilton.

Constantly and consistently making choices that will help you achieve your goal is important. Despite all this, remember to take time to enjoy your childhood. it is short and you only get one go at it.

 

[Christcorp]

Motivation can be both positive and negative motivation. Both work.

This may sound a little harsh, but take it for what it's worth.

My son had 3 main things motivating him.
1. He always met perfection with his grades, each year PUSHED him to maintain such grades. He had straight A's from 1st grade til he graduated high school. Including 4 years of the IB program. He played 2-3 sports a year, since he was in 1st grade. And the desire to win pushes for perfection. So by the time high school came along, he was committed to being all conference, all state, etc. He did achieve all of this.
2. Where we live is one of the greatest places to raise children. But it's one of the worst to graduate, stick around, and find a job. So, my son was highly motivated to be able to MOVE OUT and not get stuck in Mini-Mart, Walmart, etc. types of jobs. So, when classes got tough, he remembered his GOALS.
3. Finally; he kept a picture of his cousin, in his football uniform on his wall. His cousin, in the start of his senior year of high school, basically gave up on school. Went from a B+ student to almost not graduating. Finally graduated high school (Barely), couldn't get a job; tried joining the military "Lasted about a year and they kicked him out", etc. I asked my son why he kept his picture on his wall. My son's reply: "It Reminds me that I don't want to become a LOSER like he did".

Different motivations for different people

 

[kinnem]

Different motivations for different people

I have to agree with that statement. For DS it was simply determinations. He had some hard knocks a few times, but he picked himself up, brushed himself off, and said to himself "I want this... and I will show THEM!".