As they say, every day is a new beginning. But negative thinking can turn even the brightest day into a bummer. Not to mention the fact that you won’t get much schoolwork done if you’re not in the right mindset. Incorporate these positive morning affirmations into your day, or repeat them when you sit down to study, and you’ll be all set to learn and remember everything effectively.
1.”Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
Richard Carlson’s little volume by the same name was one of the top self-help books of the ’90s. The advice still holds true today. Your attitude and perspective are what make events good, bad or insignificant. So what if your hair doesn’t look perfect? Put on a hat and get on with life. Far more important issues await you—like getting to class on time and learning as much as you can.
2.”There are no mistakes, only lessons.”
The past is over with and can’t be changed. However, the past can still be useful to you if you learn from it. If your last date was a loser, pay more attention to your gut feelings next time somebody asks you out. If you didn’t score a top grade on your last quiz, don’t beat yourself up over it. Figure out what you can do better next time.
3.”I can do it.”
If you head into a study session thinking you’re too dumb or too forgetful to learn anything, your “dreams” will come true. Like “The Little Engine That Could,” you need to believe in yourself wholeheartedly before you try to accomplish anything. That confidence can enable you to do things you never thought were possible.
4.”I am investing time in my future.”
It’s all too easy to procrastinate when it comes to studying. After all, in college, plenty of more interesting activities may be distracting you. Just keep reminding yourself why you’re in school, and you’ll be motivated to stay in your seat until your study session is over.
5. “I’m a good student.”
If you don’t think it’s true, make it so. Studies show that when schoolchildren are expected and encouraged to perform well, they usually do so—regardless of their IQ or any learning disabilities. So if you keep telling yourself that you’re a good student, chances are that you’re going to really be one.
6. “I am making the most of every opportunity to learn.”
So many teenagers are unable to attend college after graduating from high school for one reason or another. Some people never get the chance to get an advanced education. Don’t lose sight of how fortunate you are just to be in this position where studying is a requirement. Tons of kids and adults would gladly trade places with you. Be grateful and hit those books even harder.
7. “This, too, shall pass.”
When you’re overwhelmed with classwork — especially right before exam time—don’t become disheartened. Tell yourself that the semester is almost over. In overall, college is just one step in your life journey. So enjoy it, but don’t let it stress you out. If you find yourself with not enough time to have fun, remind yourself that break is coming up soon. Thinking about free time may be just the boost you need to finish the task at hand.
8. “Tomorrow is another day.”
Scarlett O’Hara wasn’t a college student, but she had her share of bad days. However, she never let them bring her down for long. When times were tough, she made a new dress out of curtains. When she went hungry, she resolved never to starve again. So if things didn’t go as planned, sleep it off. It will all look better in the morning.
You really can change the way your brain works when you repeat positive affirmations to yourself. Morning is an ideal time to use affirmations, as they set the tone for your entire day. However, you can also try repeating a confidence-boosting mantra at bedtime as well. You may find that you are able to relax and sleep better, which is a great way to ensure a brighter tomorrow.
