Happy Mind, Happy Grind
If you look in my linguistics note pad, you will find notes about macrolanguages, the syllabus and even some mediocre flower doodles. If you flip to the end of my notebook, I have written goals for the semester. Although the goals are academically focused, above all, they promote positive mental mindset.
Tufts demands incredible amounts of grit from their students. We are expected to be punctual, engaging and astute in class. I love that Tufts holds these expectations for its students. However, in this ambitious environment, it is easy to lose sight of other priorities. Similar to when Raven and Chelsea accidentally became cows, sometimes things do not always go as planned. And, when we overlook our mental and physical needs— we become susceptible to the crippling stress college can sometimes impose.
To help dodge these impositions, here are some notes that help me remember that a happy mind leads to a happier grind:
1. Don’t attain over a level 7 in stress in any one thing
2. Commit more in class to help with homework and assignments later
3. Prioritize listening over talking notes – most classes upload lecture slides online after class anyway
4. Use more color in your daily notes – it helps maintain motivation, interest and organization
5. Don’t get stuck on a question you have during lecture. Instead, write down the question in your notes somewhere and continue listening/note-taking
6. Don’t compete with anyone but yourself. Allow your classmates to challenge and motivate you but DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF TO YOUR PEERS
7. Grades are important but you are the most important (see first note)