Who hates homework?
The school introduces a new policy - there will be no homework ever again!
Everyone goes wild in the school. Thrilled, a big party starts up in the lobby of the school.
If that was the truth, would you be as happy? You probably would. Let’s face it! Who enjoys homework!?
At the same time, life experience shows that when we go beyond what is expected of us, when we overcome ourselves we are happier. Fact! Proven….apparently :)
When faced with homework, it helps to look at it as an exciting challenge. You may laugh! But it’s the truth! Attitude plays a huge role in how we approach things.
Next time you approach homework, set yourself small challenges. Approach it like you would any sport.
Hal Elrod (famous inspirational author) said: If you want more energy, put yourself in situations where energy is required. Your body will naturally respond and always produce the energy you need, but not if you’re just sitting around complaining about not having enough energy.
So if you want more energy and enthusiasm for homework, put yourself in situations where energy is required:
Set on a timer of 40 minutes study slots with 10 minute break after. Set a challenge for those 40 minutes - “I’m going to X or Y”.
In the breaks, stand up, jump around, dance, put on your best music. Get the heart pumping.
Then approach the next 40 minute slot, setting yourself a challenge - “Finish this maths problem in X amount time”.
If you go over the 40 minute time and you haven’t completed the challenge. Don’t get discouraged. Start again. See yourself as a Chess Master… famously trying to solve a problem.
And the big tip - start with the worst thing first. Don’t leave it til last (you won’t have the energy!).
When you approach life with a little more energy and as small challenges to overcome, you’ll experience the buzz to achieving it. Award yourself! Tap yourself on the back!
Hal also said (we’re on first name terms now :)
Those who only do what they feel like… don’t do much. To be successful at anything you must take action even when you don’t feel like it, knowing that the action itself will produce the motivation you need to follow through.
Success is not about fame, money or results. It’s about being a better version of you. Just a little bit better every day. Baby steps. That’s success - in the joy and fulfillment of being a little bit better every day.
Aristotle, a philosopher born more than 2,000 years ago, said:
The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
Even back then, they found study hard! But the result is sweet even though it may be hard to experience it at first.
Keep at it! Don’t get discouraged. Start again and again, and approach each challenge as if you’re in the Olympics! It’s worth it.
A life lived like this - even if hard - is far more enriching and exciting - then a life that just goes with the flow.
Don't let your life be barren. Be useful. Make yourself felt. Shine forth with the torch of your faith and your love. // St Josemaria