A HIGHSCHOOL GRAD’S SUMMER PREP GUIDE TO SUCCESS IN THE COLLEGE YEARS
By Carmen Greger
Congratulations on graduating high school!
The summer before embarking on college, career, or a gap year is a time of preparation and anticipation for the exciting journey ahead. It’s important to gather knowledge, develop skills, and cultivate habits that will help you succeed in the years to come.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
As a high-school graduate, you’ve accomplished a great deal already. Now, it’s time to prepare for the next phase of your journey, whether it’s college, a career, or a gap year. The summer before embarking on this new adventure is a crucial time to gather knowledge, develop skills, and cultivate habits that will help you succeed in the years to come. In this article, we’ll explore some user-friendly motivational strategies, tips, and techniques to help you be prepared, stay positive, and cultivate good habits for success.
SET GOALS
One of the most important things to do is to set goals for the summer and beyond. This gives you a sense of direction and purpose. Think about what you want to achieve in the short-term and the long-term. Do you want to learn a new skill, read more books, or improve your physical fitness? Write down your goals and create a plan to achieve them. It’s important to break down big goals into smaller, more manageable ones. This makes it easier to take action and track progress.
BUILD A SUPPORT SYSTEM
Another key factor in success is building a support system. This can be family, friends, mentors, or anyone who believes in you and your goals. Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people can help you stay motivated, overcome obstacles, and navigate challenges. It’s also important to seek feedback and constructive criticism from people you trust. This can help you improve your skills and performance. Remember, it’ never too early to network!
CULTIVATE A GROWTH MINDSET
It is vital to cultivate a growth mindset. Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. Instead of fearing failure, see it as a chance to learn and improve. Believe in your ability to learn and adapt. This can help you develop resilience and adaptability skills to navigate uncertainty and change.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
DEVELOP TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Another important aspect of success is time-management skills. Learn how to balance academics, work, and social life. Be true to yourself. Prioritize your tasks and focus on what matters most. Build a routine that works for you and stick to it. This can help you stay on track with your goals and reduce stress.
“Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs
BUILD HEALTHY HABITS
Focus on eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water, and getting regular exercise. Choose whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit sugary and high-fat foods and drinks. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Make time for exercise and physical activity, whether it’s going for a walk, doing yoga, or playing sports. Exercise is not only good for physical health but also mental health, reducing stress and boosting mood.
It’s also important to cultivate good habits now regarding keeping a schedule, setting alarms, getting good sleep, being responsible, helping with chores, spending quality time with your family, journaling daily, meditating, and engaging in social and outdoor activities.
FINANCIAL AWARENESS
Build financial literacy skills. This includes budgeting, saving, and investing. Learn how to manage your money wisely and make smart financial decisions. This can help you avoid debt and achieve your financial goals.
ELEVATE & BROADEN YOUR COMMUNICATION & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
This includes listening, speaking, writing, and nonverbal communication. Learn how to express yourself clearly and effectively. Build empathy and understanding for others. These skills can help you build strong relationships, resolve conflicts, and achieve your goals.
DEVELOP YOUR STRESS MANAGEMENT TOOL-KIT
It’s extremely important to take care of your mental health. Practice stress-management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and exercise. Set a consistent sleep schedule and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Use technology wisely and avoid distractions. Take breaks and rest when needed. Seek professional help if you’re struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
RESEARCH & INSPIRATION ARE KEY
In addition to adopting these strategies and proactively evolving them into habits, there are many resources available to help you succeed. Check out books, articles, and blogs that inspire and educate you. Watch videos and listen to podcasts that inform and entertain you. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance skills and knowledge. Seek out mentors and role models who can offer guidance and support.
Here are a few recommended books and resources to check out:
- “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey
- “LIFE SKILLS FOR TEENS” by Karen Harris
- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
- “Grit” by Angela Duckworth
- “Mindset” by Carol Dweck
- “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle
Here are some user-friendly motivational strategies, tips, and techniques in quick-list form to help remind you at a glance to be prepared, stay positive, and cultivate good habits for success. Definitely worth printing and posting where you will see it daily.
Set goals for the summer and beyond.
Create a plan to achieve those goals.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
Build a support system of friends, family, and mentors.
Learn time-management skills to balance work and play.
Build resilience and adaptability skills to navigate uncertainty and change.
Practice stress-management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and exercise.
Build healthy habits such as eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water, and getting regular exercise.
Get enough sleep and establish a consistent sleep schedule.
Set alarms and reminders to stay on track with tasks and appointments.
Take breaks and rest when needed.
Use technology wisely and avoid distractions.
Build strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Attend events and activities to meet new people and make friends.
Volunteer and engage in community service.
Read books, articles, and blogs that inspire and educate you.
Watch videos and listen to podcasts that inform and entertain you.
Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance skills and knowledge.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
Seek feedback and constructive criticism to improve your performance.
Build financial literacy skills such as budgeting, saving, and investing.
Build entrepreneurial and innovation skills.
Choose whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Limit sugary and high-fat foods and drinks.
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Set a consistent sleep schedule and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Use a reliable alarm clock or phone app to wake up at the same time each day.
Make your bed each morning to start the day on a positive note.
Keep your living space clean and organized.
Do your own laundry and learn how to properly wash and care for your clothes.
Help with household chores such as dishes, vacuuming, and taking out the trash.
Use a journal or planner to track your thoughts, goals, and progress.
Research the college and its resources, programs, and requirements.
Get familiar with the campus layout and transportation options.
Create a packing list and organize your belongings.
Practice basic life skills such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and budgeting.
Learn time-management skills to balance academics, work, and social life.
Build a support system of friends, family, and mentors.
Develop a positive mindset and attitude.
Set realistic goals and create an action plan to achieve them.
Use positive self-talk and affirmations to boost your confidence and motivation.
Cultivate a growth mindset and embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.
Build resilience and adaptability skills to navigate uncertainty and change.
Practice stress-management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and exercise.
Build healthy habits such as eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water, and getting regular exercise.
Get enough sleep and establish a consistent sleep schedule.
Set alarms and reminders to stay on track with tasks and appointments.
“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson
Take breaks and rest when needed.
Stay organized with a planner, calendar, or to-do list.
Prioritize your tasks and focus on what matters most.
Use technology wisely and avoid distractions.
Build strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Attend events and activities to meet new people and make friends.
Join clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities that align with your interests and goals.
Volunteer and engage in community service.
Read books, articles, and blogs that inspire and educate you.
Watch videos and listen to podcasts that inform and entertain you.
Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance skills and knowledge.
Seek feedback and constructive criticism to improve your performance.
Use failure and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.
Build financial literacy skills such as budgeting, saving, and investing.
Build a credit score and credit history.
Use scholarships, grants, and financial aid to reduce college expenses.
Apply for internships, co-op programs, and part-time jobs to gain work experience.
Build a professional resume and cover letter.
Attend career fairs and networking events.
Build interviewing skills and practice interviewing.
Build negotiation and communication skills.
Research industries and companies that align with your interests and goals.
Learn about career paths and job opportunities in your field.
Build a personal brand and online presence.
Build entrepreneurial and innovation skills.
Cultivate good habits now regarding healthy nutrition, setting alarms, getting good sleep, being responsible, helping with chores, journaling daily, meditating, and engaging in outdoor activities.
Choose whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Limit sugary and high-fat foods and drinks.
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Set a consistent sleep schedule and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Use a blue light filter on electronic devices to reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality.
Use a reliable alarm clock or phone app to wake up at the same time each day.
Make your bed each morning to start the day on a positive note.
Keep your living space clean and organized.
Do your own laundry and learn how to properly wash and care for your clothes.
Help with household chores such as dishes, vacuuming, and taking out the trash.
Use a journal or planner to track your thoughts, goals, and progress.
Meditate or practice mindfulness to reduce stress and improve focus.
Spend time outdoors in nature to boost mood and creativity.
Exercise regularly to improve physical and mental health.
Practice gratitude and appreciation for the people and opportunities in your life.
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
The summer before college is a time of preparation and anticipation for the exciting journey ahead. By implementing these strategies, tips, and techniques, you will be prepared, stay positive, and cultivate good habits for unshakeable success in the college years and beyond. Remember to take care of yourself, stay focused, be positive, proactive and productive, and enjoy the journey. Good luck!
