Use a Student's Approach to 2017

Welcome to the beginning of September. Remember that 2017 is not over yet. You still have time to reach your goals for this year. Use a student-based strategy to make this year productive.

When I was in college and law school, I knew that it was important to plan for the semester during the first week of classes. Also, when the semester started winding down, I had to rev up my focus to prepare for finals. Since my goal was to get good grades at the end of the semester, I had to diligently study so that I would be ready to take exams. When some people saw the end of the semester as a time to close the books, others continued to open them. When some people began to skip their classes, others attended every session. When some people started to forget what they had learned at the beginning of the semester, others powered through to enhance their knowledge. Top students know that it is difficult to get good grades if they start slowing down before getting to the finish line.

View this year like a long semester. Your final exam is coming up in December. Use the time, now, to refresh, regroup, and prioritize your activities. Know what needs to be done and catch up on the things that have yet to be accomplished. Act as though you are a student. September, October, November, and December are critical months and are akin to the end of the semester in college or graduate school.

Keep driving forward. Don't think about past failures as you put together a plan for the last months of 2017. Don't get caught up in the negativity of thinking that you are not ready to be a champion. Think about how excited you will be at the end of the year when you realize the scope of your achievements.

Below are two lists outlining why some people will have problems reaching their goals and why others will end 2017 on a high note:

What can hamper success?

- Doubt

- Low self-esteem

- Negative input from others

- Anxiety/Depression

- Lack of preparation

- Chaotic environment

What can fuel success?

- Inner motivation

- Sense of empowerment

- Support from others

- Clear vision/purpose

- Passion

- Preparation

- Strong skill set

- Curiosity/willingness to learn

- Energy

- Self-love/care

- Positive mindset