Staying Positive

“You control your future, your destiny. What you think about comes about. By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands – your own.” 

 That is a quote from a gentleman called Mark Victor Hansen, a motivational speaker, trainer and author, best known as the founder of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book series. You may have your own views on the value of inspirational speakers and writers, but these words should ring true for Carrington College California students.

Whether straight out of high school or later in life, going to college is a big step; but it’s a good step to take. You’ve put your future in your own hands by enrolling at a vocational college; you’re assembling a set of skills and experiences that can put you in a position to be successful.

And all of that takes guts. It takes guts because you may have taken yourself out of your comfort zone; you know that there will be tough times ahead, but you’ve been brave enough to say “What the heck! It’s my time…I’m going for it!”

Make no mistake, college can be fun so if you’re just starting out don’t think it’s all doom and gloom, but this is an important subject so we can’t ignore it. You’ll meet some wonderful people, enjoy some extremely positive experiences, and grow as a person and as a professional. But every student, graduate, or alumni that we speak with admits to having had tough days…or weeks…during their program. It’s not always sunny skies – there will be storms along the way.

There will be days when you’ll consider ‘throwing in the towel’, ‘packing it up and calling it a day’, or say – ‘Remind me why I’m doing this again?’  We know, because this happens to most students at some point; and when it does you need to consider these key things to help you get back on track:

• It’s important to know that you are NOT alone. 99% of students who are honest with themselves and others will have experienced these feelings. You can overcome them too.
• Lean on your support network – your partner, your mom or dad, your family, your friends, your Carrington instructors and advisors
• A problem shared is a problem halved – that old saying is true. Talk it out, don’t bottle it up
• But there’s no use talking about a problem unless you discuss the solution. So when you do talk it out with someone be sure to work on the answer, not to focus on the issue.
• Remember your goals and your dreams, and why you set out on this path. (On a good day write yourself a note outlining why you’re doing what you’re doing. Keep it safe and read it to yourself on those rainy days when you need a reminder or extra motivation.
• Look at how far you’ve come. To get to where you are has shown the world that you have faith in yourself. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t deserve it, weren’t capable, or weren’t supposed to be here. Remember that.

You’re made of tough stuff – persevere and stay positive. Keep your head up and smile, even during the really hard times, because you are not alone. You can do this because you have a goal, a path. You know where you’ve come from, and more importantly, you know where you’re headed.

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