You’ve been on a challenging journey! If you’re a soon-to-be high school or college graduate, serious congratulations!!! (ALMOST!). That’s the tricky part huh? You’re soooooooo close, which means you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and angst. Totally, 100 percent normal. So, how to keep on going to the finish line? Graduates, here are my favorite tips for you, you go-getter you!
Break It Down
When we have goals to achieve, it can sometimes be easier to break them into smaller pieces. So, same here with graduation. Do you have a major project that you’re working on? Try to split it into pieces and tackle just one piece a day. Even if you want to keep working on it, sometimes it’s good to just do the part you told yourself you’d do, then put the rest on the back burner while you mentally “recover.” When you return to the project, the hope is you’ll feel refreshed, not drained! Need to schedule some meetings with recruiters and mentors? Schedule them now for one a week. That way you’re not bogged down with information overload! Breaking your tasks and goals into smaller pieces can help you inch your way to the graduation finish line.
Call on a Mentor or Counselor
No (wo)man is an island as they say. AKA: You can’t do it all yourself. Well, you can try, but it’s a lot harder!!! No need to try to carry all your burdens on your own back as you go through the final months ahead of graduation. You may think you need to tighten up and get everything done yourself, but if you open your eyes and look around, there are plenty of people who love you and want to see you succeed who would love to offer a hand. And, if you’re dealing with emotional stress of achievements, expectations, being hard on yourself or whatever else, seeing a kind and genuine counselor can ease what’s going on inside.
Do Other Things
Yup! I know you have a mile-long to-do list, but please make sure you’re squeezing in time for fun, exercise and maybe even a movie night where you eat popcorn and watch a romantic comedy that makes you cry. You’re a human and you’re not a machine. Nourish yourself and your mind with things that make you happy. And, maybe even be lazy for a day after you’ve worked really hard. (If lazy is hard for you; if lazy is easy for you, ignore this!!! Ha.) The point is when you refocus for a minute, it’s easier and more fun even, to come back to the task at hand.
Almost There Soon-To-Be Graduates!
You’re so close and just try to keep your eyes on the prize. And, maybe even start daydreaming about your awesome graduation ceremony (grab the Kleenex!). You are a true champion for making it here. You graduates deserve all the best in the world!
About the Author
Katie Bisbee-Peek works with youths facing high school, college and vocational graduation and dealing with stressors surrounding this momentous occasion. Many people feel anxiety during this time, but Katie encourages joy and positivity to keep you going all the way to the finish line. A counselor can help carry you when you feel like your legs don’t work and your brain is frazzled. More finish line news: join Katie on her Girls on the Run 5K Team this year. It’s a great way for post-graduation adults to feel a sense of accomplishment while helping a good cause. Email here to join the team on May 13 in Denver.