One thing I have definitely learned this year is to not worry about what everyone else is doing. And what I mean by this derives from an academic context. I have found that the more I talk to people about assignments, due dates, what people are working on and how far they are on something, the more anxious I get. I start doubting myself, worrying that I’m so behind or not doing something right…even if it isn’t true! How backwards is that?! Now don’t get me wrong—it’s important to have good peer pressure and embrace eustress (aka good stress), but it has to be to a healthy extent. What I forget to recognize is that I have been a great time manager pretty much all my life. Any eligible student-athlete has had to learn this! I’m so thankful for this discipline that was strengthened throughout my athletic career, because I see how much it has benefited me today and will benefit me for my future endeavors. For example, I almost chickened out on my trip to Rome this past Easter because I thought I’d miss too much schoolwork! It was one of the best trips of my life!!!! I’m so glad I went and have absolutely no regrets. And I thank Britt all the time for pushing me to go haha 🙂 And even better, I got all my work done on time and of good quality. So what do I keep worrying about?!
I am a firm believer in balance. I actually think I work better when I have multiple things to do. So when I start doubting myself, I need to try and remember that having a lot to do is nothing new for me, and that everyone works differently! I think we all work at different paces and have different ways of doing things. So it doesn’t do me any good to constantly ask where other people are all the time, internally comparing myself to them. I think I’ve found I need to believe in myself more, and to share words of encouragement for these stressful times. It’s so easy to fall into the complaining game, or “who-has-the-most-work” game. I want to try and uplift people and ask how they are doing in general—not just with their schoolwork. I think that is really important. Because even though it feels like it sometimes, school is not life. It is important and good to do your best, but it is not life.
With that being said, is it graduation yet? Can’t wait to have this degree!!!!
