How to Have Your Best School Year Yet

Introduction

Start your school year motivated and resist the snooze button.
Focus on working smart, not just hard.
Success as a student extends beyond academics to include organization, lifestyle, extracurriculars, and social life.

Importance of Organization: Many students lack a system.
Systems: Use both digital (Google Calendar, Notion, Todoist) and physical (notebooks, sticky notes) systems.
Advice for Different Students:
1. No system: Start simple with Google Calendar and a notebook.
2. Inconsistent system: Build a habit of using existing tools like planners or calendars.
3. Consistent system: Balance usage without becoming too robotic.
Syncing Systems: Coordinate digital and physical systems for consistency.

Higher Order Thinking: Key to successful students; includes synthesis and analysis.
Bloom’s Taxonomy: Different cognitive levels; aim for higher order skills.
Techniques:
- Use mind maps to find relationships between concepts.
- Take practice exams to apply knowledge.
Balance: Master both lower and higher order thinking skills.

Healthy Habits:
1. Get 8 hours of sleep, reduce phone use and stop eating before bed for better sleep.
2. Get morning sunlight to boost mood and productivity.
3. Drink sufficient water (half body weight in ounces or when thirsty).
4. Regular physical exercise enhances cognitive abilities.
Mental Benefits: Healthy lifestyle improves overall well-being and productivity.

Importance: Pursue unique activities to develop skills and personal qualities.
Types of Activities:
- School clubs and councils.
- Self-initiated projects like web development or content creation.
Skill Development: Use platforms like Skillshare to learn new skills.
Explore: Try new activities to discover interests.