5 things to do during winter break

Exams are over!! Congratulations!! You did it!!!!

Enjoy this feeling. Don't think about school for the next week or two. RELAX.

I miss that feeling of being DONE. I feel it a little bit as a teacher this semester, actually. That feeling of submitting grades. Being done. It feels good.

Take some time to enjoy it. 

And then, when you feel rested, start priming again for next semester. How you do this is up to you, but here are some things I used to (and still) do during my winter breaks:

1. Buy a new journal for the year and start writing your thoughts about how the past year went and what you want to accomplish next year. 

2. Make a collage of pictures and quotes that inspire you for next year and hang it up in your room or office. 

3. Write down some goals or intentions for the next year. Keep them small, specific, little things you can control. Especially new habits you'd like to adopt - what is one thing you can do every day that would help you reach one of your biggest goals? 

4. Choose a good book and make it a goal to finish it before the next semester. The book should be something that can help you improve or get better at something you're trying to achieve. If you have a friend or a group of friends with the same interests or goals, start a mini book club or just read together and chat about it periodically.

5. Do something artistic. Paint, draw, write, take pictures, dance, sing, build, play an instrument, act, etc. You don't need to be good at it. Just create something original. I don't have any science behind this for you, but it's something I do every year and it always rejuvenates me for the next year and makes me feel like I can do anything. For some reason, I don't get discouraged at my terrible water colors or colored-pencil drawings. They aren't good - trust me. I know that. But it doesn't bother me. I still find joy in creating something just from my own brain. It's empowering somehow. Try it. Trust me. 

Due to winter break I won't be posting as frequently until January so if I don't see you until then, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!! :) 

Why you should experiment in college

First of all, if you think I'm about to talk about anything raunchy, sexy, or alcohol-related you will be sorely disappointed.

Okay, so now that I've got three of you still with me, here is what I mean by experimenting in college ;) ....

I just got back from the library and I feel giddy with excitement. As a child, there was nothing I loved more than perusing the shelves for the latest Betsy and Tibby or Amelia Bedelia book. I still roam that same library, and while my books of choice have changed, the elation hasn't.

I put books on hold a lot, but what I love most is the aimless wandering, judging books by their covers and the first few sentences on page one, and deciding whether or not I want to give it a try.

I usually leave these wanderings with a stack of books so high I can barely see over it. And usually, out of 10 books I'll only really love one.

But it's in the search of that one that keeps me going. I can count on my hand the books that have significantly affected my life and altered my perspective - and most are books I never would have read if I hadn't walked down an aisle and randomly chosen something I'd never heard of before.

You should do the same thing in college. Search for opportunities. Wander your campus and read the flyers. Experiment with different clubs, interests, internships, and classes. 

Even if you try out ten new things and only one works out, it could be the one that changes your life and your future forever.

I know that sounds dramatic, but I can honestly point to a few key random moments (and people) in my college life that without which I would not be where I am today. And looking back, I would have never encountered those opportunities if I hadn't experimented with different things, many that didn't work out. 

Roam your campus. Meet people. Take advantage of every opportunity. 

It just takes one. 

The Truth About The Book Burden

A special thank you on this week's vlog. 

Books in college get a bad rep. I know because my office is across from our bookstore.

People wait in long lines and empty their wallets for books that someone else is making them buy. And then some professor tries to make them read the books for quizzes and tests.

Sounds like fun, no?

Since books come with this heavy weight of duty and work, reading becomes this slow chore that has little relevance to your day-to-day life.

I’m here to tell you that if you ignore that pull towards dissatisfaction with reading and embrace the knowledge right at your fingertips you can actually change the course of your life.

I know that sounds dramatic, but I firmly believe it is true.

I can trace almost every great thing in my life to something I learned in a book. From starting this blog to choosing a graduate program, books have guided my life and can change yours if you are brave enough to let go of the book burden and reach for something more. 

And once you do, the book burden will evaporate and you will feel lighter with the knowledge you have gained. All you have to do is start reading books that are relevant to you, your life, and your interests.

So what are your interests? What do you want to do with your life?  What struggles are you facing? What are you unsure of? What is something you’ve always wanted to explore? What have you always wanted to do but always felt it was beyond your reach?

Read about it and I guarantee you will find answers and be empowered with the tips and knowledge you need to do what you want with your life.

Reading non-fiction books are the fastest way to hear someone else’s advice, research, and experience, and as you’ll soon learn from the networking book I’m currently writing, the best way to figure out your life is to listen to the advice and experience of others.

So are you pumped and ready to rid yourself of the book burden and start changing your life but not sure where to start?

Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started (oh and yes, this is this weeks challenge):

   1.  Go to http://www.amazon.com/

   2. Choose “Books” under the search drop down menu  

   3.  Start typing in subjects that interest you. Consider “how to be a [insert dream job here]” or a biography of someone you admire.

         4. If you’re not sure what your interests are, start with these key words:

a.      Choose major

b.     Career test

c.      Internships

d.     Money for college

e.      First resume

f.       Personality test

g.      Procrastination

h.     Time management

i.       Networking

     5. Buy the book on amazon.com, half.com (cheaper), or see if you can find it at your college or local library for free. If you can’t find it free, buy it – trust me. There is no  better  investment than purchasing a book that you know is going to help you figure out your life.

If you start reading books, I can 100% guarantee you will become successful beyond your wildest dreams. IF, of course, you actually read them and put the advice into practice.

So if you’ve read (or watched) this far I’m very impressed with you. I know books aren’t the most exciting topic, but I promise you if you take this advice it will be the most rewarding thing I could ever give you.

So get your first book today, and buy it if you have to. There is no better investment you can make than in your own learning and success.

Signing off on today’s Monday Morning Motivation,

Isa