Tenaciousness is a competency
The behaviors I have used to keep up with this course is working ahead when I can. I try to complete the blog posts at least a day or two before they are due, and I complete the peer reviews and quizzes as soon as they are open. This has allowed me to enjoy my weekend without worrying about the homework I have to complete. I also write down everything due in my planner and organize assignments by due dates, so I can prioritize what needs to get done first.
Tenaciousness is about attitude
A time I felt like giving up was this past semester. I was working while taking classes full-time, which was the first time I ever worked and took classes simultaneously. It was very different, and although I am very organized, I found myself having almost no free time. Also, the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic made it even harder to focus on school and perform well. I pushed through, mainly because I told myself "if you can get through this, you can relax in the summer." It wasn't the most motivating way to get through this struggle, but I persevered and successfully completed last semester.
I think I strengthened my tenacious attitude over the past two months. I believe that I already had a tenacious attitude before taking this course, but this class and the current global situation strengthened this attitude. I think the interviews and uncertainty surrounding my life right now in terms of what will happen in the Fall semester contributed most to strengthening my tenacious attitude. I had to commit to find good people to interviews and obtain quality information, which was not easy. Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding the Fall semester has taught me to keep pushing through, even though I don't know what will happen in August.
Three Tips
1) Organize your time in advance- By organizing your time in advance, you'll feel more structured and more productive, allowing yourself to stay on schedule. Your discouragement for not wanting to complete an assignment will dwindle if this tip is practiced.
2) Know the difference between a lazy mindset and needing a break- If you can understand the difference of when your mind is being lazy and when you genuinely need a break, you can learn to push through a lazy day without burning out your mind.
3) Work and plan ahead if possible- Working and planning head will remove procrastinating on assignments. If you feel like taking a day off, you won't feel guilty because of how ahead you are on assignments. This skill will support tenacity while creating room for frequent breaks.
Hey Tara!
ReplyDeleteThe uncertainty caused by the pandemic is also something that has increased my tenacity. As a student, it has been a tricky summer keeping up with the constant changes that were happening everyday while also trying to stay up to date with classes. I really liked the advice you gave about the difference of a lazy mindset/ needing a break that you gave to the future students. The difference between the two are important when taking classes online.
Hi Tara!
ReplyDeleteThats such a smart idea to finish the peer reviews and quizzes as soon as they open. What a great way to think ahead. Im personally really bad at doing them because I forget to watch the videos during the week. I also agree with you that finding people to interview was hard. I had to use a lot of my moms friends and contact she has within the hospitals to write about PPE in the medical field. Overall, good post!
Hi Tara,
ReplyDeleteI am very similar to you in the sense the I like to work early as well. I usually finish my assignments by Wednesday, Thursday the latest. Like you, I enjoy having my weekends free to myself and without the stress or lurking school assignments. I loved your tip about knowing the difference between having a lazy mind set and needing a break, especially during quarantine. At times, I find my self either working the entire day without a break, or on the complete other hand, not having any motivation to do work.