<p>I’ve realized that when I take the easier route, I do worse. For example, when I tell myself that I can’t take the time to exercise, eat healthily, and keep up with hobbies, I actually do worse in my schoolwork. I’ve decided that the way for me to succeed is to push myself to accomplish everything I can. There is no such thing as burn out, only succumbing to laziness because you’ve taken a step on that slippery slope.</p>
<p>Because of that, I’m pushing myself to not only succeed, but excel. If it means that I won’t be able to lounge around lazily and be available all the time for other people, so be it. I just feel like I have a personal need to strive for excellence. If I don’t, then I lose the motivation to be good at all.</p>
<p>This was me freshman year, but I was antisocial.</p>
<p>As a senior, I can easily separate my personal time and my business/academic time. I value my “me” time over anything else because as a person who gets stressed easily, it allows me to cool down and really analyze the direction I’m going in while holding onto my personality. </p>
<p>The fact is that I don’t think many people can constantly push themselves as the way you describe. Most people need a little bit of time to relax for mental health’s sake, that workaholic mindset will eventually make you crash, but it’s good to have that motivation.</p>
<p>I’ve noticed that patience is also key in a lot of the stuff I do. I’m noticing more and more great things take time. For instance, this summer I had an awesome month trip across the east coast and met with activists, senators, and even a Supreme Court Justice. The whole scholarship program was designed for high schoolers wanting to impact the world. That month was filled with productive, life-changing things. Now, back home I’m finding myself waiting for the next opportunity like that, which will be college for me. </p>
<p>I get what you mean. During my sports seasons I’m way more productive with school work because I know it needs to be done as soon as I get home or else I’ll fall asleep and it won’t be done at all. During off season when I can come home and just sit down on the couch it seems like I can never get anything done because I procrastinate…</p>
<p>Also my worst grades are in my easiest classes because I never do my homework or study because I know I can at least get a decent grade with 0 effort even though its not nearly my best.</p>
<p>It’s weird because I got some of my best grades when I was playing a varsity sport and doing marching band at the same time. It was extremely stressful, but my grades right now aren’t as high as they were back then even though I don’t really have much stuff going on.</p>
<p>SuperAP97 - the program was through a private not-for-profit in St. Louis. It only serves St. Louis citizens but I do know of two sister programs, one in DC and another in Philadelphia (may be different eastern city?).</p>
<p>Coste, I’m actually a senior also. I wouldn’t say I’m a workaholic or perfectionist either. I just value the journey, I think. Even if I don’t score well on a test, having given it my best is enough to satisfy me. I also value learning for the sake of itself. In the end, I just enjoy feeling productive, regardless of the outcome, so I don’t have many negative feelings or dissapointments. Hopefully that mindset, even if it is work intensive, is good at preventing that burn out feeling while still remaining as efficient as possible.</p>
<p>During my freshman year of high school I just wanted to fit in. I had a rough time in 7th/8th grade fitting in but in 9th I had finally found some friends and though we barely hung out we talked a lot online and stuff so I never did my homework. Then I met my boyfriend. He was an overachiever. My best friend found a new best friend. After getting straight C’s except for a B in social studies I decided to change. I realized that when I do something, I do it wholeheartedly. I had decided to blow off my studies freshman year in my search for a social life but the next year I devoted myself to getting my grades up. I’ve gotten straight A’s ever since. I feel exactly the same as you now, I need to get everything done. I need to do my homework and exercise and read. I’m happier when I’m busy, instead of talking to someone who doesn’t care about me through a screen.</p>