Back 2 Skool Feels: Three Tips for Success

Campus Energy (photo taken from my office window)

It's that time of year again: the"Back 2 Skool Feels" are in the air. Although I love the exciting buzz of new beginnings, there's also that familiar knot of anxiety, overwhelm, and the inevitable question: "How am I going to get it all done?" And for some (including myself), another question: "What will be my first-day outfit be?"Ha!

If you're going back to school, you might be feeling all the feels too.

I don’t know everything, but I do have a few tips for success as I’m entering my 47^th semester in the college setting (including undergrad, grad school, post doc, + 11 years of professoring). I'm a fellow traveler on this crazy learning-filled academic journey and these are tips I am practicing myself. 

Tip 1: Make S.M.A.R.T Goals to Ground and Guide

I was well into my academic career when I learned about S.M.A.R.T. Goals. I wish I had known about them sooner because I used to have wayyyyyy too many goals that were vague and unrealistic -- then I'd feel unsatisfied and discouraged when I didn't reach them. Think "I want to make progress on my research" or "I want to improve my classes." This all sounds good, but it's not Specific or Measurable. How will I measure my progress? I must decide what kind of progress I'm aiming for (a manuscript draft; a new class assignment developed) so that I know when I'm successful.

Once I decide on a specific and measurable product, I must consider if it's even Achievable given the 24 hours in a day and the limited bandwidth we humans have. Keeping those limitations in mind, I must adjust my goal so I’m more likely to meet it! The "R" is for Relevant -- does this goal even relate to my values or responsibilities? Focus on priority goals and don't get too distracted. The "T" is for Time-Bound, meaning that there is some kind of deadline in the calendar AND there are place-holders in the weekly calendar to actually do the work required to meet that deadline.

Most importantly: pace yourself and adjust your goals as needed while you move through the term. Also, you can map out your professional goals using this method, as well as your personal ones (highly recommend some self-care goals, ya'll).

Tip 2: School is Serious Stuff, but Make Room for Fun and Awe!

In the academic setting, things can get sooooo serious. Your instructors are serious scholars with their blazers and spectacles (I'm thinking of myself here), and you might even get serious about the things you’re studying -- and it's great to get serious! Indeed, getting good grades and completing courses is a serious endeavor, but don’t forget to incorporate some lighthearted fun whenever you can. It's about balance. One of my mentors in grad school used to tell me (in reference to the psychological horror "The Shining"): "All work and no play makes you a dull girl, April!"

Sometimes when a stressful day hits and my statistical models are blowing up, I just have to laugh -- and it feels so good to laugh! If I miss a deadline or there's a typo on my Power Point slide, my world appears to be crumbling, but it isn't so. It's not life or death! One technique that helps me "shake things off" is to look in the mirror and smile at least five times. Try it. You might feel silly at first, but maybe by the fourth or fifth smile, you'll start to feel that stress melt away and your smile will become more genuine. It's called facial feedback and it works for some people.

Another technique I use is focusing on awe-inspiring observations. My favorite awe-inspiring place is outer space (James Webb and Vera Rubin telescopes anyone?). Sometimes I just close my eyes and zoom out slowly ... I imagine that I'm in rocket ship way up there in outer space ... it's so quiet and wowww: we are all just tiny creatures floating on a rock in the middle of a vast universe! Isn't that crazy and amazing? Suddenly, the woes of my day feel less important and scary. The work I'm doing down here on earth is important, yes -- but it's not the most important thing. Get outside of yourself and find some awe!

Tip 3: Reach Out and Lean on Your People

Let’s face it: some days, we need the love and support from others to pull us through. Some people are great at asking for help; others, like me -- not so much. Maybe we’re afraid of looking weak or we just don't know who to trust. But it's so important to be aware of our need for support.

When you're feeling stressed, ask yourself: "What do I need right now?" Maybe you just need to stare at the wall for 5 minutes. Maybe you need some gentle movement. If you're unable to satisfy that need yourself, consider leaning on a friend or other trusted person. Maybe you need some listening ears to share what’s on your mind. Maybe you need some career or class advice from your professor. Reach out! Utilize the resources available to you -- these can come from within, but also from others who are on- or off-campus. It can be difficult to ask for help sometimes, but people often want to help. So let them.

All Up in Our Feels: We'll Make it Through!

Going back to school can be a roller coaster of feelings, from excitement to dread. When we start something new, often the scariest part is right before we begin. Let's acknowledge our feelings, take some deep breaths, and believe that this term is going to be a good one! Making a plan using the S.M.A.R.T. method might help us feel more grounded for starters. Incorporating fun and awe into our routine, plus leaning on people when we need it might help us feel more supported and encouraged (or at least sane) along the way. We got this and we'll make it through!

If you're reading this, I hope these tips are helpful. I am curious: what's one S.M.A.R.T. goal you're working toward this term? Do you have any other tips that have helped you in your academic journey?