I think people get into a slump where if they make a mistake and mess something up they start to believe everything else is doomed. They begin to assert the notion in their minds that they should just give up because they believe there is no way things will get better. I have been guilty of falling into that slump for a while, but I am choosing to get out of it. I am choosing to be happy and productive and to work hard to achieve the goals I have previously fell short of. I am choosing to not let myself give up, and neither should you.

1. Make a schedule.

If I'm being honest, I think my life would fall apart if I didn't write everything down in my planner. Before, I would look at due dates and still wait until the last minute, but not anymore. Instead of just writing down assignments, I write down days when I free time so I can get started on the assignments earlier instead of cramming everything into a hour.

2. Be Passionate.

Obviously not everything you do in life is something you're going to be passionate about, some things you just have to do. However, once you have aspects of life that you are passionate about your focus will be on achieving those goals and you will be driven to doing everything you can to fulfill your dreams.

3. Do Things That Make You Truly Happy.

It is important not to forget that life should not be stressing you out 24/7. Get your homework done or study for an exam before, so you can spend more time doing things that make you happy. You can hang out with your friends, paint a mural, go on a hike and it'll be so much easier enjoying these activities without having the stress of all the impending due dates crowding your brain.

4. Know That Things Will Get Better.

I know this a cliche, but its one that is so very true. Sometimes there are things that happen to us that are out of our control, and its okay to take the time to feel all the emotions you need to feel but do not let it take over your life. Think about what you want out of life, and what you need to do to get there. For me, I just want to be truly unequivocally happy, and my life is dedicated to fulfilling that goal. Happiness does not mean a perfect life with a vacancy of problems. It means you have the ability to deal with problems and make a better life and a better world for yourself. I am going to focus and be driven and remember that the hard times are only temporary.

5. You Get What You Give.

That is one of the truest statements to me. Good things may just happen for a few lucky people, but amazing things come to those who work hard and try to be better. Give more into making your life great. Do things that will make you feel like you are a better person, do not give up because all giving up will do is create an endless stream of "what ifs" and "if onlys".