Three years ago I went to a public lecture called "Less is more." Wei Zhu, who was one of the members in New Oriental School in China, was the speaker. "Less interest, more interest," he said.

I did not understand the meaning at that time. One year later, I followed a program pursuing my Accounting degree in America. When my friends ask me what important lessons I gain from studying abroad, one of the responses is, “being prepared for less.”

I remember the time when I was in my home country. I always liked to plan everything in advance and invest my time into the things I think is worthwhile. I ignored the importance of staying satisfied especially when situations are beyond my control. For those students who are studying or working out of their comfort zone, here are some things I wish to share with them.

We all are scared of being hurt by others but through recovery, we can get stronger. At that moment of recovery, less expectation of others results in more growth in ourselves.

We will all have times when we are disappointed with our actions, labeling ourselves the most foolish people in the world. However, mistakes not only give us guidance for future mishaps, but they also give us a loving heart for understanding and forgiving others mistakes. Less perfection can lead to more forgiveness.

We are eager to succeed, and yearn for positive feedback after our first attempt. High grades might tell others you are smart or hardworking, but lower grades should not decrease your value. Keep making efforts to show consistency, and optimism and the higher grades will come. Less standards of instant success will allow more situations that anyone can overcome.