Like the unending search for the elixir of eternal youth, it’s not uncommon for students to chase after a ‘foolproof’ way to get perfect marks, often with the hope of not having to put much studying effort in either.

Sadly, as many of us may have found out, this is not possible. Not even vaguely.

But the good news is that there are 3 magical Ds that, even though they are shrouded in hard work (yes, that’s right, hard work) will ensure success.  If applied correctly and consistently, the results are guaranteed!

So what are these magical Ds? They are:
Desire
Determination
Discipline

Desire

The want for something. The drive to achieve. In this case achievement, good marks, success. It’s the drive to improve and become better. It is the opposite of apathy, dislike or disinterest. It’s a craving for something. So many wonderful words to describe what desire is. Urge. Hankering. Yearning. Passion. And more often than not, it’s the starting point of almost all great journeys. And studying too.

Yes, you can study without the desire (as a number of students do). But what are the results? My guess is a substandard pass or more even a failure.

But in all honesty, I think that students generally do have a desire to achieve good marks, but the next D is where they fall down…

Determination

Are students determined to achieve? Will they stop at nothing? Will they voluntarily sacrifice time with friends, the TV and their cell phones in order to achieve their desired marks? Sadly only a few will. The rest will look for excuses. The exam was unfair. The teacher didn’t teach us that. I didn’t feel like studying. I was tired. I had too much to do.

If you’re determined, you’ll find a way to keep to your goals. You’ll manage your time. You’ll learn to say no. And you’ll develop the third D.

Discipline

The dictionary defines discipline as an activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training. Other words that can be used for discipline in this context are self-control, self-restraint, preparation, regulation, method. I think you get the picture.

When one is disciplined, you understand that there is no compromise. You understand and accept that you make a plan to get the job done. And you also understand that you will never always be motivated, so you have to learn to be disciplined.

Discipline is the art of keeping the goal as the focus, not being distracted by the peripherals; the ‘I wish I was rather’, but rather doing what is necessary to achieve the goal.

Discipline knows that when you put the work in the reward will be yours.  It’s the knowing that when others are out having fun, and you’re home slogging away, that you will be the one achieving.

Is any of this easy? Not if you haven’t decided on your goals. This isn’t easy if you’re not self-convicted to do this. What do I mean by self-convicted? I mean the choice must come from within. You need to make it for yourself. Your parents or your lecturer can talk and talk and talk, but until you take the responsibility to get this job done, it’s not going to get done.

On the upside, this is so doable. Anyone can achieve with their studies. You are not doomed to failure. You have the tools to do more than you think you are capable of. You have an amazing, incredible brain, capable of anything. With the right mindset, nothing will be able to stop you.

Take time to consider the three magical Ds. Desire. Determination. Discipline.

Are you going to make them your allies in your studies, or your enemies? The choice is totally up to you. I hope you choose wisely!