Four things successful college students do in high school

Success in life is often the result of good habits.

The best time to establish the good habits you will need for college or other postsecondary education is when you are in high school.

Those good habits can be either mental or physical. Here are some habits you will want to work on now to help you with life after high school:

• Keep a positive attitude. Sure, we all need to vent a little when things don't go our way. However, successful people realize that any setback is usually temporary and may even be a great learning experience.
• Be goal-oriented. If you know what you want to accomplish, you can make sure that every course or activity will somehow help lead you to that goal. By focusing on your goal, you will be successful and probably avoid distractions that cost you time and money.
• Challenge yourself. The most satisfaction comes from goals that are hard to accomplish. Get in the habit of taking the more difficult classes or taking on difficult projects. There may be a time in college that you are required to take on something challenging. When that happens, you will already have the experience of testing yourself, and know you can succeed.
• Study every day. There is no question that studying every day in college is going to help you succeed. If you are not already doing this in high school, start forming this habit now. It is a habit you will need to practice in college and it will certainly help you in high school.

In addition to preparing you for college, these habits are ones that will serve you well for the rest of your life.