kiyaaa23

[kiyaaa23]

Balancing Ambition with Well-Being: A Journey through College, Fitness, and Self-Growth

In today’s fast-paced world, being ambitious is both a blessing and a challenge. We’re all striving toward something—whether it’s academic success, a fulfilling career, or a healthier lifestyle. But the drive to succeed can sometimes lead to burnout if not balanced with well-being and self-care. This blog explores how to find that balance, especially during the pivotal college years, when opportunities seem endless, but so do the demands on our time and energy.

Embracing the Hustle of College Life

College is a time of intense growth and self-discovery. It’s often where we get our first real taste of independence and begin to shape our futures. As an ambitious student, you might feel the weight of expectation, not only from others but also from yourself. You want to excel academically, participate in extracurriculars, and build a resume that stands out.

But in the pursuit of these goals, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to enjoy the journey. The key is to embrace the challenges without letting them consume you. Learning to pace yourself and setting realistic goals can be powerful strategies to keep stress in check. It’s about reminding yourself that progress, not perfection, is the true measure of growth.

Staying on Track with Academic and Career Goals

For those of us with a clear sense of where we want to go, staying on track

academically becomes a top priority. Whether you’re eyeing prestigious institutions like Oxford or Harvard, or aiming to break into competitive fields, having a structured approach can make a significant difference.

Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Outline what you want to achieve in the short term (within a semester) and long term (throughout college). Write them down and revisit them often.

Effective Study Habits: Develop study habits that work for you. For example, try the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused or set aside specific times for study and revision each day. This consistency helps build knowledge without cramming.

Seek Out Relevant Extracurriculars: Programs like Enactus or other clubs related to your field of study are fantastic for skill-building. They also look impressive on a resume and can lead to meaningful connections.

Take Advantage of Internships: Internships are key to building hands-on experience. Seek research-based or career-focused internships that align with your field. These will not only prepare you for the job market but also give you insights into your interests.

By staying organized and intentional with your academic path, you can keep your goals in sight without feeling overwhelmed.

Physical Fitness as a Foundation for Ambition

It’s no secret that physical well-being impacts mental clarity, mood, and even our academic performance. For someone balancing a packed schedule, staying fit is essential. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling energized, maintaining focus, and preventing the fatigue that can set in after long study sessions.

Set Fitness Goals: Start by setting realistic fitness goals, whether it’s to lose weight, gain strength, or simply stay active. For example, aim to work out three times a week for 30 minutes initially and gradually increase as your stamina builds.

Find a Routine that Fits: Since college schedules vary, look for a gym routine that can be adjusted as needed. For instance, some days might require a quick high-intensity workout, while other days might allow for a longer, more relaxed session. The key is consistency.

Consider Nutrition: Eating healthy is just as important as working out. While it’s tempting to indulge in junk food, especially during stressful times, healthier options will give you the energy you need for long study sessions and physical endurance. Meal prepping can save time and ensure balanced nutrition.

Use Fitness as a Break: Exercise can be a great way to clear your mind after a day of classes. The endorphin boost can improve your mood and relieve stress, making it easier to refocus on academics afterward.

Finding Fulfillment through Hobbies and Social Life

Ambition is fulfilling, but it can sometimes lead to tunnel vision. That’s why it’s crucial to make time for hobbies and social connections. Creative outlets like dancing or sketching add joy and relaxation to your routine. They serve as a reminder that you’re more than just your achievements; you’re a person with diverse interests and passions.

Carve Out Time for Hobbies: Dedicate a specific time each week for activities you love, whether it’s dancing, sketching, or reading. Hobbies can be a form of self-care, allowing you to unwind and recharge.

Value Your Social Circle: Your friends and family are part of your support system, providing encouragement and perspective. Invest time in these relationships, as they can help you navigate stressful times and remind you of the bigger picture.

Use Hobbies to Connect with Others: Sometimes, your hobbies can lead to unexpected friendships and opportunities. Joining clubs or groups related to your interests can expand your network and make your college experience even more enriching.

The Mental Game: Strategies for Motivation and Self-Care

Mental resilience is often the hidden force behind ambitious people. Staying motivated through ups and downs requires more than just discipline; it requires a commitment to mental well-being.

Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few deep breaths each day can keep you grounded. These practices help you handle setbacks with a clear mind and reduce anxiety around academic pressures.

Focus on Self-Reflection: Regularly take stock of your progress, not only in terms of achievements but also in terms of personal growth. Reflecting helps you recognize patterns, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate small wins.

Reward Yourself: When you hit a milestone, no matter how small, reward yourself. It could be something simple, like treating yourself to a nice meal or a short break. These rewards reinforce positive habits and keep you motivated.

Break Large Tasks into Manageable Steps: Tackling big projects can be intimidating, but breaking them into smaller, achievable steps can make them feel more manageable. Completing each step provides a sense of accomplishment that keeps you moving forward.

Making Time for Self-Care in a Busy Schedule

While ambition drives you to achieve more, self-care ensures you don’t burn out. It’s not just about physical rest but also about mental rejuvenation.

Identify Your Needs: Self-care looks different for everyone. For some, it might mean spending time in nature; for others, it might be a quiet night with a good book. Identify what recharges you and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Set Boundaries: Learn to say “no” when necessary. If a task or opportunity doesn’t align with your priorities, it’s okay to decline. Setting boundaries helps prevent over-commitment and ensures you can focus on what truly matters.

Schedule Downtime: Rather than waiting until you’re exhausted to rest, schedule regular breaks and downtime. These intentional pauses allow you to recharge without guilt, helping you sustain your energy levels long-term.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

Balancing ambition with well-being is a journey, not a destination. It’s about finding harmony between your desire to achieve and your need to feel happy, healthy, and fulfilled. Success is sweeter when it’s accompanied by a sense of well-being, and college is the perfect time to lay that foundation.

Embrace the journey of growth, celebrate your progress, and be kind to yourself along the way. With balance, your ambition will continue to drive you forward, but your well-being will ensure that you enjoy every step.

[kiyaaa23]

Your guide to REAL selfcare

If you go on any social media and type "selfcare", all you recieve is pretty girls doing extravegant skincare, dior makeup and all. But the problem is everyone does the same thing and things just cant work same for everyone. Also, It doesnt feels authentic rather it feels like consumerism. So, I am gonna tell what to do so you feel the best.

Knowing yourself:-

You can only do yourself a favour if you know yourself and the best way to do that is JOURNAL.

If you are new to it, then you can search journal prompt ideas on pinterest and make that a part of your routine. It helps so much.

Do shadow work. Go on pinterest and do the same thing.

Dont be ashamed of yourself, rather accept yourself and change for the better. When you'll journal then you will get to know tons of good and bad things about you but our brain loves to focus on negative things so u might get stuck on that.

Record your likes and dislikes. Which books you loved, which dramas you adore, which food makes you comfy and which movies you wasted your time on. Record these things, this is just so fun and helpful when you feel "bored" or sad.

Being Mindful:-

Most of the time, the problem is not that big but our thoughts just traps us and we feel that problem is bigger than it might so take a step back and try to not overthink about past or future.

I know this is easier said than done but meditating helps a lot with mindfulness.

When you watch a movie or drama or even ytube video then just do that. Dont scroll reddit reading the "discussion" thread of the episode or try to find instrumentals on spotify for reading books. Just do one thing at once.

Dont multitask. Just take a task and then focus on that. (This might not work for neurodivergent people.)

Do 5,4,3,2,1 grounding technique. Identify

5 things you can see 4 things you can feel 3 things you can hear 2 things you can smell 1 thing you can taste.

Cut negative people off

This is so hard because you feel mean for doing this but once you cutoff toxic people who just drags other people down and all they talk is negativity then your life become so much better.

Cut off all the negative content you watch and limit the time you spend on social media.

Do your future self a favour

This is truly the best selfcare.

Study hard cause' your future self will thank you for letting her be the top student

Learn some skills. Read those books. Watch that documentry. Do things that will make your future self proud.

Some selfcare ideas

Organizing and planning

excercise or take a walk.

Reading books.

Cleaning your room

Watching fun movies

Studying about yourself. Knowing what products suits your skin and your hair. What color brighten you and what makes you look dull. What haircut looks good on your face and what clothes flatters on your body.

Get your nails done.

Listen to your fav album while painting, baking, or gardening.

Do your hobby without feeling pressurized. No you dont need to read 50 books a year, chill out and enjoy while doing it.

Dairy writing. Its so fun to read what your day looked like on a random tuesday after 2-3 years.

Explore new things in your hometown. Maybe there is a new cafe that opened 2 weeks ago or there is a hiking trail you are not aware of? its always fun to do that.

[kiyaaa23]

How to enjoy exercising

1. listen to upbeat music

not too long ago, i did a running workout while listening to a few upbeat songs. it made the workout go by so much quicker!

2. wear cute clothes

buying cute workout gear can motivate you to workout more often! but if you know that you hate working out, don't buy a lot of workout clothes just to not wear them.

3. do multiple workouts

instead doing one lengthy workout that only focuses on glutes, do a few workouts that all focus on different things.

4. do a themed workout

for example, do a workout that uses a specific artist's songs. or do a holiday themed workout.

5. reward yourself

if you say "i will get 2 hours of screen time if i complete this workout," you will be way more motivated to start and finish!

[kiyaaa23]

Can u make a study guide in elle woods and hermione

what, like it's hard?: the ultimate guide to studying like Elle woods and Hermione granger

Elle Woods

1. romentesizing study

put yourself in the spirit of Elle Wood. transform your study space into a sanctuary of style. choose colorful and original school supplies. make your school your Fashion show! why? This will allow you to romanticize the lessons as much as possible and also to relax and be in a good mood before lessons. to motivate yourself in your revision, write your lessons correctly, write the important words in red, take extra care of your writing and finally make your notes more aesthetic with highlighters.

2. study with other people

Elle knew how to build relationships with her classmates and rely on them to improve. So don't hesitate to work with other people, it will allow you to share or acquire knowledge, receive or give explanations when you don't understand something.

3. made sacrifices

Elle Woods stopped parties with her friends to concentrate on her studies. I'm not telling you to stop all contact with your friends but simply to know how to organize your time to reconcile everything.

4. find a study method

Elle Woods used self-assessment as a method. This allowed her to identify her shortcomings (know what you need to improve on the most and what you don't need a lot of hours of revision), to plan your revisions (know what you need to work on the most). I advise you to do a self-assessment every day up to and including the day before your test to see your progress, to be more and more efficient to achieve excellence on the day of the test.

5.find your motivation

Elle Woods had a reason to work, I advise you to find your reason to succeed in your studies and make yourself proud. You have confidence in yourself, recognize your value and persevere! Even if you get a bad grade in a subject, don't give up and work more in that subject.

Hermione granger

1. organization

the key to Hermione's success is her organization. identify important deadlines, plan your revision time using a calendar or diary. identify your priorities and take time for each task.

2.discipline

Hermione has a common sense which allows her to prioritize studies rather than futile things which can distract her. She focuses on her learning objectives so try to follow her example by eliminating distractions and focusing on your studies.step away from your phone and fight temptation and study.

3. learns with avidity

Hermione loves to learn learn. She has an insatiable thirst for knowledge and is not afraid to dive into books to find the answers to her questions. So awaken this thirst for learning in you and don't worry not happy to skim over the subjects. do some extra research, ask questions, and push yourself to dig deeper.

4.good time management

hermione is the queen of time management. she uses every little minute wisely without wasting time. To study like her, you have to do the same. Plan your study time intelligently and efficiently. Set goals for each session and use concentration techniques like the pomodoro technique. but hey, don't panic if you have trouble sticking to your schedule sometimes, stay flexible and adjust your plan if necessary.

5. the key to success is perseverance!

Hermione never gives up, no matter the obstacles that stand in her way, she remains focused and does everything to achieve her academic goals. So you must do the same. When things get difficult, don't let it get you down. persevere in your studies and remember that each small step brings you closer to your ultimate goal.

[kiyaaa23]

A Conversation with Richard Siken by Thomas Hobohm

[kiyaaa23]

Identify your personal learning style, peak productivity hours, and preferred study environments.

Girls in Finance server/project // Selfhelpforstudents server

Step 1: Learning Style Assessment

1.1 Research Learning Styles:

Explore different learning styles, such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or read/write. Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each. (find my post here)

1.2 Reflect on Past Experiences:

Recall situations where you felt most engaged and learned effectively. Note the activities and methods that worked best for you.

1.3 Take Learning Style Assessments:

Utilize online learning style assessments to gain insights into your preferred learning style. Examples include VARK (Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic) or Honey and Mumford's Learning Styles Questionnaire.

Step 2: Peak Productivity Hours Identification

2.1 Self-Reflection:

Reflect on your daily energy levels and focus. Identify times when you feel most alert, focused, and energetic.

2.2 Experiment with Different Times:

Schedule study or work sessions during various times of the day. Observe your productivity levels during these sessions.

2.3 Track Productivity Patterns:

Maintain a journal to log your productivity levels throughout the day. Look for patterns or consistent periods of heightened focus.

Step 3: Preferred Study Environments

3.1 Experiment with Settings:

Study in different environments, such as libraries, cafes, quiet rooms, or outdoor spaces. Note how each setting affects your concentration and comfort.

3.2 Consider Noise Levels:

Assess your tolerance for noise. Determine if you work better in complete silence, with background music, or in moderately noisy environments.

3.3 Evaluate Lighting:

Pay attention to the impact of lighting on your focus. Experiment with natural light, artificial light, and different color temperatures.

3.4 Note Distractions:

Identify potential distractions in each environment. Consider whether you thrive in a completely distraction-free zone or if a mild level of distraction enhances your productivity.

Thanks for reading! Hope it helps! x

Join our Girls in Finance project if you want to learn more about studying finance and the financial world <3

[kiyaaa23]

[kiyaaa23]

my 2024 goals

studying more often

going to tutoring

having more discipline when it comes to food and exercise

less screen time (it's usually 4 hours but i want it to be less)

doing my skincare more often

be more social

bible study atleast 3 times a week

getting rid of everything i don't need

taking therapy more seriously (i REALLY wanna be out by mid 2024 atleast

bible study atleast 4 times a week

atleast 1L of water a day

read 40 books (not as hard as it sounds lol)

[kiyaaa23]

how to stop being scared of participating in class

this is for @princesslovelymal!

1. participation is a grade!

i'm not sure if everyone knows this or not, but you get graded on participation! i don't think it's a very big part of your grade, but let's pretend that it makes your 90 go down by one point, that's an 89. you just went from an a to a b if you're in highschool.

2. you won't be the only one to get it wrong

fun fact: you're not the only person in that class that thinks 2 + 2 = 3. and also, when you get it wrong, the teacher will explain why you got it wrong and your chances of getting a question wrong will start to decrease.

3. kids are immature

you already know this. no matter what grade you're in, your class will be immature. and God forbid your class be made up of mostly boys. not to mention, they're probably laughing because they think everyone learns at the same pace (they don't) and that you're stupid for simply not understanding as quickly, which is not true. learning slower does not mean dumb.

4. you won't be with them forever

you won't be with your classmates in a certain amount of years, some people literally switch schools when they graduate their current grade. and, they'll probably forget about it by tomorrow, if not later that day.

[kiyaaa23]

how to become your best version

i already have a post on becoming your best self, but i wanted to go a little more in depth.

1. visualize

visualize what your best version looks like. when i say this, i don't mean what their nose looks like. how long their nails are, etc. i mean their fashion, their routine, and their life.

2. get closer to your god

this is optional, of course. if you're an atheist, good for you. but if you're not, get more in touch with your spirituality. study whatever your religious book is. learn the sins. etc.

3. cut out all negativity from your life

cut off toxic friends. stop giving in to people who just want to see you fall. block accounts that make you feel bad. don't text your ex, because they're your ex for a reason. don't consume media that romanticizes bad things (sh, mental illness, abuse, etc.). also, [kinda NSFT] stop watching porn. i understand you might need to "get off". but if you can't control it, atleast make sure it's not torture or degrading porn.

4. educate yourself

read articles. study subjects that you know your teacher will cover soon. read. watch documentaries. because at the end of the day, attractiveness can only get you so far. but intelligence can get you farther.

5. focus on your health

make sure you eat healthier, more nutritious foods. workout. even if it's calm. like pilates or yoga. a lot or people don't mention this, but take care of your mental health too. this comes from someone who gets terribly depressed atleast once a week. go to therapy. but if it's too expensive (because it's definitely not cheap!), there are alternatives: meditating, journaling, and doing other different exercises for your mental health(especially if you deal with things like grief).

6. have pamper days

i know that atleast 60% of my posts talk about self-care and what not, but its so beneficial and important! self-care and pampering don't consist of anything specific. whatever makes you feel good. though it does exclude smoking, heavy drinking, and anything else that makes you feel good, but is actually dangerous.

[kiyaaa23]

how to be like elle woods

elle woods is truly a role model. a fictional one, of course, but still a role model. especially for young girls who have been told that they can't put effort into their appearance and grades at the same time.

1. have a motive

if i remember correctly, elle's initial motivation was to get warner back, although she did end up having a genuine passion for her studies. your motive doesn't need to be getting back with your crappy ex, but having a motive will help. regardless of what it is.

2. be yourself

don't think that just because you go to a prestigious school, or something like that, that you have to dress in neutral colors, or have a calm personality. now, if that's what you want, then okay. but if it's not, then be yourself. being smart doesn't mean being boring. both before and after harvard, elle embraced her femininity, and you can too!

3. don't let anything stop you

elle was stereotyped as a bimbo/dumb blonde throughout the entirety of both movies, but that didn't stop her in the slightest.

4. confidence and not caring

she got weird looks for wearing hot pink in a courtroom, decorating her office 'too much', the list goes on. but she didn't care. she didn't want to be a copy-and-paste lawyer. also, think about it like this, let's say you want to become a lawyer like elle. you may end up having to defend someone who committed a serious crime that you don't agree with. depending on how big the case gets, you'll face a lot of public scrutiny for doing that. but you shouldn't care. why? because you know that deep down, you didn't agree with that person, you were just doing your job.

5. study anywhere, anytime, everywhere, everytime

don't let an appointment or change in schedule stop you from studying, especially if it'll be detrimental to your grade. elle literally had her textbook at the hair salon with her. she was studying while exercising. if she didn't let those things distract her or stop her, why should you?

6. always be kind

elle was kind to everyone she met. she was even nice to vivian, her ex's new girlfriend. a lot of women get threatened by that, but elle didn't.

[kiyaaa23]

HOW TO ROMANTICISE EXERCISE

WEAR SOME MATCHING GYM WEAR. Doesn’t have to be something you buy, but anything activewear out of your closet will do. Clothes that make us feel cute while we are making our bodies feel good are the absolute combination. 

CREATE A MOTIVATING PLAYLIST. Put in songs that motivate you and make you feel good mentally. Bonus points if you have different songs for different workout types. 

LISTEN TO AN AUDIOBOOK OR WATCH A VIDEO, while you exercise. This is what I do, and it helps me to track the length of my exercise and also self-educate myself while exercising. 

GET OUTDOORS. Whether it’s in your backyard, or the park, try to get outside for a change and expose yourself to the bright sun. This helps to stimulate our senses. Remember to wear sunscreen! 

WORK OUT WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY. Whether it’s at the gym, on-call while watching a workout video or playing some sports, try to involve your loved ones. 

REFRAME YOUR MINDSET. Exercising isn’t about getting your body to fit a certain mould, but rather taking care of it. Exercise is another way to fuel us, it shouldn’t be your enemy. 

SWITCH IT UP. Do different exercises when you can, so you can avoid getting bored. Matching it up to your menstrual cycle also has a lot of benefits. 

SET AN REMINDER. If you exercise around a regular time, set a reminder on your phone about your workout goals and a motivating quote. This helps us to feel more willing to exercise. 

REWARD YOURSELF. After each workout, figure out a suitable reward that you like. E.g., 20 more minutes of screen time, watching a movie, or having an extra 10 minutes staying up.

FIND ONE THAT YOU LIKE. Exercise that benefits us and is convenient for us is not going to be the same for everyone. Experiment and find one that you like and is benefitting you. 

[kiyaaa23]

HOW TO STOP SELF SABOTAGING + DOUBTING

MAKE YOUR GOALS/HABITS AN IDENTITY. Your lifestyle makes up who you are, quite literally. If you want to wake up early, then start identifying yourself as an early bird. If you want to get good grades, then start identifying yourself as a studious student. And so on. 

This helps with feeling more accountable and committed to our goals and habits. However, don’t use this as a reason to overexert yourself. 

THERE IS SOMETHING UNDERNEATH CERTAIN BEHAVIOURS. All of your bad habits stem from your subconscious. This is why mentally healthy people tend to think more about their physical health. 

The best way to recognise patterns beneath your bad habits is just to talk to yourself. In any way or any form. Identify it, see what might’ve caused this subconscious thought and then work towards a way to replace the feeling that these bad habits give with a good one. 

DETACH FROM THE OUTCOME. The more you fixate on the long-term results, the more longer, strenuous and exhausting your journey is going to be, especially because you’re going to want to give up as soon as results don’t appear. Focus on the short-term results. 

You exercised? Now you feel good inside. You studied hard and understood everything? Great job for being so productive. You did that one really scary thing? What a great start!

THE PART OF YOU THAT DOES BAD HABITS IS NOT BAD. It is the complete opposite of bad. It loves you and wants to keep you safe, so it refrains you from doing anything ‘scary’ (which is typically new things in our lives) and makes you fall back on ‘safe’ habits which are a coping mechanism. 

So, instead of berating that part of you that participates in bad habits even if you know it’s bad, understand it. As these coping mechanisms usually stem from our childhoods, we turn to these habits when we feel stressed, anxious or depressed. 

[kiyaaa23]

masterlist

guides

how to be confident

how to be 'that girl'

how to do well in school

how to romanticize studying

how to stop listening to secular music

how to be feminine

how to become your best self with angel numbers

moodboards

on sundays we self care

straight out of yale

but i think i'm liking HER more

you just do it for yourself

2014

malibu barbie

take notes in class

ballet

it girl

take care of yourselves

autumn

booklover

the key word in 'moodboard' is 'mood'

stargirl

catholic school

elle woods study motivation

other

my other blogs

helpful youtubers for you

journal prompts for self reflection + faith

[kiyaaa23]