Being a great student is more than just getting good grades and achieving high test scores. It also means having a passion for knowledge and the motivation to grow and develop academically. As it turns out, the most successful students often share some common traits, most of which can be taught and acquired over time to support the effectiveness of anyone’s learning process. With that in mind, here are some of the most frequent traits of successful students:
Great organisational skills
As we move up the educational ladder, schedules become tighter, the material gets more complex, and the expectations are higher. It’s nearly impossible to be a successful student under those circumstances without exceptional organisational skills. Good organisation allows students to create effective itineraries, plan their time accordingly, and accomplish everything in due course. Done right, it will also leave time for relaxation and fun, such as travelling as a student. Fortunately, organisational skills can easily be developed, especially when utilising aids such as planners, diaries, and mobile applications for planning and productivity.
Consistency and persistence
Learning is a lifelong process that happens consistently and rather slowly. And as already mentioned, our educational journeys only become more difficult and complicated as we get older. In order to complete their responsibilities successfully, students have to take a step-by-step approach to studying and commit to regular practice. It’s the willingness to continue practising that leads to long-term success, not a one-time positive outcome. Consistency is key in education, as only a focused and persistent student can expect to be a successful one as well.
Learning and development
The most successful students are able to accomplish several things at once. This is likely due to the fact that great students simply appreciate the value of education, not only in terms of professional prospects, but also personal development. That is why many Australian students, for example, often decide to get the best MBA in Australia online. This is usually done simultaneously with another university course, as a business administration degree can have a number of beneficial applications across industries and fields. Regardless of their future roles, an MBA provides local students with greater career opportunities as soon as they complete their education.
Good goal-setting capabilities
Across the US, on the other hand, efficient goal-setting is thought to be a common trait among successful students, and for good reason. Goals allow students to avoid distractions and focus their attention towards important information and positive behaviours that are necessary for success. Research suggests that incremental goals are significantly more effective than larger goals. When students are able to break down big goals into smaller parts, they are more likely to achieve them as well. If they are also able to incorporate the feedback they receive from teachers, these small signs of progress can easily lead to great achievements.
Knowing how to accept failure
Despite our best efforts, we are bound to fail every now and again – it’s a natural aspect of life and a common occurrence throughout the learning process. Unfortunately, too many students get overwhelmed with negative feelings when they fail, never realising that valuable lessons can be learned from this situation. In fact, failure allows us to identify our weak points, giving us the opportunity to learn from our mistakes and grow as students and human beings. Having the tenacity to look at failure in an analytical manner is what separates great students from good ones.
While some students might be naturally gifted, for most it comes down to practice and willingness to learn. With enough persistence, continuous development, and the right capabilities, any student can become successful.
About the author:
Peter is a fashion stylist and a writer from Brisbane, Australia. After graduating from Australian Institute of Creative Design he worked as a fashion stylist for few local fashion events. Beside fashion and styling, he enjoys traveling around exotic destinations and discovering new vintage stores. He’s future plans are in creating his personal styling business.