Mind Tricks and Tips to Help You Win Any Student Challenge
You have spent a lot of time searching and applying for that great student competition.
Now your event is approaching and you are waiting for the big day.
But there is still something you could do to greatly improve your chances of winning.
Seneca is well known for his saying "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"- you have found your opportunity, now put some time into preparation.
You may wonder how to prepare for your student contest if you have not participated before and have no idea what to expect.
Independent of the type of competition, mental preparation will ensure that you can concentrate and deliver on competition day.
Firstly, the goal of mental preparation is to help you deal with anxiety.
Here is a simple breathing exercise which will immediately help you feel more relaxed.
To start, sit comfortably and try to relax your muscles.
Slowly take in a deep breath, hold it and then slowly exhale.
Do each inhale, pause and exhale for the same time - for example, to the count of 10.
You may find it hard at first to breathe that slowly, so start with what feels easy and comfortable and as you relax you can keep slowing down your breathing more and more.
Secondly, mental preparation will also help you achieve better concentration.
A simple focusing exercise which you can do while riding on the bus or waiting in line is to count in your mind - count backwards from 100 or even count backwards skipping each three numbers - 100, 97, 94, 91, 89, etc.
Another technique which helps extend your concentration for longer periods of time is to practice stretching your limits.
When you are studying, try to study 15 minutes longer before taking your next break or try to finish reading a chapter even when you start getting tired.
Thus, you will become more persistent but also you will improve your efficiency when concentrating long hours - you will still be able to contribute and think when others are giving up.
In conclusion, keeping a calm and focused mind is the perfect skill when working under time pressure - as happens in most student competitions.
With the right preparation you can stay completely relaxed and concentrated.
There are numerous books and articles online which will help you train your mind so do not miss out on this opportunity.
When you meet other talented and knowledgeable competitors, mental preparation is what will give you the edge and make you a winner.
Now your event is approaching and you are waiting for the big day.
But there is still something you could do to greatly improve your chances of winning.
Seneca is well known for his saying "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"- you have found your opportunity, now put some time into preparation.
You may wonder how to prepare for your student contest if you have not participated before and have no idea what to expect.
Independent of the type of competition, mental preparation will ensure that you can concentrate and deliver on competition day.
Firstly, the goal of mental preparation is to help you deal with anxiety.
Here is a simple breathing exercise which will immediately help you feel more relaxed.
To start, sit comfortably and try to relax your muscles.
Slowly take in a deep breath, hold it and then slowly exhale.
Do each inhale, pause and exhale for the same time - for example, to the count of 10.
You may find it hard at first to breathe that slowly, so start with what feels easy and comfortable and as you relax you can keep slowing down your breathing more and more.
Secondly, mental preparation will also help you achieve better concentration.
A simple focusing exercise which you can do while riding on the bus or waiting in line is to count in your mind - count backwards from 100 or even count backwards skipping each three numbers - 100, 97, 94, 91, 89, etc.
Another technique which helps extend your concentration for longer periods of time is to practice stretching your limits.
When you are studying, try to study 15 minutes longer before taking your next break or try to finish reading a chapter even when you start getting tired.
Thus, you will become more persistent but also you will improve your efficiency when concentrating long hours - you will still be able to contribute and think when others are giving up.
In conclusion, keeping a calm and focused mind is the perfect skill when working under time pressure - as happens in most student competitions.
With the right preparation you can stay completely relaxed and concentrated.
There are numerous books and articles online which will help you train your mind so do not miss out on this opportunity.
When you meet other talented and knowledgeable competitors, mental preparation is what will give you the edge and make you a winner.
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