Shinner shares why narrowing your focus on smaller wins can attract long term successes

Megan Shinner Head of Advice

Especially in the academic work, there always seems to be a pressure to be chasing a bigger goal. Whether this be by getting a higher assignment mark or working extra hours to get accepted onto a masters course: there is always a need to be chasing something. Even when we graduate and enter the working world, the need to receive the boss’s approval or putting in the extra paperwork to give you the best possible chance at getting the promotion is something that many of us feel that we must do. We must strive to be bigger and better than what we currently are. If we could be doing something better, then why aren’t we already do it? There’s so much pressure on one’s self by applying that statement to your work ethic, and it isn’t healthy to follow in the long run.

However, what if we just focussed on the smaller goals, what if just remaining consistent was okay? I believe consistency is key, and even consistency can help us aim and eventually reach those bigger and better things we aspire to in the long run, but removes the strain we put on our physical and mental health, self-confidence, and work ethic.

In academic terms, setting a good work schedule with regular breaks can keep you motivated and can be much easier to maintain. For example, you could even treat your university timetable as a 9-5. That way, you’ll be getting a good amount of sleep, you’ll have every evening to yourself, and you’re still putting in about 6 hours of work a day. That seems like a win-win scenario to me! Cramming last minute and spending full 24hr cycles in the library is never a healthy thing to do.

It ruins your sleep schedule, increases the feeling of burn out, and ultimately decreases the quality of your work. It is never, in any way possible, a productive thing for you to do. However, if you take the first approach to studying, you’ll feel energised from your studies and this consistent productivity will motivate you to return the next day and do the same thing. Then, on the occasions you need to work an extra few hours in the library (it’s okay, it happens to all of us!) you’ll feel en- ergised to do so and your brain will much likely remain concentrated for those extra few hours. Additionally, the 9-5 method also ensures complete days off studying. Brain breaks are super important. They help you refresh your perspective on your work, and ultimately help you make it better when you return.

By incorporating consistency in your life, you can achieve your bigger, long-term goals whilst reducing the pressure on yourself, and still enjoying your life. It’s really important to enjoy your life and all the little things in it, especially when we have a big academic or work goal we are aiming for. Taking a walk through your favourite park, holding hands with your partner or laughing to your favourite show with your favourite snacks are such underrated things that can bring us so much joy.

I think being happy with our lives is such an obvious thing that everyone wants, but it’s never something anyone will tell you when they mention their big life goals. However, being happy is definitely at the top of my list, and I want to make sure I keep doing all of those little things that help me stay that way. If we aren’t happy with the little things in our lives, then how can we successfully strive for the bigger things? Focussing on the smaller successes, like getting out for a walk, and ensuring we do something everyday that will make us happy will help us feel more content with where we are currently, so we don’t put so much pressure on ourselves to reach for something else.

Your past self spent such a long time working up to where you are today, so don’t worry the time away. You deserve to be where you are today, so make sure you enjoy the reward for your past hard work. Make sure to enjoy where you are and focus on those bigger stages one small decision at a time.