How is it that some students can be high-achievers in both academia and sports? It’s because they apply the same habits to both the athletic field and the classroom.

Successful students set goals and work toward achieving them. They tend to be goal-oriented, and focus on the result rather than the process of getting there. When people operate with a goal pictured in their mind, there is very little room for distractions to get in the way. They analyze everything they do in terms of the consequences it will have on achieving their goals. Successful people are able to blot out the negative and only pursue helpful activities, whether it is studying, reading or training.

Accomplished student athletes tend to live structured lives. This does not mean inflexibility or regimentation, but it does mean committing a certain amount of time each day to both sports practice and school work. They are comfortable following routines and sticking with them until their goals are achieved.

Time management is also an essential skill. Student athletes learn how to balance multiple commitments and responsibilities such as assignments, practices and competitions. They also learn how to schedule other activities around school work and athletics, and keep both of these a priority. Students who can’t manage their time well tend to miss deadlines, show up late, and perform poorly both on and off the field

Successful student athletes also place a priority on their health. Maintaining good health is important not only for sports, but for academic achievement. It is difficult to be at your best when you are tired and run down from lack of sleep, irresponsible dieting, poor eating habits, or destructive behaviors. They take care to prevent injuries and know when to call the doctor to keep from getting sicker. Caring for your body is probably the most helpful habit to have for continued success in all areas of a student’s life.