What Is Your Game Plan?

Ray
Ray Henning, UNHS Academic Adviser

 

Sports have long been an integral part of my life both as an athlete and coach, and I feel the lessons learned in athletics are similar to academics. For example, in athletic competition one of most important components to victory is having a game plan.

Most coaches develop game plans based on several factors including but not limited to:

  • The ability of his or her players
  • Opportunities for success against an opponent

You may have heard the “coach speak” phrases:

  • “Stick with the game plan” if the team is doing well or just needs to perform better
  • “Adjust the game plan” if changes are needed in order to win
E04-Sideline
Mr. Henning coached football for 30 years at a local high school in Nebraska.

Having a game plan for your academic success is important as well, and right now is a great time of year to reassess the plan you are working on.

Perhaps you can just “stick with your plan” because you are earning the grades you desire. However, some of you may need to “adjust your game plan” because you are not experiencing the results you want or need to reach your goals.

Here are my three suggestions for adjusting your academic game plan:

  1. Believe you can do it—self-confidence is key

  2. Work hard—nothing can take the place of effort

  3. Get help if you need it—be sure to use the resources available to you!

So now I have to ask—how is your academic “game plan” working for you?  Do you need to “stick with it” or make some “adjustments”? What adjustments do you think you need to make? Please comment below.

Help! Resolution Encouragement Needed

Debby
Debby Bartz, UNHS Academic Adviser

I know many of you may have started new years resolutions with the ringing in of 2016, but my resolution actually started at the beginning of the school year—July 1, 2015.

After two years of procrastinating I finally acknowledged that it wasn’t my desk chair shrinking. And, after seeing my better half shed 40 pounds (he cut out soda and became friends with our dusty elliptical), I was determined to break out of my habit of grazing and start lacing up my running shoes again.

Breaking old habits is tough, but when it can result in positive changes for your life, it is most definitely a meaningful goal. For me, I knew it was time to transform and not just for myself.

My resolution is for:

  • My wonderful family, friends and neighbors
  • Playtime with grandkids
  • Energy for my co-workers and the many students I work to inspire throughout the year
  • Our youngest son’s wedding (in September 2016!)

I’m proud to say that my chair now fits comfortably again, and I have bought a second pair of sneakers to keep at work.

But I’m still working toward my goal and could use a bit of encouragement! Please share your inspiration and suggestions as I look to continue on my resolution.

For your resolutions or any of your goals in general, I encourage you to also set up a support system to help you be successful. And don’t ever be afraid to ask for help along the way!