…Your academic gas tank is running empty, and you’re not motivated to ace your exams.

…You hate to get up in the morning to report to class, or hate to go to school after a long day of work.

…You study just enough to get a passing grade and you really don’t care.

…You find yourself waiting till the last minute to do assignments, study for exams, and write papers.

…You have a mental tattoo that reads “Complacency is Cool” and it shows daily.

If you are a high school student, college student, adult student, online student, or “off for a while” student and the above sounds like you, you are most like dealing with APATHY.  Today, I have a few suggestions for you.

Six Definitions That Indicate You Are Dealing with Apathy

1. Apathy is when you lack EMOTION.
2. Apathy is when you lack MOTIVATION.
3. Apathy is when you lack ENTHUSIASM
4. Apathy is the state of not CARING.
5. Apathy is the state of not WANTING TO KNOW.
6. Apathy is when you are satisfied with COMPLACENCY.

I Dealt With This In School Also, You Are Not Alone

While in graduate school at Lehigh University, pursuing my first Master’s degree in Polymer Science and Engineering, “Apathy” was the middle initial in my name “Kantis A. Simmons”

Attending a school in a slow paced city like Bethlehem, Pennsylvania felt like the wilderness that Jesus was in. Even though Jesus was there for only 40 days, I was there for two years. It was so *wack* there, well at least before I overcame the stress and depression caused by apathy.

I would watch hours of TV, when I should have been in the laboratory working on my thesis. When it was time to read books and scientific journals, I found myself reading sport magazines; this lead to a few weeks of poor results on test, headaches, and weeks of sluggishness. Now this was probably duplicated when I was in high school or even in undergraduate school, but I found a way to constantly pull myself out of the “rut”

Here Are 7.25 Actions I Did to Overcome Apathy as a Student, and YOU Can Too.

1 – Do Something. When you find yourself not wanting to do anything, do something. Pick up a book, take yourself out on the town, go hang with a good friend, color in a coloring book, or go have a super fun day,

2 – Sketch a Picture of Yourself. Whip out a piece of paper and sketch how you look, and in most cases the image on the piece a paper will be either how you want to look, funny and make u smile, or disgust you on how you presently look. The feelings generated from this picture will help you realize how you actually envision yourself.  As a result it will paint for you an internal image of your mindset.  “Before you can go forward in life, you must identify where you are.”

3 – Re-identify or Identify Your Academic Goals. Take some time to assess why you are in school, and what kind of G.P.A. you want to accomplish. Make sure your goals are written, present, personal, and positive. If you need help writing goals or want to know more about setting Academic Goals check this out.

4 – Craft a Clear Vision. When you don’t have a clear vision on something, life can be cloudy. Take some time to write a vision statement of your life purpose. It will help you stay on track. Here’s my vision:

I Kantis Simmons strive to be the leader in information publishing that changes the mindset, attitude, actions and life habits of students and professionals by developing and presenting resources (seeds) to help them understand their unique and customized purpose and be thoroughly equipped to carry it out in the earth – thus making their lives, their families and their call fruitful.

5 – Hang Out With New Friends. Look in your cell phone, look at your classmates, look at your text buddies, look at your close internet friends. Who’s Bringing You down? Who’s devaluing you? Find some new eagles, and fly with them.  Friend Me on Facebook or Twitter, I’m an Eagle. I would love to become your friend, so connect with me or email me at kantis (at) playingyouragame.com

6 – Take Your Failures and Turn Them Into Successes. Think of a few failures you have had in this school term thus far. How can you re-frame those into positive experiences? What did you learn from those experiences that can help you avoid further issues?

7 – Find Someone Who’s Less Fortunate Than You Are. There are many people who would love to be where you are right now. Look around and discover just how blessed you are. No matter what your situation, there is something good that you can be thankful for. Don’t have a “Pity Party” – have a “Praise Party”. Praise all those who have helped you get to where you are today. Send them an email or handwritten postcard to simply say thank you. This would make you feel so good.

7. 25 – Get Off Your Rear End. Like my high school baseball coach would say; “Get the Lead Out Your Butt Kantis” I’m not meaning to be offensive, I’m just telling you what he told me (and it worked). Realize that where you are right now is not your final destination, but it is a point on the path. Keep your left foot continuously moving in front of your right, and run towards your goals. You can do it my friend!

Apathy is nothing to hold on to. If not dealt with, it can lead to stress, depression, defeat, or even suicide. I hope this article was helpful for you, and I realize that we all have our down moments, so I would love to hear what you do to refuel and motivate your self. Leave me your suggestions below

Apathy is not only experienced by students, but it is also experienced by teachers, parents, and professionals in the work place. So, don’t keep this article a secret, share it with some deserving student or parent.

A Recommended Resource => Stay Motivated, Remain Focused, and Succeed in School & Life

“There’s only one Game in life that Counts, and That’s Your “A” Game.” – Kantis Simmons

After watching the 2009 NFL Superbowl, between the football Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals, there was one thing common amongst all those involved. This one thing, is what causes the greatest champions to spend hours, days, and years in the weight room, studying film, and practicing day in and day out.

With the Superbowl being an event that most NFL athletes look forward to their entire career, there was something that was consistent among all the participants. PREPARATION!

Preparation, practice, development, training, mentoring, rehearsing, and repetition all have come before great opportunities. But when opportunities do arrive, are you prepared?

Preparation is the pre-requisite for being an “A” student.  Preparation is the pre-requirement of all champions. In music, business, academics, and even professional speaking, you must log time in preparing.

View the above video, to give a simple note on how to make the most of every opportunity.

“If you live and stay prepared, you will never miss a beat.” – Kantis Simmons

If you are not able to view the above video, then you can also view it on  youtube, blip, google,

If you think about most of your day, the majority of your time is  spent listening. Listening to your professor…listening to a lecture… and listening to the class conversation. Listening consumes most, if not all, of your day in the classroom.

So how effective are your listening skills? For more infor about visit: http://playingyouragame.com/listening-skills

I just recently shot a crazy video, giving you a sneek peak on some of the things I listen to:

If you can not see the above video, you can also see it on youtube, vimeo, or blip.

Then with disgust, she mentions that while she was taking her test she heard two students talking during her final exams. She looked at them, but could not understand a word they were saying – they were speaking another language.

As she sat there, another student too witnessed these two men talking during the final exams. What were they talking about at this crucial time? They were cheating!

Should they turn these  students in or should they let this pass?

“Tell or don’t tell? That is the question!

In my first year at Georgia Institute of Technology, I came to better understand the importance of honor.  There was a situation that took place during my first semester that I had never experienced before. I was taking an engineering test in a class made up primarily of international students. The professor was not present. During the exam, I heard a foreign language spoken in the classroom. To this day, I have no idea what was said, but I know there should not have been any talking during the test. I assumed that a few students were cheating, but I blocked the thought out of my head.  Unfortunately it happened again during another test, except this time I heard papers being passed around. Despite the evidence, I again let the situation slide. 

When it happened a third time, I wrote an unsigned letter to the department head and to all the professors of the classes in which I believed the students were cheating.  In my letter I expressed my observations during each test session. I specifically mentioned each instance I felt the students were cheating.  I expressed my belief that these actions were unfair to other students and that a flagrant violation to the honor code tookplace that required an investigation and possible disciplinary action. 

After a few days, the professor returned the exams and made a public comment about the letter in which I had written. He went on to express that the institution held the Honor Code in the highest regard and required that all students abide by it. In addition, the professor stated that students who were witnesses to cheating were required to report what they had observed. 

I knew about the first part of the code, but not the latter. The professor suggested that the “disturbed graduate student” come and see him to discuss the matter personally with him; thereafter, he would investigate the situation. I met with him after class in his office, and he explained to me my part of the honor code; to report violations by confronting the student personally or informing the professor of the alleged infraction. When he had finished speaking, I told him of my observations. 

After two semesters of investigating and keeping a thorough watch on the alleged violators, these students were caught red-handed. The professors finally realized that what I had observed and reported was obviously true. 

Is cheating something that you witness, but don’t say anything? Do you let it pass like so many do?

I encourage you to walk in honor, even if situational ethics say it is okay to “sneak a peek” or plagiarize something. 

Honor is doing what’s right when no one is looking. Honor is directly related to one’s character. It defines who you are, when you are all alone without any classmates or supervision. So what does your character say about you? Are you the student that occassionally goes the extra mile to get the anwers for the test from your peers. Or are you the student that spends time writing the answers to the exam on the palm of your hand? Maybe you are the “techie” cheater, who knows how to program the answers and study notes in your cell phone or scientific calculator?  If you are one of the above, I encourage you today to cut the nonsense out. Stop living a dishonorable life, and make a decision today to walk in integrity. “God don’t like ugly” is what my elders use to say.

PS: My friend, did the honorable thing. She notified her teacher by writing a huge note to her professor ON HER EXAM. 

So what will you do? Tell or Don’t Tell?  Let me know what you think about this?

1. Ask the Instructor.

When preparing for test be aggressive and ask the instructor what to expect. Ask questions like… “What material will be covered?” What should you concentrate on?”, “Will the test be objective or essay?”

2. Look up past copies of exams or quizzes.

Take the time to search out old exams if they are available in the library. Also check with other students who took the class the previous year or semester. These tests can give you an idea of what your exam may be like. Use them as a study tool, but don’t rely heavily on them.

3. Predict.

Try to predict test questions beforehand. Prepare answers to those questions, and use it as another study preparation tool.

4. Review your notes.

Schedule time to go back and review all your notes and highlighted sections of your text again. Don’t try to re-read the entire text, but review the most important information.

5. Get in the bed

Get a good night’s sleep every single day of the test week. Rest gives the brain and body time to rejuvenate and Play its “A” Game, but most importantly it gives your mind time to digest your studies.

6. Eat lightly.

Along with eating lightly before an exam, also do some non-strenuous exercise before the exam.

7. Make up your own test.

Put yourself in the shoes of your professor, and make up your own tests. After making up a mock test, spend time answering all the questions from your mock test. This will give you the opportunity to get into test-taking mode and allow you to review the most important information.

7.25  Approach the Test with Confidence

If you put in the preparation, believe that you can succeed. The #1 downfall of  most students is self-doubt, thus leading to a lack of confidence. Therefore after putting in the proper preparation, don’t allow your internal ipod to speak doubt and failure. But  walk in confidence, speak confidently,abd approach the test with confidence. You CAN ace all your tests.

When you talk about SUCCESS, you have to talk about GOALS.

When you speak of Academic SUCCESS, you must talk about Academic GOALS.

SUCCESS IS GOALS

[AUDIO]  “Goal Setting as a Student” by Kantis Simmons

You cannot have success without having something that is measurable, memorable and achievable. So you have to have goals in place to know when you have been a success at something.

Developing various academic survival skills as a student is really really important, however this survival skill of setting and achieving your goals is the motor (or motive) behind all the other skills. What I mean is this…

If you can establish a academic goal that is PRESENT, POSITIVE,  and PERSONAL as a student, then all the action survival skills of listening in class, taking great notes, class participation, and the others will support the goal you have initially set for yourself. They become the action steps required to achieve your set goals.

BUT DO YOU HAVE GOALS??

Today I have posted a small audio where I go into more detail about goal setting and how you can use it to achieve good grades, money for school, college acceptance or whatever you desire as a student.

After listening to the below academic success skill, be bold and let me know what is the one biggest thing you want to achieve academically. Post in the comments below.

[AUDIO] “Goal Setting as a Student” by Kantis Simmons

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Kantis Simmons is America’s #1 Academic Success Coach, where he uses his no-nonsense “7.25 Secrets” to “wow” educators, parents, students via speaking programs and information products. Acclaimed for receiving three advanced scientific degrees and more than $400,000 in scholarship money, this former NASA employee and Olympic Drum major encourages everyone he comes in contact with to Play their “A” Game.

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I often wonder, what I can do every month to improve the livelihood and quality of every student I come in contact with.

Just the other day, while waiting to board a flight to New Jersey I sat next to a college student. As we both played with our Apple laptops, and both with ear plugs in our ear I said to myself…“I wonder if he is playing his ‘A’ game in school?” Now I assumed he was a college student, because he wore a bold sweat shirt with a school’s name on it.

With a nosiness about me, I asked, “do you attend the University on your sweatshirt?” With a relieved look of breaking the silence, he nodded “yes”. I introduced myself and gave him some “dap” and the universal “wsup Nod”. We began chatting about his first year of school.

Being from Texas and going to school in upstate New York, he commented that his biggest challenge was managing academics and football. Playing on a team with as 3-8 record  as a freshman wide receiver, he had more than football issues. He had challenges adjusting to being a football scholar, working with his coaches (who are rumored to being fired) and living so far from home.

From his soft voice, you can tell that he was not pleased with his all around first semester performance. I sat there and listened as he spoke about grades, studying, his major, time and being physically exhausted for the football season.

But there is still hope……

As I was packing my things listening to him to board my plane, I simply said this to him.

If you want to be GREAT, then hang with GREAT people.

If you want to be the BEST, then find out what the best do and learn from them.

The scripture in Proverbs says it this way, “He who hangs with wise men, shall be wise, but a companion of fools, shall be destroyed.”

In academics, in business, in sports and in any aspect of life, you must find someone greater and learn from their failures and successes.

It is said that you are the average of the five people you associate with the most. Your GPA is probably the average of the five colleagues you hang with the most. Your salary is probably the
average of the five people you associate with the most.

Does your posse suck ?

That’s the question I want to leave with you. I challenge you to upgrade every area of your life by strategically examining your posse.

Here’s the Gameplan for you:

Make a detail list of the circle of 5 friends/associates/mentors who will best position you for your “A” Game. Who in your group of 5 do you need to cut, and who do u need to add?

Right or Wrong College Major? 5 Signs its Time to Change from Kantis Simmons on Vimeo. 

(if you can’t see above video)

Ever considered that your current academic performance is linked to your current college major?

Ever considered that your current major will not lead you to a career that you are passionate about?

Ever considered that you picked your current major for the right or wrong reason?

Well in this short video, I give some signpost to determine if you are in the right or wrong reason college major. Take the time to watch this video, and do a personal check to see if you have these 5 symptoms. If so, consider changing, it will be in your best interest to do so.

You can also get more in depth material on selecting a college major from my talk on “7.25 Questions to Identify Your Life’s Assignment Regardless of Your College Major“.

Also take some time to forward this video blog to some worthy high school or college student, andalso  subscribe them to my FREE newsletter the GamePlan

What about the one … “Rich People Read books, and Poor People Watch TV ?”

Well whatever you have heard about reading, one thing is for sure; People who read well are more likely to do well academically.

I remember growing up as a student, that I hated to read books because it seemed like a long process or it seemed like the prelude before sleep. I even remember reading Cliff Notes, and the beginning and ends of chapters of books just to TRY to get an advantage over reading the entire text. But after three college degrees, I saw the direct correlation between my poor test grades and my reading efforts. I was always under prepared when I did not FULLY and EFFECTIVELY read.

Maybe you are presently like I use to be, dreading to read?  Today I would like to share with you the fifth Academic Survival Skills that every Student most develop – READING.

Eliminate Bad Reading Habits

When you are reading a book, article, paper or journal entry, begin today to eliminate these bad habits that slow your reading down.

• Don’t move your lips while you are reading, but “SAY” your words in your mind, or use your finger as a fluid pointer.
• Train your eyes to take in large group of words, at every glance – not just one word in each since.
• Avoid backtracking. Stop rereading that sentence that you keep reading over and over.  Keep it moving.

Adjust Your Speed

According to what you are reading, and the purpose of the material you are reading, adjust your speed of reading accordingly. Hear are a few examples:

• Skim material if you’re looking for the answer to a particular question
• Slow down when you are reading technical subjects, like equations, science or math.

Expand Your Vocabulary

If at all possible, strive to expand your vocabulary when you read.

• I suggest using a dictionary, or web program that will easily help you learn the definition, synonyms and antonyms of new words
• Understand what certain prefixes, suffixes, and roots of words mean. You can find books in the library or search the web for resources to help you.
• And when giving the opportunity, use new words that your learn in your everyday speech. It will help your vocabulary as well (Ps: I try to do this a lot in my speeches, just make sure you really know the full definition of the word).

Get Help if You Need It

If you are ever having challenges in reading,

• Enroll in a reading class. It’s okay! It’s actually a cool thing to read.
• And check with your school or university to see if they may have some helpful  speed reading courses.

Okay here’s my challenge for you. Better your reading skills, by reading on a daily basis.

Tell me below (in comments) what books you are presently reading. What are the last three books you have read or in the process of reading.

The three books I am currently reading:

1. Book Yourself Solid, by Michael Port
2. The Maxwell Daily Reader, by John Maxwell
3. Playing Your “A” Game, by Kantis Simmons (yep rereading cause I’m finishing the second version)
4. The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, by Al Ries & Jack Trout

You can also see me speaking about this concept of reading to some students.

Managing time, budgeting time, and utilizing the 24 hours accurately is a mandatory skill to develop if youwant to succeed academically and beyond. In the 4th part of our Academic Survival Skill Series we will look at time management – how successful studying starts with budgeting your time.

Recently, I was speaking to a friend of mine who is raising a family, working a forty hour a week job, and receiving her Master’s degree. And she simply said, “Kantis I need more time!”

Now you and I know we can’t get more time, but only use the time we have effectively.

In your quest to improve your grades, live your life and get it all done within 24 hours a day, here are a few “time tips” below:

1. Develop a schedule that includes all “regular” activites, such as classes, a part-time job, meals, family, or practices (with an athletic team or group).
2. Reserve time for sleep, exercising, and recreation
3. Schedule review time for right after a lecture or right before a discussion of possible.
4. Plan ahead for all major projects and exams. Don’t wait till last minute.
5. Break up all your tasks and set them as time goals (Goal #1- search sources, Goal #2-review notes, etc)
6. Attempt to study the same subject at the same time each day
7. Take short breaks to reward yourself – you deserve it