Find a role model that has a clear set of values and qualities that you admire. You might find a positive role model in your school, religious community, after school activity, or even within your family.
Research things that you don’t know by looking it up on the internet, going to the library, or asking an expert. Ask questions while you are learning to gain a deeper understanding. Read lots of books to gain new perspective and spark your imagination. Reading is an excellent way to learn new things and gain perspective on all sorts of situations. Check out books from categories that interest you, such as sci-fi, fantasy, philosophy, nature, astronomy, and biography.
Accept feedback from your teachers to improve your schoolwork. For example, apply the comments on your last research paper to improve your next research paper. Receive constructive criticism from your coaches or mentors to succeed in afterschool activities. For example, apply the tips that your coach gives you during your practice to improve your technique. Ask for feedback when feedback is not initially given to you. For example, when you receive a bad grade on a paper with little feedback, consider staying after class to discuss the paper with your teacher. Say something like, “Could you give me some feedback on how to make this paper better? I would like to make a better grade on the next assignment for this class. ”
Take responsibility for your grades instead of blaming them on your teachers. Admit to breaking or damaging something even if no one was watching. Accept and serve punishments given to you at school instead of asking your parents to talk to the administration.
When possible, have important conversations face-to-face instead of by phone, text, or email. Try to communicate with someone face-to-face every day to improve your interpersonal skills and avoid isolating yourself with technology. Focus on what the speaker is telling you. Put away any distractions.
Try asking your parents if they would be willing to teach you about basic money management, or look into a community course where you can learn basic money management skills. If you get a weekly allowance, list out all of your expenses for that week. Make sure to include gas, food, or money needed for activities. What is left over is money that you can spend or save for things you want. Resist giving into peer pressure to go somewhere and do something that you cannot afford to do. Keep a log of your spending and income to help stay on budget.
Try asking your parents if they would be willing to teach you about basic money management, or look into a community course where you can learn basic money management skills. If you get a weekly allowance, list out all of your expenses for that week. Make sure to include gas, food, or money needed for activities. What is left over is money that you can spend or save for things you want. Resist giving into peer pressure to go somewhere and do something that you cannot afford to do. Keep a log of your spending and income to help stay on budget.
Remember to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins, and dairy products. Resist the urge to skip meals when you are running short on time. Learn to make wise dietary decisions by helping your parents prepare meals or grocery shop for your family.
In your teenage years, you need between eight to ten hours of sleep per night. It is also important to go to sleep and wake up at about the same time every day. This will give your body a chance to perform important tasks, such as healing and detoxifying, which usually occurs between 11pm and 3am.
Take a walk. Go on a bike ride. Do chores such as vacuuming or gardening. Play frisbee with some friends.
Try setting small, achievable goals for yourself to gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment. For example, you might set a goal to finish a paper for your English class. Or, you might set a goal to learn how to play a new song on the piano.
Maintain a planner or calendar to help keep track of your commitments.
