In this post, I’d like to continue the tips I started last time. As I wrote last time, having a good strategy is key to surviving the challenges of high school without burning yourself out. Here are some more tips that I’ve learned so far.
5. Learn your teachers’ styles.
One of the first things you’ll notice in high school is that no two teachers are the same. Some are super detail-oriented, some love group projects, and some pile on homework like it’s their favorite hobby. Learning your teachers’ styles is important because it helps you adapt. You’ll know how to manage your time and how much effort each class will take. For example, if one teacher nitpicks every little detail and another cares more about creativity, you can split your energy wisely. Spend extra time polishing the work for the detail-focused teacher, and for the creative teacher, focus more on brainstorming good ideas before you even start the assignment. That way, you’re playing to each teacher’s expectations without burning yourself out.
6. Learn When to Say No
Another tip I learned quickly is the importance of saying no. In high school, it feels like everyone is asking you to join something—clubs, sports, projects, even last-minute hangouts. At first, it can feel like you have to say yes to everything or else you’ll miss out, but the truth is, you can’t do it all. It’s okay to take a step back and think about what you actually want to do. For example, joining six clubs might sound like a great idea during the first week, but by the time the meetings and events start piling up, you’ll feel like you’re drowning in commitments. When that happens, not only do you lose your free time, but you also don’t enjoy any of the things you signed up for in the first place. Saying no doesn’t make you lazy—it shows you know your limits and value your time. And when you choose fewer things, you can actually give them your full effort and enjoy them more.
7. Pick Activities You Actually Like
College applications. They’re a huge part of high school, and sometimes it feels like everything we do is just for that. Because of that, a lot of people end up joining activities only because they think they’ll “look good.” But honestly, every counselor and article I’ve seen says the same thing: passion is way more important. If you actually enjoy something, you’ll do better at it, and people will notice. For example, if you love writing, the school newspaper will be so much more fun (and impressive) than forcing yourself into debate just because it sounds good. When you don’t like what you’re doing, it just feels like work. But when you do, it actually feels exciting and worth it.
8. Celebrate the small wins and strive for your best
Last tip: high school gets overwhelming fast if all you ever focus on are the “big goals” like a perfect GPA, varsity, or getting into your dream college. Those things matter, sure, but if you only chase them, you’ll feel like you’re never doing enough. That’s why it helps to set smaller goals that keep you motivated along the way. It could be finishing a group project on time, studying for a tough test, or even just getting enough sleep during a busy week. Those little wins add up and give you the push to keep going. And remember—doing your best doesn’t mean being perfect, it means creating something you can actually be proud of.
At the end of the day, high school isn’t about being perfect—it’s about finding what works for you, managing your time, and making choices that keep you motivated and happy.
Strings of Thought 