Being a student brings many challenges: busy class schedules, exams, long writing assignments, and those relentless instructors who insist on pushing us out of our comfort zone. Only you can decide how to deal with these challenges.

Ask yourself this question, “Do I want to succeed as a student, or do I want to just survive and get by?” The answer may help you understand who you are and who you will become. You get to choose.

If you elect to be successful as a student, you know that to do so will help shape the future we want as successful chiropractors. Now, where to begin?

1. Start today. Dress, walk, and act as the successful person you want to be. The transition to the world of being a professional will be easier. Tiger Woods practices every day. The point is to practice who you are and what you want to become, now.

2. Set your goals. You have to know what you want if you are going to get it. Goals have to be written down. If you want an A in a class, ask yourself, what do I need to do and whom do I need to become to make it happen?

Set goals for your classes, for your week, for each term. Set goals for your entire education experience. But don’t forget to set longer-term goals, envisioning your life after graduation. Spend time working on these and review, review, and review. Reward yourself for accomplishment.

(2a. Don’t forget to dream. Write down and review those dreams. It will keep you excited and focused.)

3. Start building the practice of your dreams now. Ask yourself, “Where do I want to live and practice?” On breaks, travel to the areas you are interested in. Visit the DCs in the area; get a feel for the community. Ask questions, seek advice, look around.

This exercise will enrich your knowledge of the business side of chiropractic and help you get engaged in your business and practice management course work.

4. Develop and maintain a positive attitude. Remember, this is your profession, your choice and your future. Be in control of what you do. Ask yourself, “Is this congruent with who I am and what I want to accomplish? Will this decision make me a better person and help me achieve my goals?”

Be cautious about the TV programs you watch and what you listen to. Read good inspirational books. Listen to positive audio books. Associate with people who will build you up. Form a mastermind group and stay off the NEWS topics (news, entertainment, weather and sports) when you meet. There is plenty of time for that later.

Attend technique and practice management seminars. I once heard Mark Victor Hansen say, “Leaders are born at seminars.” Surround yourself with leaders, because you will learn valuable information and will form a great networking system. Speak up and ask questions of your instructors. Select one or two you would like to be your coach or mentor, someone who will help you grow your vision. What a resource for information!

5. Be quiet. We all need time for ourselves. Develop the practice of being alone and getting quiet. Pray, meditate, think, do diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Have a notebook--a dream book--with you, and write down ideas that come to you. Do affirmations, be positive. Above all, this is a time to just be still. Enjoy the quiet and being alone with you.

The habits that will help make you successful as a student are exactly the same ones that will help make you a successful doctor. As a student, when you set your own standards and practice who you want to become, you are modeling and learning what you will carry over into life after college. Practice, learn, and apply now while the consequences are not so consequential.

J. Alan Lovejoy, AA, DC, is an associate professor at Cleveland College of Chiropractic, Kansas City, Missouri.

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