Being exceptional is a goal that every student strives for, at least when they first start school. Few students truly understand what it takes to be exceptional.
What does it take to be an exceptional student? How are exceptional students made?
Based on my personal assessment and the assessments of others, I believe I am in a good position to answer that question.
To be exceptional simply means to stand out, to be significantly different from one’s peers. Outstanding students are always unique no matter where you meet them.
It’s not just about their academic performance, though that’s where their classmates first notice them.
How are unique students made?
If you ask any exceptional student why they are the way they are and how they came to be that way, they will tell you one or more of the following:
I strive to pursue balance in every aspect of my life.
Outstanding students strive for balance in all aspects of their lives, and this is how they deal with the monotony syndrome.
I read voraciously and try to stay as versatile as I possibly can
If you look at all of the outstanding students, you’ll notice that they know something about almost everything. This is because they are voracious readers who are always on the lookout for new information.
I try to be conscious of my thoughts as much as I can
A man is as he thinks in his heart. Outstanding students understand this, which is why they control their thought life and appear to be content with their lives. They are constantly attracting the good things that they think about.
I treat myself and others with respect
Outstanding students understand the value of living in harmony with others. While we cannot please everyone, we can live in harmony with them by respecting them as well as ourselves.
I associate with positively minded individuals
Show me your friends, and I’ll predict where you’ll be in ten years. Outstanding students do not make fun of those they surround themselves with and spend time with because our relationships shape who we become. That is why exceptional students are always friends with other exceptional students.