10. AIM BIGGER, NOT JUST MARKS

Mountains are climbed by inches and not by meter long strides. Your goal of completing your high school should not be focused on your marks (that’s something you should implicitly take care off), it should be about where you want to see yourself after you are done with school completely.

VISUALISE THE LARGER PICTURE!

9. EAT RIGHT FOR SUCCESS

Today we know that one must consume food that supports the nutritional requirement as per his or her occupation. An athlete's requirement is different than Office going professional. You are a student, you have loads of energy and you have to channelize it to focus on your studies. So eat right, that will help you study better, focus better and think better. Our mood and thoughts are highly influenced by our food habits and by having a good sleep routine.

TAKE CARE!

8. DON’T BE SERIOUS, PLAY

You definitely have read, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. We at FutureCaptains strongly believe in this old saying. One should pursue games – physical and brain training. This will help you keep your focus razor sharp and help you stay calm in that exam hall. Most importantly, brain fog wont happen to you. Your thinking will be clear and those answers will flow out smoothly on to the answer sheet.

GET OUT AND PLAY !

7. INVEST TIME FOR UNKNOWN

We know and you know that you are not 100 % occupied in those 24 hours in a day. Make sure you keep sometime tucked in for you to learn about things that possibly don’t interest you. Lack of awareness is the single most reason why many people compete for menial jobs. Spend time reading up on new areas like politics, economics, sports etc (any topic that you don’t know much about now). And yeah! who knows you may open a new window to your future and your adventure will begin that day.

SO START NOW!

6. KNOW THE WORLD (OF WORK)

During school holidays, you either spend hours in front of the TV or with your friends. Look out to spend your time at some business establishment and understand how things are done. How money is earned, how businesses are built. It will help you mentally prepare for the challenges and most importantly will give you an edge over everyone else, because now you have some “Work Experience”.

GO FOR IT!

5. BE A LEADER

Don’t be that person who just watches people do things on youtube or facebook videos. Do go out and do it yourself. Volunteer for an NGO, finish reading that book, learn a new skill, showcase your talent. Participate in forums, have opinions, offer solutions. Be seen as a responsible teenager, you will be surprised how much help will come your way and how many new opportunities will show up. Shine bright so that you can set every stage on fire.

BE THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR DESTINY!

4. MEET & CONNECT

We know that there are hardly any schools or institutions that formally teach students the nuances of networking. And moreover it’s a skill that cannot be learnt from a textbook. You got to start meeting new people whenever you can. Going out for a social gathering with your parents? Great! Do make it a point to talk to somebody new. Introduce yourself, discuss your doubts and aspirations and ask them questions. You can even request them to be your mentor. Every generation (older folks) loves and wants to support the next generation (youngers folks). Take this up as an investment in your future, an insurance too!

PEOPLE ARE NICE – START MEETING THEM!

3. YOUR FRIENDS

Friends are a plenty, good friends are many, but true friends who will stand by you and raise you, they are just a few. Treasure those true friends and nurture your friendship. You will be heading on the bigger world soon and its always good to have that ‘good old friend’ by your side. Have friends who support you in your career decision and provide you with unbiased feedback. And yes, don’t choose any career path because your friend has chosen it. Chances are, you might regret that decision in few years. True friends will always keep in touch no matter their career choices.

BONDING FOR LIFE!

2. COLLEGE & DEGREE

Know where to set your Sails For us, it’s surprising as well as disturbing that so many bright students in our country seldom know the best suited institutes for their field of study. Also, realise that the world doesn’t need only engineers or doctors, it needs an architect, an entertainer, a teacher and a pharmacist too. If your aim is to become an engineer from IIT, then great, go for it! Give it your best! But don’t let it consume you completely, develop an healthy attitude towards your future . There are plenty of options. India has world class, inexpensive educational institutions that will not just provide a career, but also help you find the right opportunities. Remember, there is always a way to reach your ultimate destination of a successful career.

SEEK A LIFE THAT’S MEANT FOR YOU!

1. KNOW YOURSELF

You are not your marks or the school you are studying in. You are born to do something special. You need to know your strengths. Discover your gift, unwrap it and use it. Your strength will be your oars to help you row through the wonderful journey called life. Learn about yourself. There are assessment tests that help you get an all-round and deeper understanding of your personality. Meet a professional advisor, talk to a mentor, take up an externship. There are plenty of students who take up a degree without asking themselves a clear ‘why’. Don’t be one of them.

KNOW WHERE TO SET YOUR SAILS!