I recently listened to Rob Dial’s podcast “The 5 Steps to Be More Self-Disciplined.” In the recording, Rob discusses his own journey toward self-discipline. He has some useful tips, so if you don’t have time to listen, check out my edited version.

I always tell the first years from my Orientation group that university is all about learning about ourselves and finding what makes us feel the best.

At the time, I had some agendas and a daily to-do list, but I never found my perfect way to organize. I think I’ve found it now. Recently I discovered Notion, an app you can customize to fit your scheduling needs.

Liyi’s back from her internship and feeling a renewed appreciation for academic life. What’s she planning to make the most of her last year at Queen’s?

I recently watched a TED Talk by Mel Robbins called “How to stop screwing yourself over.” I wanted to share some of the things I learned with you so that you can get what you really want out of your studies.

That doesn’t mean I am a perfect student. I am constantly making mistakes, just like everyone else. I felt the urge to talk about this issue after I clean forgot to submit one of my assignments; it just completely slipped my mind.

There have been many things going on in my life: I’m busy mentoring, starting a new club, applying for internships, participating in my other non-profit organizations, and just trying to keep up with school. It’s a lot!

Liyi's back for another year of blogging, and she's keen to share ways she's prioritizing her time.

Liyi's had some ups and downs in the last few weeks. How has she balanced work and life when she's taking 7 courses?

I cannot afford to drop any balls at this crucial time. That, in itself, is complicated. The pressure I feel right now is astounding, and I’m not sure how to know when to stop studying and pushing myself.

I find that being on campus naturally subdues my procrastination. Living on campus helps me have a study mindset that was difficult to get into when I was learning from home last year.

I have five exams. After those five exams are over, I can go home and relax with my friends and family. In the time between now and that car ride back home to Guelph, I am trying my hardest to hold myself together.