Beyond High School - December Edition (1) (1)
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For High
Schoolers
A monthly magazine for educators, parents, and high schoolers.
Designed to inspire & prepare high schoolers for life beyond.
ISSUE 6 | DECEMBER 2023
Navigating Ambitions
Develop your personal GPS to help you
pursue your goals.
The Science of
Sustainable Habits
Why do some habits stick while
others fizzle out?
Rediscovering the
Offline World
Take a digital detox to open up a
realm of possibilities.
Dear friends and readers,
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, our December issue, “Embracing change as
we turn the page," invites you to reflect on the past and envision the future. This isn't just
about setting resolutions; it's about embracing change as a constant companion in our
journey of growth.
In this issue, we dive deep into the art of building habits that resonate with your core. It's
about finding that sweet spot where your aspirations meet your daily actions. We're not
just talking about study habits or fitness routines; we're exploring habits of mind and heart
that shape who you are and who you aspire to be.
We bring you stories of peers who've navigated the highs and lows of change, finding their
rhythm in the ebb and flow of life. Their journeys are as diverse as they are inspiring,
reminding us that change is the only constant.
As we bid farewell to this year, let's do so with gratitude for the lessons learned and
excitement for the adventures ahead. Whether it's pursuing academic excellence,
nurturing your mental well-being, or exploring new horizons, remember that every small
step is a part of your grand journey.
So, let's turn the page together, with hearts open to change and minds ready to embrace
the new. Here's to a year of meaningful transformations and evolving echoes of our
aspirations.
Warmly,
Naincy
FROM THE TEAM
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ASHOKA UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
As we wrap up the year, let's use these insights to build habits that last. Here's to
creating a future that's as bright and promising as you are!
Ever wondered why some habits stick while others fizzle out? In this edition of
"Research in Focus," we're diving into the fascinating world of sustainable habit formation.
It's not just about willpower; there's real science behind it!
The Power of Tiny Changes
A study by Dr. BJ Fogg, a behaviour scientist at Stanford University, introduces the concept
of "Tiny Habits." His research suggests that by starting small, you can make lasting
changes. Think of it like this: instead of aiming to read a book a week, start with a page a
day. It's all about scaling down big goals into tiny, manageable actions (Fogg, 2019).
The Role of the Brain
Neuroscience plays a huge part too. A study published in ‘Scientific American' reveals that
the basal ganglia, a part of the brain, is key in forming habits. This area processes routine
actions and rewards, making certain behaviours automatic (Graybiel & Smith, 2014). So,
when you repeat an action enough times, your brain starts to automate it.
The Habit Loop
Charles Duhigg, in his book "The Power of Habit," talks about the habit loop. This loop
consists of a cue, a routine, and a reward. Understanding this loop is crucial. For instance,
if your habit is to jog every morning, the cue could be your running shoes by the door, the
routine is the jog itself, and the reward could be a smoothie post-run. Recognizing and
utilizing this loop can be a game-changer (Duhigg, 2012).
The Influence of Social Environments
Your journey in forming habits isn't just a solo adventure. Research has shown that the
people around you play a significant role in your habit formation. When you're surrounded
by individuals who share similar goals, it can greatly enhance your ability to stick to your
new habits. This social support system acts as a powerful catalyst in turning your
aspirations into lasting routines.
Making it Stick
So, how do you make a habit stick? Start small, understand your brain's role, utilize the
habit loop, and surround yourself with the right crowd. Remember, it's the small steps that
lead to big changes.
GLUE
RESEARCH IN FOCUS
THE SCIENCE OF SUSTAINABLE HABITS
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SKILLS IN FOCUS
GOAL SETTING AND PLANNING - NAVIGATING THE MAZE OF
AMBITIONS
Ever felt like you're in a maze, with each turn representing a different ambition or
dream? You're not alone. In the labyrinth of life, especially as a high school student
teetering on the edge of adulthood, finding the right path can be daunting. This is where
Goal Setting and Planning come in – they're like your personal GPS, guiding you through
this maze to your desired destination.
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Navigating life's maze requires more than just ambition; it demands a clear vision
and a well-thought-out plan. As you stand at the crossroads of dreams and reality,
remember that the power to chart your course lies within you. Embrace each step, each
decision, with the knowledge that you are the architect of your own journey, building a
path that leads to a future crafted by your own aspirations and efforts.
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SMART GOALS: YOUR COMPASS IN THE MAZE
Think of SMART goals as your compass. They're Specific,
Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, transforming
nebulous dreams into clear, navigable paths. For instance, if
you're passionate about environmental activism, a SMART goal
might be, "I will organize a community clean-up every month and
increase volunteer participation by 25% over the next six
months."
BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS
Facing a towering wall in your maze? Break it down into smaller
bricks. If your goal is to excel in a subject you find challenging,
start with dedicating an hour each day to study and understand
its basics. These small, manageable steps help you gradually
dismantle the barriers between you and your goal.
THE MAP OF PLANNING
A good plan is like having an aerial view of the maze. It helps you
see the bigger picture and plot a course through the
complexities. Use tools like planners or apps to chart your
progress, set milestones, and adjust your route as needed.
EMBRACING THE TWISTS AND TURNS
Remember, every maze has its twists and turns. Embrace them
as part of your journey. Regularly reflect on your progress, learn
from the dead ends, and celebrate the milestones.
The Allure of Digital Order
These apps offer features like goal setting, progress tracking, and reminders, transforming
your habit formation into a structured, visual process. As you balance academics and other
activities, these apps can seem like a perfect solution, offering a clear view of your progress
and helping instill discipline.
The Psychology at Play
Psychological principles like positive reinforcement are at the core of these apps.
Completing tasks and maintaining streaks can feel rewarding, but it's important to ask
yourself: is your motivation coming from within, or is it driven by the app's rewards?
Potential Downsides
Relying too much on these apps can hinder the development of self-discipline. There's a
risk of becoming more focused on the app than the actual habit. Also, constant
notifications can lead to screen fatigue, adding to the digital overload you might already
face.
Using Apps as Tools, Not Crutches
The key is in how you use these apps. They should aid your habit formation, not become
the sole reason for it. Reflect on your goals independently of the app to ensure your
motivation is intrinsic.
Tailoring to Your Needs
Remember, what works for one person might not work for you. Choose an app that aligns
with your personal preferences and learning style.
TECH & DATA OF INTEREST
NAVIGATING HABIT TRACKING
AND PRODUCTIVITY APPS
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In your journey to build and sustain new habits,
you might have considered turning to habit
tracking and productivity apps. Tools like
Habitica, Forest, and Todoist promise to streamline
your goals and tasks. But let's take a closer look:
are these digital assistants truly effective for you?
In essence, habit tracking and productivity apps can be valuable, but their
effectiveness depends on balanced use. They should enhance your productivity
and well-being, not overshadow them. As you navigate your digital world, use
these tools wisely, complementing them with your motivation and self-reflection.
CHILLIN’ IS FULFILLIN’
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Picture this: You're sitting in your room, the glow of your phone screen lighting up
your face, fingers scrolling endlessly. It's the same old cycle – social media, texts,
videos – but does it really make you feel fulfilled? In this month's Chillin' is Fulfillin',
we're exploring the forgotten art of unplugging and rediscovering the joys of the offline
world.
The Digital Treadmill
In a world where being online is the norm, it's easy to forget there's a whole world outside
our screens. Constant notifications and endless scrolling can leave you feeling drained,
making it crucial to step back and take a digital detox.
Embracing JOMO
Let's talk about JOMO – the Joy of Missing Out. It's about finding happiness in disconnecting
from the digital world and engaging with the real one. Imagine a day without your phone.
Initially daunting, but it opens up a realm of possibilities.
It
REDISCOVERING THE OFFLINE WORLD
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Unplugging and Creativity
Unplugging can be a gateway to creativity. With fewer digital distractions, your mind is free
to wander and explore new ideas. Maybe you'll pick up that guitar again, start a sketch, or
write a story – the possibilities are endless when you give your brain some off-screen time.
Activities to Reconnect
What can you do when you unplug? Try activities that engage your senses and creativity.
Whether it's journaling, painting, or simply taking a walk in nature, these experiences can
be incredibly grounding and fulfilling.
The Power of Self-Reflection
Unplugging also means reconnecting with yourself. It's a time for introspection, to reflect
on your goals, dreams, and what truly makes you happy. This self-awareness is a key step
in personal growth.
So, challenge yourself to step away from the screen. Rediscover hobbies, connect
with friends face-to-face, and enjoy the world in its unfiltered glory. You might
just find that the best moments happen offline.
Clinomania, Sangfroid, or Chinook…
Googling such words is only cheugy. It may hit
different, but it is time for you to reach the
dictionary for newer words like rizz, beige flag, goblin
mode, and others which have captured a global
chokehold on the gen-z lingo. It’s all English, but all
new!
Gone are the days when using words like ‘selfie’ or
‘LOL’ would make one feel like they fit in. That’s a
new dimension of delulu, gen-z believes so. In the
new world, the only way to remain relevant is to
employ and decode the usage of such words.
But what is rizz? We believe that you might possess it even before you know what it is. Or
you may do rizz every once in a while, cos for all we know it could also be a verb.
Essentially, rizz is short, and easy, for charisma. It took rizz a whopping 32000 votes against
all 7 options to become the Oxford word of the year. Unlike Tom Holland, we believe usage
of this word can hike your rizz meter by a point, hopefully, for good.
We may well believe that the very creators of this word, the gen-z, contain a lot of pent up
rizz within themselves and are here to transform our speech and thought with these
influential touches.
ALL THE RIZZ ABOUT RIZZ
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Smridhi Chadha
Office of High School Programmes
Ashoka University
Researcher of History and culture
from Delhi and Oxford University
I’m just a girl
When something elicits a specific vibe
Girl Dinner
I am literally just a girl!?
Its giving
An assemblage of 2 fries. 1 chicken nugget, and a carrot
Ate and left no crumbs
When you feel that second-hand embarrassment in your soul
Swiftie
“Main apni favorite hoo” moment
Main character
Literally smashed it1
Big Yikes
Relishing the reputational crisis of the next person
Sippin’ tea
If you’re on your own kid...
Find how well you understood the assignment in this silly little game:
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