No doubt you have already been told from one of the team at HSC CoWorks that Term 2 is the most demanding of all the HSC terms so in this post I would like to share some strategies which will support climbers of Mount HSC through to keep on climbing despite the inevitable obstacles and challenges that are part of the climb from Basecamp 2 to Basecamp 3.

Strategy #1

Vision, vision, vision

How do climbers of Mount Everest get through blizzards, frostbite, fear, lack of oxygen, zero comforts and real dangers? They focus with laser like accuracy on what is at the top of the mountain. They want to be able to say “I climbed Mount Everest” and they want to see the view from the top of the world. Without a vision focus the inevitable problems along the way would become insurmountable and the achievement of their goal would not be possible. The HSC is no different and a student who keeps their vision front of mind every day will stand on top of Mount HSC with their hands raised above their head.

What’s at the top of your Mount HSC to keep you climbing when you’ve had enough? Once you have worked this out keep it front of mind every day!

Some examples of what some students have said is at the top of their Mount HSC:

• Going to Sydney University/UNSW/UTS
• Schoolies will be that much better
• Make parents proud
• Going to a US College on a sporting scholarship
• Prove to the world what I am capable of

Strategy # 2

Basecamp – Your success planning tool

The fact that Basecamp is used by over 60% of the Fortune 500 companies(the top 500 companies in the USA) for managing projects probably indicates that this tool works. On your climb up Mount HSC, a vision focus will give you the motivation to continue to climb and continued use of Basecamp will provide your map to get to the top and keep you focused on the tasks that matter. Remember the Pareto Principle, 80% of your results will come from 20% of your study behaviours and all of the tasks on your Basecamp will generally be your 20% tasks. And the best bit about Basecamp is that you get to tick off your tasks and your biggest fans can cheer you on to keep climbing.

Next time you are in the office let’s do a Basecamp session and let’s start ticking these “to do’s” off!

Strategy #3

Consistency, consistency, consistency

Slow and steady wins the race. Much better to be consistently climbing towards the top of Mount HSC then trying to sprint it at crucial times. Those students who are consistently climbing (being proactive, submitting bits of essays, regular attendance, revising regularly, doing past papers etc) will have plenty of gas in the tank to pick up the pace around assessments and exams but they will also be organised and focused as opposed to the flustered sprinter who kept putting things off until “tomorrow”.

If you’re struggling to maintain your consistency, its time to go back to your vision.

• What will it mean to you if you achieve your vision?
• How will you feel if you don’t achieve your goal?
• How do you want to feel when the exam results come out on December 17th?

Remember that the team at HSC CoWorks are your guides up Mount HSC. Together we have many years of experience successfully climbing Mount HSC and nothing makes us happier than supporting students to conquer their own Mount HSC.