Phrases That Changed the Way I Look at Academic Success
As a parent of a college student, you want the best for your child academically and personally. It’s natural to want to guide them through the ups and downs of their college journey. But sometimes, a simple shift in perspective can make all the difference in how we support them. Here are five key phrases that changed the way I view academic success, and they may just change the way you approach supporting your student, too.
1. “It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.”
In a world where high GPAs and flawless resumes are often glorified, it’s easy for students to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to be perfect. But success in college isn’t about getting everything right the first time. It’s about learning from mistakes, adjusting, and moving forward. By focusing on progress over perfection, you can help your student see that setbacks aren’t failures—they’re opportunities for growth. Encourage them to take the next step, no matter how small, because every step forward is progress.
2. “Growth happens in the discomfort.”
College is designed to be challenging. When your student hits a roadblock—whether it’s struggling with a class, managing time, or navigating social situations—it’s easy to want to step in and smooth things over. But real growth happens in the discomfort. These challenging moments are when students develop the resilience and problem-solving skills they’ll need long after they graduate. Remind them (and yourself!) that it’s okay to struggle, and that learning to overcome difficulties is where true personal and academic growth happens.
3. “Their path, not yours.”
This is one of the hardest lessons for parents. What worked for you in college might not work for your student—and that’s perfectly fine. Every student’s journey is unique. Maybe your student is considering a major that’s entirely different from what you envisioned. Maybe they’re taking longer to find their footing. Whatever the case, trust that this is their path, not yours. Support them in finding their own way, even if it looks different than what you expected. They’ll appreciate your trust and feel more empowered to make decisions that are right for them.
4. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
We all know that college can be stressful, and it’s essential for students to take care of themselves—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Help your student understand that self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Encourage them to create healthy routines that balance academic demands with rest, relaxation, and social time. By emphasizing balance and self-care, you’ll help them avoid burnout and maintain their overall well-being, which is crucial for long-term academic success.
5. “Small habits create big change.”
One of the most important lessons I teach students is that small, consistent habits are the foundation of success. Whether it’s planning their week, setting deadlines for assignments, or dedicating a certain time for studying, these habits add up over time. Help your student develop effective study and organizational habits, like using an academic planner or breaking large projects into smaller tasks. These small steps can make a huge difference in how they manage their time, stay organized, and reduce stress.
Why These Phrases Matter for Your College Student
As parents, shifting our mindset can be the key to helping our students thrive in college. These phrases offer powerful reminders that academic success is about more than grades—it’s about progress, resilience, self-care, and independence. By focusing on these values, you can better support your students as they navigate college and beyond.
At Sarah L. Cowart – Your Academic Coach, we’re passionate about helping students develop the skills they need to succeed—not just in the classroom, but in life. Our Collegiate Academic Planner is designed to help students stay organized, set goals, and create the habits that lead to long-term success. Want to learn more? Reach out to us, or check out our planner today! Together, we can help your students build a path toward a brighter future.
