Positive thinking may be more powerful than you realize. A positive outlook has many benefits. It can help you keep a clear mind, as well as staying energized and organized.  Positive thinking can also impact others around you. If you’re happy and exuding confidence, your positivity can become contagious. You’ll start to see things fall into place.

As a student, it can be hard to keep a positive outlook, especially when you’re studying for exams and thinking about your grade point average or GPA. Learning the best ways to stay positive through it all can help keep you on the track for success and ensure you have an even more successful year when the fall semester begins.

Here are some of the effective ways students are using the power of positive thinking to reach their goals and enjoy the best college experience:

Grow where you’re planted—Having a positive attitude helps you make the most of where you are. Joining clubs, volunteering, and helping friends are great ways to build positive relationships and put down roots for the future.

Don’t get discouraged—To err is human, so don’t be so hard on yourself. Brush it off and try to find ways to do better next time. When you think positively, you’re more motivated to find different ways to improve as opposed to giving up or getting discouraged.

It’s OK to ask for help—It’s impossible to know everything. That’s why you’re in college. Reaching out to professors and peers can help you keep a positive attitude. Learning from others with different experiences and knowledge helps to give you a new perspective and offers a fresh way of looking at things.

Avoid unnecessary conflicts—At some point, it’s bound to happen. Roommate battles or disagreements are a part of the college experience, so you’re not alone. It’s important to remember that no two people are the same. Staying positive can help diffuse roommate or friend conflicts by openly communicating and accepting and respecting the opinions of others. Welcoming open discussions in a positive/non-judgmental way is a great way to keep the peace.

Don’t let your grades define you—Most students would agree that their grades are a direct reflection of who they are―which couldn’t be further from the truth. Every student, at one time or another, has received a grade they’re not happy with. But it doesn’t mean you give up. Staying positive can help improve your focus by not dwelling on negative or discouraging thoughts. Instead, it helps you to keep your eye on your goals and reminds you why you’re in college in the first place – to keep learning and growing.

Manage your time wisely —Time. Once it’s gone, you can’t get it back, so it’s important to make the best of every minute. Of course, your studies are a priority but it’s also important to learn to balance your social and class schedules to succeed. Plan study schedules to keep yourself organized, but be sure to make time for yourself. Taking a mental health break can be the most important one of all. Plan for some “me” time.

Be patient—It may not be easy at times, but it’s important to be patient with yourself and others. Although your friends and classmates are all at the same college, everyone is in a different place (emotionally, academically, or just in general) so it’s important to be mindful and respectful of where others are in their own lives.

When it comes down to it, the power of positive thinking is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. So, take a deep breath and remember positive thoughts reap positive results. You’ve got this.