Socially Active and Still High-Achieving, Just a Myth?

There is an assumption that children who are good at making friends and active socially must dislike studying. On the other hand, children who excel at school or on campus are often seen as nerdy, bookish, or as if they “live only to study.” As though, high-achieving people at the same time who are good at socializing are only a myth, because one of those aspects has to be sacrificed. In fact, a stigma has formed in society that people who are academically smart cannot be friends with socially outgoing people.

On the other hand, the Bible says: “Let no one look down on you because you are young. Be an example to the believers in your speech, in your conduct, in your love, in your faithfulness, and in your purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

So, as a young person, being active socially and having a long list of academic achievements is absolutely possible! There is nothing wrong with being able to do both. In fact, we should be an example wherever we are, both in learning environments and in social settings. 

The following four steps will help you become a high achiever, while also staying active socially:

1. Let’s Be More Proactive!

Living in an instant-everything age makes us want everything to come easily. In reality, we need to be proactive to obtain what we want. Of course, this also applies to building friendships and achieving success. 

“And whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” – Matthew 5:41

Jesus’ words inspire me to be proactive. Back when I was still in school, I felt that other people should make it easier for me to get what I wanted. As a result, I ended up gaining nothing, whether academically or in friendships. 

Realizing that, I tried to become more proactive. For example, when I did not understand a topic in class, I would actively ask the lecturer or my classmates. It turned out that frequent discussions helped me make new friends. Just imagine, if you often discuss things with friends, not just one or two people, but ten friends. You gain friends, and you gain knowledge too! 

You can also actively seek knowledge related to certain courses through books or journals. Who knows, you may be able to help a friend who is struggling to study, and your friendship will develop naturally. Don’t forget to actively get to know your friends personally through conversations, quality time, and so on. Do it sincerely, faithfully, and enjoy the results.

2. Targets Matter

Imagine you are riding a motorcycle, but you have no destination. As a result, you will not get anywhere, and your time and fuel will be wasted for nothing. So, it is very important to set targets in our efforts to achieve something. For example, a runner needs to reach a certain time target in order to win a running competition. 

Your target determines the effort you make to reach it. If the target you set is too easy or too small, your effort will not be maximal. For example, the effort needed to achieve a GPA of 2.0 is certainly different from the effort needed to achieve a GPA of 3.5. You need extra effort to reach something great, and this is where careful strategy matters. 

“For which of you, wanting to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” – Luke 14:28

Plan a strategy to reach your target! My tip is, as much as possible, involve the people closest to you. Discuss your strategy with family, friends, mentors, or fellow believers. It is very possible that they can give good advice, and even help you create a supportive situation that backs your hard work

3. Choose Healthy Friendships 

“Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good character.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

Our choice of friends will greatly affect our lives. One of my close friends once chose the wrong friends. At first, he did not really feel it, but over time, his values began to change to follow his friends’ values. From small compromises to big ones, he made them, until my friend did not realize how much his life had changed because of that friend’s influence.

While I was studying in Bandung, I was grateful to join one spiritual community there. I was guided intensively to understand spiritual life, academics, and even campus friendships well. I am thankful because through this community, I was able to maximize my potential as a student.

Be friends with everyone, but do not choose your friends carelessly. A good friend will help you achieve what is right; one of them is academic achievement. This does not mean you have to be hostile toward friends who do not make a significant contribution to your life. Keep being kind to others as God desires.

If you are interested in joining a community, choose one that can build you up. That means this community teaches you to be responsible for your life, rather than wanting your presence merely for their own benefit. It would be even better if you found a community that helps your spiritual life.

4. Manage Time Wisely

In college, you need to manage your time wisely, because you will have so much going on! Building friendships and building achievement both take time. Moreover, for those of you who study while working, you certainly need to have strong time discipline. Therefore, good self-control is needed in deciding what activities you must do in a day, a week, and even a month.

If you feel you do not yet have good self-control, practice by making a daily schedule. Arrange this schedule according to your life priorities . For example, do not let playing game be given more time than resting.

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

When we manage our time, God is actually helping us to become wiser. For example, a friend of mine managed time well, so he was still able to excel in sports during his busiest semester. With a good schedule, the time you have does not actually increase, but your wisdom will increase. 

So, are you ready to be an example on campus? Remember, God created us to be a light to the people around us. Being active in friendships and still achieving is not a myth, but something very possible to attain. Keep going, young people!

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Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official:

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