Playing Your "A" Game for Academic Success

Academic Success: Build Your Personal Study Shrine

2007-03-16T10:00:00.000-04:00

"Location, Location, Location" is a popular phrase used when establishing a new franchise of stores in business. Location is also important when studying in school. Whether in the dorm, at the library, at home or in the park, you can have a study location that enhances your Academic success.

You can build your personal Study Shrine that will enahance your grades, improve your retention, and create alertness for better overall results. Read More

Academic Success: Change Some of Your Study Habits

2007-02-21T22:39:00.000-05:00

After 30 something years of living on this earth, I am finally admitting I have a problem. I've battled with this problem for many years. My parents have tried to help me and so has my wife but today the buck stops here.

Before you judge me and before I reveal to you my bad habit, let's talk about STUDY HABITS.

As a student, what study habits have you developed? Do you study in bed? Do you spend time looking at each subject every day? Do you find yourself distracted when you study? Whatever the case, always keep in mind...the Study Habits you develope will determine your academic success so establish GOOD study habits and respect those habits.

Here's my coming out: I bite my finger nails. For years, I have looked at my hands, put my fingers in my mouth and chewed on whatever nail was long enough to fit in between my teeth. Don't get me wrong, I haven't bitten them down to the bone, I do have some nail to work with, but I have developed a habit of biting my nails. But today I have decided to change this habit and respect this new habit.

You might say Kantis, I need to change some study habits. Well take a look at these tips below:

1. Make a quality decision to change.
2. Become accountable to someone and set boundaries to protect your decision.
3. Develop new and good habits See the "Do-Do's of Studying"

Changing some of your study habits will change how you perform academically. Once you implement your new habits, set up boundaries that will help you keep them. Don't lay down when you study or you will fall asleep. Put your calls on forward during your study time so that you won't be distracted by your phone ringing. Set up boundaries that will protect your new habit - respect your new habits.

In order for me to be successful in my new habit of not biting my finger nails, I have created the boundaries of keeping my fingers away from my mouth unless I am eating, consistently getting manicures and paying a ten dollar fine to my wife whenever I break my new habit. I will create a new habit of not biting my nails and I will respect that habit or my wife will be very rich.

Developing good study habits will help you academically achieve success in all your classes.

Academic Success: Uncover your Attitudes

2007-02-19T12:35:00.000-05:00

Have you heard the powerful statement, "Attitude Determines your Altitude". Well that statement is so powerful and so true. It is even true where your academic success and college success is concerned. Today I challenge you to uncover your attitudes.

What's your attitude towards your teachers and professors? Is it negative or is it positive? What's your attitude towards your grades, your classes, and your classmates. You are effective based on your positive attitude and defeated based on your negative attitude. Here are some famous quotes to adjust your attitude on academic success.

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain." - Maya Angelou

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that man can alter his life simply by altering his attitude of mind." - James Truslow Adams

"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." - Lou Holtz

"The best way to inspire people to superior performance is to convince them by everything you do and by your everyday attitude that you are wholeheartedly supporting them." - Harold S. Geneen

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind." - William James

"A daily glance in the mirror can tell you what you look like, but a daily adjustment of your attittude can tell you what you will LIVE like." - Kantis A. Simmons

Failed, Flopped, and Forgotten: Recycling and Resurrecting Your Resolutions

2007-01-31T23:01:00.000-05:00

Well the clock has hit midnight, the ball has dropped, and the champagne has been poured. It's the New Year. It's 2007!

We've made new decisions, we've dreamed up new images, we've made new promises to ourselves and to God for this year. New Years Resolutions! We all make them every year, but where do they stand today?

Like myself, you have maybe promised yourself you would go to the gym more often and lose that last 15 pounds, or maybe that you would spend more time with your family or focus more on time management. Whatever the resolutions were, do you find yourself not accomplishing any of them or even starting them by January 31, 2007. Do you feel like giving up? Like many of us it's easy to fall into this cycle every year.

THE CYCLE STOPS TODAY!!

I want to encourage you that this can be the best year of your life. And I'm not just saying that as a simple cliché! You can be different from what you were in the past. This can be the year that you put your best foot forward and accomplish your goals.

This can be the year that you rise above every obstacle and become the champion you really are. Think of this as the year that you win. The year where you Play Your "A" Game everyday in everyway!

Choose to make the word FOCUS a valuable word to have in your vocabulary. Focus allows you to commit to going to the gym and eating better. It allows you to commit to spending more time with your family and it allows you to concentrate more on your time management skills. Focus will allow you to continue to Play Your "A" Game even long after the year is over.

Here are 7 plays to help you play and maintain you're 'A' game all year long.

- Identify and set your specific goal for the new year.

- Decide today that you will do what ever it takes to reach your desired end.

- Locate someone (the expert) who has or who's doing what you desire to achieve.

- Detail and write down your specific plan.

- Submit to five people (better than you) and become accountable.

- Do everything it takes to be the best and reach your goal.

- Make the above 6 plays your new way of life.

What causes one person to succeed for a small period of time and for another to play his 'A' Game all year long? It's the man that conditions for the game, the man that plays hard in the game, and the man that doesn't quit during the game.

Hear Kantis Simmons and Teresa Bolen Talk About Exam Success

2006-12-29T09:50:00.000-05:00

On last evening, I had a wonderful opportunity to interview Teresa Bolen during a teleseminar on "How to Discover your Hidden Abilites to Create the Success You Desire on Exams". The call was content rich filled with practical action items for every listener.

In the teleseminar we dealt with how to:

* Deal with feelings of overwhelm
* Balance family, work and school
* Retain what you learn
* Overcome test anxiety, plus much more.

If you would like to hear the replay of the teleseminar it will be up for a short while. So please call the replay line and listen to Teresa Bolen's expertise on succeeding on exams.

On the call we also give a load of FREE Bonuses, so click the link below to get Teresa Bolen's new book and the free bonuses.
http://www.AskTeresaBolen.com/askthanks.php

The replay line is available for now, at the following number:
(641) 985-5035
access code: 441209#

In Everything You Do Play Your "A" Game!
Kantis Simmons

Academic Success - Sleep Your way to Better Grades

2006-12-11T21:50:00.000-05:00

As a sophomore in Undergrad at Norfolk State University , I set out to get my very first 4.0 as a college student. In doing so, I set certain bounadries and disciplines for myself. A few of them I want to definitely share with you today.

1. I chose to study, learn, and associate with 4.0 students. I figured that if I wanted to be "great" then I had to hang with "great" students.

2. I also chose to use my time better and maximize my daily progress by maximizing every single hour of the day

3. Lastly I learned how to get in the bed and go to sleep. Yes, sleep helped me get a 4.0.

To better understand how to sleep your way to academic success, see Teresa Bolen's article on "5 Reasons Why Sleep is Important to Academic Success..

College Scholarships are Clicks Away

2006-11-30T13:28:00.000-05:00

Like most people you are likely "trippin" from the cost of college these days. Scholarships seem like a great option to lessen the blow to your wallet. But, you may be wondering if they are achievable for the average student. The good news is they most certainly are.

Not all scholarships are academic scholarships that consider only the straight A, honor-roll students. Many relatively unknown scholarships are available. For example, have you heard about the duct tape prom dress scholarship? Or, what about the scholarship that's just for tall people?

Yes, those scholarships are real. And, there are many others out there like them. But, how in the world do you go about finding the ones that suit you (or for students like you)? The information is out there, much of it online. Here are 3 Simple Tips for locating unusual scholarships online:

1. Use Search Engines - Using Google search for "left hand scholarships" (with quotes) if you are left handed. Insert your various unique qualities and/or hobbies. Don't overlook small things, like hair color, eye color, height, etc... You never know what you will find!

2. Sign Up For a Scholarship Database - There are many scholarship databases online, some free, some paid. These databases usually contain a fairly comprehensive list of available scholarships. We review several popular databases on our site.

3. Visit message boards and forums - A search on your favorite search engine for "scholarship forum" or "scholarship message board" will likely provide you with a wealth of resources. Visit active forums to network with other students who are looking for scholarships. Interesting scholarships will likely get talked about. This is a great way of getting "in the know".

With a bit of time and effort, you can uncover real gems. Unusual and quirky scholarships do exist, you just need to find them. The Internet can be a great tool to mine for these treasures. So get to clicking!!

In Everything you Do - Play Your "A" Game!
Kantis Simmons

Academic Success - Actively Listen in Class

2006-10-10T23:22:00.000-04:00

The majority of things you learn during your educational career , comes through listening in class. So be an active listener and LISTEN CAREFULLY. Here are few suggestions.

1. MOVE CLOSER to the front of the class so you won't have any trouble seeing, hearing or paying attention.

2. FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION on what the professor or speaker is saying - not on the upcoming weekend or yesterday's dinner, or the sound of the speakrs' voice, etc. But focus on the content of his lecture.

3. EVALUATE WHAT YOU HEAR and think about what the speaker's words mean and how they relate to what you already know about the subject.

4. TAKE NOTES, since it's impossible for even the best of listeners to remmeber all that has been said. Write down those things that are most important.

Your listening skills are key to your Academic Success. So Play Your "A" game and Actively Listen.

Oprah Interviews Kantis Simmons

2006-08-15T22:33:00.000-04:00

''There I am, waiting behind stage in my dressing room for the producers of the Oprah Show to call me on stage. As I nervously wait, I reflect on what got me to this point in life. The point where Oprah desires to interview me, Kantis Simmons, an Academic Success Coach, Speaker & Author.''

Interrupting my deep thoughts, the phone rings..........(and I awake from my dream).

Listen to the conversation I had on the phone that afternoon. Unlike my dream, this interview was not with Oprah, but with "The Career Guy", Justin Driscoll.

CLICK HERE TO Listen to my interview with Justin Driscoll.

Also check out Justin Driscoll's new book
''7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Graduating.''

Congrats Graduates. Way to Play Your 'A' Game!

2006-05-14T19:36:00.000-04:00

To all the 2006 College graduates I salute you.

To my little sister, you are grown woman now, and you have crossed the college stage. Thanks for being one of the first to read my book, apply the principles, and tell me "Kantis, this is really a good book, you should definitely publish this"

My sister, Mia Simmons, graduated with academic honors from North Carolina A&T State University with B.S. in Computer Science.

Way to Play Your "A" Game Mia Diah. Love you and keep moving forward! AGGIE PRIDE!!

College Success Bootcamp Guarantees Graduation

2006-05-02T22:54:00.000-04:00

As an Academic Succes Coach, College Speaker, and Author, I love to see resources and conferences that encourage college students to Academic Success and College Success. A dear colleague of mine, Brendon Burchard, is hosting a seminar for students called "The College Success Bootcamp".

With 50% of our nation's college students failing to graduate, Brendon and others are gathering to train, educate, and show students how to better prepare for college. If you know anyone with a son, daughter or friend who is in college or about to head off to college, please refer them to (www.CollegeSuccessBootCamp.com).

The boot camp, held in Orlando (Walt Disney World) from August 3-6, 2006, teaches current and incoming college students how to succeed in college emotionally, socially, academically and financially. It's the first program in history to guarantee that its participants will go on to graduate from college within six years or less.

To register for this awesome bootcamp:

1. Visit www.CollegeSuccessBootcamp.com
2. Click on the appropriate Student, Parent or Educator link or photo
3. Read about the program, scroll to the bottom of the page, click register.
4. Mention that Kantis Simmons referred you.

That's it! If you or any of your friends or family have any questions, you can email Brendon directly at Brendon@CollegeSuccessBootcamp.com.

Remember, if you know a college-bound student, or anyone with a son, daughter or friend in high school or college, then please forward them to www.CollegeSuccessBootCamp.com!

"Only one Game in life counts, and that's your 'A' Game" ~ Kantis A. Simmons

3 Plays to Ace Your Final Exams

2006-04-20T14:10:00.000-04:00

With Final Exams right around the corner, I want to congratulate you for making it this far in the school year. (Round of applause for you!) However the big finale, FINAL EXAMS, is coming soon so your "A" game is needed.

How do you prepare for final exams? Where do you start studying? Will you be equipped in time for the test?

I want to give you 3 "Academic Success Plays" so you can be an "A" success on your Final Exams. These three plays have brought me major success in school, and I am sure they will bring you value as well.

PLAY #1 - GET READY! Prepare yourself

Prioritize, set goals, know where you stand in your classes, grades, etc.
Know the rules
Get all your materials together take inventory of lecture notes

PLAY #2 - GET SET! Plan Ahead (Time management)

You have ________ weeks to plan for
Make a schedule
Make a master to-do list
Break up large tasks, do more difficult tasks when you feel your best
Remember that most tasks take twice as long as you expect
Use distributive study Â– distribute study time throughout the week or day.
Uses intense study sessions

Play #3 GO! Study Smart

Library time - Reduce distractiosn
Study Actively- set goals and reward yourself
Diversify -Use different study methods and study different subjects
Over learn. Practice, practice, practice. Do some homework problems twice
Create Review Sheets
Study with groups
Ask the right questions, at different levels
Predict exam questions and test yourself
Think positive! Stay motivated.

I would love to hear from you and see how your Finals Exams turned out. If you have other successful ways to prepare for finals please detail and leave us a comment.

Remember, "Only one Game in school counts, and that's your 'A' Game".

Experience at the Beach

2006-04-14T09:53:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit the Charleston, South Carolina beach. There I had an experience that I will never ever forget. After parking our car, and walking towards the east coast in the sunny windy weather I was baffled over what I saw. Standing on the pier approaching the white sand and looking into the far distance - there it roared before my eyes. THE BEACH!

With all of its beauty and splendor, I commented to my wife "I guess if you have seen one beach, you have seen them all. Are you ready to go?" After only five minutes at the beach, and few photos we were back in our car driving off.

Now you may ask why was this an experience? Well first it was an experience because of the awesome thought that ran through my mind, and it was simply this.... Even though you may have seen something or experienced something a thousand of times there is ALWAYS a new revelation or a new revealed truth that can be grasped or learned.

After visiting this beach, I realized that even though beaches may be the same or similar, there is ALWAYS something different about each beach - and that is the people that attend them.

People love beaches. People love to walk the shore and stare off into the distance. Some of them stare into the distance thinking about their future while maybe regretting their past. Whatever the case may be I encourage you live the same way the BEACH encouraged me.

Allow each wave of life to push you further out into your life's destiny. Don't get stuck behind a wave or an obstacle in life; but ride every wave into your glorious future.

You have an ASSIGNMENT in life so keep on soaring!!

From 8th Grade Honors to 12th grade Honors and Beyond

2006-03-26T00:03:00.000-05:00

I want to persoanlly salute the city of Murfeesboro, Tennesssee for their aggressive approach in assiting their city youth. They have an awesome scholarship foundation that doesn't only give financial scholarships to Graduating highschool seniors but they monitor, train, and oversee 8th Grade Honor Roll Students.

Statistics nationwide have shown that the number of students on the honor roll in 8th grade drastically decreases by the 12th grade. Therfore the MLK Scholarship Foundation has a detailed program that encourages leadership, discusses issues that concern youth of their city, and give them detailed trainings to manintain their Honors status from 8th through 12th grade. As a result of their program, they are able to financial honor stuents that have excelled from 8th to 12th grade, donoting more that $250,000.

MLK Scholarship Foundation and 8th Grade Murfresboro Honor students I encourage you to keep Playing your 'A' Game.

The Apprentice's Apprentice

2006-03-12T23:54:00.000-05:00

Donald Trump is known for building major enterprises and raking in major amounts of money, but the latest winner of "The Apprentice" is walking in Mr. Trump's footsteps and creating many of his own.

Dr. Randal Pinkett, who I had the honor of meeting at the Georgia TRIO Student Initiative Conference where we both spoke, has really gained my respect. After hearing his keynote speech and seeing his passion for young people and their educational advancement I was even more impressed because of his FIVE college degrees. With my three degrees, and his five college degrees it made me simply say "WOW, WOW, WOW- I think I wanna be the Apprentice's Apprentice and get two more degrees."

This young man, Dr. Randal Pinkett, has established himself as an entrepreneur, speaker, author, scholar and community servant. He is the Co-Founder, President and CEO of BCT Partners, a multimillion dollar management, technology and policy consulting firm based in Newark, NJ. (This is only a small list of his accomplishments and affiliations.)

With his persistence and never quit attitude I love one of quotes. "My life has never been about traveling the road less traveled, but rather, traveling the road never traveled."

Like Dr. Randal Pinkett, and so many others, YOU have what it takes to travel the road that has never been traveled. This entire earth has been created and designed for your unique abilities and passion. What do you bring to the table? Is it a high school diploma, a college degree, an undenying dream , or a passion to build an international business? Whatever you have, use it, maximize it, and build upon it till you see the fullness of your life - your "A" life.

I encourage you to visit www.randalpinkett.com and learn from the Apprentice and strive for your "A" game!

Be on Reality TV !!

2006-03-03T14:34:00.000-05:00

Like Real World vs. Road Rules, Wife Swap, College Hill or the American Idol there's a new reality show "BROKE FOLK" that is destined to be a hit; and this Reality show wants you. Before I tell you all the details about Broke Folk, let me tell you about someone I met at a recent College Speakers Conference.

I had the awesome opportunity to meet Young America's Financial Coach, Peter Bielagus. He is the Author of "Getting Loaded: A Complete Personal Finance Guide for Students And Young Professionals. As a licensed financial advisor, Peter has talked on radio and television shows nationwide about financial literacy. He's been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and the New York Post. Currently Peter is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated "Hints From Heloise" radio show. He also writes a personal finance column for Boston.com, the website of the Boston Globe Newspaper.

In addition to writing and speaking, Peter has created many financial education products, including the interactive CD ROM, Mastering Your Personal Finances. Not only that but he has now teamed up with Hearst Entertainment (Modern Marvels) and to develop BROKE FOLK, a new Reality TV Show about real young people and the interesting money problems they face.

BROKE FOLK is looking for their cast. Do you or someone you know have an interesting financial story to tell? If so, visit www.brokefolk.com.

Also see the many benefits that Peter Bielagus offer at www.peterspeaks.com

Rememebr: In everything you do Play Your "A" game. (www.playingyourAgame.com)

Guaranteed 4.0

2005-11-27T17:16:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving was a special holiday for me and my family, for we were able to enjoy each others company, while reflecting on past moments and give thanks to an awesome God. WOW - what fun! Along with committing gluttony a few days straight, a dear friend of mine referred me to an awesome Academic program by Donna O. Johnson - GUARANTEED 4.O.

This program for parents and students (of all ages) gurantees a 4.0 when applying the prinnciples. I encourage every student and parents to check out www.nomorestudy.com, its programs and its numerous testimonies.
Check out her website to get free reports on study tips and and the guranteed 4.0 plan

How to Ride on 24’s (Time Maintenance)

2005-10-03T20:44:00.000-04:00

"I Need More Time!"......."I just don't have enough time."........ "I wish I didn't have so much to do."........."If there were only more days in a week."............"I'm so busy, I wish there were two of me."........"So much to do, so little time."..............And the list goes on and on.

You've heard these comments before. In fact, you've probably used a couple of them yourself from time to time (excuse the pun). But one of the biggest lies we tell almost every single day (and people seem to believe) is "I don't have enough time." If you think I'm being a little hard on you (and myself), well I am. Below I have attached some key essentials in use your 24's!

1.Schedule quiet, motivational time. See your day in your head before the actual day.
2. Allocate the times you must be in class.
3. Define the time periods in which you will study.
4. Plan for breakfast and lunch, but don’t eat for longer than 30 minutes, use the other designated half hour to prepare for next class.
5. Set time aside for part time jobs, extracurricular activities, and other necessary events.
6. Carry a detailed appointment book or organizer, so you will always know what needs to be done for the day.
7. Communicate your study times to friends and family, so they are aware of your schedule and won’t interfere.
8. Go to your study periods as if you have an important appointment.
9. Designate a specific location outside your room to study each subject. Study location can differ based on mood, surrounding, and time of day.
10. Plan your free time as you wish.
11. Establish your play time. Don’t be a workaholic.
12. Study for the designated class at the designated time, even if you don’t have a test or homework assignment.
13. Don’t allow planned activities to overlap, schedule it on purpose then do it on purpose. (When it’s time to pray, pray. When it’s time to work, work; and when it’s time to study, study.)

Excerpts from Playing your “A” Game : Biblical Principles for Academic Success
Kantis A. Simmons. © 2005 www.playingyourAgame.com

#1 Academic Self-Help book

2005-09-04T15:10:00.000-04:00

Not all students are endowed with academic ability or destined for scholastic success…or are they?

Playing Your “A” Game: Biblical Principles for Academic Success by Kantis A. Simmons is a dynamic tool that provides students of all ages with sound, practical principles to help them be and do their best in school. With a unique and insightful approach, Mr. Simmons outlines the reasons why individuals should strive for academic success and shares with them simple strategies to overcome procrastination and aid in memorization. Readers will learn how to:

· Manage their time wisely
· Study to obtain positive results
· Avoid cramming, or pulling “all-nighters”
· Share ideas, concepts and insights with other students
· Discipline their minds and bodies
· The true meaning of honor and the value of abiding by the honor system
· …And much more!

With personal accounts and a solid, biblical foundation, Playing Your “A” Game is a must-have for every student!

DO-DO's of Studying

2005-08-30T19:35:00.000-04:00

As I have been speaking to students over last few weeks, and hearing some of their challenges with academics, I've decided to post some simple "Do's and Don't s of studying". Take a look at the below and see how they can be implemented in your academic life this school year.

DO’S
1.Prioritize your study time, study the challenging subjects first.
2.Identify when and where you will study, and with whom (if needed).
3.Study continually throughout the semester not just before a test.
4.Study in a clean and organized environment.
5.Keep your notebooks and notes organized; it will help when needing to refer back.
6.Drink plenty of water.
7.Keep your room cool. Warm rooms = sluggishness. Cool rooms = alertness (that’s why movie theatres are so chilly).
8.Study in well lit conditions.
9.Set goals and timetables for your study sessions.
10.Be aggressive and proactive about your study time.
11.Guard and protect your study time, by staying focused.
12.Take a five-minute break every 55 minutes, then resume studying.

DON’Ts
1.Avoid studying in the bed - you WILL eventually fall asleep.
2.Avoid studying while on the phone; let voicemail work for you.“I am studying, please call after…”
3.Turn off the TV; you can’t concentrate on two things. You are not that smart.
4.Turn off all hip-hop/rock/rap music; if anything, use soft classical, slow jazz, or earth tones.
5.Avoid studying after eating greasy or heavy meals.
6.Avoid drinks with caffeine and drinks with a lot of sugar; they will eventually make you sluggish.
7.Avoid studying in high-traffic study areas, so you won’t get distracted
8.Avoid studying with those whom you have a “crush” on or sexually attracted to. I guess you know what will eventually happen.
9.Avoid trying to study while text messaging, chatting on the internet or responding to email.

Excerpts from "Playing your “A” Game : Biblical Principles for Academic Success"
Kantis A. Simmons. © 2005
www.playingyourAgame.com

2005-06-30T21:48:00.000-04:00

promo

Kantis New Book is Released!

2005-06-23T08:56:00.000-04:00

YOU GOT GAME?

Not all students are endowed with academic ability or destined for scholastic success…or are they?

Playing Your “A” Game: Biblical Principles for Academic Success is a dynamic book that provides students of all ages with sound, practical principles to help them be and do their best in school. With personal accounts and a solid biblical foundation, Kantis outlines the reasons why individuals should strive for academic success and what it takes to Play their “A” Game.

This book is a must have for every student, so order your Copy today from http://www.kantisspeaks.blogspot.com/, kantissimmons@hotmail.com, or from The SIMAKAN Group at 770-996-4753.