Know yourself, your priorities, and your motives. This is one of the best ways to live a fuller and happier life. Knowing what you are willing to sacrifice and give up to achieve a goal will allow you to set reasonable standards for yourself. There are certain keys to discovering more about oneself, and one of these is to ask yourself questions, questions that can only be answered after some self-examination. These questions are designed to keep you focused, and on track daily.

1. To whom will it matter? Or simply put, who cares? There are a lot of things we want to do in our daily life that are put on the backburner because we are afraid of what other people will think of us. When we answer this question honestly, we will realize that there are only a few persons’ opinions that would matter to us, and the others would be, well, irrelevant.
2. What is the most important thing you can do right now? Asking yourself this question will make you focus almost immediately on your most urgent priority. Sometimes, it might not be the answer we would want to hear (after all, Facebook or play PSP will definitely not be the answer) but once we are aware (again) of what we have to do, the chances of us concentrating on it will be bigger.
3. Will This Matter in 5 Years? If the answer to questions such as this is yes, then we know that we have to do our best to make things happen. If not, then we know not to get all stressed out.

Setting and knowing our priorities is the main objective of asking yourself questions. In the same way that teachers come up with exams to measure how much you’ve learned, questioning yourself, continuously, over a period of time, is a way of measuring how much you’ve matured, or grown as a person.

We all admire successful people, those who have made it despite the odds. We attribute all sorts of characteristics to them: they are intelligent, they had the support of their families in their endeavours, they went to all the right schools and met all the right people. All these may be true, but come to think of it. Lots of people in this planet can say the same things about themselves. We all know of someone who has the IQ of a genius but has a dead-end job. Or a person with all the right connections, but lives off his friends and family. What then, are the factors that decide if a person is bound for success or doomed to mediocrity?

Plenty of studies have been done on these people, and plenty more have tried to analyze their lives, trying to figure out what makes these certain individuals stand out from the rest. It seems that what makes them different is not merely what they have, but what they are.

• They take action – you know what they say, “not all changes are good, but there won’t be any change, good or bad, if you don’t take action.” Successful people believe that an action taken, whether it turns out to be for better or worse, is better than not making a decision, thus taking no action at all. As Franklin Roosevelt once said, “But above all, try something.”
• They do things even if they don’t feel like it – everybody has to do something they don’t want to do at some point. For students, it might be reviewing for a subject that they may not feel is their strongest suit. For a salesman, it might be calling a difficult but potentially rewarding prospect. Whatever is is, these extraordinary people grit their teeth and do it.
• They do one thing at a time only – focusing your energies on one thing only makes accomplishing the task much easier. No internal confusion within the person is created and the results of such an effort is oftentimes much better.

As you can see, these habits that successful people have are those that anyone, of any age, of any social status can imitate. All that is needed is patience, discipline… a lot of discipline, and a strong, burning desire to be the best possible person one can be.

Not to ruin your Christmas break but, don’t you think this long holiday season is a good way to break out of your ‘Cram-Exam’ method? When classes resume next year, most of you will be reminded of your academic responsibilities once your school announces its quarterly exam schedule.

The only way to replace the ‘cram-exam’ method is to come up with a new method to follow. While the following tips, when implemented one after the other, are effective; they, at the moment do not have a name. We leave it up to you to give your unique method a name, provided that your method will have the following tips in it.

1. Establish a routine. The main difference between your method from the ‘cram-exam’ one is that you will set aside a specific time each day for your study and stick to this schedule.
2. Create a study environment. If you’re used to studying in front of a tv set, while commercials are being aired, then now is the time to look around your house and find a nook where you can read your notes without being disturbed. Make sure that you have a desk, comfortable chair, a fan for ventilation and enough lighting in that area.
3. Have variety when studying. Study different subjects everyday so you don’t get bored. Even if a particular subject or topic will demand additional time from you, try to break it down into smaller pieces that won’t overwhelm you. Studying a difficult subject is much like eating steak: it’s easier to chew when cut into smaller pieces, and having it at every meal will make you sick of it too.
4. Avoid interrupting your concentration. Let’s face it, studying your notes and textbooks even for an hour straight, without texting or logging into Facebook must be pure torture. We can assure you that it becomes easier with practice. Focusing on your studies for a full hour at a time will be more productive than multitasking for two and a half hours.
5. Reward yourself for studying. Buy yourself an ice-cream cone. Play basketball with your friends! Do something that will make you feel good about what you’ve just done (studying) but remember: YOU HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER YOU’RE DONE. Otherwise, it won’t be a reward anymore. You have to make yourself feel that you earned something.

Got your attention, didn’t it? We, of all the Asian races should have the easiest time comprehending the English language. Why? Because here in the Philippines, English is everywhere! It’s on the billboards that decorate our thoroughfares, it is the language of choice of most of our textbooks and newspapers, even our favourite actors and actresses speak a smattering of English every time they appear on television. The truth is, if only we are more aware of our surroundings, understanding, and speaking proper English will be as easy as 1, 2, and 3. Now, for the fun stuff, here are some sure-fire ways to improve your English without hitting the books… well, not the heavy books, at least. Watch movies to improve your vocabulary. Two out of three movies that come out each week is in English. Majority of the shows on cable television is also on English. Now, watch one whose storyline is very familiar to you so you always know what’s happening. Next, pay close attention to the dialogue and resist the urge to translate it into your native language. Follow the story by watching the picture and hearing the words, some of which you are familiar with, some of them, not. By doing this, the meaning of the other words will become clear to you as well. The accents, facial expressions associated with the words, idiomatic expressions used… all these you will be able to absorb by watching movies. Once you’ve done this, you can start mimicking the actors in the movie. Hearing them speak the words is a bit different from saying them yourself. Practicing along with the movie will make you more confident of your pronunciation of words.

If practicing alone with a video isn’t your thing, you can always get your friends to join you. If not a video, why not take an English enrichment program, such as the one that AHEAD PRO offers, where your written and verbal English is workshopped. Learning English won’t be that difficult, most likely. After all, here in the Philippines, English is everywhere.

Year in and year out, we are made aware, through self-realization or otherwise, of habits that we need to get rid of. Most of the time, these habits get us into hot water (REPEATEDLY) and vow to change them… and then we fail. Don’t be disheartened though. Remember that everytime we try to get rid of a bad habit, we are trying to step out of our comfort zone. And comfort zones are oh so comfortable! However, there are ways we can psyche ourselves into improving ourselves. One is to change one bad habit at a time. Usually, the idea of becoming a ‘brand-new, better you’ makes us want to overhaul so many things at the same time. Unlike cars though whose parts can be replaced all at once in a matter of days, changing several habits will take so much time and effort to the point that our initial enthusiasm will abandon us. If this happens, we go back to our comfort zones, never mind if they are unhealthy for us. Remember, it is better to focus all our energies into getting rid of just one bad habit, and then proceed to the next one once we’ve succeeded. Ultimately, we will get rid of all of them, and finally(!) have visible results of that ‘brand new you’. Now, what a boost to the self-esteem that would be, don’t you think?

Txt splng- the bane of properly written English. A by-product of the SMS craze, it has affected not only students, but even professional adults! Using text lingo is acceptable (to some) only when sending an SMS (we at AHEAD still believe in spelling words out completely, even when sending text messages); not when writing out an essay, or answering an exam. Unfortunately, most students forget this and teachers correcting test papers can only shake their heads in regret when they have to mark as incorrect answers that would’ve been right, except the spelling isn’t. Let’s face it, text spelling might be convenient for plenty, but it sure is no help when it comes to exams. How do we switch from text mode to proper spelling mode then? The only answer is to always be aware when writing things down. Taking note of silent letters and double T’s and L’s will be very helpful as well. Doodling, using tricky words that will come out in your mastery tests, instead of your own name will also make you feel comfortable writing down long, unfamiliar words. How will this affect you in the long run? Tremendously.

If you are wondering what to get for your child this Christmas, (after buying him the latest PSP last month) we at AHEAD have come up with some suggestions:

1. Books – kids today are fast ‘unlearning’ the art of reading. Which is a shame because as we all know, books are very important in the development of our brains and imagination. As parents, it is our duty to instill in them the habit of reading. There are lots of authors out there whose books are avidly read by kids and adults alike. Only goes to show that books are for kids of all ages!
2. Language Lessons – These can be in English or in any other language that your child expresses an interest in. Practical? Of course! A seemingly fleeting interest in the French or Spanish language might be an early sign that a budding multi-linguist is in your midst. Introduce your child to the idea that he can do and be anything he wants to become.
3. Summer Courses- You might be thinking that summer is still months away. True. But by the time summer comes around, you will be too preoccupied to plan for something that needs to take effect right away. There is also the risk that the classes you and your child are planning on enrolling in will be fully booked. The –ber months are usually when companies and businesses give away discounts and promos. Big savings for you, especially if you have plenty of kids to give gifts to. For teenagers who are to enter their Senior year in High School next year, a good present that they will surely appreciate is AHEAD’s UPCAT Review Course. Everyone wants to get into a good university, and though your teen might balk at the extra ‘studying’ she has to do during summer, a few sessions will surely make her change her mind.

The good news is that AHEAD, the review center with the most number of successful entrance examinees, is offering a great rate to those who would reserve slots for next year’s summer review sessions. Up to fifteen percent discount has been given to those who have booked as early as October and this promo is ongoing until the end of this year. A great gift that would definitely outlast the battery of that portable DVD player your child might have started to show interest in.

I will be kinder, to everyone I meet, the unknown person on the street

I will be punctual, early enough to be able to smile and greet

People I have to meet. I will be polite and honest,

But not to the point that I will become tactless

I will write thank you notes to people who I appreciate

Who help me out a lot, and yet are underrated.

My mentors, my parents, my siblings come to mind

I’ll do my chores daily; do them meticulously and on time.

I’ll write things down so I won’t forget

I’ll try to live my life without fears and regret

I’ll set goals for my future, I will make a plan

I’ll keep this list on my desktop, so I can get these things done!

May we at AHEAD be the first to greet you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

The year is almost drawing to an end. This year had its moments; both good and bad. We mourned the loss of life and property when several tragedies both natural and man- made struck different parts of our islands; and we rejoiced and held our heads high when Filipinos in different fields proved to the rest of the world that we are, despite adversities, world-class citizens.

In our own backyards, there would be highlights that we would remember this year by. The addition of a new family member, perhaps?  Or the demise of a well- loved household pet. Whatever it is, we are sure that this year is one that you will remember for the rest of your lives.

Next year, the year 2010, is one that plenty of Filipinos look forward to. Aside from the fact that we Pinoys are perpetually optimistic, there’s the national elections that most of us are interested to see what the results will be, there’s Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming fight with Mayweather. And among students, there’s the annual summer vacation to look forward to!

But of course, there’ll still be plenty of happenings before summer. There will be the Seniors’ Ball, the Prom, Recognition Rites. If you are a graduating student, add to that list the Baccalaureate Mass, swapping of graduation pictures with friends, Culminating Activities, receiving of acceptance or refusal letters from universities that you applied to, and of course, the most awaited/dreaded Graduation March.

Next year will be a milestone. For everyone. The year is drawing to an end, and we all would have to bid it farewell. And while some of us might feel that there is nothing to look forward to in 2010, we just gave several. And we’re sure that you can add up to that. Feel free to write us and tell us what happenings in 2010 you’re looking forward to!

We all aim for personal growth. Each day, we find ways to improve ourselves and continuously strive for improvement. It is not uncommon for us then, to experience disappointments and setbacks. Each time this happens, we have two choices: get up and try again, or wallow in misery. If you choose the first, then good for you; feeling sorry for yourself will not really get things done. There are other things that you should never do to yourself too. Here are some of them:

1. Don’t think that you already know everything. Know-it-alls seldom learn new things; and there are always new things to learn. Therefore, know-it-alls DON’T know everything. Being close minded will make it very difficult for you to achieve personal growth. Not only that, this sort of attitude will turn –off potential mentors and friends.
2. Giving up. We are all familiar with the success stories that start off with the person’s idea being rejected a thousand times. Different personalities, different products, different eras. The only thing they have in common is none of them gave up, no matter what. As they say, failing in something is a good way to become better at something.
3. Don’t worry about what other people will think. They might react badly to change that you are imposing on yourself. But let it be. People who truly love you will eventually get over it and will support you. The rest? They don’t matter. Never let other people’s negativism rain on your parade.
4. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Having unrealistic expectations from yourself is like self-flagellation. Always have realistic expectations. Know who you are and what you can do. Don’t use other people’s success to measure yours.

Success is a product of many failures. So do not be disappointed, nor give up, if things don’t go your way. Always remember to look at the brighter side of things, learn from the mistakes, and make sure that you don’t do them again.