Maximize The Moment: Volume 1, Issue 4

Now it's time to MAXIMize the Moment!

It's already 7:30! Coach ran practice late tonight, I think, as I throw my backpack on a chair. Then I continue with my nightly routine: walk to fridge, scoop out a generous portion of tonight's dinner, and nuke it for a few minutes.

While I wait for the microwave, I quickly go through my classes and try to figure out what homework I have left.

• Amer. His.: finished the reading during study hall.
• Spanish: Activity 2. That's shouldn't take long. I'll do that first and get it out of the way.
• Algebra II.: all the even problems from section 2-4. That could take a while.
• Chem.: fortunately, none. Lily and I got through the lab really quickly, so we had a chance to start the write-up. And it's not due until Thurs. anyway.
• English: outline for thesis paper on The Scarlet Letter. I guess that'll take as much time as I choose to devote to it.

After quickly eating dinner, I race through my Spanish homework. Spanish class is pretty easy for me.

Algebra II is another story. It was only the only class I got a C in last quarter. Actually, I got a C-. My homework average this quarter is good, but it's takes me forever to get through a problem and I really struggle on tests.

I end up spending an hour and a half on Algebra. At the end of it, I am mentally drained and physically exhausted.

I decide to call Lily and talk for a little while. She's always so full of energy and it'll be good to get my mind off school for a while.

Even though we didn't get to talk for long, I do feel a little more energized. I have had a long day and I do want to get to bed pretty early tonight, but I probably could stay up for another half hour or so.

I guess I should tackle that outline for English. The last paper I wrote in English was OK, but not great. Mr. O'Brien said the thesis was good, but it wasn't clearly structured, so my point got sort of lost. He was right, too. I remember thinking when I turned it in that it could have been a great paper—if only I'd had one more day to work on it. In all fairness to Mr. O'Brien, he gave us plenty of time to work on it, I just didn't start in time. Come to think of it, I remember promising myself that I would start earlier next time, that I'd prepare better so I wouldn't find myself in a bind the night before it's due.

Then again I am pretty tired. I probably wouldn't do a good job on it tonight anyway. I'd be better off relaxing for a few more minutes tonight and doing the outline during homeroom tomorrow.

"Do your work, Roy, you know you have to get this paper started right. The outline is one of the most important parts. You should do it right the first time," says one part of me. "Come on, dude. Don't be so uptight. You can do it later," says another.

I know I should listen to the hard-working part of myself, but that other part of me is so convincing —and I really want to be convinced. What should I do? I'm in doubt and I'm not sure I care about figuring it out.

Suddenly, that maxim thing from this morning's announcement pops into my head. "What we hope to do with ease, we must first do with diligence," it said.

Coach even used it on us during practice today. Some of the guys were slacking and, to remind them of the importance of hard work, he said, "Remember, gentlemen, 'What we hope to do with ease, we must first learn to do with diligence.''

I get the feeling that Coach is going to bring up that quote a lot in the weeks to come. He's really into self-discipline; he's always telling us that the most important battle is with ourselves—our tendencies to be unfocused, lazy, or impatient. Once we've mastered that, he assures us, everything else is just a game.

Okay, okay. I get it! The working man wins this round. As much I hate to admit it, he's right, too. It might not be soon, but, in the long run, I know I'll be happy that I was willing to put in the time and work the first time around.

This week's maxim is "What we hope to do with ease, we must first learn to do with diligence."

Teacher Information

Maxim

• "What we hope to do with ease, we must first learn to do with diligence."
  Samuel Johnson

Featured character trait

• Self-discipline — I am in control of myself and my desires. I recognize that I will sometimes have to sacrifice in the present in order to be true to myself and my ideals.

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

• Commitment — I am willing to stay with a task and fulfill my obligations, even when it is difficult to do so.
• Responsibility — I know my duties and do what I should. I honor my promises and the expectations of myself and others.
• Dedication — I have the energy and commitment to work towards my stated goals and aspirations, even though the process may be long and arduous.
• Motivation — I have an intrinsic desire that spurs me to work hard and keep growing.
• Hard-working — I recognize the struggle builds character; I am willing to put in the time and effort required to achieve my goals.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

• What are some benefits of having self-discipline?
• What are some ways of striking a balance between planning for the future and being patient with yourself in the present?
• Have you ever procrastinated and regretted your decision?
• How do you feel about your work and yourself when start it early and work on it steadily, rather than rushing to get it done at the last minute?
• What kinds of things can teachers do to help you work on assignments in an orderly and organized way?
• What is the relationship between procrastination and cheating?
• Do most students plan to cheat?
• Do you think that, if students planned their time and assignments better, they would be less likely to cheat?
• To be honest, many successful people are procrastinators. Do you think that they would be even more successful if they were not procrastinators? Do you think their lives would be less stressful?