How to Avoid the Domino Effect

It’s all happened to us…that ONE bad thing that leads to a domino effect of negative events. Unfortunately, that ONE thing happened to me this morning. Determined to park in the closest spot at work, I disregarded the fact that only a Smart Car could appropriately fit into the tiny space. Needless to say, the piercing sound of a rusty, metal pole scrapping against the side of my grandma’s car was that ONE thing that made me decide today is a BAD day. It also led me to commit the common mistake of blaming my actions on something else…in this case, the massive Range Rover who took up all the space next to me.

As a student, the ONE bad thing that occurs might be missing a big test because you overslept or forgetting your 20 page essay. If you aren’t careful, these things can lead to a series of events that can result in more than just a bad day. Let’s take the classic case that we’ve all experienced: getting your essay back with red marks galore and a big fat “D”. In this example, and nearly any other you face in life, follow these steps to AVOID the domino effect:

1. Take a deep breath: Even if you do break down in tears, take the time to take a deep breath and calm yourself down. Try not to let your emotions lead you to actions that will cause more damage such as blurting out a choice word that lands you in detention.

2. Avoid the blame game: No matter how much easier it is to blame your teacher (ie “She didn’t explain the essay well enough” or “He just doesn’t like me”) avoid it at all costs. Realize that your teacher is on your side and use his/her comments as a tool to do better next time.

3. Take ownership: Rather than blame your teacher, ask them how you can improve the next time or possibly re-do the paper for a better grade. Even the “meanest” teacher appreciates effort, and you’d be surprised how it can affect your grade in a positive way.

4. Think BIG picture: In the end, one poor grade does not mean you’re a failure. What’s more important is to focus on the immediate steps you can take so that you don’t continue to fall in the same patterns.

5. Start out fresh: Try your best to not let your feelings carry to the next class period or the rest of your day. This could lead to earning more bad grades. Forgive yourself and remember that you can redeem yourself next time, and study harder with SAT tutoring and supplemental aid.

6. Create a POSITIVE effect: Regardless of what happened, it happened. In order to turn it into something positive, use it as a way to avoid it from happening again or better yet, create a POSITIVE domino effect. For example, although I wanted to fall into the “BAD day” attitude and blamed the Range Rover, I took the above steps and created a positive effect (hopefully) by writing this blog.

Note: If you look at each of these tips, you’ll realize that it’s all about your ATTITUDE and mentality!