
Holistic Student Success Platform
Effort Focus

Effort Focus emphasizes the belief that success stems from effort rather than innate ability. Adopting this mindset can empower students to take control of their learning journey, persist through challenges, and achieve long-term success. Below are practical tips and strategies to enhance Effort Focus, as well as recommended resources to support this development.
It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer.
Albert Einstein
General Tips and Strategies to Improve Effort Focus
Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
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Reflect on errors to identify areas for improvement.
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Reframe setbacks as essential steps in the growth process.
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Adopt a problem-solving attitude rather than self-criticism.
Track Your Progress
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Maintain a journal to document your achievements and challenges.
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Use habit-tracking apps to visualize your efforts over time.
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Regularly review your progress to reinforce a sense of accomplishment.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
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Join study groups with peers who share a commitment to growth.
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Follow role models who exemplify the power of effort and persistence.
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Limit exposure to negative influences that reinforce a fixed mindset.
Effort Focus Resources at EPCC
Early Alert First-Year Experience (FYE)
Supports students in transitioning to college by providing communication, resources, and timely interventions for sustained academic success.
Provides comprehensive counseling services addressing academic, personal, and career-related issues, fostering student growth and success.
Offers in-person and online tutoring, study guides, and specialized support:
Writing Center: Provides personalized writing assistance to enhance academic, professional, and personal writing skills.
Math Lab: Facilitates curiosity and learning through targeted math resources and support.
Other Effort Focus Resources
Think growth mindset just means "try harder"? Think again. This article dives into the real meaning of growth mindset and how adopting it can help you bounce back from setbacks and succeed in college—and beyond.
Struggling in a class doesn’t mean you’re bad at it—it just means you haven’t mastered it yet. In this TED Talk, the psychologist behind the growth mindset theory shows how the word “yet” can change everything.