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
-
Reflect on errors to identify areas for improvement.
-
Reframe setbacks as essential steps in the growth process.
-
Adopt a problem-solving attitude rather than self-criticism.
Track Your Progress
-
Maintain a journal to document your achievements and challenges.
-
Use habit-tracking apps to visualize your efforts over time.
-
Regularly review your progress to reinforce a sense of accomplishment.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
-
Join study groups with peers who share a commitment to growth.
-
Follow role models who exemplify the power of effort and persistence.
-
Limit exposure to negative influences that reinforce a fixed mindset.
Effort Focus Resources at QCC
First-Generation Student Support Center
If you’re the first in your family to go to college, it can sometimes feel like you’re figuring everything out alone. The First-Generation Student Support Center helps you stay motivated by reminding you that you’re not alone—and that support is always available when you need it.
Putting in effort doesn’t mean you have to struggle by yourself. The Tutoring Center is a great place to stay focused and keep working through challenges—especially when you realize other students are working hard too. Support plus steady progress can help you stay motivated and keep going.
Study Skills Resources (Subject Tutoring Center)
When you’re trying to stay consistent, having the right tools makes a huge difference. The Subject Tutoring Center offers free study skills resources—like handouts, visuals, and videos—that you can use anytime (even if you’re not meeting with a tutor).
Online Student Success Course (Academic Tech Coaches)
Need help building better habits for college success? QCC offers a free, short Online Student Success course in Blackboard that can help you strengthen routines like staying organized, managing your time, and following through when things get busy.
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.
