This advice column is meant for those who are working on skills that will not only help them in college life, but that will translate well as very useful tools once college is completed. Those clubs and organizations you once relied upon will be gone, and being comfortable as an independent human is paramount for success in life. 

1. Seek discomfort 

This is something I always strive to be doing more of in my daily life. In college, it’s all about self-discovery and growth, and that comes through completing uncomfortable tasks. I’d recommend attempting to do the most uncomfortable things you can imagine doing. It makes everything else in life seem a bit easier, and try to make it a habit. Eventually, that discomfort becomes normal, and you can push even further to the next level.

2. Create your own identity

Don’t be one of the people who have too much of their identity tied up in their greek affiliations and don’t understand themselves without the group. College will end, and you will have to be very independent at some point without being able to rely on your tribe for support. So get used to it and discover who you really are. College is a great way to find your identity by trying a bunch of different clubs. When that special passion comes along, pounce on the opportunity and become really good at it. On a personal level, I became obsessed with running ultramarathons in the mountains, which has led to many potential friendships and business connections. I know I can attend races throughout the country and find like-minded people with the same passion.

3. Eat healthy and stay in shape 

College is full of challenges, and the best thing you can do for yourself is to make sure your engine feels great. College can be very stressful and exhausting, and being cognizant of the fuel you are putting in your body is essential to make sure you have a successful experience. If everyone knew how amazing it feels to be in good shape, it would be easy to avoid the seconds of pleasure for the all-day benefits of feeling healthy. Finding a sport can meet social and physical needs, and sometimes, sports can be so enjoyable that it doesn’t feel like exercise. It can also overlap with the connections and identity desires for your life.

4. Study and make connections 

Both of these ideas go hand-in-hand because the more I study and learn about a variety of topics, the easier it is to make connections and vice versa. If I meet someone and they feel a certain way about a topic, I have the chance to learn why they feel that way, which increases opportunities to acquire knowledge. You may be surprised by the types of opportunities you receive with networking over hobbies and other interests. It’s often hard for employers to discern which candidate is more skilled, and it can come down to likeability and personal connections.

5. Form opinions that are malleable 

It’s not the change itself that is painful but the resistance to change. If you are arguing with friends, trying to debate your side of the argument, it’s easy to become too attached to your ideas. I’ve been amazed at how many people have opinions that contradict overwhelming evidence simply because they want it to be true, which is just delusional. Having this mindset translates to other aspects of your life, like trying new habits and constantly reinventing your evolving self.

These are some of the main habits that have helped me do well in life, and I hope you adopt some of them. Doing well requires a lot of sacrifices, and I believe that making the hard choice is worth it every time. Regret is far more painful than temporary embarrassment or discomfort.