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From Scribbles to Standouts: How to Write Better
I used to spend hours rewriting essays to find the perfect mix of tones, words, and structure. I could never seem to find that perfect balance that so many of my favorite authors seemed to grasp so effortlessly. Spoiler: it wasn’t their big words or their long sentences that stood out; it was their strategy. So, if you have ever stared at a blank page and thought “Where do I even start?” – you’re not alone. The truth is, writing well isn’t about being born with talent. It’s about learning strategies and practicing consistently. Let’s break down how to turn your scribbles to standout writing.
The Foundation of Good Writing
Whether you are writing an essay, an email, or even a simple social media caption, your words shape how others see you. But, what does writing well even mean? First, your reader should never have to work to understand what you mean. Clarity beats complication every time. So, instead of choosing uncommon words that your audience will not understand, choose words that fit your writing and your readers. Second, you want to focus on structure. Think of writing like building a house. Without a strong foundation, it all collapses. This means that your writing should have organization and a common idea throughout. No one wants to read a story that starts with dragons and ends with mermaids. Last, build your style. Craft your writing to fit a consistent tone or theme. For example, if you want your writing to feel moody, add vocabulary that describes that feeling: dark, gloomy, morose. You need to build a picture for your reader, no matter what you are writing about.
Practical Strategies to Write Better
Read More, Write More
Through reading, you are exposed to different writing styles, vocabulary, and tones. This can not only expand your own writing, but it can also grow your comprehension skills.
Tip: Copy down a sentence you admire from a book and rewrite it in your own words.
2. Plan Before You Write
To keep your writing structured and comprehensive, you need to plan before you write. Jot down your main idea or purpose for your writing and 2-3 points that support it. From there, you can structure your writing to read smoothly and comprehensively.
Example: Before an essay, write your thesis in one sentence. That becomes your “north star.” Follow this thesis to the very end.
3. Strong Thesis / Main Idea
Every piece of writing should have one clear purpose. Not only does this need to be extremely clear through your writing, but it also needs to be strong enough to have 2-3 points that can support it.
Exercise: After writing, ask yourself: can I sum up my piece in one sentence? If not, it’s not focused enough.
4. Use Evidence & Explanation
After forming your thesis, you need evidence to back it up. Don’t just drop facts – explain why they matter.
Example: Instead of “Social media affects teens,” say “Social media affects teens by shaping their self-esteem, because likes and comments often become measures of self-worth.”
5. Choose Words With Purpose
As explained before, your word choice needs to fit your writing and your audience. Swap your weak verbs, nouns, and adjectives for stronger, more descriptive ones. In some writing, you might need a more concise and direct tone, so choose less descriptive words. Additionally, avoid filler words such as “really,” “very,” and “just.”
Example: Instead of “She was very angry,” try “She slammed the door.”
6. Revise Ruthlessly
Your first draft will be messy, but that’s okay! Make sure to revise your writing multiple times. I recommend reviewing it yourself multiple times, then asking a trusted person to look over it, too. Check for grammar, word choice, spelling, etc.
Tip: After writing, cut 10% of your words. You’ll usually find fluff you don’t need.
Ways to Practice Outside of School
How can you improve consistently, even when it’s not for a grade?
Daily Journaling: Write 5 minutes about your day — no pressure, just practice.
Summarize Articles/Books: Take a news article and explain it in 3 sentences. It builds clarity.
Micro-Writing: Challenge yourself to explain something complex in one sentence.
Example: Summarize “Romeo and Juliet” in a single sentence.Peer Feedback: Share with a friend and ask: “What’s one part that confused you?”
Writing better isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, practicing, and refining. Every sentence you write is a chance to sharpen your thinking. And the more you practice, the stronger your voice can become. I encourage you to pick one strategy from this post and try it this week. You’ll be surprised at how much better your writing feels.
Want more? Join Study Strong Plus: www.study-strong.com/studystrongplus
Drop the strategy that you are using this week in the comments below!
RISE. LEAD. SUCCEED.
Love,
Juliet & Study Strong
Ace Your ACT: A Step-by-Step Study Plan for Busy Students
If I say ACT, what is your first reaction? Your heart begins to race? Your stomach drops? You become nauseous? What if I told you that there is a way to erase those feelings and ace your next ACT? To accomplish this, you must have a strategic approach. The ACT isn’t just a test—it’s a four-hour opportunity to show colleges exactly what you’re capable of. But without a plan, it can feel like staring at a mountain with no trail map. Let’s change that.
Understanding the ACT’s Structure:
So, what exactly is the ACT? To begin building your test-taking confidence, you must first understand the format of the ACT. According to act.org, “The ACT test is a curriculum-based education and career planning tool for high school students that assesses the mastery of college readiness standards.” It usually consists of 5 sections: Math, English, Science, Reading, and an optional Writing section. However, a new, enhanced version of the ACT test has been released. The new amount of time and questions breakdown is as follows:
Math: 45 questions, 50 minutes
English: 50 questions, 35 minutes
Science: 40 questions, 40 minutes
Reading: 36 questions, 40 minutes
Writing: 1 essay prompt, 40 minutes
In addition to these time changes, the new ACT test will include embedded field testing, an optional science section, and reduced answer choices. These changes are a huge benefit to future test-takers. With fewer questions and more time, you are able to allot more attention to each question, further improving your chances of scoring higher.
Set Your Goal:
Next, you must set a goal. Just stating that you want to get a high score is not enough – make it specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. Make it SMART. If your goal is to get into a specific university, start by researching that university’s average ACT score. That is your goal. Additionally, you want to ensure that your goal is realistic, but still ambitious. You need something to work towards, but not something that could disappoint you.
Create a Study Plan:
Next, create a study plan. Start by breaking down the time between now and your next ACT test. I suggest allotting 3-4 months of preparation, but even 1 week will suffice. Then, you need to determine how dedicated you will be to studying. If you know you only have extra time on Sundays, schedule ACT studying workblocks every Sunday. You will only see progress if you stay consistent, so make sure that you are scheduling realistically. I would also recommend scheduling time to take full practice tests to simulate the real test. The more comfortable you are with the test, time restraints, and environment, the better you will do on test day.
Section-by-Section Strategies:
First, I would recommend purchasing the Official Act Prep Guide to help you prepare. This is what I have always used to study, and it is a true game-changer. You can find it at this link: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/act-subject-guides.html
If this book is not in your budget, that is absolutely okay! There are so many free resources on websites, Youtube, etc. Here is a list of my favorite strategies:
English: Review grammar rules, punctuation, and concision. DO NOT (!!) read the full grammar passages!! Only read a sentence or two before the underlined portion. Reading the full passage is an enormous waste of time.
Math: Focus on your weak spots, memorize formulas, and practice without a calculator. Math is probably the most standard-based test. You honestly need to know how to solve each problem, which means taking the required math classes.
Reading: Practice pacing, active reading, and answering questions. Again, I recommend not reading the whole passage. Read the questions first, then search for the answers in the passage.
Science: Look for patterns in data, skim (DO NOT FULLY READ) for key variables, and practice interpreting graphs. In my opinion, the science section is not about science at all. It’s about interpretation.
In conclusion, you need to find the strategies that work for you. If you do better reading the full passages, then answering questions, then do that. Find your strategies. If you need more help, definitely check out PrepPros on Youtube. They are extremely helpful in breaking down each section, including last minute tips.
Test Day Game Plan:
Below are a few tips to remember for your next test day:
Sleep well the night before.
Eat a protein-rich breakfast.
Bring pencils, ID, calculator, snacks, and your admission ticket.
Pace yourself!
Answer every question — there’s no penalty for guessing
No matter your score, this test does not define you. The ACT is one part of your college application and your high school career, but the effort you put into preparing teaches discipline that lasts beyond test day. I wish you the best in your testing journey!
RISE. LEAD. SUCCEED.
Love,
Juliet & Study Strong
How to Romanticize Your Study Routine (and Actually Enjoy It)
Do you ever see those “study-tok” influencers grinding away at their goals and think, “How do they stay so consistent?” One word: romanticize. These influencers don’t study just to study (but kudos to you if you can!) – they study because it is romantic. They genuinely enjoy sitting down every day to light a candle, savor a warm beverage, and truly immerse themselves in their work. But how can you do the same?
Let’s break it down first. Romanticizing is not just “setting the mood.” It involves turning ordinary, mundane moments into romantic, special ones. Romanticizing can help boost motivation, reduce burnout, and make studying something you actually want to do. Absolutely anything can be romanticized with the right tricks, and you can learn them right now.
Set the Mood: Create an Aesthetic Space:
Clean your desk or working space and add cozy or aesthetic touches (candles, plants, string lights, etc.).
Use matching stationery or a cute planner that makes you excited to open it.
Bonus: Change your phone/computer wallpaper to a calming or motivating image (or something that screams aesthetic to you).
Make it a Whole Moment:
Choose a study playlist that fits your mood: lo-fi, classical, acoustic, or instrumental movie soundtracks. (trust me: the Hamilton soundtrack is a GAME CHANGER)
Try warm lighting or study in natural sunlight for a dreamy, cozy feel.
Optional: Use a diffuser with a soft scent like lavender or vanilla. (Bonus tip: use this specific scent anytime you study to train your brain to “lock in” every time you smell it)
Romanticize Your Tools:
Use pens and notebooks you love to write with. (I love the Midliner ones!)
Decorate your notes or study guides with color coding or light doodles – make it you.
Digital study? Use apps with aesthetic themes like Notion or Goodnotes. (And check out my downloadable study templates!)
Romanticize the Routine, Not Just the Space:
Start your study session with a small ritual (ex: lighting a candle, making tea, journaling 3 intentions) to signal to your brain that it’s time to work.
Romantic routines: Study “café” at home, Sunday reset planning, or sunset study sessions.
Incorporate Joys or Rewards:
Reward yourself with small treats: a fun drink, a 10-minute reading break, or a walk outside.
Try romantic visuals: sit by a window while it rains, dress cute even at home, or use a fancy mug.
Romanticize the why—remember you are studying for your dream life.
Make Studying Feel Cinematic:
Pretend you're the main character in a coming-of-age film preparing for his/her big future. Alternatively, pretend you are a specific character (ex: Rory Gilmore, Blair Waldorf, etc.)
Take aesthetic study clips to make it feel even more meaningful. (you don’t have to post it!)
Romanticize the grind — not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it.
Stay Consistent:
Romanticizing helps, but routines still need consistency and discipline.
Keep it realistic: even 25 minutes with a candle and playlist is a win!
Adjust your routine based on your mood and energy, but keep the vibe alive.
You don’t need to wait for motivation. You can create it with atmosphere and intention.
Challenge: What is one thing you can romanticize today? Maybe your drive to school? Your shower routine? Cleaning your room?
Thank you so much for being here with me today! Have fun romanticizing!
RISE. LEAD. SUCCEED.
Love,
Juliet & Study Strong
From Overwhelmed to Organized: Reset Your Study Life in 7 Days
If your to-do list is haunting you, your notes are all over the place, and you’re drowning in deadlines–this blog post is your reset button. Whether you’re mid-semester or just starting out, here’s how to go from chaos to clarity in just 7 days.
Every August for years, I entered the school year so excited to have a schedule, new opportunities, and structure in my life again; however, the excitement and structure never really stuck. Every year I tried and every year I failed to have a routine down, a plan in order, and a set path to follow. Every year I stressed over school, extracurriculars, and getting enough sleep to function on a normal basis. If this sounds like you, you don’t need a new planner or aesthetic desk setup to feel in control again– you need a system. Let’s build one together, step-by-step.
The 7-Day Reset Plan:
By following this 7-Day Reset Plan, you can finally feel back in control. Each day has a small, doable task that builds toward a sustainable study system.
Day 1: Brain Dump + Clarity Check
Write down everything on your mind: deadlines, projects, worries, personal stressors, etc. By clearing your mind, you can focus on completing your tasks rather than stressing about them.
Group them into categories (school, personal, extracurricular)
Identify what’s urgent, what’s important, and what’s just background noise. Complete your urgent tasks first and move down from there. Take a 5-10 minute break after each 45 minute work session.
Day 2: Clean Your Study Space
Declutter your desk or workplace. (This also includes your work bag!)
Organize supplies, throw away old papers, and refresh your space.
Optional: Create a calming study playlist or scent association (like a candle or essential oil.) ONLY use this playlist and scent when you are studying. By training your brain to recognize these when it’s time to study, you can become more focused and productive.
Day 3: Fix Your Calendar
Set up a digital or paper calendar (I prefer paper so you can physically mark things off!)
Plug in all due dates, test days, meetings, etc.
Tip: Use color-coding or apps like Google Calendar, Notion, or a Study Strong printable. (Check out the FREE Study Strong Starter Kit: https://forms.gle/mEyNgoPE5TDMnUmJ8)
Day 4: Build a Weekly Routine
Block in fixed commitments (school, clubs, sports, etc.)
Add study blocks, self-care time, and breaks.
Make it realistic! This isn’t about being busy– it’s about being intentional.
Day 5: Organize Your Notes + Files
Digital: Sort your Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive by class.
Paper: Use labeled folders, binders, or accordion files.
Pro tip: Pick 1 day a week to stay on top of this moving forward. (I usually use Sunday!)
Day 6: Make a Study Game Plan
Choose your go-to study strategies (Pomodoro, active recall, blurting, etc.)
Tip: Check out my “Your Summer 2025 Academic Glow-Up” blog post for more study strategy tips!
Write down how you’ll approach different subjects.
Try one strategy today with a subject or project you’ve been avoiding.
Day 7: Reflect + Set Goals
Journal how you feel after the reset.
Set goals for the next 3 months (ex: raise your math grade, turn in everything on time, read 1 book, etc.)
Remind yourself: progress > perfection.
Bonus Download: “Your 7- Day Reset Checklist”
As a special treat for reading this blog post, I’m offering a free PDF that you can download with a summary of the plan, checkboxes, and some Study Strong motivation. If you want to level-up even more, join Study Strong Plus, where you can receive free PDF packs for every occasion!
Grab the PDF here: https://forms.gle/73AKocfjCGD8z1NG7
If you’ve made it to the end of this post, you’re already making progress. Organization isn’t about being perfect–it’s about building systems that work for you. This is your fresh start. You’ve got this.
What part of your study life needs the biggest reset right now? Drop it in the comments below!
Need custom tools to support your study goals? Check out the Study Starter Pack and other resources at www.study-strong.com!
RISE. LEAD. SUCCEED.
Love,
Juliet & Study Strong
Journaling for Student Success: 10 Prompts to Gain Clarity & Confidence
Between homework, grades, extracurriculars, and planning for the future, student life can feel overwhelming. This is where my favorite habit comes in: journaling.
Journaling isn’t just about writing—it’s a powerful tool to process events, set goals, reduce stress, and boost confidence. Your entire life can change when you start putting your thoughts, beliefs, and desires onto paper. These 10 prompts will help you begin your journaling journey by gaining clarity on your goals, shifting your mindset, and building daily confidence.
Quote: “The more you know yourself, the more clarity there is. Self-knowledge has no end.” — Jiddu Krishnamurti
Between homework, grades, extracurriculars, and planning for the future, student life can feel overwhelming. This is where my favorite habit comes in: journaling.
Journaling isn’t just about writing—it’s a powerful tool to process events, set goals, reduce stress, and boost confidence. Your entire life can change when you start putting your thoughts, beliefs, and desires onto paper. These 10 prompts will help you begin your journaling journey by gaining clarity on your goals, shifting your mindset, and building daily confidence.
Quote: “The more you know yourself, the more clarity there is. Self-knowledge has no end.” — Jiddu Krishnamurti
Why Journaling Works For Students:
So many people– including me– talk about journaling and its benefits, but does it really work?
Yes. And science has proven it.
A 2018 study published in JMIR Mental Health found that expressive writing (one form being journaling) for just 15–20 minutes a day over three days significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in young adults. Journaling has also been shown to improve focus and academic performance—making it the perfect addition to your Study Strong journey.
Some of the most successful leaders and creators in the world, such as Tam Kaur (author of The Self-Obsessed Journal—my favorite journal), Oprah Winfrey, Emma Watson, Ryan Holiday, Tim Ferriss, and even Lady Gaga, use journaling as their secret weapon—and you can too.
How to Start Journaling (Even if You’re Busy or New to It):
No matter how packed your schedule is or how new you are to journaling, there’s a method that works for you.
Start small. I recommend using a tool like The Five Minute Journal, or simply pick one prompt from the list below each day to answer. Personally, I journal once in the morning and once at night—but there’s no required time or structure.
Remember: There’s no “right” way to journal—just write what feels honest.
10 Powerful Prompts for Clarity & Confidence:
What is something I’m proud of from this week?
Celebrating your wins–no matter how small– builds lasting confidence.
What is one thing I can do today to move closer to my goals?
Taking small steps daily and shifting your focus from stress to action will help you achieve your goals faster.
What are three qualities I like about myself?
Self-love and self-worth fuel personal and academic success.
What’s draining my energy—and how can I release it?
Identify what is holding you back, then reclaim your energy.
What does my dream life as a student look like?
Create your vision and act on it. You can do anything you set your mind to.
What fear is holding me back, and how can I face it?
Journaling reveals subconscious fears, and gives you space to face them.
How would I speak to my best friend if they were in my shoes?
Practice compassion and kindness towards yourself.
What does success mean to me—not others?
Define success on your own terms and pursue authentic goals.
What do I want to learn, explore, or get better at this month?
Always look for opportunities for growth, big or small.
What’s one limiting belief I’m ready to rewrite?
Changing your inner dialogue leads to long-term confidence.
Journaling has endless benefits—but only if you stay consistent and honest in your entries. When you revisit old journal pages, you’ll see how much you’ve grown and discover patterns that guide your next steps.
This week, I challenge you to try one journaling prompt from the list above every day.
Want more self-growth materials like this?
Download the FREE Study Strong Starter Kit here:
https://forms.gle/CXLXmZPKyAiAPj4Z6
RISE. LEAD. SUCCEED.
Love,
Juliet & Study Strong
Your Summer 2025 Academic Glow-Up
Haircuts, new school supplies, new clothes– we all know about the intense preparation before the first day of school. However, no one talks about the mental preparation that must work together with the physical preparation. So, what is an “academic glow-up?” Each person’s definition of a glow-up is different, but for me it includes the mindset changes, healthy habits, and physical preparation before each school year. Luckily, this blog will walk you through each step of Your Summer 2025 Academic Glow-Up. Before we begin, I encourage you to check out the new Free Study Strong Starter Kit to help you prepare for this upcoming school year! Check it out here: https://forms.gle/i7oRF5TLnemS9TWK9
Haircuts, new school supplies, new clothes– we all know about the intense preparation before the first day of school. However, no one talks about the mental preparation that must work together with the physical preparation. So, what is an “academic glow-up?” Each person’s definition of a glow-up is different, but for me, it includes the mindset changes, healthy habits, and physical preparation before each school year. Luckily, this blog will walk you through each step of Your Summer 2025 Academic Glow-Up. Before we begin, I encourage you to check out the new Free Study Strong Starter Kit to help you prepare for this upcoming school year! Check it out here: https://forms.gle/i7oRF5TLnemS9TWK9
Quote: “The glow-up is not just about how you look – it is about how you show up for your goals.” - Unknown.
Song: “Feeling Good” - Michael Bublé
1. The Before:
Before I decided to focus on my self-growth journey and begin working on a business, I felt terrible. I never ate well, binging to cope with the stress of balancing school, extracurriculars, and a social life, rotted in my bed for hours on end, drank less than a bottle of water a day, and never exercised. On top of that, I would either go to sleep at 8:00 pm and wake up at 3:00 am to finish my homework or stay up until 1:00 am, stressing over assignments. Things that I once felt passionate about felt boring and straining. Not only was I not on the right path for myself, but I was also disappointed in myself for it. However, I genuinely believe that if I had not reached this point, I would not have been motivated enough to fix it. If these things sound similar to how you have felt, do not worry. We can work through this together.
2. The Game Plan:
Mindset and Motivation:
Before I could focus on an academic or physical glow-up, I had to fix my mindset. This is how I fell in love with journaling. I began with the “Five Minute Journal,” something easy to work into my busy schedule that would get me used to writing my thoughts onto paper. After half a year of using it, I can confidently say that it has changed my life significantly. Through its gratitude and affirmation prompts, I have gained so much perspective on my situation and how I can improve it. After a few months using this journal, I added another to my routine: the “ Self-Obsessed Journal” by Tam Kaur. I cannot promote this journal enough! It is a bit more advanced and time-consuming than the previous journal, but it is so rich with content on how to become your best and most obsessed self.
Health and Habits:
After mastering my mindset, I moved on to my physical health. I began by using AI to structure a workout routine that fit my skill level, schedule, and physical goals. I did these workouts 3 times a week and walked for about 15 minutes every day. Then, I incorporated a few healthy habits into my daily routine. Journaling, doing Bible studies, making my bed, meditating, and other self-care habits are just a few. Through all of this, I gained so much discipline and motivation to work harder in other categories of my life. I say all of this to encourage you to add exercise, no matter how small, and healthy habits into your life. There is so much to be gained from it, not only physically, but mentally as well.
Study Stronger, Not Harder:
Lastly, I tackled my schedule and my studying tactics. This is where Study Strong came in. Through my hand-made study schedules, checklists, and goal sheets, I was able to clear the stress in my mind and gather it into one place. I did an extreme amount of research about different studying techniques, and implemented them into my life. A few that I tried out (and that you should try too!) are the Pomodoro technique, active recall, and simple flashcards. The Pomodoro technique is where you set a timer to complete as much work as possible, take a short break, and repeat. I would do 25-30 minute work blocks and 5-10 minute breaks. This technique gives you enough time to complete a chunk of work without losing focus. Secondly, active recall is where you learn or read about a topic, then “teach” it. The goal of this exercise is to be able to actively remember what you just learned. Lastly, I used plain and simple flashcards. I would copy down my notes onto regular-sized flashcards and quiz myself on all of the topics until I knew them word-for-word. Out of all 3 techniques, I believe that flashcards were the least beneficial when not used correctly. Sometimes I found myself reciting information instead of absorbing it, which was not helpful in the least bit.
3. The Results:
So, what changed? To put it simply, I grew in confidence and discipline, achieved better focus, set clearer goals, felt less stress, and actually had a sense of excitement for school every day. I scored higher on my tests with less studying and deeper learning. But most of all, I learned so much about myself both academically and emotionally. But this is not about me, it is about you. What will you do to level up before this school year starts? What steps will you take to become the best version of yourself? Make your plan, take the steps, and see what your new life can bring you.
To start your academic and leadership journey, check out the Free Study Strong Starter Kit that I have linked above! Also, don’t forget to keep me updated on your progress! I want to hear from YOU! DM me on Instagram or message me through the “Contact” section of the Study Strong website! I can’t wait to hear all about your progress!
RISE. LEAD. SUCCEED.
Love,
Juliet & Study Strong
Dream It, Do It: My Business Story & How You Can Start Yours
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to start a business. Maybe you want to turn a passion into something more. Or maybe you want to help others. No matter what you want to do, you must start by starting. It sounds so simple, but it is a mistake that so many make daily. The amount of amazing ideas that have the potential to become successful initiatives, businesses, or projects, but rather stay ideas because of the lack of action continue to grow. At Study Strong, we are determined to change this. Before I dive into how I launched my business from the ground-up, I encourage you to add 2 things to your Study Strong cart: The Ultimate Goal-Setter Tracker and The Ultimate Customizable Study Schedule. These items will not only help you turn your ideas into actions, but they will also help you grow into your best self.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to start a business. Maybe you want to turn a passion into something more. Or maybe you want to help others. No matter what you want to do, you must start by starting.
It sounds so simple, but it is a mistake that so many make daily. The number of amazing ideas that have the potential to become successful initiatives, businesses, or projects, but rather remain ideas because of a lack of action, continues to grow. At Study Strong, we are determined to change this.
Before I dive into how I launched my business from the ground up, I encourage you to add 2 things to your Study Strong cart: The Ultimate Goal-Setter Tracker and The Ultimate Customizable Study Schedule. These items will not only help you turn your ideas into actions, but they will also help you grow into your best self.
The Idea:
Study Strong, and many other businesses, begin with a single thought. For me, it was, “What if I could help students succeed in school and in their personal lives?” When taking the freshman class AP Human Geography, I struggled to balance my clubs, other classes, personal life, and the terrifying idea of an AP test at the end of the semester. Then, I discovered my academic savior, study schedules. I created one from scratch and tailored it to my work-load and the time I had allotted before the big AP test. Eventually, my schedule was sent around to the others in my grade as they used it to cram for the big exam. I didn’t think much of it, until my AP Human Geography teacher approached me to tell me that he had a higher number of students pass, and furthermore make a 5, on the AP exam than he ever had. This sparked that infamous “What if?” thought within me, and I began working on Study Strong. Now, a year later, I am writing this blog as I publish my business. The idea must occur first and foremost, and it must be something you are willing to put time and work into.
2. The Plan:
Your idea will go nowhere without a plan. I have experienced this first-hand. Though I felt very passionate about Study Strong, I rarely put work into it because I felt overwhelmed about the prospect of opening a business. Finally, I worked out a “Study Strong Launch Plan,” and the ball began to roll. I went through multiple name changes, product trials, and website issues until I found what fit my business. Not only did a written-out plan clear up the fog in my mind, but it also gave me specific steps that I could set time limits for, forcing me to work on Study Strong efficiently.
3. The Publish:
Once you feel confident in your business, it is finally time to send it out into the world! This seems daunting at first, especially when you feel as if your product is not perfect. But the harsh truth is that your business will never be perfect. No matter how much time, work, blood, sweat, and tears you put into it, your business will never be absolutely perfect. The trick is to just publish it. Do it anyway. There will be many kinks to work out and many failures, but your business will be out in the world, and you can grow from there.
4. The Growth:
Now for the hard part. Your business must have a set path for growth. You must expand, develop, and reach new horizons with each update, product launch, or email. I encourage you to gather as much information as possible in this stage. Who is your target audience? How can you reach them? What style of Instagram post will reach the largest number of people? Read books, listen to podcasts, and learn as much as you can about marketing and growing your business.
If you are just starting your business journey or if this is your fourth business this year, I wish you luck in your endeavors. No matter how many setbacks, remember that you will succeed with hard work, determination, and passion. Though this first blog entry was about business, don’t worry! We will get to the nuts and bolts of academics and leadership soon! Thank you so much for joining me today, and I look forward to seeing you next week as we dive into “Your Summer 2025 Academic Glow-Up”!
RISE. LEAD. SUCCEED.
Love,
Juliet & Study Strong
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Want More?
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