How to Perform Like a Leader

Leadership is not a title. It is not a position. It is a mindset: an established set of attitudes, habits, and actions. A position or a title is not necessary to perform like a leader, but a certain mindset makes a significant difference. For example, I have seen countless “leaders” in executive positions who struggle with poor communication, lack of empathy, micromanagement, and an unclear vision for the future. On the contrary, I have seen leaders who have no title whatsoever, but who embody every characteristic necessary of an executive. The difference? Their set of attitudes, habits, and actions. Their mindset. Let’s break this mindset down into actionable steps for you to perform your best as a leader.  

1. The Attitudes of a Leader

Leadership does not start at the appointment to a position. It starts with the way you carry yourself, how you treat others, and your mental traits. Leaders possess:

• Confidence, without arrogance.

• Responsibility over blame.

• A clear vision and forward-thinking.

• Resilience through challenges.

But, how can you gain these qualities? In my opinion, the easiest way to adopt these traits is to pretend to embody them already. Fake it till you make it. It’s a cliche, but it’s well-known for a reason. Pretend that you already possess these traits (even by creating an alter ego!) and make the conscious choice every day to perform in the path of the traits. For example, you might have made a mistake in a group project that led to a bad grade. A leader would not blame this mistake on another member of the group; they would own up to it, apologize, and correct it. Once you start taking actions in the path of these traits, you will begin embodying them. You lead first by mastering your own mind. 

2. The Habits of a Leader

One of the most influential books I have ever read is Atomic Habits by James Clear, in which Clear dives into the effect that simple, consistent habits have on your life. Habits are the key to creating change. What you do consistently matters much more than what you say. Leaders do these things consistently:

• Plan each day with intention

• Continually learn and improve

• Practice discipline and time management

• Communicate with clarity and empathy

• Reflect and journal progress

These habits can easily be integrated into your daily routine. For example, every night you can reflect and journal about your day, then you can plan tomorrow. You can ask those around you for feedback or perform a life audit in order to consistently improve. You can create a schedule of your tasks (ChatGPT is great for this!) to practice discipline and time management. The possibilities are endless. This week, try implementing 1 habit from this list and stick to it. Maybe even plan a reward for the very end of the week if you stick to the habit successfully!

3. The Actions of a Leader

Now that we have established your attitude and habits, it is time to move onto your actions. Progress is not made without real, actionable change, and we will be diving into just that. Leaders take these actions:

• Take initiative before being asked

• Lead with service and humility

• Give credit and take accountability

• Inspire and elevate others

These small actions not only change your perception of yourself, but also others’ perception of you. This is when you really become a leader. For instance, you can ask your boss or teacher what you can do to help or get ahead. This signals to your brain that you are someone that takes action and initiative before being asked. Then, you will unconsciously perform this action more because it fits the perception you have of yourself. (a form of cognitive dissonance!) Try taking initiative this week, and watch yourself slowly morph into the leader you have wished to be.

When your attitude, habits, and actions line up, you will create real change in your life. I encourage you to take 1 step in each category (attitude, habits, actions) this week and document your progress. Next week, look back on your progress, reward yourself, and add on another step from each category. Slowly, but surely, you will grow into a leader. Don’t wait for the title or position– perform here, perform now.

Which 3 steps will you implement this week? Drop it in the comments, DM my instagram (@studystrongbusiness), or connect with me on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-barker-0226b0387) I would love to chat with you!

Share this post with someone who inspires you to lead!

If you are interested in how I grew my leadership skills and started Study Strong, check out one of my older blogs, “Dream It, Do It: My Business Story & How You Can Start Yours.”

RISE. LEAD. SUCCEED.

Love,

Juliet & Study Strong

You Were Made for More: How to Maximize Your Potential

Have you ever felt called to something? Have you ever felt like you were meant for something, but weren’t sure how to reach it? This feeling is real and extremely special. You were made for more. More than average. More than petty gossip. More than the status quo. You were made for bigger, better things. The question is: how do you realize this potential and grow into it? Let’s break it down.

1. Recognize the Call

Usually, this calling occurs when coming out of a slump or when discovering a passion. When it has yet to be discovered, it can make you feel restless and frustrated because you know something is off in your life, but you don’t know what. Sometimes, it can lead you to dislike being around those who indulge in things you know are not benefitting you or pushing you forward on your destined path. This desire for growth – for more – is not selfish; it is your purpose.

2. Define Your “More”

Next, how do you bring this feeling to life? How do you know what you were made for? There are countless ways to discover and define your “more.” If you have no idea what your “more” is, get more involved. Branch out. Try new things. Join new clubs. Through this process, you can experience so many different things, which can lead to the discovery of your passion. After you discover this passion, put it into words. Write it down. Journal about it. Become so engrossed in it that you have no choice but to follow it. 

3. Align Your Actions with Your Vision

Now that your passions and potential are defined, you need to actually work towards maximizing it. Build a daily routine that feeds into your passion. If you feel passionate about working with animals, then carve out time daily or weekly to volunteer at a local shelter. If you feel passionate about working in healthcare, spend time interning at hospitals. If you are passionate about politics, then devote time to reading news from many different sources. Nurture your passion, and it will grow into potential. This also requires shifts in your mindset and with those you surround yourself with. You will go nowhere if you constantly put yourself down or spend time with those who indulge in things that you don’t want to be a part of. Choose your mindset and choose your friends. The rest will flow from there.

4. Take Bold Steps Forward

This is something that I am currently working on, too. Stepping out of your comfort zone and acting on things can only help you grow more. When you act, you build confidence for yourself and momentum in your work. So, please, if you feel passionate about something, go for it. Do not wait. Step out of your comfort zone and realize that you were made for so much more. 

Now it is your turn. It is time to find your passion, your purpose, and your potential. I challenge you to take one step today. Join a club, talk to new people, or even just research something that you are interested in. Find your potential, then maximize it. 

If you want to read more about organization, passions, studying, writing, or even the ACT, check out my other blogs: www.study-strong.com/blog

I am so grateful that you were here with me today, and I can’t wait to see you next time! Comment below what step you are taking today

RISE.LEAD.SUCCEED

Love, 

Juliet & Study Strong

How to Stay Organized When Life Isn't

With school, extracurriculars, and life kicking up, it’s become harder and harder to stay organized. We are constantly rushing around and going from task to task with no rhyme or reason. Unfortunately, life will always feel messy. There is always some task to be done, some event to attend, or some problem to be solved. The key isn’t avoiding the chaos, it’s learning how to stay organized amidst it.

1. Write it Down

The first step to becoming organized is writing everything down. When you are constantly thinking of things you need to do while doing other things, you will never be able to focus enough to finish. At the beginning or end of each day, take a piece of paper and write down everything. Tasks, dates, future opportunities, etc. This “brain dump” will immediately make you more focused and more able to do your work. Once everything is written down, you can start breaking it into steps.

2. Breaking Big Goals into Small Steps

After you have your list of to-dos, it is time to break it down. (You might want to grab a calendar for this one! Check out my new custom ones: www.study-strong.com/shop) Your larger goals, such as lab reports, essays, or reading, can be broken down across days. For example, if you have an essay due in two weeks, write one paragraph a night. This reduces the overwhelm of a big project and allows you to tackle it day-by-day. Now that your tasks are manageable, it’s time to schedule them.

3. Time Blocking and Scheduling

We have our goals broken down, now we need to find time to complete them. (You really do need a calendar for this: www.study-strong.com/shop) Having a to-do list is one thing, but making time to complete your to-do list is everything. Start off by finding the time that you work best. For example, I work best extremely early in the morning. (I am actually writing this at 5:00 am…) For others, they might work best late at night, around noon, or in the evening. Find the time that you are the most efficient, and schedule your hardest tasks during that time. This helps decrease procrastination because you are completing your hardest tasks when you are the most productive, which will send you into a more productive workflow later. Next, you need to find the right tools.

4. Tools That Work

After writing your tasks down, breaking them up, and finding time to do them, you need to compile it in one place. This is where my new custom calendars can come in handy. They are structured for each month with space on each day to write down all of your tasks. (They also come in an array of cute colors and patterns!) If you are more of a day-to-day calendar person, I have that too! The “Ultimate Customizable Study Schedule” is perfect for you! With these calendars and schedules, you can become exceptionally organized in life, school, and more!

5. Give Yourself Grace

Remember, organization does not equal perfection. There will be days that life gets in the way and you won’t be able to complete everything. That is okay. When life doesn't go as planned, breathe, reschedule your tasks, and embrace flexibility. The goal is not to be perfect, it’s to feel more in control.

Life may not be organized, but you can be. I definitely encourage you to check out my new calendars and study schedules – they will make a huge difference: www.study-strong.com/shop. If you found any part of this post inspiring or worthwhile, please share it to someone who needs it! If you have any more organization tips, feel free to leave them in the comments below!

RISE. LEAD. SUCCEED.

Love, 

Juliet and Study Strong

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

1. 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

1. 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.

2. Group them into categories (school, personal, extracurricular)

3. 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

1. Declutter your desk or workplace. (This also includes your work bag!)

2. Organize supplies, throw away old papers, and refresh your space.

3. 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

1. Set up a digital or paper calendar (I prefer paper so you can physically mark things off!)

2. Plug in all due dates, test days, meetings, etc.

3. 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

1. Block in fixed commitments (school, clubs, sports, etc.)

2. Add study blocks, self-care time, and breaks.

3. Make it realistic! This isn’t about being busy– it’s about being intentional.

• Day 5: Organize Your Notes + Files

1. Digital: Sort your Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive by class.

2. Paper: Use labeled folders, binders, or accordion files.

3. 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

1. Choose your go-to study strategies (Pomodoro, active recall, blurting, etc.)

2. Tip: Check out my “Your Summer 2025 Academic Glow-Up” blog post for more study strategy tips!

3. Write down how you’ll approach different subjects.

4. Try one strategy today with a subject or project you’ve been avoiding.

• Day 7: Reflect + Set Goals

1. Journal how you feel after the reset.

2. Set goals for the next 3 months (ex: raise your math grade, turn in everything on time, read 1 book, etc.)

3. 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

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

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 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. 

1. 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