“Que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be.

The cliche we have heard and all muttered to reassure ourselves with when awaiting something that scares us. We use it as a cop out or an excuse not to try our hardest.

However coming into exam season, it is vital we ditch this mantra. It is time to hold ourselves accountable to reach our goals. This week we have had our honours assembly where this theme was overwhelmingly present. We as students must take ownership for our future and achieve our goals.

The best way to design your future is through your attitude. Although it may sound a bit airy fairy, our attitudes are the most powerful tool we have. As it is so often said, we cannot control what happens to us, we can only control how we react. Ultimately this is because our attitude is what influences our actions which in turn creates our future.

Staying positive allows us to learn from our failures and to stay calm and confident in the future. Martin Seligman, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, has studied the connection between positivity and performance. This research shows that a positive attitude assists in handling challenges and overcoming them. Not only does a positive attitude motivate you during these challenges but Seligman and his team proved that this attitude is what makes people successful.

Whether or not you believe your life is ruled by fate or by you, a positive thought is what impacts your happiness, health, and success. You have the power to overcome any obstacle and difficulty. You have the power, it is not luck or chance. It’s not inevitable. You can make a difference. But it’s all down to you.