Continued from Part I

Now that you've read Part I and are aware of all the things that you've been doing or thinking wrong, we can proceed into the actual part.

Life is like a hurdle race, different lengths, different hurdles, some easy some hard, different finishing points. So no point is copying anybody's habits or steps. You certainly can if you want to but don't expect the same results. 

The key to winning in life is in fact very simple. It's all about Discipline and Preparing Yourself. Obviously you will be prepared if you are disciplined so these two go hand in hand. 

Discipline is extremely important as it helps us stay in our tracks and not wander off. It helps us keep our eyes fixated on our goal or destination and makes sure that we are striving towards it. Discipline helps us stay motivated and helps us keep moving forward. By discipline I do not mean a strict routine where you wake up at 5 AM, go for a jog, study for 3 hours after coming back and bla bla bla. Definitely not. By discipline I mean a regular, not so strict but habitual routine where you spend your time doing what needs to be done. Like right now, I'm trying to squeeze in an hour or so right before my bedtime routine and dedicate it to Candlemonk, so that I can read your blogs, react to them, write mine. After this is my bedtime routine where I disconnect with the internet, listen to some soothing music, read a book and drink my chamomile tea as it helps me sleep better. 
You see the point there? Your routine does not need to be specifically only about one goal or ambition. It can have various parts dedicated to respective activities or goals. Like my bedtime routine is there to fulfill my goal of getting a proper and a sound sleep. That in turn helps me wake up fresh in the morning so that I follow my morning routines nicely and so on and so forth.

Your routine should be personal and curated to your needs and demands. Take some time to think about your goals and ambitions and write down the things you need to do or take care of in order to achieve them. 
If it's getting good marks, then studying should be there in your routine along with that some other activities that help you relax but not distract you either, maybe a little chess or sudoku if you're into it, or a certain genre of music, or maybe dancing or any other hobby in general. 
Don't spend much time on social media though, it'll drain your energy and your concentration. 
(It's just one example)

What I like to do is dance a little bit on some days and on other days I'll lift some weights or go out and play. Then there are things that you just cannot miss like house chores or watching your favorite TV Show, you'll have to put them too otherwise you'll feel like your working too much. 

The trick is to find a balance that feels just right and you won't be getting that balance right away. It's a trial and error process. Try routines, see what works, see what doesn't and improvise accordingly until you make one which feels good enough for now, practice that till it feels off. Then make and follow another one. With time you'll know for yourself what is needed and what needs to be cut off.

Continued to Part III