October 5, 2006 Newsletter
I get a lot of emails from people who want to know the best way to study for the GED. They want to know how to be successful, not only on the GED, but afterwards, when they go on to school or try for a better job.
After talking to lots of people who are working on their GED I’ve come to believe that the biggest thing that determines success is COMMITMENT. Over and over I see that the people who really want to succeed are the ones that do.
But that brings us back to the question, where does that commitment come from when one is faced with huge obstacles…low wages, raising kids as a single parent, learning disabilities, no money, and on and on?
I can’t help you much with the emotional issues and obstacles, but I am an educator and have worked with hundreds of people who are trying to change the course of their lives. From this experience I can offer a few suggestions.
1. Start small. Find out which areas of the GED you can pass and go take the test even if you can’t pass the whole thing. Get some success under your belt, it’s still the greatest motivator.
2. Write more. The more you write the better you get at it. Yes, it can be painful at first if you haven’t done much of it. Write emails, letters, stories, memos, and even jokes. Post some comments on the GED Study Groups. Get involved with other people who are working on their GED. The more you communicate they better you get at it.
3. Watch less TV. Yep. TV does nothing to prepare you for the GED exams. Read a book instead. Reading will help because it will improve your vocabulary and help re- program your writing.
So what do you think? What has helped you? I would appreciate hearing from you about what has helped you be successful. Send me an email at: Leonard@passged.com.
