Message to STUDENTS during school closure

Hey students, what’s up?

It’s me, Seth, and I have a message for you during this time when schools may be closing and life may start looking very different.

We don’t know if this situation will last weeks or months, but I want to talk to you about something called opportunity cost.

Opportunity cost is basically the cost of choosing one opportunity over another.

In life, every choice we make comes with a tradeoff. When we choose one thing, we are not choosing something else.

So I want to challenge you to think about the investments you are making with your time and energy.

Are those investments really helping you become the person you want to be?

Here are several things I want to encourage you to invest in during this time.

First: invest in yourself.

Every single day, do something that helps you grow.

The world needs you — literally.

You have unique gifts, strengths, interests, creativity, talents, and perspectives that nobody else has. This is not cheesy. It’s true.

You also have challenges and weaknesses that make you uniquely you.

One day, you will likely build a life and career around your strengths, passions, interests, and the things that feel meaningful to you.

The world is complicated and full of problems that need thoughtful, creative people to help solve them.

So ask yourself:

* What kind of difference do I want to make?
* Who do I want to become?
* What matters to me?

Every day, do something that invests in the person you are becoming.

Second: invest in your physical health.

This is the only body you have.

Even during this time away from school, you get to choose whether you care for your body or neglect it.

You can:

* Move your body
* Exercise
* Eat nourishing food
* Sleep well
* Practice hygiene
* Take care of yourself

Practice investing in your physical health every day.

Third: invest in your relationships.

You’re probably spending much more time with your family than usual right now.

There will be arguments, tension, frustration, and moments where everyone annoys each other.

That’s normal.

No family is perfect. No person is perfect.

But this is still an opportunity to invest in the people who matter most.

How can you:

* Be more compassionate?
* Listen better?
* Be more supportive?
* Show kindness?
* Help around the house?
* Spend quality time together?

Maybe that means:

* Helping with dishes or trash
* Asking your parents how they’re doing
* Being there for siblings
* Looking for ways to contribute

This time will bring problems to the surface, but that also means it’s an opportunity to get better at problem-solving and relationships.

The investments you make now will help you become:

* A better friend
* A better sibling
* A better coworker
* A better partner someday

Next: invest in executive function.

If you struggle with:

* Time management
* Organization
* Planning
* Prioritizing
* Procrastination
* Self-starting

This is actually a great time to practice those skills.

Continue using planners, calendars, schedules, reminders, and systems that help you function better.

Why?

Because you are building the foundation for your future.

One day, you may want to:

* Start a business
* Work for a great company
* Build something meaningful
* Achieve important goals

And executive function skills are what help people turn dreams into reality.

Every time you practice those skills now, it’s like putting money into a piggy bank for your future self.

Next: invest in your education.

Education opens doors.

The more you learn, the more opportunities you’ll have later in life.

Even if schoolwork isn’t always fun, many of the things you’re learning are seeds being planted for your future.

Continue learning:

* Read books
* Journal
* Write
* Create
* Draw
* Make music
* Practice math
* Explore ideas

Keep learning, learning, learning.

Next: invest in your emotional and mental health.

Learn how to work through difficult emotions:

* Sadness
* Anxiety
* Frustration
* Anger

And also learn how to create more peace, joy, focus, and connection in your life.

I’m not talking about escaping into distractions all day.

I’m talking about real emotional health:

* Connection with people
* Belonging
* Presence
* Purpose

Next: invest in stillness.

This might sound strange, but it’s incredibly important.

The world moves fast.
There is constant stimulation:

* Phones
* Electronics
* TV
* Notifications
* Noise

We rarely slow down.

But there is tremendous value in stillness.

Sometimes people say they want to go to the beach, go camping, or sit quietly in nature because our bodies naturally crave peace and quiet.

So practice stillness.

Turn things off.
Sit quietly.
Notice what’s happening around you.

Listen to the birds.
Feel the air.
Pay attention to the present moment.

Sometimes people call this meditation.

And yes, sometimes you’ll feel bored.

But boredom is not always bad.

Often, boredom is simply discomfort with being alone with our own thoughts.

Learning to sit with yourself peacefully is a powerful skill.

Finally: invest in turning off distractions.

Every day, spend some time without:

* Alerts
* Electronics
* Notifications
* Constant stimulation

Even if it’s just for:

* 10 minutes
* 1 hour
* 2 hours

Practice being fully present.

Look people in the eye.
Connect deeply.
Notice what actually matters.

Because at the end of the day, what matters most in life is our relationships and our connection with the people around us.

My name is Seth. I’m an executive function coach in Colorado, and my life is dedicated to helping students build great futures.

My wish for you is that you use this opportunity wisely.

Remember opportunity cost.

Every single day, ask yourself:
“How can I invest in my future self today?”

Invest in:

* Yourself
* Your physical health
* Your relationships
* Your executive function
* Your education
* Your emotional health
* Stillness and presence

So that you can create a future full of opportunities, meaning, contribution, joy, and purpose.

Have a fantastic day.

I hope you experience peace, joy, and connection today.

I’ll see you soon.