Stressed Out is a Terrible State of Mind

I have heard the saying that you can never control what is going to happen to you, you can only control the way you react to the event.

This is very true, in the sense that no matter how meticulous your plan is, something unplanned will always arise. In such situations it is a waste of time, energy, and resources to be "stressed out". Being stressed out is simply a state of self-pity. I learned this after experiencing my 10th semester in school dealing with finals.

I get very stressed out over tests and it is something that I have to actively improve upon. This semester I learned that you can simply prepare for tests and then take them. If you prepare in an organized, effective manner then taking them should be a breeze.

My goal is to keep a balanced calm state of mind, instead of being uneasy and stressed out. This doesn't just apply to school but all situations in life, when dealing with unforeseen obstacles. Just like Bruce Lee said the mind should be like water, you put water in a kettle, it becomes a kettle, you put water in a glass, it becomes the glass: shapeless, formless, undisturbed. My goal is to analyze every situation and act with present mind and a high level of confidence instead of simply reacting and following the path of least resistance.

In such a state of mind, every present moment of life is absolutely critical and yet totally insignificant - a way of life very few people can truly attain.