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Three Keys to Success

Joshua A. Learner

Columbia Southern University

LSS 1300: Learning Strategies for Success

Dr. John Doe

July 10, 2020

SAMPLE FORMAL ESSAY

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Three Keys to Success

Being successful in the classroom and the working world requires more than just pure

luck. Those who achieve success tend to understand that they must work hard, and they often

excel at incorporating various skills into their daily routines. Three skills that are essential for

ensuring success include organization, time management, and communication, and these are

abilities that most people can learn and master.

Organization is a skill that enhances efficiency. Being organized helps individuals

maintain order in their lives and allows them to focus on tasks instead of being distracted by

chaos. Being organized can also improve productivity. Having an area that is clear of clutter and

where necessary items are conveniently placed improves study time because everything is easily

accessible, and this allows the individual to focus on the task at hand. A messy or cluttered work

space not only makes it difficult to focus, but it can also be stressful. To help eliminate stress,

Scott (2019) recommends that individuals organize their physical space. She also suggests that

being proactive about anticipating stressors can help one be prepared to preemptively manage

them before they occur. That may mean spending a few hours tidying up a work area, making a

to-do list, or ensuring that children are fed and entertained before studying to ensure that the

study time will be productive. In addition to being organized, success also depends on one’s

ability to effectively manage his or her time.

Time management is the practice of intentionally assigning time to various tasks (Mind

Tools, n.d.). Using time wisely allows individuals to accomplish their goals promptly, which can

be vital if changes or corrections are necessary after the task has been completed. Procrastinating

until the last minute leaves little to no time to make necessary revisions, which can lead to subpar

work and lower grades, and it can also create unnecessary stress and anxiety. Procrastination is

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not the only time stealer, however. Staying busy with non-essential tasks can make an individual

less productive as well. Tourangbam (2011) notes that “Nothing is easier than being busy, and

few things are more difficult than being efficient and effective” (p. 2). It is important to use time

wisely and effectively. Prioritizing tasks and scheduling events allow individuals to maximize

productivity (Hamilton, 2013). When time is scheduled and work is ordered, the most important

tasks get completed first, which leaves room for unexpected occurrences like technological

issues and unscheduled meetings. Effective time management is a constantly evolving skill that

requires discipline and, at times, self-denial, because one must decide to forgo his or her desires

to do what needs to be done to ensure success. Time management is undoubtedly a very

important aspect of success, but success also depends on one’s ability to communicate well.

Communication involves conveying information in a clear and concise manner, and it is

important for people to communicate clearly, whether they are presenting information verbally

or writing a research paper. Some of the various methods used to communicate in the modern

age include telephone conversations, email, and chat messaging (Hamilton, 2013). Phone

conversations must be professional, and it is important to be mindful of the tone of voice used

when communicating on the telephone. Ellis (2009) notes that since body language is non-

existent in phone conversations, first impressions are based on the pace of speech and the

warmth and tone of the voice. Written communication is also void of visual cues, so proper

etiquette must be used when communicating online or through email (Hamilton, 2013).

Additionally, written communication must be clear and grammatically correct so that others can

understand what is being communicated. The ability to clearly transmit key thoughts and ideas

to others is imperative.

Direct quotations include the author’s name, year of publication, and page or paragraph number.

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Although there are many skills that contribute to success, three that have proven to be

essential for success in educational endeavors, the professional world, and everyday life are

organization, time management, and communication. Individuals who can master these skills

will have a set of competencies and abilities they can use throughout their lives to help them

achieve their goals and become successful.

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References

Ellis, R. (2009). Communication skills: Stepladders to success for the professional (2nd ed.).

Intellect Limited.

Mind Tools. (n.d.). What is time management?

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_00.htm

Scott, E. (2019). How to get organized to manage stress. Very Well Minded.

https://www.verywellmind.com/tips-on-getting-organized-3145158

Tourangbam, D. K. (2011). Time management. Vij Books Private Limited.

This is an example of a reference list. This list is arranged alphabetically by author name. All in-text citations must have a corresponding entry on the reference page.

The word “References” is bold and is centered at the top of the reference page.

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