OK, so basically about the grades things here is what I say: Everyone can get good marks if they try, here is the order of success:
1st: Intelligent people who work hard
2nd: People who do not have natural gift, but work hard
3rd: Intelligent people who don't work
4th: Unintelligent people who don't work
So clearly, even if you're not exceptionally clever, which I doubt, seeing as you did'nt make a single spelling mistake in that post, you can still come 2nd!
Secondly, your grades don't directly depend on how LONG you work, they depend on how hard you work.
For example: If you have a test the next week, then you will probably get a better mark if you revise for 2 hours or so, but revise very hard, giving 100 per cent, than if you revise for 6 hours, not very hard.
Also, revising in advance instead of revising on the night before an exam is THE key: There's only so much information your brain can actually take in at a time without exploding :P
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Next, the athletism part: Similar rules apply, if you are motivated, then you will do well, even if you are not gifted with an athletic body, you must be determined to carry on.
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Next, being popular: Dude chill out! Try to be a bit outgoing, don't ever let yourself be shy, wether you are talking to girls, or to guys, and just be sociable, put on a big smile, and start a conversation with whatever passes throuh your head! It does'nt matter what as long as you say something!
It's always better to talk to someone on a lame subject, than not to talk at all, because if you don't at all talk, then people will gradually just start to avoid you and stay away from you, seeing you as a loner (which you probably don't want :P)
And if you really are that shy and unsociable, then just force yourself to talk to people, even if you don't want to or you're shy, and after a while, it will become natural for you to be outgoing!
Good luck with improving your life :P
Pancakes
